A couple members posted that they despise Burl cork in another thread. I think Burl, or "exotic" cork is fantastic. It is so much more substantial than cork, especially the mostly crummy cork you get nowadays. The feel while casting is so much better, and the sensitivity is better with burl versus cork. Natural cork feels absolutely squishy compared to burl and exotic cork. Having said that, I prefer natural cork on a light trout rod like a three weight where the light weight and soft feel is more natural feeling, and the burl on big water or big game rods.