Pro's: Stronger, more sensitive, don't stain, about the same weight, never wears out.

Con's: Non-traditional. IMO

How does it feel in the cold? Does it warm up quick to the touch? Is it lighter than cork?

Sorry for all the questions but I think I'm going to buy the X 96 JC-GH it seems like it would be a good multi purpose rod for me...

I have been using the graphite handles for about 6 years now and will not use cork again if given the option (it is not always available in the rod I need to use). Most people that complain about it being cold have not fished them. The graphite handles will heat up faster than a cork handle but it will also cool down faster if you put it down. If your rod stays in your hand it will not feel cold. Much like the graphite bodied reel you are probably holding on to. If done right i.e. not too much epoxy, it is lighter than cork. It is also much more sensitive, cleans up better, and lasts longer. The only valid reason to not go with it is if you are a traditionalist and just love tree bark. Just kidding Cork does give a little more of a comfy feeling that many prefer.

Sounds like a win win situation.......Lets see.....Cleans up better, Lighter, More sensitive, Stronger, Last longer, Hmmm....Looks like I will be the first in my fishing group to have a graphite handle.

Thanks for the input!...

Update....Josh you are 100% right.....I love my new X 96 JC-GH and the graphite handle is awesome..my rods in the future will have Graphite handles when ever I can get them on the model I want........the X 96 JC is IMO the best all around rod you can buy...

Pros: What Hunt said!

Cons: Cold when its cold out. Also can be a little slick.

Just my 2 cents

The graphite grips are actually heavier than the cork grips of the same length, if I remember right counting the arbors used, about 11 to 15% heavier. The cork handle is more sensitive. A very involved subject with many twists and turns to understand. Many more than can explained here, or any other forum.
Good articles can be found in rodbuilding magazines that scratch the surface of this complex subject in understandable terms.

I'm kinda old school on this one...before Lami released the XMG's with cork handles, I bought blanks and strung them up myself so I could have cork handles. Now I can get the factory XMG's with cork handles, and that makes me happy...I don't mind building rods, but if I can get what I want in a factory rod I'd rather just get it and be good to go.

If I were guiding, I'd probably go with the graphite handles just for the sake of durability, and I think they would be great if you spend a lot of time pulling plugs...not just easier to get in and out of rodholders due to being less "grabby" than cork, rodholders tend to wear out the cork on the pressure spots, which won't happen with the graphite handles.

Fish on...

Todd

Only one disadvantage I know of, I have a freind that had bought a rod with the graphite handle and of course he really liked it except one day when it was raining he hooked up on a fish and because of how wet and slick the grip was it took the rod out of his hand. He managed to get the rod and the fish, but it shows what could happen. Still its the only disadvantage I know of, should still be a good handle/rod!