Although Brodin offers a variety of exotic woods in the Pro Series, they highly recommend the use of teak as a choice in handle woods. Teak is a plantation grown wood in Costa Rica, and using it reduces the logging impact in this beautiful country. The government is trying very hard to maintain what is left of the remaining rain and cloud forests. They realize that such a small country could be devastated in a few years if there were no environmental restrictions. Their future is in eco-tourism (which includes some spectacular fishing) and they have bitten the bullet and traded short term gains for a sustainable future. Very difficult for a third world country, but they are beginning to receive payment on their investment and the future looks bright.
Brodin would not recommend teak unless it was a wood highly suited for use in landing nets. But it is possibly the best wood available. It is relatively light in weight and is totally rot resistant. Costa Rican teak is also very beautiful compared to plantation grown teak in other parts of the world. Please consider using it.
That being said, don't feel too guilty if you want one of the spectacular exotics such as cocobolo or cristobal. Brodin uses very little wood in the manufacturing of their landing nets and they extract the maximum value from these resources.
Teak - Honey color with black streaks
Cocobolo - The most spectacular of Costa Rican woods
Cristobal - Reddish brown
