Ice rod cases - Which one to get?

[fisherman-andy]

Well after going back and forth over the months on end on thinking what kind of case I am going to use to protect my investment of expensive ice rods I settled for a Deluxe Ice Advantage hard case purchased from the St. Paul ice show.

I had looked at multiple cases, Frabill rod safe (owned), Otter rod box, Expedition rod case, Striker Ice rod bag, and multiple other hard gun cases.

I needed a case that could hold rods as long as 36" long as to reason why I went with Deluxe Ice Advantage case. They had two different types of foam inserts for longer and shorter rod storages.

Upon trying to put in most of my rods into the case I come upon a dilemma. The foam insert arent able to hold rods that have short handles, likely anything less then 6". I have several customs rods that have different size handles, 3", 4", & longer etc.

Looks like imma have to do a little customizing to make everything fit, maybe add some more foam padding, or rod tube holders for the shorter rod handles. If had went with the typical foam padding gun type case I wouldnt had this issue. So that something to bite on if your looking for a new hard rod case. What I do like about this case is the tackle storage and that its pretty rock solid casing. Throw and chug it, run it over with your vehicle and you still wont damage.

As you can see in some of the pictures below imma have to come up with some ideas to make this work as clearly the foam inserts arent able to hold short handle rods. I have multiple rods in sizes ranging from 19", 24", 26", 28", 36" length rods. :

[fishinnut_3446]

fisherman-andy, what did you end up paying for the case?

I have a couple from Gander Mt. with the pvc tubing in them and there just plain junk,but you get what you pay for.

[rcr]

Wow looks like they changed the layout since i got mine........

[fisherman-andy]

fisherman-andy, what did you end up paying for the case?

I have a couple from Gander Mt. with the pvc tubing in them and there just plain junk,but you get what you pay for.

They retail the case for $!50 but I paid $135 at the show, im guessing the vendors can probably be squeezed for less today. Many of the gun cases or larger hard cases I looked at were already up to $100 bill.

[cichlid_baby]

Fisherman-andy..

Looks like you will not be needing that Frabill Rod Safe anymore.. I will gladly take that off your hands.. hit me up if it's for sale..

I'm in Oakdale.

[fisherman-andy]

Fisherman-andy..

Looks like you will not be needing that Frabill Rod Safe anymore.. I will gladly take that off your hands.. hit me up if it's for sale..

I'm in Oakdale.

Ha ha... sorry. I gave it away already to a relative for free!

[Chaws]

Don't forget to bring a friend fishing with you at all times to take that tank in and out of the pickup. One of the biggest problems, other than weight that I seen in that case, was that you're putting all of your investment in one spot. You'd be much better off getting 2 smaller cases, one for Med action and one for ultralight action. Then you don't have to lug all of that around at once and you also don't fill up your whole sled on the way to your spot. Also, if something gets stolen, then it's not ALL of your gear in one shot. But then again a thief probably won't take it because of the 50lbs it weighs fully loaded.

[fishwater]

Wow looks like they changed the layout since i got mine........

rcr - they offer two different insert configurations now. The one Andy got is the new version.

Chaws is 100% correct, this thing is a complete tank. I picked one up Sunday at the show. I'll probably only use it when I'm pulling a big sled or if I know I'll be in close proximity to the truck. A compact three rod version would be sweet.

[fisherman-andy]

Don't forget to bring a friend fishing with you at all times to take that tank in and out of the pickup. One of the biggest problems, other than weight that I seen in that case, was that you're putting all of your investment in one spot. You'd be much better off getting 2 smaller cases, one for Med action and one for ultralight action. Then you don't have to lug all of that around at once and you also don't fill up your whole sled on the way to your spot. Also, if something gets stolen, then it's not ALL of your gear in one shot. But then again a thief probably won't take it because of the 50lbs it weighs fully loaded.

Correct this thing is a tank! However unless you have a slew of ice rods shorter then 28" you not going to be able to fit the longer rods 32"-36" in them smaller cases properly without going with a 40" or longer case. At which point makes those cases not that much more compact in size nor easier on the price tag.

The other thing is if a thief is likely looking at your stuff he's likely gonna take everything, especially the smaller easier carry stuff first.

I pull a sled and have smaller rod bags if needed. I mostly fish near my vehicle anyhow and am seldom far from it.

[fisherman-andy]

[amateurfishing]

IMO really like my plastic double gun case for $25....i can make it hold 8 combos, they dont move around in the foam padding, and if i have a freaky extra long rod in the arsenal still plenty of room, & very lite!

[Rod Woten]

Could you maybe mosify the existing foam by creating a "pocket" for the "heel" of the reel. That would allow you to slide the heel of the reel into the pocket and the butt-end of the shorter handle rods would then probably "reach" to the foam cradle that they're too short to make contact with as it is now. Just thinking out loud....

-Rod

[cam white]

we have about 20 of them up here in winnipeg, several guys have had to modify the foam to fit thorne hidden hood handles, longer handles, etc. The case is a tank. it sits in the back seat of my extended cab truck when we are on lake winnipeg. It sure is nice to have the extra protection bouncing around in the sled on a 10 mile snowmobile run.

[fisherman-andy]

Could you maybe mosify the existing foam by creating a "pocket" for the "heel" of the reel. That would allow you to slide the heel of the reel into the pocket and the butt-end of the shorter handle rods would then probably "reach" to the foam cradle that they're too short to make contact with as it is now. Just thinking out loud....

-Rod

That wont work on the short handles due to the position of the reel. Likely will have to add another modified foam block or some sort of rod holder tube or pvc pipe to allow the short handles to slide in and sit.

[simple1]

Andy,

I have a 36" laker rod with an abu 5500 baitcaster. Would that fit in that case with a few other rods. I have not found a good solution yet for all my rods.

Thanks

Simple1

[fishwater]

It'll hold rods to 41".

[simple1]

Yea the length should be fine, I concerned about the size of the reel. Im guessing it will just take up more room, but fit fine.

Thanks

Simple1

[fishwater]

Good point, I just tried with a 5500 and it won't even come close to fitting without modification. You'd need a rod with a super short butt section. Reel off, no problem. The rod I tested has 5.5" of butt cork, it pushed the reel into the next section of notched rod support foam.

[simple1]

Thanks. Its not that huge of an issue. I only have 1 of these and it could stay home or tucked away in the sled somewhere else. This is the best case I have seen and I would hate to pass on it due to one reel. I may look at one of my bow cases I have and modify them.

Thanks

Simple1

[SpitnArgueDuckClub*]

[quote name='fisherman

They retail the case for $!50 but I paid $135 at the show' date=' im guessing the vendors can probably be squeezed for less today. Many of the gun cases or larger hard cases I looked at were already up to $100 bill. [/quote']

I emailed Ice Fishing Innovations and asked if they could sell me a case for the show price of $135.00 plus shipping and they replied via email that they could. Gotta give them props for that!!!

http://shop.icefishinginnovations.com/Deluxe-Ice-Advantage-Rod-Case-793573931061.htm

[dfeste]

Brought this back up because I have a few more questions. Are the rods with the fly reels on them that fit into the slots 5" handles? Since that's all I run that may take care of the problem you are having. Are you comfortable with the way the noodle rods sit in the slots? I try to be religious about the way those rods are put away so that they lay straight and flat. What did you end up doing to alleviate the problem with the short handles?

[fisherman-andy]

Brought this back up because I have a few more questions. Are the rods with the fly reels on them that fit into the slots 5" handles? Since that's all I run that may take care of the problem you are having. Are you comfortable with the way the noodle rods sit in the slots? I try to be religious about the way those rods are put away so that they lay straight and flat. What did you end up doing to alleviate the problem with the short handles?

A 5" handle may be able to just latch on the end but may not be enough to keep it secure. Depends on how you position your reel also. At this point im thinking of using pvc pipe or some sort of pipe to extend the short handles to where they can sit on securely.

The rods do move a little while inside but sit in between the cut out grooves that hold them cause the case closed down securely. Adding maybe some foam padding to the bottom of the case will help the reels/rods from moving I think.

[simple1]

Andy,

How did you like the Otter box. I don't need a place for my tackle, I just need a safe place for my reels and poles.

Simple1

[fisherman-andy]

Andy,

How did you like the Otter box. I don't need a place for my tackle, I just need a safe place for my reels and poles.

Simple1

I also took a long look at the Otter rod box. This is a a sturdy strong box design and will protect the rods well. It isnt as bulky as my Deluxe Ice Innovation box and I wasnt a big fan of the Otter's handle design. On the bright side you wont be breaking any handles. Aside from that you may or may not have to fold your reel handles for fitment. The Otter box can handle accidents and rough handling just fine. 40" long should hold some longer ice rods. I would likely take this over the Expedition long rod case. This is a good rod case to protect your expensive custom rods.

The Frabill rod safe case, I previously had this. At 36" it is compact and light as it comes. Snaps down well and tight enough. Again you'll have to fold your reel handles. Foam padding protection could be thicker or better. The case build materials is not accident proof and flexes. You wont have a problem if its lightly tossed around or dropped. Dont think its going to be able to handle something like being driven over but I could be wrong.

The Expedition rod cases (36" & 41" sizes)

I fiddled with both models and the 36" seems sturdy enough. The case closes tight with minor flex and the foam material padding is adequate. It should hold more then 4 rods depending on how you squeeze them together. I dont think this case can handle anything major accidents and may dent on the edges if dropped. But does at least protect the rods well. Again you may or may not have to break down the reel handles to fit properly.

The larger 41" case feels more flimsy and less sturdy. At $100 it pushed me to purchase a Deluxe Ice Innovation rod case instead for $135.

The least likeable feature is the locking clips feel little lose or weak but does fasten down well. At $100 I rather spend a little more for a more quality gun case.

The Allen soft/hard rod cases: I have not had a chance to see these cases in person. They look nice from pictures i've seen, not sure on fitment or if their ideal for ice rod/reel combo storage. Anyone who has one is welcome to chime in on their review.

The other option: There are many nice gun cases that may do the job well too. Prices vary as cheap as $25-$200. Make sure you pick a case that doesnt pry open easily on the edges nor have hinges that it can fully open flat.

Rod bags or soft case: If you buy a rod bag make sure its got some sort of tubing to protect the rod itself from breaking. Striker ice makes a nice rod bag. If carrying only a couple rods on hand this would be ideal. However im not a fan of the zipper getting frozen and stuck with ice.

[RawHog]

These are two shotgun cases made by Plano that I picked up at Joe's for $25 a piece. I can easily fit the 4 setups I have in each case, and I bet you could fit 6 with the right rods and organization system. They are 47 inches. They also are very light-weight so for people who already have heavy sleds and gear to pull, they won't bog you down.