Expedition Ice Rod Case

[dfeste]

Has anyone seen one of these cases? The bigger one looks very interesting. I can't find a HSOforum for them and am wondering what they have as far as internal foam or how it's laid out. The store descriptions say they will hold 4 combos. That has me confused since the thing is bigger than any of the others I've seen yet.

[fisherman-andy]

They have two models. 36" $59 and 45" $99.

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.

The larger 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.

[Fred_Bear]

I own the smaller version which holds up to 34" rods. Mine is full with 4 rods; 34", 30", 30", 28". If you use shorter rods, you may be able to fit 5 or 6. It was between this case and the otter case and I went with the expedition because it was smaller and cheaper than the otter. The outside is also much more rigid than the otter case so I can't understand why f-andy keeps saying it would dent or break if there's an accident. This case is very very strong. Last thing to mention is I fit 4 spinning combos without breaking the reels down.

[fishwater]

At $100 I rather spend a little more for a more quality gun case.

For the price of the big one, I agree. I've been tempted to buy a Plano 108420 Gun Guard AW Tactical Case 42". They sold them last year on black Friday at wally world for $30, currently about $100

[fisherman-andy]

It was between this case and the otter case and I went with the expedition because it was smaller and cheaper than the otter. The outside is also much more rigid than the otter case so I can't understand why f-andy keeps saying it would dent or break if there's an accident. This case is very very strong. Last thing to mention is I fit 4 spinning combos without breaking the reels down.

I disagree, and this is just my opinion. Others may differ. If you wanted a case where it can be thrown around in the sled, run over by a vehicle, and still not be damaged my decision would be to go with the current Otter sportsman case or the ice innovations case here. You can practically stand and jump on these two cases or maybe take a baseball bat and swing at it without causing damage.

Ive seen much sturdier and more expensive gun cases then the expedition case and yes they can break due to accidents. To give you an idea of a similar type of case look at the pictures below. The damage happened to this $130 aluminum gun case while it was being tossed and loaded, stacked on, during an airline travel. And this case was supposed to be airline proof and approved, scratch and dent resistant edges.

In part the Expedition case will protect your rods. And will likely work well for your average enthusiast epecially on a budget.

[Fred_Bear]

Well I suppose we can agree to disagree.

I looked at all rod/gun cases available in stores, loaded them up with 4 rods and tossed them around a bit. The two that held rods securely without breaking the reel handles down were the expedition and the otter. Both look to be rock solid but the difference was the expedition was more rigid, more compact, and cheaper; so I went with the expedition. I realize these are new and the otter is definitely proven. I plan to beat the expedition up this winter as I am everything but easy on my gear. If I have any problems with it I will be sure to report. In the 2 trip I have used it so far (pulling the portable through 20 yards of cattails and actually flipping it over once due to a branch on the ground, broke my pull rope and all) it has been great.

The best way to choose a rod case is go to the store and check out all the options they have to offer.

[RawHog]

Why the heck would you be "throwing" any expensive equipment in the first place? IMO a case isn't designed so you can treat it like shat. They are meant to protect rod tips at the very most, they are not protection from an aerial raid.

[Fred_Bear]

I said "tossing", not "throwing" haha much more gentle

I didn't actually chuck the case around in the store. I was shaking it and swinging it around a bit trying to simulate what happens when its in a portable going 40 MPH behind a snowmobile so I could see if the rods were held securely in there. Just taking the cases for a test drive.

And yes, lets hope I can make it through the ice season without an airiel raid haha