Long time T.F.M. friend Michael Boward took some time recently to write up and photograph his L.L. Bean Maine Guide Waxed Canvas Rod Case for a well though out review.
Mike wrote... I was born in Maine, and although I have not lived there for many years, I have always appreciated L.L. Bean. My folks still have several items around their house that they bought years ago from L.L. Bean when it was thought of as a local general store. They took for granted that the items purchased were supposed to last over 35 years.
A little over a year ago, I was given the Maine Guide Waxed Canvas Four-Piece Rod Case for Christmas. When I opened the package, I was amazed at the quality of this product. At a price of only $69, it is quite a bit cheaper than other rod cases, but there is no sacrifice in quality. In fact, if I didn’t know the price of this case, I would have thought it would easily be priced at $150-$200. If the construction and materials are any indication, this bag should last for many years.
The case will hold three four piece rod cases. The tubes are held securely with elastic straps, and the interior is heavily padded to offer further protection. There are two exterior pockets which have a flap which is secured by a leather buckle with magnetic snap. For further security, each pocket can also be closed with a zipper hidden under the flaps. These pockets are big enough to keep reels and other supplies in good order.
The bag is made with heavy waxed canvas, with soft leather used for the carrying handle and other trim. There are also nice touches such as a leather business card holder, and a shoulder strap that stays hidden in its own pocket until needed.
I have used this bag on several fly fishing trips this summer around Colorado. It has served very well so far, spending time buried under other gear in the back of a truck on multi-day fishing trips, being thrown into the trunk of several cars, and being forgotten on the porch of a fishing cabin on the Taylor River during a light rain.
The case also went with me on a week long fly fishing trip to Montana last fall. I used it as a carry-on on the airline, and it did a fine job carrying my rods in the rental car, cabin, and drift boat.
Although it has only seen about 15 months of use, it has held up very well. This is a great case for traveling with three rods, and I would recommend it if you like an old school feel to your fishing gear. It also adds a touch of old fashioned class to the fishing cabin, or your gear room, while providing protection to your valuable rods.
Downside to this case? It is somewhat heavy, which is not a problem for me, but if you are a minimalist, this may not be for you. This case also limits you to three rods…so if you want to fly to a destination with a backup for every rod, you may be better off with a multiple rod tube.
L.L. Bean makes two sizes, one for two piece rods, and one for four piece rods. They also make other bags and reel cases in the Maine Guide waxed canvas lineup. I have two of the Maine Guide Waxed Canvas Reel Cases that are very well made from sturdy waxed canvas, with soft fleece interior lining. These reel cases are a very affordable way to keep your reels safe.
I've always been impressed with the quality of fly fishing gear that L.L. Bean offers and this rod case is certainly an example of that.
Mike wrote... I was born in Maine, and although I have not lived there for many years, I have always appreciated L.L. Bean. My folks still have several items around their house that they bought years ago from L.L. Bean when it was thought of as a local general store. They took for granted that the items purchased were supposed to last over 35 years.
A little over a year ago, I was given the Maine Guide Waxed Canvas Four-Piece Rod Case for Christmas. When I opened the package, I was amazed at the quality of this product. At a price of only $69, it is quite a bit cheaper than other rod cases, but there is no sacrifice in quality. In fact, if I didn’t know the price of this case, I would have thought it would easily be priced at $150-$200. If the construction and materials are any indication, this bag should last for many years.
The case will hold three four piece rod cases. The tubes are held securely with elastic straps, and the interior is heavily padded to offer further protection. There are two exterior pockets which have a flap which is secured by a leather buckle with magnetic snap. For further security, each pocket can also be closed with a zipper hidden under the flaps. These pockets are big enough to keep reels and other supplies in good order.
The bag is made with heavy waxed canvas, with soft leather used for the carrying handle and other trim. There are also nice touches such as a leather business card holder, and a shoulder strap that stays hidden in its own pocket until needed.
I have used this bag on several fly fishing trips this summer around Colorado. It has served very well so far, spending time buried under other gear in the back of a truck on multi-day fishing trips, being thrown into the trunk of several cars, and being forgotten on the porch of a fishing cabin on the Taylor River during a light rain.
The case also went with me on a week long fly fishing trip to Montana last fall. I used it as a carry-on on the airline, and it did a fine job carrying my rods in the rental car, cabin, and drift boat.
Although it has only seen about 15 months of use, it has held up very well. This is a great case for traveling with three rods, and I would recommend it if you like an old school feel to your fishing gear. It also adds a touch of old fashioned class to the fishing cabin, or your gear room, while providing protection to your valuable rods.
Downside to this case? It is somewhat heavy, which is not a problem for me, but if you are a minimalist, this may not be for you. This case also limits you to three rods…so if you want to fly to a destination with a backup for every rod, you may be better off with a multiple rod tube.
L.L. Bean makes two sizes, one for two piece rods, and one for four piece rods. They also make other bags and reel cases in the Maine Guide waxed canvas lineup. I have two of the Maine Guide Waxed Canvas Reel Cases that are very well made from sturdy waxed canvas, with soft fleece interior lining. These reel cases are a very affordable way to keep your reels safe.
I've always been impressed with the quality of fly fishing gear that L.L. Bean offers and this rod case is certainly an example of that.
4 comments:
On the limit of three rods- its generally pretty doable to fit two four piece rods in their respective socks into one tube, with the grips offset. (may not apply to thick fiberglass 8wts)
Looks like a fine piece of gear, and priced better than similar options.
That is really nice. Thank you for the review. That price is great too. I really like LL Bean products. I have a pair of their breathable waders. I think they can't be beat for the price.
That's a sweet bag. The details are outstanding for the money.
I wish Stateside manufacturers could manage the same, but those days are gone forever.
Cliff...I'm sure that a couple more rods could be fit in there if you drop the rod tubes.
Kevin...the price and warranty are both tough to beat.
middlemac...yeah, it would be neat if they could do that stateside but there is just no way the price would stay the same.
Post a Comment