Best Rod Sock Brand/length

[ogbfishing]

I have 5 baitcasters, ranging from 7' to 7' 3", in y'all's experience, what is the best rod sock brand and what length should I pick up, thanks.

[Choporoz]

I've got 4 or 5 different brands.  The only thing that differentiates is that the BPS ones blow.  The others are pretty much interchangeable.  If you're on the edge of two different sizes, I suggest go with the shorter one.  Too short is not a problem.  Too long is a problem.

[iabass8]

I have almost all my rod socks and reel covers switched over to "The Rod Glove". For rods 7'3+ I use the 8'5 model. 6'8-7'2 I use 7'5 model. I don't know how they gauge the sizing but for reference, on one of my 7'6 rods, the 8'5 rod sock goes right down to the top of the bait above the hook keeper. Perfect fit. 

[buzzed bait]

they're mostly all the same, but i found that the rod sox version for spinning rods is just too heavy for some of my lighter rods.  

[A-Jay]

The standard Stick Jackets are decent and do well to keep multiple rigs from tangling as well as provide some protection to rod guides.

 

The Rod Glove Casting rod series is a step up.  Made entirely of neoprene, there's more of everything the previously mention product provides, including the purchase price.

 

A-Jay

[desmobob]

I've got 4 or 5 different brands.  The only thing that differentiates is that the BPS ones blow.  The others are pretty much interchangeable.  If you're on the edge of two different sizes, I suggest go with the shorter one.  Too short is not a problem.  Too long is a problem.

 

+1

 

I bought a few Stick Jackets and liked them, then bought a BPS version and hate it.  I just bought several more Stick Jackets.

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[Evan K]

I use "The Rod Glove" as well. I have one BPS that I, like so many others, dislike very much. One of the main reasons I dislike it is because it has a squared-off end, instead of a smooth taper like the Rod Glove.

[Mike L]

Tried them all at one time or another....Rod Glove

Mike

[5fishlimit]

I have tried several brands as well to varying degrees of success. I have some of the Rod Sock Pro's on their way from an order I made. I like the shrink wrapped ends like that more than a sewn end types.

As for length the thing I look for is for it to be just above the hook keeper. That might mean ordering a size smaller than needed.

[Further North]

I just buy the raw material on Amazon: https://www.howtobuyamerican.com/content/db/b-db-autos.shtml

 

...then cut it to length for each rod.  I pinch/fold the tip end together, stuff it into a heat shrink tube and heat it up so it holds it together.  At the open end, I fold it back on itself .

 

Works great.  Not sure I save much money, but I get "custom" fit sleeves, even better for my fly rods and musky rods, most of which are 9 ft. or better.

[zeth]

The golden standard is Rod Glove. I have all the Pro series but the others work just as well and maybe even better because theyre not as heavy and hard to deal with. I don't think it matters what brand you get however.

[tomustang]

I like the Rod Glove. I have Stick Jackets but not really a fan considering their claim of 'hangable' rods doesn't even hold.

[illinifan4152]

Check out Cole tackle. Awesome rod protectors at a reasonable price, plus you can customize the color and lengths.

[Preytorien]

I have tried several brands as well to varying degrees of success. I have some of the Rod Sock Pro's on their way from an order I made. I like the shrink wrapped ends like that more than a sewn end types.

As for length the thing I look for is for it to be just above the hook keeper. That might mean ordering a size smaller than needed.

 

You'll be happy. I have these on all of my rods. I have broken a couple tips off, and the hardened rubber tip on these really adds a bit more protection.

 

A warning though, I found out the hard way that these DO NOT FLOAT. I was running down the lake the day after I got mine, the spinning one was sitting on the deck and it blew off, that baby sank in no time flat. So keep that in mind.

 

As stated above the spinning versions will bend your rod a bit if you have a light action rod just due to the heavier reinforced tip, but that's a manageable trade-off in my opinion if I can save my rods from myself.

[5fishlimit]

You'll be happy. I have these on all of my rods. I have broken a couple tips off, and the hardened rubber tip on these really adds a bit more protection.

 

A warning though, I found out the hard way that these DO NOT FLOAT. I was running down the lake the day after I got mine, the spinning one was sitting on the deck and it blew off, that baby sank in no time flat. So keep that in mind.

 

As stated above the spinning versions will bend your rod a bit if you have a light action rod just due to the heavier reinforced tip, but that's a manageable trade-off in my opinion if I can save my rods from myself.

 

I have no expectations of them floating, but thanks for the heads up.  The only type that I have ever seen "float" are the neoprene type.  All the others seem to sink pretty quickly.

[Preytorien]

I have no expectations of them floating, but thanks for the heads up.  The only type that I have ever seen "float" are the neoprene type.  All the others seem to sink pretty quickly.

 

Yea I found out the hard way. I wrote to Rod Sox and suggested they might put some kind of warning on the packing slip or packing label to warn unsuspecting guys like me. They were very helpful and said they were actually already considering how to do that, and re-sent me a replacement sock at no charge. Super nice folks.

[ogbfishing]

Thank you to everyone that replied, I believe the general consensus is the brand name "Rod Glove."

[5fishlimit]

Give the Rod Sock Pro a serious consideration.  Mine just showed up with todays UPS delivery, and I am extremely happy with them.  I really like that not only is the tip end finished with the heat shrink, but the open end has about a 2" length of plastic instead of the mesh - which will really help when dealing with treble hooks.

 

I just placed another order on TW to replace all of my other brands.

[faygo1979]

I actually really like Cabela's Hook Guard Rod Covers.  they are nylon I believe and have s good guard near the base that stopped my cranks from hooking onto the covers.  I have picked up a couple and plan to buy more.

[Choporoz]

I actually really like Cabela's Hook Guard Rod Covers.  they are nylon I believe and have s good guard near the base that stopped my cranks from hooking onto the covers.  I have picked up a couple and plan to buy more.

I like the idea.  Hooks in the socks are one of my biggest problems....along with the negative buoyancy issue 

 

However, I'm not sure that's the solution for me...since I have hook-keepers below the reel on a couple rods....Also, I get hooks in past the barb on them as often in the middle...usually in bottom of the boat...than I do at the hook-keeper/reel.