Travel Case for rods

[Masshole Mike]

i need to pick up a hardshell travel case for my rods for the g'ville trip, anyone have any suggestions on some decent ones? i'm not even sure how much they go for, but i'd like to stay under the $150 mark.

[jnh95]

Mikeinma,

This is what I did.  I purchased a Flambeau Bazuka tube off ebay (Cabala's has them on sale now for $39-$49).  The manufacturer states the regular tube can extend to 87 (6.5 feet) and the Bazuka Pro can extend from 73 out to 102 (I have the regular Bazuka tube and not the pro).  Upon inspection, I noticed the regular Bazuka rod holder can extend to just over 7 feet, but this leaves an extremely weak section in the middle where the two pieces join together.  This portion is the weakest section of the case regardless and a heave piece of luggage will crush this joining section.  So I went to Home Depot and bought a $13.00 section (10 feet I think) of the Black PVC piping (Not the less expensive White PVC pipe because it can shatter with a solid impact).  This will fit inside the regular Bazuka Tube (with a lot of swearing, a rubber mallet and a little lubricant it will fit).  Now I have a 7'3 Bazuka Rod holder with a PVC insert for added strength.  This increased the total weight of the Rod Holder by a lot (not sure of the total weight;  I'll check tonight and get back to ya).  I put padding in both ends and now this thing is nearly indestructible and built like a tank.  I am sure there are easier ways to get this same job accomplished, but I prefer to do things the difficult way  Either way, I would recommend reinforcing the joining section of the Flambeau Bazuka rod holder if you go that route.  Also, I have heard some people have problems with the closing latch/lock breaking off.  Mine looks very sturdy and I have not had any issues.  If it does break, you can still keep it closed with a padlock.  You will also need another padlock at the center joining section of the rod holder.  There are also many diagrams online showing how to make rod holders out of PVC.  These look sturdy also.  Have fun.

[roadwarrior]

I guess I have the Pro version. No issues, HIGHLY recommended!

[ABC123]

Mikeinma,

This is what I did. I purchased a Flambeau Bazuka tube off ebay (Cabala's has them on sale now for $39-$49). The manufacturer states the regular tube can extend to 87 (6.5 feet) and the Bazuka Pro can extend from 73 out to 102 (I have the regular Bazuka tube and not the pro). Upon inspection, I noticed the regular Bazuka rod holder can extend to just over 7 feet, but this leaves an extremely weak section in the middle where the two pieces join together. This portion is the weakest section of the case regardless and a heave piece of luggage will crush this joining section. So I went to Home Depot and bought a $13.00 section (10 feet I think) of the Black PVC piping (Not the less expensive White PVC pipe because it can shatter with a solid impact). This will fit inside the regular Bazuka Tube (with a lot of swearing, a rubber mallet and a little lubricant it will fit). Now I have a 7'3 Bazuka Rod holder with a PVC insert for added strength. This increased the total weight of the Rod Holder by a lot (not sure of the total weight; I'll check tonight and get back to ya). I put padding in both ends and now this thing is nearly indestructible and built like a tank. I am sure there are easier ways to get this same job accomplished, but I prefer to do things the difficult way Either way, I would recommend reinforcing the joining section of the Flambeau Bazuka rod holder if you go that route. Also, I have heard some people have problems with the closing latch/lock breaking off. Mine looks very sturdy and I have not had any issues. If it does break, you can still keep it closed with a padlock. You will also need another padlock at the center joining section of the rod holder. There are also many diagrams online showing how to make rod holders out of PVC. These look sturdy also. Have fun.

PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipe is white or grey. It does not withstand UV light very well (white), and it has poor impact strength in cold weather.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) piping is much better for cold, impact, and UV. This is the black pipe you purchased. IMO, it makes great rod cases.

Get a length of pipe, glue a cap on one end, leave the other end removeable, get some rod sleeves, and you got yourself a nice hardsided carrier. You can get a small diameter for one or 2 rods, you can get a large one for all kinds of rods. You could get a reducer and use two different diameters, so you can take it apart and store one side inside the other. Your imagination it your only limitation. Heck, if you really wanted to get fancy, you could, cap both ends. cut it lengthwise, down the middle, put a piano hinge on one side and clasps on the other, and you would have a nice clamshell one.

[Masshole Mike]

is a home-made PVC (ABS) rod case going to be airline approved though? i'd rather not show up at the gate to have them tell me i can't check it for whatever reasons.

[ABC123]

is a home-made PVC (ABS) rod case going to be airline approved though? i'd rather not show up at the gate to have them tell me i can't check it for whatever reasons.

It's alway's best to contact the actual carrier you will be using, but as long as it's properly labled with name, address, ect... there should be no issues. They'll X-ray it so they will know EXACTLY what is in it, no issues with that. If your going to hand it over to the airline, I would make sure that both caps are secured with either glue or some type of pin or lock so they don't come off.

[slomoe]

here's a cool link some one posted a while back.

http://www.mexfish.com/sjdc/sjdc2004/sjdc040614a/sjdc040614a.htm

[Masshole Mike]

is a home-made PVC (ABS) rod case going to be airline approved though? i'd rather not show up at the gate to have them tell me i can't check it for whatever reasons.

It's alway's best to contact the actual carrier you will be using, but as long as it's properly labled with name, address, ect... there should be no issues. They'll X-ray it so they will know EXACTLY what is in it, no issues with that. If your going to hand it over to the airline, I would make sure that both caps are secured with either glue or some type of pin or lock so they don't come off.

i guess i'll have to call the airline and hopefully save a few bucks by making my own. thanks for the info everyone.

[zelmo]

I went through this a year ago. I wound up getting the Plano Airliner. I did make to Florida and back without anything getting broken, but I do feel lucky because they opened the case on the return trip to inspect it. I say I was lucky because you need to be careful when putting the top on so that it is in the right place. If not you run the risk of breaking a rod tip. Next time I travel with it I will be sure to clearly mark the adjustment points for the correct length. You should also pack the rods inside so that the guides are facing in and secure them. That way an oaf can't bend one putting it back together.

If you make your own make sure the airline can take it apart and put it back together instinctively.

[Masshole Mike]

if i make my own i'll probably pad both ends with foam and try to line the inside of the pipe if at all possible. i'm also going to get rod socks from BPS to protect my investments further.

i like the carriage bolt idea used in the link that slomoe posted, it's a sturdy and secure locking mechanism. just slide the bolt through, slip the lock on and go.

zelmo, how sturdy is the plano airliner? if i buy one my choices are either that or the pro bazuka that RW recommended. i just want to have the most rigid case possible so that when it's getting bashed around and packed under suitcases during loading it doesn't crumple or dent. a reviewer on cabela's said that he usually has to pop the dent out of the top of his bazuka case after a flight due to rough handling by baggage people.

[.RM.]

mikeinma,

If you know where you will be staying, ship your tube or whatever to yourself sealed, insured and signature conformation on delivery, and carry your reels in a carry on bag.

Just a thought......

[Tin]

Bazuka tubes are the way to go.

But people look at you funny when you are going through the airport with an 8' black tube on wheels that says Bazuka on the side of it. ;D

[Masshole Mike]

mikeinma,

If you know where you will be staying, ship your tube or whatever to yourself sealed, insured and signature conformation on delivery, and carry your reels in a carry on bag.

Just a thought......

i had thought of that, but i'm not sure if i have that much trust in the USPS. not that they'd be any worse than the baggage handlers at any given airport. i'll have to weight my options and figure out what's the easiest/safest/cheapest route to go.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

If you find yourself in RI, you can borrow my Bazooka Pro.  I'm in East Greenwich.

If you do ship it, ONLY use UPS or FEDEX.  You want insurance and trackability.

Bazuka tubes are the way to go.

But people look at you funny when you are going through the airport with an 8' black tube on wheels that says Bazuka on the side of it. ;D

Hell yea they do, they think,..."Man, I wish I was that guy,...wonder where he's heading....Texas?  Florida?  Amazon?"  Just don't drop to one knee and put it up on your shoulder  

[zelmo]

My impression is that the plano is very sturdy.  Mine has not been dented through normal use; I have not jumped on it to see how it would fare.  Another thing to keep in mind is that something that long is awkward, and I don't think the bagage handlers can treat it that roughly.  Drop it, sure.  But when I packed my rods in it I wrapped bubble wrap around them to make a cushion and to keep them from bouncing around inside the case.  Crush it, I doubt it.   They can't really pack things on top of it or it will roll off.  

Just be careful to check it over to see if it was opened before you leave the airport.  If it has been, re-open it on the spot and make sure the rods were not damaged.

[.RM.]

Ohhhh L-B-H.....

They are the only carriers that have lost or damaged rod tubes when I ship.

Tight Lines!!!!  

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Ohhhh L-B-H.....

They are the only carriers that have lost or damaged rod tubes when I ship.

Tight Lines!!!!  

they all lose/damage them, you want a service that will replace them in such an event.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

My impression is that the plano is very sturdy.  Mine has not been dented through normal use; I have not jumped on it to see how it would fare.  Another thing to keep in mind is that something that long is awkward, and I don't think the bagage handlers can treat it that roughly.  Drop it, sure.  But when I packed my rods in it I wrapped bubble wrap around them to make a cushion and to keep them from bouncing around inside the case.  Crush it, I doubt it.   They can't really pack things on top of it or it will roll off.  

Just be careful to check it over to see if it was opened before you leave the airport.  If it has been, re-open it on the spot and make sure the rods were not damaged.

The latches break off.  I thought it was just on the ones I owned but I think it was redlinerobert or someone who was telling me the same thing happened with them.  No biggee, it has to be zip tied anyway so they can inspect it.

[BassChaser57]

I use Bozookas but the way to keep rods safe is to use rod sleeves and turn half of your rods in each direction with the handles protruding about 6" from the tips then rubberband all the rods together so all the rod tips are protected by the handles. This has worked for me for years with no damage. I believe there will be no trouble with making your own PVC rod tubes as long as there is a screw on cap so they can be inspected by security. Have a great trip.

8-)

[Redlinerobert]

Bazooka Pro.  Two trips to Brazil, a few to Mexico, and I've yet to have a problem.

I typically carry several rods, 8 - 12 to be exact.  To minimize the possibility of damage, I use thick neoprene rod straps (made by Shimano) and take half of the rods and strap them together, then the other half and strap them together.  Then I take both "halves" and strap them opposite each other together as well.  I find that this protects the rod tips, since half are resting against the other half's butt section.  I then put an old wool sock on each end to protect them from banging around inside the Bazooka Pro.  Perhaps a bit extreme, but then again I'd rather take the additonal 10 minutes to pack them correctly and not have any problems.

I use a reel case to carry all my reels onboard with me.  I've yet to have a problem, but I've been told that some airlines make you remove the line from your reels.  

[Masshole Mike]

thanks for the input everyone, looks like LBH is going to let me borrow his bazooka pro for the trip which i appreciate immensely. i'll only be bringing 4 rods with me and i'll have a rod sock for each one, and i've been given the advice to pack smaller articles of clothing in with the rods not only to conserve space in my other luggage but also to provide more cushion for the rods.

[Tpayneful]

Last Summer I traveled on Southwest and took my rods in a Frabill rod case.  I read all of the Southwest guidelines which stated that oversized items from 62 to 80 inches could be brought along for a $50 fee.  Since the limit was 80 inches I didn't bring any 7' rods.  When I dropped the case off at curbside checking flying out and returning, I didn't mention anything about the rod tube being oversize and they never charged me.  My rods didn't get damaged and I didn't have any problems.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

The clothing tip I gave you only applies with 3-6 rods.  If I bring 6-12 rods, I lay out a sheet on the floor, lay down one rod and roll it.  Then lay down another, laid out with the tip at opposite end when compared to rod #1, and roll again and so on till you have one big bundle of rods, all separated from each other.  Now, with the help of a friend, load the whole bundle into the tube.  A sock at each end for extra padding and off you go.

I have taken this tube, fully extended, on American, United (SUCKS!), and  Southwest without being charged extra because of the length.

[Masshole Mike]

i'll be bringing 4 rods, one 6' and 3 6'6". i'm flying on airtran airways so i guess i'll just give it a go and hope they don't notice my unusually large package.

(now there's something i never thought i'd be saying...)