What to Look For When Purchasing a Fly Rod Roof Rack.
To find yourself in the fly rod roof rack market is a seriously rousing time for every avid angler!
You’ve been holding out on yourself. Maybe waiting for the right time, some disposable income,
or for the nicest looking brand to come down on their price. Before hastily pulling the trigger on a
fly rod roof rack, take the time to do your research. The elements you want your fly rod carrier
to embody should be durability, security, versatility, ease of use, quality, and aesthetics, (of
course.)
Durability and Security
Because you’re an outdoorsman, you most likely traverse some tricky terrain in your vehicle as
is. And because you’re an angler, you know that the best rivers to fly fish don’t always have the
best off-road conditions for your vehicle. Let alone your vehicle’s accessories. Nothing hurts
your pride and wallet more than dropping several hundred bucks on a piece of equipment you
hoped you’d never have to invest in again, only to see it break (or get broken into) within the first
months of owning it. That’s why durability and security are at the tiptop of the list.
A high-caliber manufacturer will have these two conditions at the top of their list as well if they’re
worth their salt. Where rods are inserted and removed, look for a fly rod carrier that has a super
secure seal with a locking mechanism. Top-notch security that someone who’s desperate for
entry cannot get through, even with a pry bar or a screwdriver.
Depending on their ability to prove it, manufacturers may even be mega-transparent about what
sort of tests they subjected their product to in order to determine its integrity. We’ve heard
rumors of military-grade shake tests, throwing it across parking lots like a javelin, and literally
taking a hammer to the exterior. Sounds pretty brutal,
Versatility & Ease of Use
There are a few factors to versatility that are worth considering. Are you someone who usually
fishes alone, but switches up the rod and reel weight size on the same fishing day? Do you
often like buddies tagging along to share a memorable fishing experience with? Maybe you
whoop out some euro-nymphing rods now and then and need a fly rod carrier that can
accommodate their 10+ foot length.
If any of these scenarios apply, you’ll want a fly rod roof rack that doesn’t hold you, your
buddies, or your lengthy fly rods back. To avoid this, look into a fly rod carrier that is designed or
can be customized to hold more than one rig at a time, no matter their weights or lengths.
You’ll also want to make sure that the fly rod you decide to go with is versatile enough to fit your
vehicle’s current mounting system. What good would it do you if it cannot attach to your trusty
metal steed?
And speaking of not holding you back; there are smaller details that matter just as much of the
more obvious ones. These finer details play a role in determining how easy the carrier is to use.
Doors for the entry point that open vertically are notorious for slamming back down when
spontaneous gusts of wind roll through. This unfortunate event can do a number on your hands
and fly rods if they’re within proximity.
Instead, something that opens horizontally with a hinge to hold the door in place is a highly
appreciated, but often overlooked feature that only seems to become important in afterthought.
The horizontal-swinging doors also make the rod carrier more accessible because they keep the
entire set up lower to the ground. Ladders and ramps are no more!
Quality & Aesthetics
Obviously, you’ll not only want something that works like a dream, but looks super good while
doing it. There are some rigs you can get that are functional enough and get the job done.
However, they are manufacturers who have carriers that come in various colors to match your
vehicle and were designed with a heavy emphasis on aerodynamics.
Why does aerodynamics matter? If a fly rod carrier has a sleek design, it’s lightweight and
doesn’t add to your vehicle’s payload. This saves gas money for more important things, like
beer and bait. A good-looking fly rod roof rack atop of your vehicle is a serious badge of honor,
too; expect to have numerous fishermen on the road tip their hats off to you in traffic.
Don’t Make a Tradeoff Between Form and Function
The best fly rod roof racks available were designed by avid fly fishermen, for avid fly fishermen.
You shouldn’t have to skimp on quality just to have promised function, and vice versa. If you’re
still not sure which product to go with, you can glean a lot from each manufacturer by reading
their customer’s reviews. A manufacturer can and will say anything they want or need to in order
to sell their product. If the customer base seems happy and their reviews seem honest, you can
base your purchase off of opinions you trust.
Happy fishing (and fly rod carrier hunting!)
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