Otter Rod box & reel handles?

I just got an Otter Rod box, and I’m concerned that the box that I got to protect my rods may damage them. The box closes with the reel handle full extended (Shimano 500’s). However, it is a VERY tight fit, and the box seems to bulge out on the sides. Anyone have any problems using this box without breaking down the reel handle?

Thanks,
Mark

I rarely break mine down and I’ve never had an issue.

i can fit 6 rods in mine with shimano 500’s and there is no bulging. I do break my reel handles down every time but still even if i didnt i dont think the case would bulge any. sounds strange to me

crappie55369 wrote:

i can fit 6 rods in mine with shimano 500’s and there is no bulging. I do break my reel handles down every time but still even if i didnt i dont think the case would bulge any. sounds strange to me

X2

X-3

I always break mine down too. I feel it is a little too tight. Also it does not take long.

I break my handles down when traveling for a long distance on the lake or while storing them. If I am hole hopping with multiple rods, I will sometimes leave them out and close the case, but not for long. I use President Micro’s and Shimano 500’s.

I was pre-fishing for a tournament on Big Marine last season and was pulling a jet sled behind my wheeler with my Otter box in it. Some how the rope got wrapped around my axle binding up and flung my otter box out of the sled about 10ft in the air and landed on bare ice… the box didn’t even open when it hit the ice and none of my rods were harmed. A very nice product!

i never break the handles down, that’s what the thick foam is for, to form around everything

I will usually break mine down at the end of the day but I never break them down moving between spots.

Will

I’ve never had a problem, usually have 6 rods in there

I have six rods in my box, only my larger reels get broken down. Never experienced any broken rods or reels inside the box.