The Wrap to Get. Swimbait
Underground's Union 9" (continued)

Real World Tests: When Swimbait Underground
debuted their own wrap I was immediately interested to check out the design,
functionality, and overall build quality. I ordered a total of four
wraps and have been using them for the storage and transport of my swimbait
rotation over the last season. Originally I had a number of trips planned to
fish in both Florida and Texas but both of those trips were cancelled with the onset of the current COVID situation. I had originally planned to
use these wraps for transporting swimbaits in my luggage, then utilize them at
the destinations. When my trips were canceled I thought that I wouldn't be able
to fully utilize the wraps, but that assumption was quickly proven wrong as I
found myself in the truck a lot more than usual, driving from one
fishing destination to the next. It was here that the Swimbait Underground (SU) Wraps found
regular service in my primary tackle bag.

The pockets are quite large and
can accommodate one large bait each or two medium sizes ones
Operation: No manual is required when using tackle
wraps, as the operation of these soft storage options is simple and intuitive.
Saltwater anglers have been using them for decades, and recognized the need for
a relatively low cost, and easy to use, corrosion-free solution for storing their oversized
jigs and plugs. As more and more bass anglers started adopting big baits, and
the swimbait craze continued to ramp, the need for a more flexible storage
solution also arose in this freshwater segment. Today there are a wide range of
lure wraps available. Some are designed for single baits, some are transparent,
some feature padded interiors, and even mesh backings to aid with the drying of
lures.

Though thin in profile we were
pleasantly surprised how well the pockets accommodated custom baits of various
size and thickness
The Swimbait Underground Union Wrap combines both
classic wrap design with some modern features including a rugged cloth exterior
and both transparent and opaque internal pockets that are accessible in
different ways. The two center pockets are both transparent for easy
identification of the contents, and accessed on top opening that is secured with
Velcro.

The hybrid pocket on either end
opens on three sizes for quick and easy access
I found it easy to store and deploy one full sized
swimbait in each of these compartments, or two small to mid sized baits. You
don't need to press on the Velcro to lock in these clear compartments as there
is a top flap that provides added security to all pockets, and simply folding
this over and rolling up the wrap will automatically ensure all the baits are
securely stowed.

Have precious custom baits that
are oddly sized or feature both hard and soft elements? No problem with this
wrap as it easily accommodates both soft and hard bodied swimbaits equally well
On either side of the clear compartments is a
hybrid pocket that is even easier to access and features a flap that opens on
three sides to provide complete access to the compartment. I found these
compartments the easiest to access and very good for stowing the largest baits,
or swimbaits with larger widths, like rats or the DRT Joker for example. The
only downside to these hybrid compartments is that you cannot see through the
flaps, and need to remember what you stow inside. This isn't an issue if you are
only using one wrap but if your swimbait arsenal spans a few wraps you may want
to consider different color Unions to help make identification easier. Luckily
the company offers three colors.
Update (10/21/20) We have
learned more about the design and rationale for the hybrid pockets (non-clear)
versus the transparent windowed ones. Swimbait Underground confirmed that the
hybrid pockets were specifically made for soft bodied baits and that over time
these soft baits would react with the clear plastic pockets, causing
deformation, so they created the hybrid pockets to address this issue. Of
course, these flexible pockets can just as easily be used for hard-bodied swimbaits.

I was impressed how easily the
Union was able to stow even full sized swimbaits like the Deps Slide Swimmer 250
for example which is technically 10" and yet still can fit in the hybrid pocket
It only took a few trips for me to appreciate just
how good these SU wraps are. I found that they not only did a fantastic job
accommodating just about every swimbait type, but also folded down nicely,
making it easy to transport the wraps while protecting each individual swimbait.
The overall build quality
of the Swimbait Underground Union wraps is top notch, and what you would expect
from a product made right here in the United States. The materials have held up
well, as has the stitching, and they have successfully provided the type of
storage, protection, and transport that I have been seeking for high-end
swimbaits.

The top of the wrap consists of a
flap that fold sown to ensure baits will not slide out. Folded up this is one
very compact wrap
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Section: Designed with the Enthusiast in Mind...
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