The Rod Guard "Use It
or Lose It"
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Date: |
8/5/09 |
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Location: |
Orlando,
Florida |
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Admission: |
Buyers &
Press only |
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Manufacturer: |
Rod Guard |
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Reviewer: |
Team
TackleTour |
Introduction:
The Rod Guard is a simple
yet clever solution to a common problem, losing your rod and reel to the bottom
of the lake. This patented accessory is designed to be quick and easy to install
and create enough buoyancy to keep your precious gear afloat should it get
knocked over the edge of a boat or dock.
The Rod Guard comes in packs of
two
This solution was created
by Steve Hall who spent two years developing and patenting the Rod Guard. This
light weight accessory weighs only .32oz. and can be applied to the upper or
lower handle of a rod to make the entire rig float. The Rod Guard can be cut
down to different sizes to match the rod both cosmetically. Heavier rods and
reels will require more material and it is probably a good idea to test your rig
in shallow water once installed.
The Rod Guard slips on handles to
provide buoyancy
The Rod Guard is designed
to not only look like a grip but be comfortable to grip when fishing, and adds
some extra padding. Because it can be cut down it can be applied to split grip
rods just as easily as standard grips.
The Rod Guard can be customized
for different grips
The best method for
installing The Rod Guard is to wet the rod handle with glass cleaner before
sliding it onto the rod. Once it is slid into place it is tight enough by itself
to stay in place. Anglers can actually create a tapered end to blend it more
seamlessly into the existing grip by using electric tape to compress and angle
the end of the applied Rod Guard.
A closer look at the surface of
the Rod Guard
All in all it takes about
a minute to install the Rod Guard, and that includes removal from the package.
The Rod Guard is available with both red and blue highlights, and retails for
$8.99 for a pack of two. We think a plain black version would also be good for
those anglers who want the foam to blend in even more stealthily against the
increasingly popular EVA grips.
Steve Hall (left) the creator of
the Rod Guard showed us his cleverly designed patent pending product
Conclusion: Though
the name spells out rod protection these grips can also be used for other
products as well including nets, gaffs, and even some lighter fish landing
tools. The Rod Guard is great for kids who may not be used to making repeated
casts, but even seasoned anglers can benefit from the added protection. The
affordable and easy to install Rod Guard pays for itself the minute your rod or
reel gets wet that very first time.
