Rambling Review – Seahorse 1530F Rifle Case

Why: I was blessed to add a rugged Owens Armory built 6.5 Creedmoor to my arsenal. It quickly became apparent that this was not a firearm I wanted bouncing around in a soft sided case. There are several options for bombproof hardcases, but after a bit of searching I decided on the Seahorse 1530F Rifle Case.

First impressions:

The Case: The Seahorse 1530F Rifle Case is a rock solid impact resistant case. The lid of the capsule has a heavy duty O-ring which keeps the entire case watertight, and is also equipped with an automatic pressure equalization system. The standard safety latches are beefy and the padlock holes ensure this case to be airline approved.

The Foam: The Seahorse 1530F Rifle Case comes with Accufoam (pick and pluck) which makes for great customization.

Made in the USA: All Seahorse cases are made in America.

Lifetime Guarantee: Seahorse Cases are guaranteed against defects in materials and craftsmanship for the life of the case. 

Field Use:

I was extremely excited to arrange my rifle case and lay everything out. It took me a few minutes to lay everything out how I liked it, but once I had a plan, it was very easy. The pull and pluck foam came out quick and easy with no issue. After about 15 minutes, I had my rifle, ammunition and accessories stowed securely in the case.

I’ve been to the range a couple of times since, and have to say that I really do like everything about this case. Knowing the gun is secure and protected gives a real peace of mind. The Seahorse 1530F Rifle Case also has 6 spots for heavy duty Master locks making it perfect for air travel. This rifle case scales out at 19.6 lbs.

Pros:

• Great price
• American Made
• Rock Solid Design
• Air/watertight
• Perfect for airplane travel

Cons:

• Pull and Pluck foam only – The pull and pluck works great, but it’d be nice to have the option to buy a hard closed cell polyethylene foam replacement for this case.

Prognosis:  I love the Seahorse 1530F Rifle Case and think it’s an excellent option for a high quality travel gun case.

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

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Rambling Review – ECS Gun Case

Why:

I had the amazing opportunity to  review this ECS Gun Case through the Outdoor Blogger Network after learning about sig sauer gun safety.. After being selected, a member of the ECS team contacted me and discussed the dimensions of the case and what I would be using it for. Within a couple of weeks I had a custom-made, next-to-industructable gun case sitting on my doorstep. With a month left of quail season and some of the bumpiest roads in Arizona ahead of me, I put the ECS Gun Case through the paces and here is what I found.

First impressions:

The Dimensions –  When the ECS Gun Case showed up on my doorstep I was amazed at the size of it.  The exterior dimmensions of the case are:

52.0”L x 13.0”W x 11.0”H

It weighs roughly 28 lbs.

The Interior – The inside of the ECS Gun Case is lined with a thick foam that allows a firearm to be fitted snuggly into place.  There is room for two long guns with a maximum length of 44 inches. Additionally there are three other 13 inch slots for accessories.

Field Use:

The first thing that I really appreciated about the ECS Rifle Case is the overall construction and durability of this case. The case itself is made out of what ECS calls “Low Linear Density Polyethylene” or LLDP. Coupled with four solid latches, heavy duty hinges, and a watertight gasket makes this case almost indestructible.

I loaded up the ECS Gun Case with a 12 guage shotgun, a Ruger 30-06 mounted with a scope, a 9mm Glock in it’s factory case, a wooden gun cleaning kit, and shells/bullets for all the different guns. I was amazed that I had been able to fit all that gear into the case and I was slightly nervous about trusting several of my guns in the back of my truck over some extremely bumpy roads. Regardless, I wheeled the case through the house, hoisted it into the back of the truck, and took a rattling ride through some of the back washes of the Arizona desert.  Even after bouncing around in the back of my truck, I pulled the 30-06 out of the case and put a couple of rounds through, just to make sure the scope was still dialed in. Needless to say, everything was spot on, and I confidently put the gun back into the case for the return trip.

At the end of the day, I would have no qualms about entrusting my firearms to the baggage handlers at the airport as long as the gun was in an ECS Gun Case. The ECS Case would also do well for an extended trip where a gun would have to be safely stowed for a long period of time.

If you’re still not convinced, check out the video below, put together by the folks over at ECS. Pretty cool to see.

Pros:

Solid Construction

High Quality Components

Watertight and Floats

Maximum Protection 

Room for Acceseries

Cons:

Price

Heavy

Prognosis:  If you are looking for a high quality, virtually indestructible travel gun case that the boys at baggage claim can’t hurt, the ECS Gun Case is the ticket for you.

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. The ECS Gun Case was provided by ECS Case in conjunction with the Outdoor Blogger Network for the purpose of this review. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

The post Rambling Review – ECS Gun Case appeared first on Arizona Wanderings.

Rambling Review – Outdoorsman Tripod Adapter

Why:

In early August, I posted a review on the Swarovski Binocular Tripod Adapter which I had believed was the only quick clip bino-tripod adapter on the market. A couple of my good friends owned the Swarovski Adapter, and having used it for a couple of seasons, I swore by it, with the only complaint being that the binoculars would work loose and fall off the tripod if I was not being attentive. In the comments on that post, someone mentioned that a superior tripod adapter was created and sold right here in Arizona at the Outdoorsman. The folks over at the Outdoorsman have a full lineup of essential gear for the western hunter and their Outdoorsman Binocular Adapter is the perfect example of their dedication to functional quality products.

VS.

First impressions:

Simple – To release the binoculars from  the Outdoorsman Bino-Tripod Adapter, simply depress the top button and pull the binoculars free.

Strong fit- I hooked the adapter up to my tripod and fit the adapter together. Once I had the binoculars all set up, I then tried to wiggle them apart. Typically on my Swarovski model, the binoculars could be worked free which usually resulted in my nice optics falling on the ground, but the Outdoorsman adapter held the binoculars firmly in place. The reason for the strong connection is the small groove seen in the above picture. When the button on top is depressed, it allows for the stud to fit right into the tripod adapter.

Then when the button is released, it allows a small piece of metal to slide up into that groove, thereby locking the binoculars firmly into place.

Once the binoculars are fitted into the adapter, the top button (shown above) can actually be screwed down so there is no chance of bumping the adapter and the binoculars slipping out.

Price – The Outdoorsman Binocular Adapter is priced around $90 dollars which, in comparison to $130 for the Swarovski Adapter, is a pretty decent deal.

Field Use:

I carried the Outdoorsman Binocular Adapter on several scouting trips and hunts. It truly is a functional tool, and it is obvious that it was built by a western hunter. The adapter provides a rock solid connection for my optics, which is vital for glassing on those long days in the field.

The quick release button is easy to use with no hassle when I needed to get things packed up quick. The one feature that I did like is that I could tighten the button down and it would lock the binoculars in place. From there I could pack the tripod in my pack with the binoculars still attached, something I would never do with the Swarovski adapter.

One quick note, make sure that when you are first installing the stud on to your binoculars that you take the time to really tighten the little screw with an Allen wrench. It was my own fault, but when I got back to the truck I realized that the binocular stud was gone and had fallen out as I was walking. The instant I made it home I ordered another stud for $16 and remedied my problem by firmly securing that small but vital screw.

Pros:

Well thought out design

Rock solid connection

Ability to lock the binoculars in place by screwing down the top button

Price in comparison to competitors

Local Business

Cons:

Price (although I think its well spent money)

Make sure to firmly Allen wrench down the screw that holds the binocular stud to your binoculars

Prognosis: For the western hunter, the Outdoorsman Binocular Adapter is a must have. Compare them for yourself, but I am a believer that the Outdoorsman far outshines the Swarovski Binocular Adapter

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. The Outdoorsman Binocular Adapter was provided to Arizona Wanderings for the purpose of this review. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

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Rambling Review – Ex Officio Nio Amphi Pants

Why:

Living in Arizona and being slightly obsessed with the small streams that flow from the mountains, wet wading is a way of life from early spring until the November cold forces me to break out my waders. Typically, I roll in a pair of cargo shorts that keeps me moving quick and freely on the ice-cold creeks. Unfortunately with my legs unprotected, I typically end up scratched and bleeding by dark from the bumps, bugs, and briars that are part of the whole small stream experience. Imagine a pair of pants that are able to protect while fishing but at the same time allow the freedom and mobility that a pair of shorts offer. Enter the Ex Officio Nio Amphi pants.

First impressions:

Lightweight – The Ex Officio Nio Amphi pants are constructed from what Ex Officio calls Nio Nycott which is 100% nylon.

The fit – I ordered my regular size pants and found the Nio Amphi pants to fit perfectly. The pants have a small amount of elastic in the waist that allow for freedom of movement, an extra base layer if need be, or if you just ate to much the weekend before. The gusseted inseam allows for full range of motion on the small streams. The Nio Amphi pants also come with a quick clip nylon belt.

Pockets – I love pockets. The two cargo pockets on the Ex Officio pants perfectly fit a fly box or a spool of tippet and fly dressing. There is one small pocket just above the right cargo pocket that fits my small point and shoot camera  rather nicely that I really appreciate.

Field Use:

The first time I stepped out of the stream with the Nio Amphi pants, I could not believe that they were just as light as when I stepped in.  The Ex Officio pants have the amazing ability to resist water and even after a full day of wading in and out of the stream, they remain dry and lightweight.

Much of the day on a small, boulder strewn creek is spent crouching or on hands and knees. The Ex Officio Nio Amphi pants allows the fisherman the needed mobility to move around the creek. What I appreciate about the fabric is that it is extremely lightweight yet durable.  Moving through brush and scraping against rocks, at this point, do not seem to phase these pants at all. They do have a gusseted crotch and a slight stretch in the material which allows for those slow half-crouched movements which creek fly fishermen seem to always find themselves in.

On a recent trip to a small stream in Nevada, I found myself hiking through some of the gnarliest brush to get to this little small stream. I ended up wandering right through a huge section of stinging nettles (or something of the sort) that left my hands tingling and stinging for the next couple of days. Thank the heavens that I had packed these Ex Officio pants because not only was a I nettle free on my legs, but they actually stood up to the abuse of the thorns and prickers that I walked through. I am pretty much sold on wearing these pants when I know that I am going into uncharted territory or a known thorn-ridden area to fish. It also warms my soul to wear pants instead of shorts in rattlesnake country, even if the added relief is only in my head.

Pros:

Lightweight

Water-resistant

Quick Drying

Well thought out pockets

Nylon belt included

Elastic waist

Cons:

Cost

Prognosis: If you are looking for that lightweight pair of pants for hiking, wet wading, or other outdoor activity, you owe it to yourself to check out the Ex Officio Nio Amphi pants.

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. The Ex Officio Nio Amphi Pants were provided for the purpose of this review.  Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

The post Rambling Review: Ex Officio Nio Amphi Pants appeared first on Arizona Wanderings.

Rambling Review – Cortland Precision Platinum Salmon Line

Why:

Gearing up for my summer trip to the Northwest, I was looking to pair some quality line with my Lamson Konic and 6 weight BVK rod for the big water of the Deschutes River. After shopping around and talking to a couple different folks over at Cortland, they turned me on to their new Cortland Precision Platinum Line and sent me their Platinum Salmon line to try out on my float trip.

First impressions:

The Dyna-Tip – The fly line changes from mango orange to white and indicates Cortland’s high floating Dyna-Tip. Cortland Dyna-Tip has a very nice durable welded loop to attach a leader to the fly line and it is impossible not to notice how well the Dyna-Tip floats, even in the fast, choppy water of a powerful river.

The Little Things – It is always a good sign when a company goes above and beyond however small it might be. Cortland includes a “pro line cleaning applicator” with their Precision line.  I love these handy little cases for a quick clean on the river in the hopes of lengthening the life of my fly line.

Field Use:

While on the Deschutes I was presented with various fishing situations that put this line through the paces.  While most of my casting was between 30 or 40 feet the Deschutes really pushed my distance casting far beyond that. The precision line shot through the guides and really performed well on these far reaching casts. I was able to lay out some fairly sweet roll casts that really put a smile on my face. Wether it was 3 inch foam dries or a double nymph rig, the Cortland line was the ticket.

Being back from the Northwest with time on my hands, I am not one to let nice line sit around unused. I tote my 6 weight with the Cortland Precision line over to my local carp and bass ponds here in Phoenix. When carp are tailing out on the middle reef, my casting needs all the help it can get to reach these big fish. So quality line that casts well is a nice feature to have. I feel that nailing this line down as simply “salmon line” is selling this line short as it really is an all around high performance floating line.

I try to thouroughly clean this line after I fish these ponds due to all the who-knows-what-that-crud-is floating on the surface, and after 6 months of use, the line looks as good as new.

Pros:

High quality line

Floats high all day

Sails through the guides

Pro-cleaner patch included with line

Cons:

Comparable price to other fly lines (they are all high in my opinion)

Prognosis: Having used a number of different brands and styles of fly line, I believe that Cortland’s Precision line is a great choice.

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. The Cortland Precision Salmon Line were provided by Cortland for the purpose of this review. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

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