I've had a heck of a time finding just the right rod cases and socks to match my custom rods. I hear many folks say they make their own out of plasic tubing/piping. Getting the pvc piping seems it would be as easy as a trip to Home Depot, but what about end caps, covers, socks, etc?

My goal is to include a case with every one of my rods, but the trick is keeping the cost around 20 bucks so I'm not eating into profits. Anyone have experience making their own cases in a variety of sizes and colors who can offer suggestions?

There was a company up in the NorthWest a few years back that supplied either cases or pieces for making your own out of ABS tubing. They had formed caps and end plugs that were very tasteful and sharp looking. Unfortunately, I do not believe they are still in business.

If you are willing to purchase in some small quantity, you can buy the anodized or brushed tubing and assorted caps and plugs to make your own. These should easily come in under the $20 mark. There are many companies making these items. I'd check first with Golden Witch and ask Russ about his new tubes and parts. REC also makes these and I think they will supply you with the pieces you need to make your own. Then there are all the sponsors listed here, most of whom sell tubes and might be sell you the parts if they obtain them that way.

I'm sure others will help out with some posts on the subject here.

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Rob,
You might check out the Alpine burgundy colored rod cases available through Pac. Bay. They are in your price range. The rod socks I like to use from St. Croix are black , quite inexpensive, and adequate. The combination of the two may be the ticket to keep in your price range. Richard's Rod & Reel carries all these fine products at competetive pricing.

You can make PVC tube on your own, but the cordura cover that comes on either St. Croix, Alpine or other rodcases make the price attractive and save you time and trouble. We use to sew up our own rodcases and still do for some better fits with odd size rods, but you can't really go wrong with the ready made ones if they suit your size reuriements.

Rich
Richard's Rod & Reel

Check these out. I bought one and used it on a PVC tube for an 8 1/2 foot 2pc rod and it worked out very nicely. A few bucks for the tube, a few bucks for the cover, and a few more for a rod bag. I like 'em.

[]

Bob

I am pretty sure you can BUY completed St. Croix rod tubes in the nice codura covering for $20, ready to go. Snip the thread holding their label on and remove it. The new ones might have embrodered logos though. Check with JW Outfitters or DB Dunn. They make these cases to spec, cordura covered. They are not expensive and the fabric covered cases are nicer and tougher in my opinion anyway.

Pete,
I agree the St. Croix cases are nice, but to be honest they range slightly higher in price (retail) than mentioned, but in my opinion worth it. They are black cordura covered with a cloth liner. Very functional and look good. We have these available in a range of sizes as shown in their new rodbuilders catalog, and also at dealer pricing for those with a bus. #

The
Rich
Richard's Rod & Reel.

Try Bingham or Netcraft, both are close to $20.00, very nice aluminum cases similar to the old Fenwick tubes.

though Im not wanting to take anything away from the sponsors of this site
heres a tip you may want to consider
have a look at this web site [www.fishnet.com.au]
Wolfgang makes some pretty neat rod tubes and customises both colour and size for the trade.

The reason I post it here is, because of the shocking state of the Aussie dollar ( 50c US last time I looked) at the moment
your US$ can get some pretty good value for money. To save on delivery you wouldnt need to import the entire tube just the sleeves and then do your own PVC inserts which would save you more. I reckon the sleeves would cost you about $15-$20 US
at your door and they are pretty neat. Give him a call you have nothing to lose but the price of a phone call. oh and tell him I sent you I need the plug.

Allen Glover