Choosing the right tackle box is crucial for any angler. This review pits two heavyweights against each other: the Plano Edge 3700 and the Bass Mafia Terminal Coffin. Both boxes promise durability and protection for your valuable fishing gear, but which one reigns supreme? We delve into a head-to-head comparison, examining their build quality, water resistance, organization systems, and overall practicality. From impact resistance and watertight seals to storage capacity and ease of access, we leave no stone unturned in our quest to determine the ultimate tackle box champion.This in-depth comparison analyzes key features, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each box. We explore the differences in their design, materials, and organizational capabilities, offering a detailed account of user experiences and observations. Discover which box offers the best protection against the elements, provides superior organization for your hooks and weights, and ultimately, best suits your fishing needs. Ultimately, we aim to help you make an informed decision, ensuring you choose the tackle box that perfectly complements your fishing style.
Pros And Cons
- Heavy-duty and durable (indestructible)
- Watertight seal
- Two heavy-duty latches
- Comes in multiple colors (black and red, blue, green)
- Bullet weight coffins (3 sizes) to organize bullet weights
- Hook coffins with foam inserts to keep hooks organized
- Heavy
- Thick profile (2 inches thick)
- Lid is not see-through
- Bullet weight coffin lids are difficult to open
- Bullet weights difficult to remove from foam
- No water wick system or corrosion resistant material
- Only one size available for the main box
- Hooks are not as well kept without foam
- Watertight seal
- Single latch system with labeling area
- See-through design
- Thinner profile (1.38 inches thick)
- Water wick system (desiccant) with designated spot
- Corrosion resistant material (Restrictor)
- Reusable water wick system
- Weight retaining boxes (small, medium, large) with lids and labeling areas
- Modular design with independently sold boxes (small, medium, large)
- Easier to open hook box lid
- Color (yellow and gray)
- Hook box lacks foam
Read more: 5 Best Small Fishing Tackle Boxes for Anglers
Durability and Build Quality
Both the Plano Edge 3700 and the Bass Mafia Terminal Coffin are built to withstand the rigors of fishing. The Bass Mafia box is incredibly robust; some users claim it's virtually indestructible. It's a heavy-duty box, designed to take a beating. The Plano Edge, while not as impervious to damage as the Bass Mafia, still demonstrates impressive durability. It's shown to withstand significant impact, though perhaps not the same level of abuse as its competitor.
Both boxes offer a watertight seal to protect your valuable tackle from the elements. This crucial feature ensures your hooks, weights, and other essentials stay dry, preventing corrosion and extending their lifespan.
The Bass Mafia box boasts a double latch system, providing extra security. The Plano Edge features a single, easy-to-use latch with a space to label the box's contents.
Design and Features
The Bass Mafia Terminal Coffin features a solid, non-transparent lid, offering good protection but limiting visibility of the contents. The Plano Edge, on the other hand, has a clear lid, allowing you to easily see what's inside. This can be advantageous for quick identification of your tackle.
A key differentiator is the Plano Edge's integrated water wick system, a desiccant that absorbs moisture to prevent corrosion. This feature is absent in the Bass Mafia box, though desiccants can be added separately. The Plano system also uses a corrosive resistant material called Restrictor for further protection against damage.
Plano Edge offers modularity through interchangeable, independently sold boxes of varying sizes (small, medium, large), providing flexibility to customize your storage setup. The Bass Mafia system uses only one large size.
Size and Portability
The Bass Mafia box, while incredibly durable, is significantly thicker (2 inches) than the Plano Edge (1.38 inches). This difference in profile is particularly relevant for kayak anglers or those with limited storage space. The Plano Edge's slimmer profile allows for more efficient packing.
Both boxes are approximately the same length (14 inches for Bass Mafia, 14 inches for Plano Edge) and width (9 inches). The slight difference in thickness, however, adds up in terms of overall storage capacity.
The thinner profile of the Plano Edge provides a clear advantage for portability and storage in confined spaces.
Weight Storage and Organization
Both boxes offer systems for organizing weights. The Bass Mafia utilizes foam-lined inserts, while the Plano Edge uses smaller, lidded boxes with labels for weight identification. The Plano system is praised for easier access and organization, while the Bass Mafia system is somewhat more cumbersome.
The Plano Edge weight storage system allows for more efficient stacking, saving space and providing better protection for the weights.
The ease of access and organization in Plano Edge's weight storage system makes it more user-friendly compared to Bass Mafia's foam inserts.
Hook Storage and Organization
The Bass Mafia utilizes foam-lined inserts for hook storage, offering good protection and organization. The Plano Edge hook storage, while lacking foam inserts, compensates with a more accessible lid, offering secure storage and allowing for easy organization.
Though the Plano Edge doesn't have foam, it's possible to add custom foam to improve hook organization. The user suggests adding foam to improve hook protection and prevent tangling.
Both systems effectively store hooks but offer different strengths: Bass Mafia for superior protection and Plano Edge for easier access.
Overall Comparison and Conclusion
Both the Plano Edge 3700 and Bass Mafia Terminal Coffin offer excellent solutions for organizing terminal tackle. However, the Plano Edge emerges as the superior option due to its integrated features, modularity, and overall practicality.
The Plano Edge’s integrated water wick system and corrosion-resistant material provide superior protection for your tackle, extending its lifespan and saving you money in the long run. The modular design allows for customization and efficient use of space.
While the Bass Mafia’s ruggedness and design are commendable, the Plano Edge's superior features, particularly its moisture control and modularity, make it the better choice for most anglers.