This review delves into the Shimano Blackmoon medium tackle bag, offering a comprehensive assessment based on three years of rigorous use. We'll explore its durability, examining the bag's construction and performance after extensive fishing trips. Beyond longevity, we'll dissect its organizational features, detailing the functionality of its multiple compartments, including the cleverly designed side pockets and removable trays within the main compartments. The inclusion of Plano boxes and a waterproof cover will also be considered, along with an evaluation of their practical application. Finally, we'll weigh the pros and cons, providing a balanced perspective on the bag's overall suitability for anglers who prioritize both storage and organization.This in-depth analysis will reveal whether the Shimano Blackmoon bag truly lives up to its reputation for robust construction and convenient storage. We'll assess its weight capacity and comfort during transport, providing insights into its practicality for various fishing scenarios. The review will also address potential drawbacks, such as the impact of a removable compartment bottom on overall stability when heavily loaded. Ultimately, this review aims to equip prospective buyers with the necessary information to make an informed decision about whether the Shimano Blackmoon bag is the right choice for their angling needs.
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Weight and Build Quality
The Shimano Blackmoon medium bag is surprisingly heavy when fully loaded. I weighed mine at over 21 pounds! This is expected given its capacity, but it's something to consider if you plan on carrying it a long distance. Despite the significant weight, the bag's construction is excellent. After three years of use, there are no major tears or holes; it's exceptionally durable.
The bag is made from a thick, sturdy nylon material. The padded shoulder straps, although not particularly wide, are surprisingly comfortable. While I don't typically carry it on my back for extended periods, the padding provides good support.
Compartmentalization and Organization
The Shimano Blackmoon bag boasts four main compartments – two side pockets, and two larger central compartments. The side pockets are cleverly designed, with one featuring spool carriers and line storage. The other side pocket offers elastic straps for securing rods.
The main compartments provide ample space. The top compartment is perfect for soft plastics, though I prefer using Ziploc bags for better organization. The bottom compartment features removable trays, offering great flexibility in organization.
Waterproof Features and Additional Pockets
The bag includes a removable waterproof cover, a thoughtful feature for protection against unexpected rain. While the main zippers aren't waterproof, the cover keeps the contents dry. I've never experienced rusting, even without using the cover.
A number of smaller pockets are strategically placed throughout the bag. The side pockets are particularly useful for small accessories like pliers. The large main compartments have additional pockets for further organization, allowing for a streamlined fishing experience.
Tray System and Removable Bottom
The bag comes with four 3600-sized Plano boxes. These are not waterproof, but I've had no issues with rust. The boxes are easily accessible and well-organized. The top compartment's bottom is removable, creating one large compartment when removed.
Removing the bottom of the top compartment offers flexibility but can cause the compartment to sag when heavily loaded. This may make accessing items at the bottom slightly more difficult. Despite this minor drawback, the overall organizational capabilities of the tray system are exceptional.
Final Verdict
The Shimano Blackmoon bag is a robust and well-organized option for anglers who prefer carrying their tackle. Its durable construction and thoughtful design make it a solid choice, despite the weight when fully loaded. The removable cover and numerous pockets enhance convenience.
While the removable bottom offers flexibility, it does impact the compartment's stability when heavily loaded. Overall, the bag's pros outweigh its cons for me. It provides ample storage and excellent organization, making it a reliable companion for my fishing trips.