Review by Fisherman Magazine, Summer 2008
"Tech it Out" by Jim Hutchinson, Jr.

PRECISONPAK
PrecisionPak bags have been around – believe it or not – since 1986, when the company was first started by an avid angler and a pair of his fishing partners. Funny enough, PrecisionPak’s first popular product release over two decades ago upon first entering the industry wasn’t a tackle bag or rod case, but instead was the now ever-present soft cooler bag. The rest of that story, as they say, is history.

Today, PrecisionPak continues to set new trends for carting and protecting gear, quickly earning a place on East Coast tackle shop shelves everywhere due to the company’s attention to design detail and overall durability, with pure fisherman function and performance integrated throughout every PrecisionPak product, all at a reasonable price.

Take for example the company’s most recent lineup of plug bags, the Ocean Shield Midnight series. Picking up where PrecisionPak’s original Ocean Shield series left off, the Ocean Shield Midnight (OSM) series bags offer more pockets and storage contraptions for the nightshift angler, including an adjustable tool holder that’s just perfect for storing your Evolution Econo Scale or for keeping a spare flashlight.

The Ocean Shield Midnight II (OSM2) is designed for maximum capacity and extra long surf sessions chasing big game. There are two rows of six, 9-inch high plug tubes for 12 slots in all – plus, a third row for another utility box, so you can carry along those big Pikies and a few monster plastics taping out to 11 inches long. Take out the utility compartment and you have room for another six plugs – 18 in all!

This rugged 15” x 6” x 11” OSM2 is the largest of the Midnight series, and like the others is made of 600D Poly and is lined with durable padded PVC. A mesh side pocket provides easy storage and access, while steel grommets offer good drainage when getting immersed and for rinsing down later. It’s an awesome bag to sling over the shoulder at around $90.

If you don’t plan on carrying as much weaponry, the Ocean Shield Midnight III (OSM3) is a fraction of the size and features two rows of five tubes (9 inches tall) complete with the same “third row” utility box feature; remove the box, and you’ve got 15 plug compartments in all. More compact and easier to cart around at 7.5”x4.5”x8” the medium-sized OSM3 features the same heavy-duty construction as the large bag, but retails for approximately $15 less.

All that emphasis on icing the catch while protecting the valuable gear -isn’t it good to know that PrecisionPak is looking at the fisherman too? The new Tornado Waterproof Jacket by PrecisionPak is a foul weather top constructed from the toughest materials, designed to meet some of the harshest conditions. The jacket is made from 100 percent nylon-knitted waterproof fabric and with a breathable and lightweight watertight coating. An adjustable storm hood with Velcro-flap helps keep water from getting down inside, while the waterproof zip-p e r (marine grade, resistant to salt, mildew and UV rays) and neoprene cuffs keep you dry and comfortable, cast after cast, fish after fish.

The Tornado Jacket has saved several trips for me thus far this season in conditions that - perhaps in hindsight - could’ve been cut a bit shorter. But why quit when you don’t have to? The PrecisionPak Tornado Waterproof Jacket with front zipper retails for just under $200 in sizes M to XXL, with a XXXL size also available for around $225. Sized a bit on the small side, order larger to provide room for a heavy sweatshirt when the conditions get really snotty this fall. ~ The Fisherman ● June 19, 2008 ~

To see the complete line of PrecisionPak gear and apparel, visit www.precision-pak.com.

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