Let’s Dive into Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack
The Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack isn’t just another tackle box; it’s a thoughtfully designed system for anglers serious about organization and efficiency. From Plano, a name synonymous with quality tackle storage, this box promises to keep your gear secure, accessible, and ready for action. Its combination of StowAway utility boxes, spinnerbait racks, and bulk storage makes it stand out in a crowded market.
What led me to the Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack? Frustration. I was tired of rummaging through a chaotic mess of lures and tackle every time I hit the water. I needed a system that could handle a variety of gear and keep it organized, so I could spend more time fishing and less time searching.
Unboxing the Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack was a pleasant surprise. It felt sturdy and well-made, not flimsy or cheap. The over-molded handle provided a comfortable grip, and the DuraView cover on the top access compartment was a nice touch.
Compared to my old generic tackle box and a smaller Flambeau hard case, the Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack offered a significant upgrade in terms of organization and capacity. The Flambeau was too small, and my old box was just a black hole. The Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack offered a much better solution than those other alternatives.
My first impression was excitement mixed with a bit of overwhelm. I was excited about the possibilities for organization, but a little daunted by the task of figuring out the best way to arrange my gear. I had a good feeling about its functionality and how it would impact my experience while fishing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack on a weekend fishing trip to a local reservoir known for its bass and crappie. The weather was typical for early spring – cool and damp, with a chance of rain. It was the perfect opportunity to see how it would perform in less-than-ideal conditions.
The Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack performed admirably. The top-access compartment was incredibly convenient for quickly grabbing essential items like my pliers, line clippers, and extra hooks. Even with damp hands, the over-molded handle provided a secure grip, preventing any accidental slips.
The box was easy to use right out of the box. I had pre-organized my gear into the StowAway utility boxes, and the spinnerbait racks kept my favorite lures readily accessible. The system made it easy to grab the right lure, swap it out, and get back to fishing without fumbling.
The only minor issue I encountered was that the lid could be a bit stiff to close at first, particularly in the colder temperatures. It loosened up with use, and it wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it was something I noticed. I found that to be the only surprise during my first time using it.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack has proven to be a reliable and durable companion on my fishing adventures. It’s seen everything from calm lake days to rough river trips, and it’s held up remarkably well.
The box shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The plastic is sturdy and resistant to cracking or breaking, even after being tossed around in the back of my truck and banged against rocks on the shoreline. The ProLatch closures on the StowAway boxes remain secure and haven’t shown any signs of weakening.
Cleaning and maintaining the Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack is a breeze. A quick rinse with water and a wipe-down with a cloth is usually all it takes to remove dirt, mud, and fish slime. The plastic is resistant to staining, and the dividers in the StowAway boxes are easily removable for thorough cleaning.
Compared to my previous tackle storage solutions, the Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack is a clear winner. It’s more organized, more durable, and more convenient to use. This box has exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack
Specifications
The Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack boasts the following specifications:
- Dimensions: 21.25″ x 12″ x 12″. This provides ample storage without being overly bulky.
- Includes: Four 2-3701 utility boxes and one 2-3500 StowAway utility box. These provide ample space for various types of tackle and gear.
- Features: Three top-access removable spinnerbait racks. This allows for quick and easy access to spinnerbaits.
- Storage: Spacious bulk storage. This area is beneath the lid for larger items or additional utility boxes.
- Cover: See-through DuraView cover. This is on the top-access compartment for easy viewing of contents.
These specifications are important because they contribute to the overall functionality and user experience of the tackle box. The size is a good balance between capacity and portability, while the included StowAway boxes and spinnerbait racks promote organization. The DuraView cover ensures that you can quickly identify the contents of the top compartment without having to open it.
Performance & Functionality
The Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack excels at its primary job: organizing and storing fishing tackle. The StowAway utility boxes are perfect for separating different types of lures, hooks, weights, and other small items. The spinnerbait racks keep those often-used lures readily accessible.
The spacious bulk storage compartment is ideal for larger items like spools of line, rain gear, or extra tools. The top-access feature is incredibly convenient for quickly grabbing essential items without having to open the entire box. The Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack exceeds expectations in performance and functionality.
One minor weakness is that the plastic dividers in the StowAway boxes can sometimes shift during transport, causing items to mix. This can be easily remedied by adding small pieces of foam or cardboard to secure the dividers. However, this is a small compromise for the overall organizational benefits.
Design & Ergonomics
The Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack is designed with the angler in mind. The build quality is excellent, with durable plastic construction and sturdy ProLatch closures. The over-molded handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when the box is fully loaded.
The design is intuitive and user-friendly, with clearly defined compartments and easy-to-access storage areas. There’s virtually no learning curve involved – simply load your gear and go. The Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack is built to last. The durable plastic construction can withstand the rigors of regular use, and the ProLatch closures are designed to withstand repeated opening and closing. With proper care, this tackle box should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple. Just keep it clean and dry. A quick rinse with water and a wipe-down with a cloth is usually all it takes to keep it in good condition. The plastic is resistant to staining and fading, so it will continue to look good even after years of exposure to the elements.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack comes with four 2-3701 utility boxes and one 2-3500 StowAway utility box, providing a good starting point for organizing your tackle. You can purchase additional StowAway boxes in various sizes and configurations to further customize your storage system. The Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack is a highly customizable tackle system.
While the Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack is primarily designed for use with Plano accessories, it’s compatible with similar-sized utility boxes from other brands. This gives you even more flexibility in customizing your storage system to meet your specific needs. However, for best fit and security, Plano branded StowAways are ideal.
Pros and Cons of Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack
Pros
- Excellent organization: The StowAway utility boxes and spinnerbait racks provide a systematic way to store and access your tackle.
- Durable construction: The plastic is sturdy and resistant to cracking or breaking, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Convenient top-access: The top-access compartment allows you to quickly grab essential items without opening the entire box.
- Comfortable handle: The over-molded handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, even when the box is fully loaded.
- Ample storage: The combination of utility boxes, spinnerbait racks, and bulk storage provides plenty of room for all your fishing gear.
Cons
- The plastic dividers in the StowAway boxes can sometimes shift during transport, allowing items to mix.
- The lid can be a bit stiff to close at first, particularly in colder temperatures.
Who Should Buy Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack?
The Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack is perfect for anglers of all skill levels who value organization and efficiency. It’s particularly well-suited for bass fishermen, crappie anglers, and anyone who uses a variety of lures and tackle. The Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack is ideal for well-organized anglers.
This product might not be the best choice for minimalist anglers who only carry a few basic lures and tackle. It’s also overkill for occasional anglers who only fish a few times a year. It’s designed for those who need to carry an arsenal of gear and want to keep it well-organized.
A must-have accessory for the Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack is additional Plano StowAway utility boxes. Consider purchasing a variety of sizes and configurations to further customize your storage system and maximize its organizational potential. This will further optimize the Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack to its maximum potential.
Conclusion on Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack
Overall, the Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack is an excellent tackle storage system that offers a winning combination of organization, durability, and convenience. It’s thoughtfully designed with the angler in mind, and it delivers on its promise of keeping your gear secure, accessible, and ready for action. The Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack is an excellent option for organized tackle storage.
At $99.99, the price is justified by the quality of the materials, the thoughtful design, and the overall functionality of the product. It’s an investment that will pay off in the long run by helping you stay organized, efficient, and ready to catch fish.
I would highly recommend the Plano Pro StowAway w/ Rack to any angler who is looking to upgrade their tackle storage system. It’s a well-designed, durable, and convenient solution that will help you spend more time fishing and less time fumbling with your gear. Get yours today and experience the difference that a well-organized tackle box can make!