Let’s Talk About Allen Competitor Over-Under Molded Hull Bag
As an avid shotgun shooter, both recreationally and in various competitive disciplines, I’m always on the lookout for gear that streamlines the process. That’s why the Allen Competitor Over-Under Molded Hull Bag caught my eye. Made by Allen, this bag promises to keep your spent shells organized while providing convenient access to your fresh rounds, all in a compact and durable package.
I was tired of juggling loose shells and picking up empties from the ground between rounds. I needed a dedicated system that would help me maintain focus and pace during trap and skeet events. The Allen Competitor Over-Under Molded Hull Bag seemed like the perfect solution to this problem, offering a dedicated space for both live and spent rounds.
Upon unboxing, the Allen Competitor Over-Under Molded Hull Bag felt surprisingly robust. The molded EVA pocket for the shell box felt very durable, and the canvas hull compartment looked like it could withstand some serious use. My initial impression was positive; it felt like a well-thought-out and functional piece of gear.
I considered a couple of other options, including a generic canvas shell bag and a more expensive leather hull pouch. I chose the Allen Competitor Over-Under Molded Hull Bag because it seemed to offer the best balance of functionality, durability, and price. The molded shell box holder and the dedicated hull compartment were the deciding factors.
I was cautiously optimistic. The design seemed practical, but I was eager to see how it performed in real-world conditions. Would it be comfortable to wear? Would the hull compartment hold enough spent shells? Would the magnetic closure hold up to the rigors of the shooting range? Only time and testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Allen Competitor Over-Under Molded Hull Bag to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Allen Competitor Over-Under Molded Hull Bag to my local shooting range for a round of trap shooting. I tested it on a sunny day, but with a bit of wind. The bag was very helpful in organizing my shells.
The bag performed well, although the magnetic closure took a little getting used to. The shell box holder kept my shells easily accessible, and the hull compartment held a surprisingly large number of empties. I didn’t encounter any issues with the D-rings or elastic loops.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Allen Competitor Over-Under Molded Hull Bag has proven to be a reliable and useful piece of gear. It’s become an integral part of my shooting range setup. I continue to use it to this day.
The bag shows no signs of wear and tear, despite being exposed to dust, dirt, and the occasional splash of rain. The canvas material is surprisingly tough, and the molded EVA pocket has held its shape perfectly. Cleaning is a breeze, a quick wipe with a damp cloth is all it takes to keep it looking new. It has definitely exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and ease of maintenance.
Breaking Down the Features of Allen Competitor Over-Under Molded Hull Bag
Specifications
- The Allen Competitor Over-Under Molded Hull Bag is designed for 12 gauge shells. This is important for compatibility; using it with other gauges would be impractical.
- The bag measures 11 inches in length and 21 inches in height. These dimensions are important for understanding the bag’s capacity and how it will fit on your belt.
- It is made from a durable shell fabric and features a molded EVA pocket. These materials offer a balance of durability and weather resistance.
- The color is Gray/Red. This color scheme is distinctive and helps with visibility.
- The bag is designed to hold one standard box of 2-3/4 inch 12 gauge shells and at least 100 empty shells. Knowing the capacity is crucial for planning your shooting sessions.
These specifications are important because they dictate the bag’s compatibility, capacity, durability, and overall functionality. Understanding these aspects will help you determine whether the Allen Competitor Over-Under Molded Hull Bag is the right choice for your needs.
Performance & Functionality
The Allen Competitor Over-Under Molded Hull Bag performs its intended function effectively. It keeps my shells organized, provides quick access to fresh rounds, and offers a convenient way to collect spent hulls. The bag does a good job and I have never had issues with it.
The magnetic closure could be stronger, especially when the hull compartment is full. A stronger magnet would provide a more secure seal and prevent accidental spills. The D-rings and elastic loops are useful additions, but could be more robust. Overall, though, the bag meets expectations and provides a noticeable improvement over juggling loose shells.
Design & Ergonomics
The bag’s design is well-thought-out, with the molded shell box holder providing a secure and easily accessible storage space. The slight curve of the bag allows it to sit comfortably against the hip. It is not bulky, nor does it get in the way.
The web belt loops accommodate most standard belts, but could be wider to accommodate tactical belts. The magnetic closure, while convenient, can be a bit fiddly, especially with gloves on. There is minimal learning curve as it is easy to figure out right out of the box.
Durability & Maintenance
The Allen Competitor Over-Under Molded Hull Bag appears to be built to last, with durable materials and reinforced stitching. The shell fabric is resistant to tearing and abrasion, and the molded EVA pocket provides excellent protection for the shell box. The bag will likely last for years with proper care.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The canvas material is easy to wipe down, and the molded EVA pocket can be easily rinsed. The bag requires minimal effort to keep in good condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Allen Competitor Over-Under Molded Hull Bag comes with two D-rings for attaching accessories and four elastic loops for shells or choke tubes. These features allow you to customize the bag to your specific needs and preferences. These customization options help to tailor the bag to individual needs.
The bag is compatible with most standard belts, but may not work with wider tactical belts. There are no additional customization options available from Allen, but third-party accessories, such as carabiners and choke tube cases, can be easily added. There are many ways to add accessories to the Allen Competitor Over-Under Molded Hull Bag.
Pros and Cons of Allen Competitor Over-Under Molded Hull Bag
Pros
- Affordable price point: Offers great value for the money.
- Durable construction: Built to withstand regular use.
- Convenient design: Keeps shells organized and easily accessible.
- Ample capacity: Holds a full box of shells and at least 100 spent hulls.
- Comfortable to wear: Sits nicely against the hip.
Cons
- Magnetic closure could be stronger.
- Web belt loops could be wider.
Who Should Buy Allen Competitor Over-Under Molded Hull Bag?
The Allen Competitor Over-Under Molded Hull Bag is perfect for:
- Trap and skeet shooters.
- Sporting clays enthusiasts.
- Recreational shotgun shooters.
- Hunters who prefer to carry shells on their belt.
This product is not ideal for:
- Shooters who need to carry multiple boxes of shells.
- Those who require a fully waterproof shell bag.
Must-have accessories or modifications:
- A stronger magnet for the closure.
- A wider belt loop for tactical belts.
Conclusion on Allen Competitor Over-Under Molded Hull Bag
The Allen Competitor Over-Under Molded Hull Bag is a well-designed and functional piece of gear that offers excellent value for the money. Its durable construction, convenient design, and ample capacity make it a great choice for shotgun shooters of all levels. This is one of the highest-quality shell bags available.
At a price of $43.75, the Allen Competitor Over-Under Molded Hull Bag is a justified investment for anyone looking to streamline their shooting experience. It’s a noticeable improvement over juggling loose shells and picking up empties from the ground. The price is well justified for the product.
I would definitely recommend the Allen Competitor Over-Under Molded Hull Bag to anyone looking for a convenient and affordable way to carry and organize their shotgun shells. It’s a simple but effective piece of gear that will make your time at the range or in the field more enjoyable. Buy it, you won’t regret it!
