Plastilite Pool Noodle Review

First Impressions of Plastilite Pool Noodle

The Plastilite Pool Noodle. The name conjures up images of carefree summer days, splashing in cool water, and maybe even a questionable attempt at synchronized swimming. But as a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, seeing this seemingly innocuous item described as “the ideal resource for virtually every fisherman” had me scratching my head. Plastilite, typically known for… well, plastic things, promises this humble floatation device will be a game-changer in the angling world.

I was initially intrigued. What could I possibly have missed about the tactical applications of a pool noodle after all these years of experience? The provided description hinted at “heavy duty and reliable components,” which seemed a bit ambitious for a product typically found bobbing around in chlorinated water. I had to find out what secrets this unassuming cylinder held.

Unboxing the Plastilite Pool Noodle (if you can even call it that; it arrives as is, no fancy packaging), my initial impression was…exactly what I expected. It’s a pool noodle. The color (blue, in my case) was vibrant, and the foam felt relatively dense. But beyond that, it’s difficult to distinguish it from the generic versions littering every discount store in the summer. Its weight of 0.21 oz. (essentially nothing) and length of 56 inches are standard specs.

Compared to other makeshift floatation or gear-protecting solutions, like using closed-cell foam padding or even inflatable buoys, the Plastilite Pool Noodle boasts simplicity and low cost. I’ve often used sections of pipe insulation for similar purposes, but the noodle’s buoyancy-to-weight ratio seemed promising, edging out the others due to its low weight. The Plastilite Pool Noodle seemed to occupy a unique niche between dedicated fishing floats and DIY solutions.

Honestly, my initial reaction was one of amusement mixed with skepticism. Could this be the next great innovation in fishing gear? I was doubtful but certainly eager to explore its potential, although its additional features were listed as “No“.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Plastilite Pool Noodle to the Test

First Use Experience

I decided to put the Plastilite Pool Noodle through its paces during a multi-day kayak fishing trip on a local lake known for its aggressive Northern Pike population. I envisioned using it as a makeshift outrigger for added stability, a buoyant marker for promising fishing spots, and potentially even a protective buffer against rocky shorelines. The weather was variable, ranging from sunny skies to sudden afternoon thunderstorms.

The first test involved using the noodle as a temporary marker for a submerged log pile where I’d had previous success. I simply tied a length of fishing line to the noodle and dropped it overboard. It floated admirably, though the bright blue color did seem a bit unnatural in the murky water. The wind, however, proved to be a significant challenge; the lightweight Plastilite Pool Noodle drifted quickly, making it less precise than I’d hoped.

Using the noodle as a kayak bumper against a rocky shore was more successful, preventing scratches to the kayak’s hull. I did find, however, that the foam compressed easily under pressure. While not permanently damaging, it made me question its long-term durability in such applications. There were no surprises regarding use since it functioned as a standard pool noodle.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Plastilite Pool Noodle in various fishing scenarios, I observed both its strengths and limitations. The noodle retained its buoyancy, even after repeated exposure to water and sunlight. However, the outer surface showed signs of wear, including minor tears and abrasions from contact with rocks and fishing gear.

Cleaning the noodle was straightforward; a simple rinse with fresh water removed most dirt and grime. More stubborn stains required a bit of scrubbing with mild soap. While the Plastilite Pool Noodle did the job, I noticed some compression along its length, especially in areas where it had been used as a bumper or support.

Compared to using dedicated fishing floats or commercially available kayak bumpers, the Plastilite Pool Noodle felt like a compromise. It offered a degree of functionality at a fraction of the cost but lacked the robustness and specialized features of purpose-built equipment. Overall, it performed adequately, but it fell short of being the “ideal resource” as advertised.

Breaking Down the Features of Plastilite Pool Noodle

Specifications

The Plastilite Pool Noodle boasts the following specifications:

• Manufacturer: Plastilite
• Weight: 0.21 oz
• Length: 56 in
• Width: 3.25 in
• Height: 3.25 in
• Additional Features: No

These specifications, while seemingly basic, do have implications for its performance. The incredibly low weight makes it highly portable and easy to deploy in various situations, but also renders it susceptible to wind and current. The 56-inch length provides ample surface area for buoyancy, but also makes it somewhat unwieldy to transport and store compared to smaller, more compact floats.

Performance & Functionality

The Plastilite Pool Noodle performs adequately as a basic floatation device. It successfully kept fishing line and small gear items afloat during testing. However, its lack of specialized features limits its functionality compared to purpose-built fishing accessories.

Its strengths lie in its simplicity and low cost, making it a viable option for anglers on a budget or those seeking a lightweight, temporary solution. The weaknesses are its susceptibility to environmental factors and lack of durability under heavy use. It only meets the most basic expectations of a floatation device.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Plastilite Pool Noodle is, well, cylindrical. The build quality is consistent with standard pool noodles, utilizing closed-cell polyethylene foam. It’s lightweight and easy to handle, but the lack of any ergonomic features makes it less comfortable to use for extended periods.

The design is user-friendly, requiring no setup or specialized knowledge. A young child could effectively use it. However, the simple design also means a limited feature set.

Durability & Maintenance

The lifespan of the Plastilite Pool Noodle depends heavily on usage. With gentle use as a floating marker or bumper in calm waters, it could last for several seasons. However, under more demanding conditions, such as frequent contact with rocks or abrasive surfaces, it will likely succumb to wear and tear within a single season.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with soap and water. Significant damage is difficult to repair due to the nature of the foam. At best, expect a short usage period under tactical conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Plastilite Pool Noodle does not come with any accessories. Customization options are limited only by your creativity and access to duct tape. One could potentially add eyelets or attachment points for securing fishing line or gear.

It is compatible with universal accessories like rope, string, and zip ties. However, it lacks any dedicated attachment points or mounting systems, so it is not compatible with accessories.

Pros and Cons of Plastilite Pool Noodle