Let’s Talk About Allen Competitor All-In-One Molded Shooting Bag
The Allen Competitor All-In-One Molded Shooting Bag promises a streamlined experience for trap and skeet shooters, consolidating shell storage and spent hull management into one convenient package. Manufactured by Allen, this bag aims to solve the age-old problem of juggling shell boxes and loose hulls at the range. This all-in-one design, coupled with its molded EVA construction, immediately caught my attention as a potential upgrade to my current haphazard setup.
I was tired of using a mismatched collection of pouches and buckets for my shotgun shells and spent hulls. I needed something organized, durable, and easy to carry. The Allen Competitor All-In-One Molded Shooting Bag, with its dedicated compartments and belt, seemed like the perfect solution.
Upon unboxing, the bag felt surprisingly sturdy. The molded EVA material feels solid and well-shaped, and the zippers operated smoothly. The gray and red color scheme is understated and professional, a welcome departure from some of the garish tactical gear out there.
Compared to a traditional canvas shell bag with a separate hull pouch, the Allen Competitor All-In-One Molded Shooting Bag offered a more integrated solution. I considered a dedicated range bag with multiple pockets, but those can become bulky and disorganized quickly. This bag seemed to strike a good balance between capacity and portability.
My first impression was positive; I was excited to put it through its paces at the range. The bag felt well-made and thoughtfully designed, and I was eager to see if it could live up to its “all-in-one” promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Allen Competitor All-In-One Molded Shooting Bag to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Allen Competitor All-In-One Molded Shooting Bag at my local sporting clays range. The weather was sunny and mild, a perfect day for shooting. I loaded two boxes of 12-gauge shells into the main compartment and placed my choke tubes and wrench in the zippered side pockets.
The bag performed admirably during my initial outing. It kept my shells organized and easily accessible, and the removable hull bag made emptying spent shells a breeze. The belt was comfortable and secure, allowing me to move freely between stations without worrying about the bag shifting.
I did notice that the molded EVA material could get a little warm against my body in the sun. Additionally, the zippers on the side pockets felt a bit stiff at first. Despite these minor issues, the bag functioned as intended and significantly improved my shooting experience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Allen Competitor All-In-One Molded Shooting Bag has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of tears or fraying, and the zippers have loosened up and operate smoothly. The molded EVA material has retained its shape and shows no signs of degradation.
The bag has proven to be quite durable. I’ve used it in various conditions, from sunny days to light rain, and it has consistently performed well. The material is easy to wipe clean, and the removable hull bag can be washed separately.
Compared to my previous setup of using a basic shell pouch and a separate bucket for hulls, the Allen Competitor All-In-One Molded Shooting Bag is a significant upgrade. It’s more organized, more comfortable to carry, and more durable than my previous setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Allen Competitor All-In-One Molded Shooting Bag
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Allen
- Color: Gray/Red
- Fabric/Material: EVA
- Size: 12 Gauge
- Length: 9 in
- Width: 13 in
- Height: 3 in
These specifications translate to a lightweight and durable bag perfectly sized for trap and skeet shooting. The EVA material provides excellent impact resistance and water resistance, ensuring the shells and accessories remain protected. The size is ample enough to hold two boxes of shells and various small items, while remaining compact and easy to carry.
Performance & Functionality
The Allen Competitor All-In-One Molded Shooting Bag excels at its primary function: organizing and carrying shotgun shells and spent hulls. The main compartment easily holds two boxes of 12-gauge shells, and the side pockets provide ample storage for accessories. The removable hull bag is a clever design that makes emptying spent shells quick and easy.
The bag’s strengths lie in its simplicity, durability, and ease of use. However, the limited storage capacity might be a drawback for some shooters who carry a large number of accessories. The quick-release buckle on the belt is a nice touch, but the belt itself could be wider for added comfort.
Overall, the bag meets and exceeds my expectations for a dedicated shooting bag. It’s well-made, thoughtfully designed, and performs its intended function admirably.
Design & Ergonomics
The molded EVA construction provides a rigid structure that protects the contents of the bag. The bag is lightweight and comfortable to carry, thanks to the adjustable webbed belt. The gray and red color scheme is understated and professional.
The bag is incredibly user-friendly. The layout is intuitive, and the removable hull bag is a brilliant design. There’s virtually no learning curve; it’s ready to use right out of the box.
Durability & Maintenance
The Allen Competitor All-In-One Molded Shooting Bag is built to last. The molded EVA material is incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear. The zippers are sturdy and reliable.
The bag is easy to maintain. The material can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, and the removable hull bag can be machine-washed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The bag comes with a 2-inch webbed belt that adjusts up to 52 inches and features a heavy-duty, metal, quick-release buckle. There are no other included accessories or customization options.
While the bag is primarily designed for carrying shells and hulls, the D-rings on each side provide attachment points for accessories like towels or safety glasses. The bag is compatible with any standard belt clip accessories.
Pros and Cons of Allen Competitor All-In-One Molded Shooting Bag
Pros
- Durable Molded EVA Construction: Provides excellent protection for shells and accessories.
- Removable Hull Bag: Makes emptying spent shells quick and easy.
- Convenient All-In-One Design: Streamlines shell and hull management at the range.
- Adjustable Webbed Belt: Ensures a comfortable and secure fit.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry and store.
Cons
- Limited Storage Capacity: Side pockets may not be sufficient for all accessories.
- Belt Could Be Wider: A wider belt would provide added comfort during extended use.
Who Should Buy Allen Competitor All-In-One Molded Shooting Bag?
The Allen Competitor All-In-One Molded Shooting Bag is perfect for trap and skeet shooters, sporting clays enthusiasts, and anyone who regularly shoots shotguns at the range. It’s ideal for those who value organization, durability, and ease of use.
Those who require a large amount of storage space for multiple boxes of shells, shooting vests, or other bulky items might want to consider a larger range bag. Someone seeking extensive customization options should also look at different options.
A must-have accessory for this bag would be a small cleaning kit for your shotgun. You might also consider adding a comfortable shooting glove to protect your hand.
Conclusion on Allen Competitor All-In-One Molded Shooting Bag
The Allen Competitor All-In-One Molded Shooting Bag is a well-designed and durable accessory that simplifies shell and hull management at the range. Its all-in-one design, removable hull bag, and sturdy construction make it a worthwhile investment for any shotgun shooter.
At $55.99, the price is justified considering the bag’s quality and functionality. It offers excellent value for money compared to purchasing separate shell pouches and hull collectors.
I would definitely recommend the Allen Competitor All-In-One Molded Shooting Bag to anyone looking for a convenient and reliable way to carry their shotgun shells and manage their spent hulls. Upgrade your shooting experience today!