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Plano 35102-6 Rod Case Review
Our verdict
The Plano 35102-6 Rod Case costs $75.81 and holds a 4.5-star average across 313 reviews, a smaller but still solid track record behind its foam-lined build and Tan/Black finish, though its 50+ bought-last-month figure is the lowest demand signal among the four cases compared here.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Anglers who want Plano's foam-lined protection and a 4.5-star rating without paying the $89.99 asked for the 458800, and who don't mind a smaller, 313-review sample backing that rating.
Skip if
Skip it if recent demand matters to you, since its 50+ bought-last-month figure trails the 458800's 700+, the Booms's 500+, and the Foldable's 200+ by a wide margin, all at lower or comparable prices.
- Material Foam
- Weight 0.1 Kilograms
- Size One Size
- Color Tan, Black
- Pieces 1.0 Count
- Feature PLANO 351026 Fishing Rod Stand
- Priced 117% above the category median ($35.00 across 17 tracked models)
Our scorecard
4.4/5
overall
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Owner rating4.5/5
4.5 average across 313 owner ratings
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Popularity2.9/5
313 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other fishing gear and tackle we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
Foam lining inside a rod case is meant to cushion gear rather than just contain it, and the Plano 35102-6 Rod Case builds around that idea at $75.81, a step down from its sibling, the 458800, at $89.99.
Its 4.5-star average across 313 reviews sits just behind the 458800's 4.6 stars over 1,377 reviews, but ahead of the Booms's 4.4 stars over 1,070 reviews and the Foldable ENTBA01BA's 4.3 stars over 601 reviews. Where the 35102-6 falls behind is recent demand: its 50+ bought-last-month figure is the lowest of the four cases here, well under the 458800's 700+, the Booms's 500+, and even the budget Foldable's 200+.
At 0.1 kilograms listed weight, far lighter than the 458800's 7.25 pounds, and finished in Tan and Black rather than plain black, the 35102-6 reads as a lighter, foam-cushioned alternative to its pricier sibling. The strong star rating suggests satisfied buyers, but the low recent purchase volume is worth noting for anyone using sales pace as a signal of current popularity.
Pros
- Solid 4.5-star average across 313 reviews, second-highest rating in this comparison.
- Foam lining offers cushioned protection distinct from the rigid polypropylene 458800 or fabric Booms case.
- Tan and Black color option stands out from the mostly black cases nearby.
- Priced $14.18 below the Plano 458800 while sharing the same Plano brand reputation.
- Listed at 0.1 kilograms, notably lighter than the 458800's 7.25-pound build.
Cons
- Lowest bought-last-month figure of the four cases compared, at 50+ versus up to 700+.
- 313 total reviews is far fewer than the 458800's 1,377 or the Booms's 1,070.
- At $75.81, still costs far more than the Foldable ENTBA01BA's $9.90 or the Booms's $26.99.
- Foam construction may offer less structural rigidity than a hard polypropylene shell.
Specifications
| Material | Foam |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.1 Kilograms |
| Size | One Size |
| Color | Tan, Black |
| Pieces | 1.0 Count |
| Feature | PLANO 351026 Fishing Rod Stand |
Performance notes
Foam lining is generally used to cushion rods and reels against knocks during transport rather than to provide the rigid outer shell that polypropylene offers, which likely explains why the 35102-6 is listed at a fraction of the 458800's 7.25-pound weight. That lighter build can make the case easier to carry over longer distances, though it may flex more than a hard-shell design under pressure. The Tan and Black color scheme is a visual difference from the plain black 458800 and Booms cases, which may matter for buyers who want their gear to stand out or blend in differently. At $75.81, the pricing sits between the budget Foldable case and the premium 458800, positioning it as a mid-tier, protection-focused option within the Plano lineup.
What buyers say
A 4.5-star average across 313 reviews is a strong rating, trailing only the 458800's 4.6 stars in this comparison and beating both the Booms and Foldable cases. But the review count is the second-smallest here, and the 50+ bought-last-month figure is the lowest of the four, suggesting slower current sales even as existing buyers remain largely satisfied. That pattern, a high rating paired with lower recent volume, can mean a well-regarded but less actively promoted or less visible listing right now, rather than any decline in product quality. Buyers focused purely on satisfaction rate should find the rating reassuring even if recent purchase momentum lags the rest of the group.
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Frequently asked questions
What color options does the Plano 35102-6 Rod Case come in?
It is listed in Tan and Black, a different look from the solid black finish on the 458800 and Booms cases in this comparison, though the core foam-lined protective function stays the same.
How does the Plano 35102-6 compare to the Plano 458800?
The 35102-6 costs $75.81 versus $89.99 for the 458800, and rates slightly lower at 4.5 stars over 313 reviews compared to 4.6 over 1,377, with a much lower 50+ bought-last-month figure against the 458800's 700+.
Is foam or polypropylene better for a rod case?
Foam, used in the 35102-6, tends to cushion gear and keep weight down, while polypropylene, used in the 458800, offers a more rigid outer shell. The choice depends on whether cushioning or structural protection matters more for your travel needs.