Comparing Fly Rod Roof Racks
Riversmith River Quiver vs. Other Rod Boxes & Rod Vaults Comparison Description
Security
When designing the River Quiver, security was something we did not want to take lightly. We wanted to make sure people would feel comfortable leaving their fly rods in our fly rod roof rack. Having a full tongue and groove pattern on the reel box makes it impossible to pry open with a tool or hand pressure when in the locked position. When looking at other Rod Vaults, we were able to pry open the reel box in the locked position using just our hands (see video). There is no tongue and groove to their design, allowing a screwdriver to get inside the box when locked.
The River Quiver also features a thru-bolted coupler at the joint of the two aluminum extrusions so that the bolts pass through the tubes. Even if the through bolts loosen, they will still hold the two extrusions together, preventing detachment of the forward extrusion. Other rod boxes use clamps, which rely only on friction to connect the tubes; with no thru-bolts or tether to secure the extrusions in case of bolt loosening (see video).
The River Quiver reel box is designed with an AES-based styrene polymer, which is virtually indestructible and highly resistant to UV degradation. They are molded in high-quality molds that impart a smooth and highly finished surface that looks professional and is a complement to your vehicle. Other roof rod reel boxes may have a dull surface or even exposed molding marks (see video).
Versatility
The River Quiver is available in two lengths: regular 10’4” capacity and extended 11’4” capacity that will handle long euro nymphing rods. Most rod vaults on the market are only one length (either that, or they tend to bow at the telescoping points). River Quivers hold rods and reels up to 12 weight, allowing users to carry their entire collection. Most rooftop fly rod boxes cannot handle 12 weights, and even 6 weights are a tight squeeze (see video). Our thought process on creating a bigger reel box was to make sure you could put any rod you own in your River Quiver. We did not want people to run into an issue where they are only able to put smaller rods and reels in the River Quiver, but still need to rig their 10-weight when they get to the river/ocean. This clearly defeats the purpose of owning a fly rod roof rack.
Ease of Use
The River Quiver is designed with a side swinging door, allowing for easier opening and closing when mounted on top of your vehicle (see video). Other rod vaults have a top swing door, which requires more height and reach to open and close. We understand, especially on SUV’s and trucks, that there is added height on top of the vehicle with a fly rod roof rack. The extra height is why we wanted to equip our customers with a more user-friendly door design that prevents them from having to reach higher than the product itself to open and close. The River Quiver has an ingenious door hinge design that features an indent or gentle resistance mechanism that holds the door open in the wind. At the same time, the door only requires a gentle, yet consistent, push to close. Other rooftop rod carriers have a top hinge and no resistance. The top swinging door design can lead to accidental slams and potentially damaged rods, hands, and fingers (see video).
Design Quality
The River Quiver uses custom-designed and manufactured double-barrel aluminum extrusions that are strong, stiff, and lightweight. The River Quiver construction also prevents air and wind from whistling while driving. Other rod carriers use straight round pipe with multiple large gaps. The River Quiver looks sleek, refined, and built for a specific purpose. It is a complement to any vehicle, and you will be proud to own it for years to come.
Color Options
The River Quiver comes in Silver, Black, Gun Metal, Sage Green, and "DeYoung Brown Trout" to accommodate anyone's preferences and vehicle colors. Other rod vaults are only available in silver or black. Several color options allow customers to make their rig look the way they want it to!
Locked and Loaded Warranty
Riversmith is proud of our top-notch workmanship and professional-grade materials. Read our full River Quiver Product Warranty for more information.