In this case, yes. The plastics used in my 3D printed products are as strong or stronger than the materials used to manufacture injection molded parts. The difference is that where molded plastic is equally strong in all directions, the layer-line boundaries create anisotropy, which is a fancy way to say that the layer-to-layer bonds aren't as strong as the material itself.

To deal with this, I print with very thick, very heavy walls. If the product breaks, it will undoubtedly break at a layer line. But for the most part if you whack it hard enough to break it, a molded product would have cracked too.

I have no hesitation putting my Sage rods and Abel reels in these cases.

Inherent to the manufacturing process is a very finely "ribbed" aesthetic formed as each layer lays down on the next. It's actually a pretty good look if you ask me, but it will not be smooth in the way that a molded product is.

More importantly, note that while the technology is really, really good at this point, there are frequently little glitches with printing that can create cosmetic defects.

I will never knowingly ship a product that has a defect that impacts strength or performance. If you receive a product with a defect of that type I will replace it, no questions asked.

That said, when there are cosmetic issues I have to make a judgement call. I take pride in my products and won't ship you something that's ugly, but I don't want to waste plastic, either. Your product may have minor cosmetic issues. I hope you understand.

Making molds is really expensive. That drives up the cost to you. It also locks in a specific design with whatever unforeseen problems it may include.

By 3D printing I'm able to dramatically reduce costs and pass that along to you. I'm also able to continually incorporate new learnings and ideas to the product at essentially zero cost.

In sum, by 3D printing I'm able to both offer products at a much better value to you and, in some cases, products that could never be economically viable if they were molded.

The honest answer is "it depends." For commonly ordered items I do my best to carry a little pre-manufactured inventory, and if your order falls into that category your item could ship the same day you order it.

At the other extreme, you may have placed an order for a filament I've run out of and need to reorder, which could mean it's a week or so before things go out the door.

Ultimately, most orders are printed-to-order and generally ship within 2-4 days.

We currently ship throughout the United States. For international orders, get in touch and we'll see what we can do.

USPS is our preferred provider.

Rod Carriers:

Unused carriers in original condition may be returned within 30 days.

Black and gray carriers are eligible for a full refund (less shipping).

Other colors are subject to a 20% restocking fee.

Reach out before sending anything back.

Send us a photo within a week of delivery and we'll make it right — replacement parts, a full replacement, or a refund, your call.

Yes. We print in ASA, which is engineered to hold up to sun and weather as well or better than pretty much any plastic out there, 3D printed or otherwise.

For the most part, cleaning is not required.

Saltwater fishermen who have metal-tubed carriers should rinse off salt the same as with any other product.

If you want to deep clean the plastic components, use dish soap and water with a gentle rag. You can also use isopropyl alcohol. Do not use strong solvents such as acetone as it will attack the plastic.

We chose to use a combination lock because it allows people to install multiple units without the complexity of trying to get them all keyed the same. And, of course, you'll never lose your key.

Another benefit is that if you leave the combination "unlocked" you can use it as non-locking latch during the day as you move from spot to spot.

That said, we've heard from people that want a keyed system.

Any standard, 1-1/8" cabinet lock should work, and the swap is pretty quick. I've decided not to recommend a particular lock, but if you decide to do this and run into issues I'm happy to help get things working.

I'm obviously a bit biased, but ... yes.

I've now sold nearly 100 of these to fishermen all over the United States. I've never received a disappointed report or a review of less than five stars, and I intend to keep it that way if I can.

You do need to put in a little more effort to get it set up, but what you end up with is a quality product that should last for years. And really, wouldn't you rather spend the difference on another rod to put IN the carrier? Or new waders? Or anything else that actually makes a difference on the water?

Most products have configuration options — color, size, or add-ons — selectable on the product page. For something fully custom, email us and we'll see what's possible.

If it hasn't been printed or shipped yet, yes. Get in touch as soon as you can and we'll take care of you.

Email is the fastest way to reach me.

ben@mitchellpacific.com

It's not a bad idea to include a phone number so I can call you if needed to discuss your issue.

I typically reply within one business day.