First impression? This thing looks like a medieval torture device. ABS plastic feels indestructible—dropped it on my boat deck twice, zero scratches. The padding? Thick enough to make my couch jealous.

That 360° rod holder is witchcraft. Fought a stubborn tarpon for 45 mins—rod moved smoother than my ex’s excuses. But pro tip: practice adjustments at home. First time wearing it, I fumbled like a octopus in a mosh pit.

Surf fishing revelation! Used to wrestle my 12-footer like a jousting lance. Now? Lean back and reel like I’m in a La-Z-Boy. Though after 6 hours, the padding starts feeling like a brick (hence the 4 stars).

Belt buckle deserves its own review. Survived saltwater baths but adjusting mid-fight requires Jedi focus. Modified mine with PVC pipe for rod swaps—works like a charm for different setups.

Final verdict: If fishing belts had a WWE division, this would be mid-card champ—affordable, reliable, occasionally awkward. Not perfect, but catches more fish than my excuses.