Prices of Surf Bags

[Vogt]

I got sick and tired of killing every bag that I bought. Aquaskinz was destroyed in less than two months. Had it repairded, then destroyed it again. Next was Bronko, which lasted a bit longer, but also ripped apart.

I certainly dont consider myself an "Orvis Catalog" surfcaster. I have gear that works. I can get away with $150 waders and $50 wetsuits, but as far as bags go it seems that $100 doesnt get you that great of a product.

I fish hard. On average I would say 4 nights a week. My gear, including my bag, is completely submerged 80% of the time. Not to mention, getting slammed into rocks, etc... I needed a bag that would stand up to heavy abuse.

And BTW ... You ceretainly dont need to spend $600 to get a good sturdy bag.

[Spiderman]

The $600 bag was probably the Hunter bag that originally retailed for $350 before all these upstart bag makers in the last couple of years. Hunter made excellent bags before closing shop. I hear he is preparing to open again. Anyway he amassed a big following and a longer waiting list for the only true custom bag available. Part of that $600 price is the collectible aspect i guess.
There are many quality custom bags available now for around $300. I've seen the Commando and it is a nice bag. The nice thing about most of these new lure bag makers is they are built 1 at a time and are true custom bags. If you want extra buck tail slots or a pork rind bottle holder, belt clips or even a flap that opens the opposite way you can get it that way.
I have several bags including Coastal and the original black Van Staal that are close to 20 years and still going strong. A good bag is worth the price. I hate when my gear falls apart or a manufacturer does not stand behind their product.
Some dont really need it but if you swim or fish hard buy the best you can afford. If you get tossed by a wave and lose all your plugs you will wish you had that extra velcro to keep it closed.
By the way most of the ideas in these new bags came from Steve Campo down here on Long Island who sold a few of his hand stitched bags for $500 over 20 years ago.