H-frames, what do you like and dislike about yours?

Arrie87

Member
Hi all

So thinking of buying an H-frame, my backpack is annoying to get things out of quickly. A frame seems like a good way of accessing more things in my box as well as getting my coolbox out of my hands.

There are quite a few on the market now and would like to get your inputs about what you like or dislike about yours so that I can use it when selecting. And of course any additions that you think are worthwhile to have or would be nice to have.

I will either buy or build my own; building would be ideal as the pensioner I fish with would love one but does not have the cash flow for one. If I can build him one as a gift I would be stoked!
 
The lighter the better the more comfortable padded ones are best..i would suggest making a turn at each tackle shop taking some pictures and learn from each one try fitting them on ur back and see how it feels.. Thats the best way to learn and get inspired by the different designs and turn it into ur own designs..hope this helps.
 

scooter

New member
I have the sq tubing one and remove those plastic holders on the side, It just make the rod sticking out too high. The sq tubing allows you to weld or fit "nice to have's" easier as well.
What I like of this is the rod holder make the shoulder part of the frame a bit wider for those who are wide shoulder. You don't feel it on the shoulder blades.
 

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robyosh

Sealiner
Best one I`ve seen and used for the last 8 years is made by tackle tactics

https://www.facebook.com/TackleTacticsfishingframes/photos/pcb.1350290378492334/1350290335159005

This is the best
 

rbacht

Sealiner
Tackle tactics all the way. I have still added my own little mods.

The down side to this H-frame is I end up packing everything and carry my gear up and down the beaches and rocks for no real reason. Learn to pack light and when you know how, tell me the secret!
 

Arrie87

Member
@ Tackle Addiction: I have been looking in shops, but thinking of going along the lines of an Alice frame with a higher top bar so that I can add weight reduction straps. Not sure about the weight reduction straps though as my bag wont weigh more than 12kg nor will I be carrying it that long. A patella strap will likely be enough along with the hip straps... but still thinking...

@ Scooter: thanks for taking the time to load the photos. Definately like the square tubing idea! How wide is your pack? Does it not dig into your shoulders? I am worried about it being too wide/narrow and not fitting my back well. I am probably overthinking it though.

@ Roby & Rbacht: the tackle tactics one looks amazing, so much storage options, but like you said, too much options! 😂 They are a bit out of my price range, but I was thinking I could maybe try to incorperate their back strap system into mine. Would make it in my price range with the option of upgrading later! Does the top bar of the frame not feel uncomfortable on your shoulders?
 

FISH ASSASSIN

New member
robyosh wrote:
Best one I`ve seen and used for the last 8 years is made by tackle tactics

https://www.facebook.com/TackleTacticsfishingframes/photos/pcb.1350290378492334/1350290335159005

This is the best

Hi

What is the price on these if I might ask? Looks awesome.

Thanks
 

Arrie87

Member
For the Elite H frame, you are looking at R2000, for the Lite, folding frame R1600. On their facebook page under shop they show the prices. They look fantastic and with the upgrades they must be awesome
 

FISH ASSASSIN

New member
Arrie87 wrote:
For the Elite H frame, you are looking at R2000, for the Lite, folding frame R1600. On their facebook page under shop they show the prices. They look fantastic and with the upgrades they must be awesome

Thanks. Will have a look see.
 

scooter

New member
can measure tomorrow. You can add more or make those (3) back starps stiffer. You actually don't feel the frame at all as those straps at the back cushion the frame away from the shoulders. The sq, tube for the rods is (76mm) That alows the bottom rod eye to gets into the tubing.
 

Arrie87

Member
Thanx for all the feedback and comments gents, eventually decided on building my own one. Being remote I had to improvise with materials available in the local hardware shops, I also wanted to keep costs low.

The below H Frame cost me no more that R300 (including the tub)

Rough breakdown of costs below:
- Tub = R75
- 19mm alluminium tube = R99
- Webbings (all in) = R20
- Clips = R12
- PVC = free (offcuts from pluming jobs, but about 1.5m)
- Electrical conduit elbows and T-pieces = R48 (6 T pieces and 10 elbows)
- Electrical condiuit = free (offcuts lying around, about 1m)
- Spray paint = R70

I tested the elbow pieces to see where they break using the same length of the bottom bar, it broke at about 23kg of force applied at the tip of the bar, seeing that I will be limiting the weight in it to 13kg and there are two elbows, it should be ample. I have also fastened the box to the back cross bars to "pull" the box up, reducing the load on the bottom struts.

The load reduction straps (short straps on the uppermost bar) make a huge difference. They stop the shoulder straps from pulling my shoulders back, reducing fatigue between my shoulder blades and they assist with getting the weight onto the hip straps.

Also put little fold out legs onto the lid of the box so that it can act as a little table when I need one

All in all, I am really happy with the end result seeing that I had to learn to sow (FIY, those little R250 takealot specials get you quite far) ;)

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