Chris Jones
Senior Member
I never use the tie strings on any bag that has them. Hateful things that can do more harm than good. The last thing I want is sections held together (even fairly loosely). Then there's the problem of the ties coming adrift over time. As much as I loved them, the old Daiwa blue logo bags were horrendous for this. Most well used examples have nothing but nubs of the ties left.
A flat multi-section bag allows for some separation of sections if you don't cram them into something else. The Daiwa type sleeves force proximity even if they aren't held together tightly. Only good for leaving ring indentations in the handles when stored. Then there's the issue with the poxy zips when removing sections from the bag. A fine example of form over function. They look good but are actually rubbish. The Alfa Romeo of rod bags! If I liked the rods in them a bit more, I'd be buying bog standard rod bags for them.
Here's what you've got to look forward to if you get unlucky with the Sphere bags.
Fortunately, it's only the 13' Match out of all of them I have. The 14' bag next to it has been used just as much. The middle one shows signs of use but hasn't disintegrated in the same way. (The one on the right is a spare that's never been anywhere.) I did get cheap aftermarket bags for both 13 and 14 when they get taken to the bank. Once I find someone that'll do custom sizes to my liking for the spliced tip 13'6" and 15'6", their bags won't go outside either.
), otherwise, when my back is better I shall pop up your way for a fish 
