Trxstle CRC System Featured in Fly Fisherman: Choosing the Best Rooftop Fly Rod Carrier
If you’ve been researching the best rooftop fly rod carrier, you’ve probably noticed there are a few solid options in the category.
So the real question becomes:
What’s the difference between them — and what actually protects fly rods during travel?
That’s why we were honored to see the Trxstle CRC System featured in Fly Fisherman magazine’s guide to rooftop fly rod carriers — a trusted third-party breakdown of some of the top carriers available today.
Read the article here: [Fly Fisherman’s rooftop fly rod carrier guide]
Why This Fly Fisherman Feature Matters
Fly Fisherman isn’t a brand ad. It’s a gear review written by people who understand what actually damages fly rods.
And when you’re transporting:
- premium fly rods
- high-end reels
- fully rigged setups
- delicate guides exposed to vibration, grit, and impact
…“good enough” isn’t the goal.
Real protection is.
That’s what the CRC System was built around from day one.
👉 [Trxstle CRC System fly rod carrier]
A Rooftop Fly Rod Carrier Designed Around Real Damage
Most rooftop fly rod carriers (including many rod vault styles) follow a similar formula: a rigid aluminum tube that keeps rods out of the weather.
That’s a great start — but the real issue isn’t just weather.
The real issue is what happens inside the carrier during transport:
- guides getting bumped or crushed
- reels taking impacts
- rods rattling under road vibration
- expensive setups forced into a one-size-fits-all system
So instead of starting with a tube, we started with a different question:
How do you transport fly rods fully assembled while keeping them protected on the types of roads anglers like to drive on (aka...rough)?
What Fly Fisherman Noticed About the CRC System
In the Fly Fisherman review, one of the biggest highlights was something we’re proud of — because it’s one of the most overlooked parts of this category:
Gear protection that goes beyond the shell
Many carriers protect from weather.
Some offer locks.
But very few are engineered to protect fly rods from vibration, road shock, and internal contact.
Reel-Up Design
The CRC System uses a reel-up orientation that helps keep guides more protected during transit — especially on long drives, washboard roads, rough access routes, and when loading and unloading your equipment.
Suspension-Liners
Inside the carrier, the CRC System uses engineered polymer liners that are designed to protect rods without harsh, abrasive contact.
Those liners are mounted on springs to create our Suspension-Liners system, which helps absorb vibration and road impact while traveling.
Dedicated Reel Padding
We also include reel padding as a standard feature, because when you transport rods fully rigged, the reel is part of what needs protection too.
What to Look For in the Best Rooftop Fly Rod Carrier
If you’re shopping for a rooftop fly rod carrier or rod vault, here are the features that matter most — regardless of brand.
True Internal Protection
A carrier can be weatherproof and still be tough on fly rods if the inside lacks support and allows for hard contact.
Look for:
- how rods are supported internally
- whether guides are protected
- whether reels are padded
- whether the system reduces vibration
Telescopic Fitment (Built for Real Vehicles + Real Use)
One of the biggest advantages of the CRC System is its telescopic design — not because fly rods come in wildly different lengths, but because vehicles and mounting setups do.
The CRC System adjusts from 45" to 11'6", giving you the ability to dial in the fit based on:
- truck bed mounting (half-length option)
- shorter roofs and smaller vehicles
- different crossbar spacing
- cleaner overall look and less overhang
- and the style of fishing you’re rigging for that day
It’s a purpose-built design that makes the CRC System easier to live with — whether you’re running a full-size truck, a small SUV, or a daily driver you don’t want a giant fixed-length tube on year-round.
Convenience You’ll Actually Use
The best fly rod carrier isn’t just the one that looks good on your roof — it’s the one you’ll use every day.
That means:
- fast loading
- quick access
- easy storage
- and the confidence to travel fully rigged
Made in Helena, Montana — Built for the Way We Fish
Trxstle is based in Helena, Montana, and our gear is shaped by the kind of fishing we do out here:
- long drives
- quick pull-offs
- big water
- cold mornings and late evenings
- and short windows when you need to be ready
That’s why being included in Fly Fisherman felt meaningful — not as a trophy, but as confirmation that thoughtful engineering still matters in this category.
Read the Full Fly Fisherman Guide
If you’re still comparing rooftop fly rod carriers and rod vaults, the Fly Fisherman guide is worth reading.
It’s a solid breakdown of the category — and we’re grateful to be included.
👉 [Fly Fisherman rooftop fly rod carrier guide]
And if you have questions about fitment, mounting, or choosing the right CRC System for your vehicle, reach out anytime.
support@trxstle.com
(406) 202-3500
Born in the West. Fished all over.
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