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Ol Tom DuraLite I-Beam Turkey Vest Review

Started by Gobble!, December 07, 2013, 10:45:22 AM

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Gobble!

Purchased this vest before last season and really put it to the test. Major reason I wanted this vest was it came in BottomLand and had a lot of pockets. When I initially received the vest I was not impressed, especially for $150. But by the end of the season I was happy with my decision after I made some minor changes.

PROS
1) Really like all the pockets, they are perfect for the amount of calls I carry. Helps keep everything organized because every pocket has a certain purpose.
2) At first I didn't like the seat but after getting it out to the field I eventually became a fan. Could be a little thicker but still better than most vests I have tried.
3) Very light weight. You will not be hot because of this vest.
4) The seat is held out of the way by magnets. I would of preferred some stronger magnets because the seat will fall down when running, not walking, through the woods but overall like the feature. 

CONS
1) The I-Beam back pad is a joke. You can barely tell there is a pad there. It was about 1/2" thick and I think they used the cheapest foam they could get. Good news was all that was holding it in place was some velcro. I went to a local shop and picked up some much denser foam. I was able to shove in about a 2"-2.5" thick pad. After this I became a huge fan of the I-Beam. Made it super comfortable sitting against a tree until that mid morning gobble.
2) Cheap sewing. I had so many issues with sewing coming undone. It got to the point I was using 50lb braded line to fix the issues.
3) Wasn't a fan of the black straps but I had some bottom land camo from a old mask I covered it up with while I was sewing the other places.

Overall I like the vest and don't plan on selling it any time soon (I normally get a new vest every year) unless Cabelas comes out with a Tactical Tat'R II BottomLand vest. That was a very well made vest.

Tail Feathers

Thanks for the review.  A thin backpad can be easily changed.  Poor sewing is unacceptable on something that costs that much, IMHO.

Glad you found one you like. :icon_thumright:
Love to hunt the King of Spring!

VA_Birdhunter

Thanks for the review...I'm going to half to be in the market for a new vest soon.  Mine has just about reached the end of its life!

God Bless
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens

tchaffin

I am in the market for a new vest as well. I have been thinking hard about the I-Beam.

memert116

I had the I Beam and returned it.  While I was loading it up the locator call lanyards broke.  Overall I just didn't much care for it.  Still looking for a vest to replace the old NWTF vest I've had for years.