****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Let me first say that I almost never write reviews. The only times I do is when the product sucks or when I'm so impressed that I am compelled to do so. This item falls in the latter.The description of this equipment box is spot on. Meaning the dimensions are accurate, the materials are quality, and only made in America would take the time, effort and pride in the dovetail joints to fabricate this box.I choose the a Ducks because I like water. I'm not a hunter. And hold onto your hula-hoops, I bought this as a box ro hide my WiFi router and power supply, wall warts, etc.Yes, I will have to drill the necessary holes for cables/ventilation. But I'm a DIY, which is why I recognize quality craftsmanship when I see it, and that's not a big deal. When I looked at the bamboo or plastic "cable boxes" meant for he same purpose, I just couldn't see paying $40+ for some small bamboo box that'd only accommodate a modest surge protector. Which was NOT made in the USA (can you spell China?)I wanted a box that would hide.my router, a somewhat large surge protector and all the plugged-in power supplies.Given I have a drill and a couple of different sized hole saws, this was a no brainier.OK, NOW TO THE SPORTSMEN...it's a great supply box. Well constructed and attention to detail for sturdiness. I've actually never seen the hinges they use. The mounting screws in the hinges are offset to minimize the stress on the wood and leveraging the woods strength.Also the top is reinforced with wood struts to negate any warpage. But, look carefully and you'll see those struts cover the edge of the hinges giving additional strength to the top fastening, the part that will inevitably receive the greatest use/stress over time.The front picture -- the ducks in my case -- are exactly as shown in the webpage. Delightfully so. I wasn't sure if they'd be blurred or whatever, but nope, they're great.Definitely quality 3/4 inch pine, and as I said the dovetail joints on all the sides is wonderful and such a lost art in craftsmanship these days.The ONLY criticism I might have, and it's really about where you might use this box, the finish is thin. Not a big deal if this is going in the pickup, or hunting deer etc. BUT if you're a fisherman, or fowl hunter, where water exposure is likely, you'll want to put an extra cost of some kind, like poly, on the wood to keep it looking good.Me, inuse a product called "Wipe on Poly", the satin version. And yes, you literally use a cotton rag and wipe in a coat. Maybe two, again depending on how much water/moisture contact the box might have.The Evans Sports company does a first rate job on this. There located Missouri, which for me is great as I live in Chicago. But, you can't get much more Amerixan than the Breadbasket Midwest of USA!Great job Evans! I think I'm going to buy another to keep a few of my power tool in.Oh, yeah, the handles are inset into the side panel, but don't go through the wood entirely thereby keeping the integrity of the box's interior. I have somewhat large hands and found them very adequate.
