Test Results

I recently received a Dry-Tech MRT saltwater fly box from Angling Designs to conduct a quantitative performance evaluation. The box is intended to be airtight and comes equipped with two cells containing desiccant beads. These beads indicate saturation with a change in color from orange to green and can then be regenerated in a common microwave oven. The intent of this fly box is to allow an angler to place water soaked flies directly in the box, dry them, and eliminate corrosion. The tests I performed were designed to evaluate the efficacy of the design of the box to the proscribed intent. As such, 18 flies (Crazy Charlie's, Deceiver's, and Poon flies tied on stainless hooks) were soaked in a saltwater brine and then placed in the MRT. This was repeated until the desiccant changed from orange to green. The hooks were then examined by microscope and x-ray diffraction for corrosive degradation. Additionally, the desiccant cell were regenerated and measured for continued efficiency by gravimetric analysis. This approach was then repeated by using flies tied on fresh water hooks which are more prone to the corrosive action of the saltwater brine. In summary, the following was determined;

• 4 fifteen to twenty second cycles in the microwave restored the desiccant efficiency to near 100%.
• 16 repetitions using 18 of the above mentioned flies were required to saturate the desiccant.
• Evaluation of the stainless steel hooks by microscope and x-ray revealed no corrosion.
• Evaluation of the fresh water hooks revealed no corrosive action and no surface stains.
• The fly box is airtight and maintains a relative humidity of less than 10% in environments approaching 90% humidity.

In conclusion, the MRT fly box functions as designed. It is first and foremost well constructed and durable. You can place water soaked flies directly in the box without concern of them rusting. The MRT box virtually eliminates corrosion to both salt, and fresh water hooks by greatly reducing the humidity within the box. Flies placed within the MRT will dry quickly and be ready for use again in short order. The box eliminates the need of drying your freshwater flies or rinsing and drying your saltwater flies. Additionally, it completely eliminates the inadvertent loss of flies because it is no longer necessary to hang them on a vest patch.

Dr. Dan Wistrand
Osprey Products, LLC
PhD Physical Chemistry

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