If you are in a hurry, you can check out the table below for an overview of the most important features and a link to purchase one of these coolers. But still missing is any sort of team logos and/or custom color options. 3.7 out of 5 stars. What we did like about this cooler was the large volume. All rights reserved. I also renovate, flip and build houses in my 'spare' time. We have no complaints about them. One of the features that make Igloo BMX Coolers stand out from the competition is their Cooler Riser Technology. It doesn't lock shut and the plastic nub hinges are a total joke. Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cooler $129.99 Igloo 52 Quart Latitude Cooler $34.99 Igloo Mission 50 Quart Cooler $179.99 Igloo IMX 70 Quart Cooler $299.99 Igloo IMX 24 Quart Cooler $149.99 Igloo Mission 72 Quart Cooler $219.99 Igloo Ringleader 16 Can Cooler Tote $19.99 Dometic Cooler CFX3 100 Protective Cover $179.99 Dometic CFX3 75DZ Powered Cooler $1399.99 They have their coolers dialed in and continue to lead the pack after all of these years. These sizes hit the normal optimal size ranges that we see most people request. The Xtremes light weight also made it relatively easy to carry, though we couldnt get past the awkward plastic handles. Hard-sided coolers are the most common type of cooler used for camping. But which one? The performance wasn't close enough for me to pretend like I could name another victor even if I wanted to. Again, that pink line at the bottom that's making all of the other lines jealous is Yeti -- nothing we tested really came close to matching it. This helps to reduce cracking and potential leak paths. Also unsurprisingly, the Yeti came in first in our insulation test. In terms of color range, Igloo has some cool and fun color options from which you can pick. Take the Igloo Latitude for instance. They held the lid securely, but we could pry it open a few millimeters, which wasnt the case with the Yeti. In particular, we felt like the hinges on the lid would be easy to break if the cooler were pushed open too far. These latches are very similar in feel/texture to t-latches that other brands have been using. As in this case. Cnoc Outdoors Trekking Poles Review: Are They Any Good. You may have to tip the cooler a little to get the last of the water out, but you wont have the extreme tilt that you have with a cooler that doesnt have a drain. For the budget minded, the Igloo BMX 25 is our Best Value pick. I'll let you know how it works out. I've worked in many areas, including computer hardware, software, technology, networking, graphic design, instruction, construction, music and even ballroom dancing! Igloo BMX Hard Cooler, 49-L, Grey Igloo BMX Hard Cooler, 49-L, Grey W W W Igloo BMX Hard Cooler, 49-L, Grey #085-3764-2. As of 7/2022, the bmx 52 now runs from $120 on sale to $150. Our first soft-sided and backpack cooler didn't perform the best, but it is durable and a great option for hikers and campers alike. But if you are more budget-minded and just after the good performance without breaking the bank, then we have to give a slight nod to Igloo. Oftentimes the hardware used goes unnoticed but it is a key piece to a long-lasting cooler. Capacity: 132.4 liters Weight: 64 pounds Can capacity, with ice: 68 Price at time of publish: $580 FOOD AND WINE /. Nothing broke, and we could simply press it back into place, but each time we did this it got noticeably looser. Theyre useful for keeping food dry. That left me with small coolers (less than 40 quarts), midsize coolers (40-59 quarts) and large coolers (60 quarts or more). I was going back and forth between the two as well. Rotomolded coolers are a subset of hard-sided coolers. While we have tested coolers with thicker walls than that, thicker walls do sacrifice storage volume and add weight. As with the larger BMX 72 model, the handles have steel reinforcement to save them giving way when lugging heavier loads. A compact little cooler perfect for solo trips out camping or fishing, the. Available in a variety of sizes and configurations. We dont know exactly how much this feature assists in prolonging ice life but it certainly doesnt hurt. In summary, Coleman is the better option for those who have a small budget but yet need a good ice retention performance and handy features such as cup holders, wheels, etc. We have a hard time imagining a bear getting through its defenses, especially with padlocks through the corners. Perhaps they are still in the works or perhaps Igloo is going a different route with their higher-quality soft coolers. Greenbelly Meals Review: Are They Any Good? Igloo traditionally is known as a cooler brand with many different styles to choose from. Add to cart. To help put this data in perspective, I broke down the coolers into separate size categories after peeling soft-sided coolers into their own category. DWYM is your trusted product review source. Starting with the construction of these coolers, Igloo utilized what they call blow-molded construction. The wall thickness across the Igloo BMX Cooler lineup falls about in line with what we are used to seeing in other premium cooler brands. We tested the Tundra 35 which weighs 20 pounds when empty. Pure Outdoor Emperor coolers are made with 18/8 stainless steel to resist bacteria and odors and come in three sizes: 25-liters, 50-liters, and 80-liters. We found that, for a given size, Yeti Coolers would hold ice longer than Igloo BMX coolers by anywhere from a few hours to up to a day or more. As you can see from the many Igloo Coolers that we have reviewed in the past, their lineup is enormous. Yep, Bought An Igloo Bmx 52 Cooler And Reviewed It For A Week. During testing, we set out for a weekend adventure with an 18-pack of beer and about 15 pounds of ice in the BMX. On top of that, the design is flimsy as hell, with a lid that rips right off of the hinges whenever you give it a gentle yank. The BMX finished toward the bottom of the pack in our spill and durability testing. It's probably the most popular "rotomolded" cooler out there, and at $300, it ain't cheap. Despite costing more, it isn't quite as strong a performer as the MaxCold, but it does look a lot better, with dual-locking latches and a metal kick bumper at the bottom. Where Igloo easily beats Yeti is at the price point. That's 13.5% bigger than advertised. To make things easier, we have compiled this cooler comparison chart. This cooler from Cabela's was another rotomolded option that tested well, essentially finishing in a dead heat with the Orca. Last update on 2023-02-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. To do that, I started with a modified version of the ice retention test. Most of the coolers that I tested were, but some took things even further. IE: 50qt of ice alone will last longer in a 52qt cooler versus a 70qt, due to the volume of remaining air. Oh, and it's certified bear-resistant. If you are after the absolute best, regardless of price, and also value the pride in owning an American-made product, then Yeti remains on top. They shared some of the special qualities that we look for in an ice chest that is designed to hang with the best. This gasket, working in conjunction with the closing force that the t-latch produces, results in a nice squeeze that helps to lock in cold air. Although youll pay more than you would for a traditional type of cooler, youll get the convenience that comes with tossing drinks, food and ice into your cooler in the morning and havingthose items remain cool late that afternoon. Opening the cooler up from time to time better emulates real-life usage of the cooler. Go on, read through the comments on the Infinite Cooler's Indiegogo campaign, which blew through a March 2019 ship date with nothing to show for it. And for people who enjoy camping and the outdoors, it will be able to handle ice more multiple days (more on that later). The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee keeps a running list of certified options, which includes a number of coolers from this rundown. That title is now held by a Magellan Outdoors model. In fact, Rubbermaid finished dead last in our tests. Yeti Hopper Two 30. The rubber gasket and rubber feet werent quite as securely attached, and we felt that both could have been pried off with some effort. Igloo Bmx Vs Lifetime Cooler 52 Quart Reviews 72 Outdoor Gear Review from www.expocafeperu.com. Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology, Fish Ruler, and Tie-Down Points - 16.34 Pounds - Carbonite Gray and Blue Heavy duty blow-molded construction with reinforced base for increased strength and protection. Add to cart. The only place where it lost points for durability was in the rubber components. From superior ice retention to little features that go a long way, Igloo built the adventure-ready Overland 50-Quart Chest Cooler to see you through a quick overnight car camping getaway as well as when you're headed to the great outdoors for the long haul all while keeping your provisions fresh. I did my best to account for those size differences as I evaluated each cooler's relative performance, but first, I needed to be sure that I had accurate measurements. This Boulder-based wheeled-cooler specialist offers its signature RollR in four capacities ranging from 45 to 85 quarts. One bonus you may not think about initially is the fact that some newer coolers allow you to use them as a seat. Dimensions are 35 x 15 x 12 inches. Igloo 52 qt bmx cooler, unique t grip latch system. Igloo BMX 52 Internal volume: 52 quarts Can capacity: 40 cans Exterior dimensions: 26.57 x 16.93 x 16.93 inches Weight: 16.33 pounds Three-year warranty Igloo Construction The Igloo BMX has a blow-molded construction with a reinforced base. If I'm trekking into the woods for a weekend with a couple of pals, I'm going to take the Rovr, no question. The Bison Gen 2 Cooler is another heavy-duty, rotomolded option with lots of room for your beer. These coolers truly do capture most of the magic of a high-end cooler but for a fraction of the price. Igloo MaxCold Cooler, 50 quarts -- $45 For a fantastic value pick, consider the Igloo MaxCold Cooler, which I scored on sale for just $45. But for a cooler to truly be in the same conversation with the top cooler brands on the market, it needs to excel at keeping items cold. All other coolers were at zero ice. But you will pay an extremely high price to enjoy one. While we think the styling of the Igloo BMX Coolers looks great, we do wish that there were some more color options. Generally only high-end coolers are rotomolded. I just wish it cost a little less, since you'll get better performance from the slightly less expensive Yeti and Orca coolers. The lack of a drain is also a bummer, although the 52-quart version does have a drain. It isnt as spacious or durable as the Yeti or RTIC, but its a great drink cooler that kept our beer ice cold during our weekend camping trips. If that sounds a little daunting, never fear. Like we said before, this makes the BMX coolers a better option for shorter camping trips and smaller game. Some coolers offer 54 quarts of usable space inside, which totals more than 85 cans if youre only using it to keep drinks cold. MyOutdoorGearGuide.com is run by a team of passionate outdoor enthusiasts. My only qualm -- that T-shaped handlebar includes comfy rubber grips on the sides, but not in the middle, the spot you'll actually want to hold as you lug it around one-handed. Inside the lid, you will find an oversized rubber gasket for helping to seal. It can be hard to keep up with all of the products and the oftentimes subtle tweaks that they made to them each year. Another aspect that is somewhat limiting maximum ice life is the cooler sizes. The Yeti got a little colder, and the Magellan held its temp a little longer. Coolers come in varying sizes, even among specific brands and models. In fact, I'd recommend that you strongly consider it. The hinges are also designed to work hard, but if you do manage to break them then a range of spare parts are available from the Igloo website. * We put 5 of the best camping coolers through months of field testing and rigorous experiments to test their insulation, durability, and camp-worthiness. Igloo sportsman coolers are almost 2X cheaper than Yeti. Having a tough cooler with helpful features is one thing. Rovr pegs the capacity of its $400 Rollr wheeled cooler at 60 quarts, but I could only fit 52.8 quarts of water inside when I measured for myself. These would be coolers that are designed to compete with the top brands on the market like Yeti, Orca, Engel, etc. Aside from performance, this Magellan cooler offers plenty of other extras, including quite possibly my favorite lid design: dual-side latches that can double as hinges, allowing you to open the cooler from either side. When it comes to large size coolers, there are plenty to choose from. This can make it helpful for quickly cleaning out after a fishing trip or camping trip. Igloo BMX Cooler More than 6,000 people recommend the Igloo BMX cooler on Amazon and give it rave reviews. As far as durability, there isnt much on this cooler that can break. Out of the many soft ice coolers that we tested, the Yeti Hopper Two 30 was the only cooler with a water- and leak-proof zipper. Are ice life, insulation and versatility more significant? Like the larger BMX 72, the BMX 52 has a hinged lid which is both sturdy and aids single-handed operation. Not quite so much. . The biggest issue was the latch. I've seen this on products like the Xspec 60qt cooler, Amazon's Commercial 20qt cooler and the Lifetime 55qt high performance cooler. The Yeti Hopper Backflip 24 was the first backpack-style cooler that we've tested, and although its overall performance wasn't stellar, there were things I did like. Pros: Competitive price, Good ice retention, Nice styling, Well-built, Cons: Limited color options, Not a lot of accessories, Features: Blow-molded construction, T-latches, Stainless steel hardware, Swing-up handles, Threaded drain plug, Skid pads, Fish ruler, Tie-down points, Cool Riser Technology. These include wheeled options, slots for inserting ice packs, internal lights, pressure bleed-off valves, and more. There are a few features that could be added and more color options would be a welcome plus, but these are minor complaints. Rotomolded is short for rotationally molded, a process in which heated plastic is slowly rotated inside of a mold, allowing it to form into a shape of perfectly uniform thickness. None are included with their coolers. If Igloo hopes to compete with the likes of the other heavy hitters in the premium cooler world, then they need to have many of the same features that people expect when they are spending this kind of money on a cooler. It didn't hold the cold for as long as the Yeti did, but it still performed admirably, earning the runner-up spot in our tests. If that's what you're hoping for, your best bet might be to turn to Kickstarter and Indiegogo, where expensive, gadgety mega-coolers like theCoolest Coolerand the Infinite Cooler live in infamy. Determine upfront what youre likely to carry in your cooler and how much room that will take. There are three easy ways to reach out: Email: customerservice@shop.igloocoolers.com. The combination of grey, blue, and the metallic finish of the diamond plate insert results in a very attractive cooler that stands out from the crowd. Considering the performance, this is a steal compared to comparable coolers. BMX Series coolers from IGLOO are heavy-duty blow-molded for added durability. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Cooler you should buy. One thing to decide when youre going for a larger-capacity cooler, though, is portability. Overall, we found little to say against the Yeti Tundra. Can Capacity: 60 (plus 10 pounds of ice) to 80 cans (plus 20 pounds of ice) Ice . And while there is no denying that what is available looks good, we do wish that there were more color selections to pick from. I update this list periodically. These latches have rubber straps to secure the lid, but at the end of each strap lies a plastic handle which you can leverage against the mounting point to easily achieve the tensioned fit. On paper, the Igloo BMX Cooler seems to check most of the boxes for features that we look for in coolers that will hold ice for long periods. I also liked that the interior comes with a divider that makes it easy to keep items you don't want getting wet separate from the ice and that you can customize it with different interior liner designs. The BMX did exceptionally well in our insulation tests, finishing just behind the Yeti. It lists out a variety of important metrics for each cooler. We gave them a rating out of 10, where 10 was no water spilling out and 1 was no seal at all. We came away from our testing of the Igloo BMX Coolers very impressed. Whatever outdoor activity you decide on, having a cold place to stash drinks is key for you and your guests to stay cool, hydrated and happy -- which is especially important during big events like Labor Day. Not all Igloos are created equal. The thought of a soft-sided cooler might bring to mind your old soggy lunch box, but modern soft-sided coolers have come a long way. A cool design feature of this plug is that it is garden hose compatible. But they do come in with the great asking price that you expect from Igloo. Our goal? We put that to the test during our capacity evaluations, where the entire cooler is filled to the top with water, then closed. The Xtreme will do the trick for backyard cookouts, or for someone who doesnt store much perishable food at camp. Some felt that this cooler was overpriced for what it does. But there is a latching mechanism I've seen that is probably a great middle ground between the rubber latches and ones like you'll find on Magellan Outdoors products. The Kick-Start Every Morning With Coffee Maker Guide. Steer clear of this one. They combine durability with quality insulation, they usually have a drain to keep your food from getting soggy, and (an extremely important consideration) they can double as a camp seat. Its good to see that Igloo has carried a lot of the features over from the BMX 72 to its smaller and cheaper cousin. Thanks to this cooler's built-in tie down points, you can safely transport it in the back of your truck. The competitors sport very thin walls, and that's just not going to do much for your insulative capabilities. Ice retention is strong and the build quality leaves nothing to be desired. Let's start with the cheap guys. Less moving parts and its rubber, so it just kind of bends around. The Best Value award is well deserved. It's from Pelican, and it comes in an impressive variety of color options, but the performance wasn't as strong as other comparable options. Helpful (3) Not helpful (1) Report. Along with our in-house experts, our team analyzes thousands of product reviews from the most trusted websites. It's also worth considering whether or not your cooler is sturdy enough to sit on, something that comes in handy when you're out camping. Add to cart. Once youre finished using it, your cooler will need to be emptied and cleaned. How to Clean a Hydration Bladder: 4 Easy Ways Using Household Items. I was able to fill the Lifetime High Performance Cooler with 62.4 quarts of water without causing it to overflow when I shut the lid. We liked that the BMX wasnt as heavy and bulky as the Yeti and RTIC. Many premium models are fully leak-proof and can hold their own against the insulation of hard-sided coolers. It didnt take much pressure to hear the rivets straining. Extremely durable yet lightweight with proven 4-5 day ice retention at 90F Check on Amazon Bestseller No. I wanted to get a good sense of performance not just days in, but hours in, before any of the ice had even melted at all. AO Coolers Water-Resistant Vinyl Soft Cooler Overall Score: 8.6 14. I do plan on getting an RTIC at the end of the year though. For the money, you're getting performance that's just as good as the impressive Igloo MaxCold, plus a much nicer design that includes dual-locking lid latches, a roomier-than-advertised interior, fancy-schmancy roped handles and even a built-in bottle opener for good measure. It features corner tie-downs and a fish ruler across the top of the lid. The new, expensive options all hang their hat on this test, with roto-molded coolers specifically designed to ace it (and in doing so, to justify their price tags). The Igloo BMX is a non-rotomolded personal cooler with a single handle on top and an internal height that fits most wine bottles or 2L soda bottles. Whether you are trekking gear to the beachfront or headed out for a hiking day, having free hands is always a bonus. Among the high-end, rotomolded coolers that we've tested over the past two years, the Yeti Tundra 45 still reigns supreme -- but note that Cabela's Polar Cap Equalizer Cooler actually managed to notch a lower minimum temperature. Keep shopping and you'll find coolers on wheels, thermoelectric coolers, coolers with power and even a cooler backpack or two -- truly coolers as far as the eye can see. 1. If youve ever tried to empty a larger cooler at the end of the day, you know how tough it can be. Other notable features include tie-down slots, diamond plate metal inserts, and a molded fish ruler. He then decided to leave Gotham for a while after having a parent's association, and later the police, on his case (which resulted in Gordon becoming alcoholic and cheating on his wife) and had to shift his focus on the countryside, spending most of his time in scouts camps, wearing a scout chief uniform over his Batsuit, to cover his identity as the Batman. In our insulation test, the Steel Belted Cooler held onto ice for nearly as long as the pricier and burlier RTIC 45. Large "party" ice chest coolers that boast volumes over 60 quarts (over 15 gallons or 56.78 liters). I've been an outdoor enthusiast my entire life. Still, the RTIC barely flinched at our durability tests. The list of options has grown steadily in recent years. But another aspect of Igloo BMX Coolers that makes them unique compared to other coolers that we have tested is the Cooler Riser Technology. 0 In Stock. I get that a rubber bungee-style latching mechanism is probably very efficient from a cost and maintenance perspective for the manufacturers. Externally, the BMX 52 measures 26 (length) and approximately 16 in both depth and height. Surprisingly, or not, brands matter. Rubberized T-latches secure lid closure and lock in the cold. Paired with our test lab facilities, I write about lots of outdoor related things - portable power stations, tools, etc. If you are looking for a great cooler on a budget, Igloo is the obvious choice. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of high performance camping coolers, including Xspec, Columbia . TheCoolerZone tests and reviews various coolers to find the best products for you. The Coleman Xtreme finished dead last in all of our tests. Traditionally, Igloo has competed in the budget and mid-range categories. Igloo Sportsman Parts and Accessories. Extremely durable yet lightweight with proven 4-5 day ice retention at 90F UV inhibitors protect the cooler against sun damage for extended life. My mission? But in the big picture, if you want stuff to stay cold, you literally cannot beat Cabela's Polar Cap option. But this is to be expected considering that you are getting superior build quality, features, durability, and ice retention. Igloo also knows what they are doing when it comes to making coolers and they have impressed us with their BMX Coolers. After several weeks of hands-on testing and countless ambient temperature readings, I've separated the winners from the also-rans. Try as I might, I can't quite catch all of the Igloo Trailmate's snazzy features in one photo.