Yeti Roadie 15 - Review and Comparison!! Yeti's Next Hard Cooler Prediction!

[@Miguel-ex5vf]

I’m wanting a roadie 24, but I’ll wait as I have a felling the 24 will be upgraded with a drain plug and the same carry strap as the 15. For my needs that would be perfect.

[@JDOffline]

Sounds like a good plan. JD

[@jasonburns6411]

Love all your Yeti content sir!

[@JDOffline]

Thank you!! JD

[@acme9538]

Just ordered this in tan sort of as an 'upgrade' to my original Yeti Roadie 20, which is 15 years old now but still working great ! The reason(s) I justified the 'upgrade' were . . . #1, The Size- I have the 20 mounted in my small 15 foot Boston Whaler, and while it's fine, saving even a little real estate will be very welcomed. #2, The Weight - Though not a huge difference, when the 20 is loaded it's pretty damn hefty . . . saving a few pounds will be nice. #3, The Handle - The Roadie 20's stainless steel handle is nice for short distances, but the 15's shoulder strap looks much better for longer transports. #4, The Latches - The Roadie 20's latches are still holding up fine . . . but the new flip latches on the 15 look a lot more convenient. #5, The Basket Option - While certainly not 'important' . . . the option to have a 'dry sandwich loft' is very cool. The fact that they kept the tie-downs and drain sealed the deal . . . if they hadn't kept those the 15 would be a 'No Go' for Me. For my particular needs, going down in volume from 20 to 15 isn't an issue as I only use it as a 1 or 2 person day cooler. ( I always have spare room in the 20) I'm not expecting the world in terms of ice retention . . . I realize a little 15 sized cooler only has so much thermal capabilities. It's not that hot where I live, and if I can get a solid 24 hrs out of it, theat's more than enough. $200.00 is a bit of splurge for something I really don't 'need', but rather 'want' . . . so yeah, I'g guilty there. Lastly, I really hope the build quality is up to par, as I've read some complaints about quality control on these new 15's. Fingers crossed. (Upodate /Warannty Claim Submitted ) . . . I received the tan roadie 15. Got it home, unboxed and was very disappointed with the build quality. While it 'looks' cool and the design is 100% great . . . the seams at the lid and the top of the cooler itself very were mismatched almost all the way around the perimeter of the cooler. I really wouldn't care if it was in just one or 2 spots . . . but it's all the way around. One of the corners sticks out almost an 1/8". This is a break in the insulation seal and will only get worse with time. I compared it to my 15 year old Roadie 20, and it's night and day . . . other than a very 'slight' warping of the lid, that cooler is still 100% solid. I can totally see what's going on . . . the Roadie 15 is a 4 piece cooler that doesn't appear to be roto-molded in the same way the Roadie 20 was. These are possibly injection molded. There are 4 shells that appear to be assembled / bonded together to form the cooler itself. So at every joint / seam there is a chance for mis-alignment in the manufacturing process if everything isn't perfect. I understand why they probably did this . . . cost savings . . . but Yeti sort of created their own issue by switching construction techniques. I think I just received an exceptionally bad one . . . I've started the warranty exchange process . . . if they ship me one that is better I'll be 100% satisfied. I will update here after Yeti resolves the issue.

[@JDOffline]

I've had good experiences with the warranty process and hopefully Yeti will stand behind their product. I have an old 20 as well and all the factors you pointed out make the 15 a better choice assuming the construction of the cooler itself is up to par. Keep us posted on what happens! JD

[@acme9538]

@@JDOffline Update #2. - I got the replacement Roadie 15 from Yeti. (Great Customer Service). It's a 'little' better than the one that I returned, but not by a lot. I think the issue is in how they are constructing these particular Roadies. The lid and the bottom are both made up of 2 pieces, (for a total of 4 pieces) and appear to be glued / bonded together . . . then each piece is injection molded. The pieces just don't 'bond' together at the seems as cleanly as the roto-molded models from Yeti. There is a slight gap that varies in size around all 4 sizes. Is this an issue as far as insulation??? . . . Probably, but given that it's just a little 15 day cooler I'm not gonna sweat it anymore. Now if the gaps 'grow' over time . . . then that's something else. I'd still recommend this cooler to anyone . . . it's just the right size for a day cooler. However, I'd warn people that it's not built like it's big brother Yet's.

[@ericketchum4809]

Can’t wait for my Roadie 15 to arrive on Thursday! It’s replacing a Cabela’s Coldsnap 9-can that lasted 8-9 months of every work day use. The latch is this close 🤏 to not functioning at all. The Roadie will be a little bigger, lots heavier, and lifetime durable. The shoulder strap was the biggest dealbreaker because I have a broken foot and can’t carry a lunch box on my knee scooter or up/down stairs without a shoulder strap. Killed all the other possibilities for a premium hard lunch box. I have lots of other Yeti products so I’m sure it’s well worth it. ❄️

[@JDOffline]

I've used mine quite a bit now and I love it. Even fully loaded the weight is manageable. I love the shoulder strap and the drain plug is handy to. Can't go wrong with it for the price. Keep it latched and it will hold ice for many days. JD

[@ShinyKnife]

I don’t know if anyone mentioned it already but the Roadie 24 uses the same dry basket as the 32

[@JDOffline]

I called that out in my Roadie 32 video!! Thanks for adding that to this video. JD

[@francescomaggi1801]

great video, great product, loving YETI from the other side of the pond (Germany) - we definitely need good coolers for the local beer ahah

[@JDOffline]

Well said!! Enjoy! JD

[@topnotchtx]

I wish they would have released it months ago. I was seriously looking for a small cooler to fit inside my truck. I bought several yeti 24 roadies but they were too big. I’m debating on buying the roadie 15 for my truck knowing I won’t use it for long this summer.

[@JDOffline]

It’s a great little cooler! I’ve used mine a lot now and love it. Much more so than the 24. It’s a perfect size. JD

[@TheUnFurtaker]

Thanks for the 14 beer and 1 bag of ice. Just another reason I need one of these.

[@JDOffline]

@@TheUnFurtaker haha it’s been a great cooler so far and love that it has a drain plug even though I didn’t think it would be so handy it is nice to have. JD

[@2quick524]

Just got it in the new “wild vine red” color. My new favorite color.

[@JDOffline]

I saw those on there this morning. White is back in stock as well. Enjoy the cooler!! JD

[@williamgootee4328]

Ditto

[@shawnglass108]

That Roadie 15 is just about as perfect of a day cooler for one or two people as can be made. The size is perfect. You can fit two cans on top of each other if you need two and with the small tray you can buy to fit it you can fit you a couple chicken Po’ Boys. The only problem with it is that Yeti price but you’ve gotta pay to play. I’m ordering one tomorrow.

[@JDOffline]

You won't regret it, I love the 15. JD

[@julienrichard3382]

Great video ! Thank you for the information. Very instructive. Hope it will be soon available in Europe and especially in France.

[@JDOffline]

@@julienrichard3382 thank you!! JD

[@francescomaggi1801]

Hey Julien they are available on the EU website

[@julienrichard3382]

@@francescomaggi1801already bought one 😉

[@NT-or9wh]

6:30 Lighter colors are better because it’s easier to see inside. It’s why the soft coolers and caminos have a lighter inner lining.

[@JDOffline]

Didn’t think about that. I assumed because darker colors attract more heat. JD

[@edwardeskridge2210]

Can you do a review of the roadie 20 vs the new 15? I want to see if it’s worth the upgrade.

[@JDOffline]

That's an idea...JD

[@777Liezl]

I have my Roadie 15 in charcoal on the way. I did order the dry goods basket. You can still fit cans (even tall boys) under the basket (standing up).

[@JDOffline]

Awesome!! You will love it. JD

[@dcyphrz8532]

I gotta get one of those baskets.

[@rossrobichaux9425]

But not water bottles

[@777Liezl]

@@rossrobichaux9425 No. I didn’t say water bottles. Just taller (think hard seltzer) cans. You can fit the water bottles, though on the side not occupied by the basket.

[@rossrobichaux9425]

@@777Liezl I get that but I wish I could I mean a half " taller or shorter on the basket it would

[@Lerxstification]

Yeti got me again, too. Got the blue wave 15. Love it. Love the Miller lites vs Bud lights. Kid Rock would be proud! Keep up the good work and give Jake some ice!!

[@JDOffline]

It was too hot in the shop when I made that video for Jake. He turns 14 at the end of this month and does not like the extreme heat! 16 oz Miller Lites are a great idea for the bucket but I will say in extreme heat like we are having in North GA, unless you pound them down they tend to get warm. Still a great idea. JD

[@dcyphrz8532]

Big Wave is an excellent color! Saw other sizes in a store and was impressed. Photos don't do it justice.

[@JDOffline]

@@dcyphrz8532 I agree!!

[@frankieam]

Yeti got me again will be on my headstone......

[@JDOffline]

@@frankieam haha probably mine as well!’

[@frankieam]

@@JDOffline Honestly, I haven't bought a yeti until I watched one of your reviews keep up the great work!

[@JDOffline]

@@frankieam that’s awesome thank you for that feedback. They are worth it. Still have my original roadie purchased in 2012. Still in great shape. It is kind of an addiction though so I think we have to admit we have a problem. Haha. JD

[@frankieam]

@JDOffline it's for sure an addiction, but I don't regret any of mine. Even if I never use my V series, it's my badge of honor :,)

[@jesseholden4261]

What part of north Georgia? I’m in Habersham!

[@JDOffline]

@@jesseholden4261 farther north than me! We’re in Athens. JD

[@damonlawson2117]

How’s the truck and Camaro

[@JDOffline]

@@damonlawson2117 I sold the k10. Still have the Camaro just waiting for this extreme heat to be over with. Take a look at my update video from a couple months ago and I go over the delays and changes. JD

[@bryanlopez3034]

I bought one but won’t keep ice not even a day in az

[@JDOffline]

Something doesn’t sound right w that. Maybe file a warranty claim. So many things can impact ice retention but you should be getting 2-3 days easy out of this. 3-5 days is normal. JD

[@paulcarlin5181]

The 24 Roadie would have been the perfect wheel cooler.

[@JDOffline]

Can't disagree just add a drain plug and maybe make it a little shorter. JD

[@porkchop1343]

14 beers in cooler plus 1 on each of my hands.

[@JDOffline]

@@porkchop1343 haha sounds perfect! JD

[@AirbusMechanic]

Yeti is badass

[@JDOffline]

Agreed! JD

[@matttya]

There’s other videos and then there’s jd’s video👍🏻

[@JDOffline]

@@matttya haha thank you!! I really enjoy these videos. JD

[@dcyphrz8532]

Ordered a white one. Took a week and a half to find one in stock.

[@JDOffline]

Back in stock today. JD

[@dcyphrz8532]

@@JDOffline Not at Dick's! lol

[@88theps3user]

Yet roadie 20 is a genius idea and that’s what I’m waiting on! 😂😅

[@JDOffline]

Thank you, I thought so as well. Let's hope we see something along those lines soon. JD

[@88theps3user]

@@JDOffline for me it’s mostly cuz I have a small trunk so I can’t fit a roadie 32 because the wheels and height are too big to even fit in the back. The drain hole on the 24 is a must so that’s a no. This ones nice just have to see it in person to see how it is

[@JDOffline]

@@88theps3user sounds like a plan. Seeing them in person is always better. JD

[@MyweathernetreportsBlogspot]

Can’t find a white one. I’ll wait.

[@JDOffline]

@@MyweathernetreportsBlogspot In stock on the yeti website. JD

[@MyweathernetreportsBlogspot]

@@JDOffline I have a 4 day trip starting Friday morning. Can get here in time. DSG where I’m going doesn’t have them in stock. I checked. I have a smaller soft side cooler. I’ll use it instead.

[@calmlikeabomb1340]

Natty light 15 packs for the win

[@JDOffline]

Haha that's great!! JD

[@johnagen3688]

Im getting 1!!!!

[@JDOffline]

You will love it! JD

[@jes6628]

they missed not making it a single latch

[@julienrichard3382]

@@jes6628 i think two laches are the best solution for lid warping prevention.

[@JDOffline]

Single latch could work but I agree with the comment about two latches to prevent the lid from warping. JD

[@jes6628]

@@JDOffline I like your video, I hope they take your advice and make a 20L with wheels, I think that would be the perfect weekend warrior/beach day cooler. until then I am sticking to the tote xD

[@andrewboulden3725]

Bud light seems to have lost a loyal customer 😅

[@JDOffline]

@@andrewboulden3725 Yes Sir. JD

[@tomasvasquez5961]

Or they can update the 24 with wheels and a drain plug, bump that up to $300. Then slide in a re-released 20 in this new style

[@777Liezl]

This is what I’m hoping for. Holding out on buying the 24 for now in case this happens in the near future.

[@JDOffline]

Never noticed that and it’s not an issue for me. JD

[@tomasvasquez5961]

@@JDOffline hasn’t been an issue with me either. But it does give them an opportunity to show more of the “we’re listening to the buyers” approach. Which we all seem to appreciate

[@JDOffline]

@@tomasvasquez5961 sorry my comment above was meant for a different comment. Re doing the 24 is a great idea. Overall I believe a smaller wheeled cooler would sell great and that would be cool if yeti listened to their customers. I believe they do because the new 15 has a drain plug!! JD

[@ryanrhodes6084]

Too small for the bulky outside of a hard cooler , much better off with the roadie 24

[@JDOffline]

The 24 is a good size as well. I have both but tend to use the 15 or the 32 over the 24. JD

[@ryanrhodes6084]

@@JDOfflinedon't you think it holds bugger all though? Especially once you put ice blocks or ice in

[@coalregionrider6525]

Buy Rtic stuff. Half the price of Yeti and the same thing.

[@JDOffline]

@@coalregionrider6525 Not a fan of Rtic. They just copied yetis design literally down to the latches and can’t come up with their own innovations. No thanks. JD

[@brianlarson1668]

I’ve owned RTIC and you definitely notice a quality difference. When you buy YETI, you know you aren’t trying to save money.

[@rossrobichaux9425]

Ill be upset and out 300$ again if they come up with a 20 with wheels

[@JDOffline]

Haha I will be as well!! JD

[@rossrobichaux9425]

@@JDOffline I'm kinda sad the bottles don't fit under the basket standing up so I could double stack cans on the opposite side. And it fits 2 side by side but not 3 wide. I don't get it.

[@JDOffline]

@@rossrobichaux9425 that’s why a roadie 20 would be perfect. Haha.

[@frankies-1389]

Is nobody going to point out the uneven and unwelded plastic seams? You rubbed your finger right over it in the video. Everybody is just praising Yeti, and not calling them out on their crap.

[@mozberg2191]

I told this guy about the quality issues on another video, he knew about it. My cooler looks pathetic, I've never seen a yeti this bad. The size is undeniably a home run, but my lord is the quality horrible

[@Speed04GT]

It a mold line from when it gets pressed in a plastic mold. Doesn’t really look like a quality control issue lol. No need to try and make issues out of things that are not an issue.

[@JDOffline]

Haven't really noticed them, I'll look at the cooler again later today. JD

[@mozberg2191]

@JDOffline it's very noticeable , compare it to your tundra. Wish I could post pictures of mine here, it's a joke

[@TEXASLOYAL]

I was going to get the 15, but ive seen some bad reviews about it​@@mozberg2191