Cue Cases for Travel?

K

kev_eh

Member
I'm looking for a 2X2 (or larger) hard cue case that fits into a large suitcase for air travel. It also is a practical carry when I arrive at my destination. Does anyone have suggestions or experience?
The case needs to be not much longer than the shaft/butts that they are storing. As case makers don't seem to post accurate outer dimensions of their products, I'd rather avoid having to bring my suitcase into a billiards store to test fit. Would prefer to avoid duffel bags or tubes of protective ABS pipe w/ soft case. Accessory storage and outer pockets are also not as important as a minimal outer length/width of the case.
Which cases are the smallest dimension-wise, and also provide protection and convenience?

Many thanks in advance to all for your thoughtful replies.

Kevin
 
All the cue case lengths are about the same, give or take an inch. Anytime I've put one in my suitcase, its usually had to go diagonal for the size suitcase I had.
 
Diagonal in a large checked bag usually works - the flattest hard case will be a simple box case 2X2 or something with pockets then go with other suggestions here.
 
Don't take your suitcase to the billiards store. Measure the bag and take a small body tape, tailor's tape or length of string.
 
I bought a soft case that I can fold in half. I put my cues in heavy duty cardboard cylinders wrapped in bubble wrap. As noted in an earlier post, the cues fit diagonally in the suitcase (or duffle bag in my case.
 
I recently did a fair bit of experimenting on the case/luggage issue. For off-the-shelf cases, there is a tendency to accommodate longer cues, so a lot of cases won't fit in a checked bag. Coupled with the limited sizes for hard shell suitcases [the largest reasonable option I could find was 32" and none of my cases would fit]. So a rolling duffle ended up being the best choice for a travel bag that could hold a cue case and all my clothes. See below.

1) If you get a large duffle (~36"+), almost any cue case will fit. And you can easily put all your clothes etc in. But almost all of the big duffle bags are soft and topple easily. Plus, the wheels are not great for long pulls. I used a 36" duffle for a while and it was fine [link below].

2) I decided to upgrade to a better duffle, that had a hard back, better wheels and stands up. But it was only 34". [link below] So, my JB cases did not fit. They were 2-3" too long. 36/37" with the top handle. [Note: John will custom make a short case, so that is another good option]. I couldn't source a checked bag with fit these dimensions.

3) So, I tested a few cases and there are some good options out there. Predator and Cuetec also make 34" cases that fit. As do my Justis and a cheap Amazon 1x1 case. The 3-seconds case from Japan is great and I really like the pocket layout. It comes with some internal velcro pockets, but I updated the set and have an organized case. This is now my go-to setup.

Big Duffle: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Prot-g-36-Drop-Bottom-Rolling-Duffel-Blue-w-Black/432561448
Ogio Rig Duffle: https://www.ogio.com/travel/rig-9800-travel-bag/ogio-bags-travel-2017-rig-9800.html

Cases_together_800.jpg


3-seconds_800.jpg
 
I have seen airline approved travel bags for golf clubs for $30 new and second hand at yard sales for $5.

May have spare room for other checked items, shoes or clothes.
 
I have several fellini cases and I use one of those to put my Rick Howard sneaky pete in my luggage. I think this hard case protects it better and takes up less space.

Not only do you need a travel case, but a travel cue as well IMO. I wouldnt take my higher dollar cues, too many theives and damage opportunities.

JMO

Ken
 
Small soft case fits diagonally in a 28" or 29" suitcase. A harder one that does not bend much is not likely to. You'd need a longer duffel type bag to put in a decent size hard case in.
 
They do make cases specifically for cue case travel about $50-100 for a glorified duffle bag. From what I see that a case for a camera Tripod is much cheaper $20-40 and it's padded too.
 
Thanks to all for your thoughtful replies. So many great ideas, and ways to skin a....you know.
It's unfortunate that cues cannot be carried onto a plane to begin with.
I like that the 3sec case doesn't have a protruding top cover, and chooses instead to extend the body of the case. A lot of inches saved, lengthwise.
Maybe a tripod bag or soft case with a couple of fitted ABS tubes for protection is the barest of bones with maximal protection, minimal volume displacement, and lightweight for transport.
 
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