Disappointed with newly purchased Instroke case, compared to my previous case...

smahalko

smahalko

Hammer Time!
Silver Member
So I found this forum looking for alternative vendors who sell Instroke cue cases and thought I'd sign up.

I just recently purchased a case ( Black/Burgundy Vinyl Cowboy ) that I got from one of Instroke's certified sellers,
from Instroke's site.

The case I got was very different than what I had a many years back ( my old one was stolen )!! The new case is
nice enough but, the quality compared to my older case was just not in the new one.

I can mention some of the things that were different below but, for now I'd like to ask all of you, after I was assured
by Instroke that if I got the case from <vender> it is a legitimate Instroke case:
Has the quality of Instoke's cases just gone down hill? Or do you have to purchase one of the leather,
more expensive cases to get better quality? I LOVED my old case!!!! But now I'm not confident with ordering
due to the fact that there are so many "knock offs" and if in fact, I did get a genuine Instroke case, with the
poor quality that I noticed.

I'm beginning to think, I may have to look for an alternative to the Instroke case I had before and LOVED!!!
I'll appreciate your thoughts and advice.


Like I said, here are some of the "notable differences" ( all compared to my previous case ):
• rivets and lid latch were a silver ( instead of the high shine gold )
• the round rivets that go along the wrapped edge seemed flatter instead of being more round
• the top lid and pocket latch have HUGE gaps between clamp and opening when closed —
the lid and pocket will shake there is so much of a gap
• the material that is wrapped around the sides ( held by round rivets ) was VERY thin
• the buckles on the shoulder straps look like molded plastic!??


...
 
Well, I would have to say you got took then. I just recently bought a new Instroke 2x4 Cowboy from Instroke and literally EVERYTHING you said that's wrong with yours, is the exact opposite with mine. The latch is the shiny gold, there are no gaps anywhere, the leather is a very durable good quality, the rivets are not "flat" and the strap buckles are a solid metal. I would be having a convo with that "vendor" if I was you. I ordered through Cuestix international.
 
Very happy with mine as well, i think it is a better built case than the older models from germany!!
 
When I called them, I told them I wasn't happy with the case. I mentioned the color of the metal ( I said it wasn't gold )...
they told me "that the color was changed to silver on the vinyl cases"..."if you're not happy with it, just send it back."
Of course, I have to pay for the shipping that they paid to ship it ( free shipping only on PURCHASED items ) as
well as the shipping to send it back!

I was trying to not be too confrontational but, maybe another conversation is in order.
 
smahalko said:
So I found this forum looking for alternative vendors who sell Instroke cue cases and thought I'd sign up.

I just recently purchased a case ( Black/Burgundy Vinyl Cowboy ) that I got from one of Instroke's certified sellers,
from Instroke's site.

The case I got was very different than what I had a many years back ( my old one was stolen )!! The new case is
nice enough but, the quality compared to my older case was just not in the new one.

I can mention some of the things that were different below but, for now I'd like to ask all of you, after I was assured
by Instroke that if I got the case from <vender> it is a legitimate Instroke case:
Has the quality of Instoke's cases just gone down hill? Or do you have to purchase one of the leather,
more expensive cases to get better quality? I LOVED my old case!!!! But now I'm not confident with ordering
due to the fact that there are so many "knock offs" and if in fact, I did get a genuine Instroke case, with the
poor quality that I noticed.

I'm beginning to think, I may have to look for an alternative to the Instroke case I had before and LOVED!!!
I'll appreciate your thoughts and advice.


Like I said, here are some of the "notable differences" ( all compared to my previous case ):
• rivets and lid latch were a silver ( instead of the high shine gold )
• the round rivets that go along the wrapped edge seemed flatter instead of being more round
• the top lid and pocket latch have HUGE gaps between clamp and opening when closed —
the lid and pocket will shake there is so much of a gap
• the material that is wrapped around the sides ( held by round rivets ) was VERY thin
• the buckles on the shoulder straps look like molded plastic!??


...
Click to expand...

I have 6 instroke cases, ranging from one butt 2 shafts to 3 butts 7 shafts.

Like you, my old vinyl 3 butt 5 shaft case was completely worn out. The rivets had come loose at the bottom of the case (I think it must have gotten wet and rotted out). Sent it back to Instroke to see if they could repair, which they could not. But they took $50 off the cost and I got a brand new case for less than $120.

And I must say that this case is much sturdier than my old case. My wife and I at first thought the case was leather it was so nice. Frankly, I love the silver latchers. The shoulder straps were better than the old straps.

PS don't use Fedex unless you want to pay more than double that what it would cost with UPS, as much as I hate those suckers. It cost me $52 to ship two cases back to instroke (I had busted off a latch due to misuse) and when Instroke shipped it back, the shipping was only $20 for both cases.

BTW, I have a 3 butt 5 shaft Instroke cowboy case and a 3 butt 7 shaft black leather designed Instroke case. They are built solid as a rock. For constant use, like others on the forum have suggested, get a leather case.
 
Yeah I used to sell Instroke cases, and I have had a german edition Instroke Buffalo leather case for over years which is still going strong for durability considering all the travelling it had done. When I sold the vinyl cases I was never truly impressed by them. They got the job done of course, and for someone on a budget, they are no doubt a good value. But in comparison to the rest of the leather cases there is no comparison. The leather cases are much better for durability and quality. I have friends that have bought Instroke leather cases in recent years, and all those cases showed to be still well built cases.

I would either go ahead for the return with an exchange for another similar type case which may wind be a bit better than what you got, or return and spend the extra to get into a true leather case. You should see a serious bump in quality of construction, and it will last you alot longer.
 
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