GTF cases
- Thread starter Arbey007
- Start date
Hey Arbey, how's it going my friend? I just talked with Ron Thomas tonight...he's going to send me three different samples of leather to look at, along with a brochure that has some different samples of his cases. I believe his cases to be top notch. So I'm going to order a case from him.
A couple things from a biased perspective. The thing that set the Fellini apart from all that followed in this style is the way that the end of the case is covered. Prior to GTF only Engles to my knowledge has successfully put out a case that has had the ends covered in this manner. Perhaps Ann Gore since she worked with or for Fellini. I honestly cannot remember if my Ann Gore case was done like a Centennial or a Fellini.
Essentially covering the ends in this way, with the leather folded over the ends and matched up seamlessly, is a difficult process where the reward is unmatched elegance when done right.
GTF makes 2 styles. One is with the leather covered ends, the Replica style, and the Prestige is with the ABS plastic ends that are practically indestructible. The one with the end caps is less expensive as it's easier to do.
I am not sure but I don't think that Mr. Thomas is offering a folded-leather end style like the Fellini's and GTF Replicas are made. Just wanted to clear that up lest there be confusion.
The other point I want to make is that these cases are not knockoffs. They are newly designed pieces that improve, in my opinion, on those that have gone before. I have studied the Fellini, Centennial, George, and Thomas cases to determine how I could bring something new to the table in this genre of cases. There are very specific things that have been done to insure that these cases are the most protective of this style. There are other things that have been done to insure that the functions of all the brands I have mentioned have been met or exceeded.
Which is better, the Ron Thomas, Fellini, GTF, George? That is really for you the consumer to decide. It's like debating whether a Mercedes, BMW, Cadillac or Lexus is better. Each has certain features that the designers and engineers felt make them better than the others but consumers often choose for reasons that engineers don't expect.
Once again the "made in" comments surfaced. Some BMWs are made in Germany and some are made in the USA. Some BMWs are made in China. When you go to look for BMW you aren't looking for which patch of earth it was made on, you are looking for the quality that BMW stands for. Instroke has stood for quality and security for more than 15 years. I built Instroke and I build GTF cases. I promise you that there is not one bit less quality in this brand than is found on any case of this genre ever made to date.
John Barton - case maker
Essentially covering the ends in this way, with the leather folded over the ends and matched up seamlessly, is a difficult process where the reward is unmatched elegance when done right.
GTF makes 2 styles. One is with the leather covered ends, the Replica style, and the Prestige is with the ABS plastic ends that are practically indestructible. The one with the end caps is less expensive as it's easier to do.
I am not sure but I don't think that Mr. Thomas is offering a folded-leather end style like the Fellini's and GTF Replicas are made. Just wanted to clear that up lest there be confusion.
The other point I want to make is that these cases are not knockoffs. They are newly designed pieces that improve, in my opinion, on those that have gone before. I have studied the Fellini, Centennial, George, and Thomas cases to determine how I could bring something new to the table in this genre of cases. There are very specific things that have been done to insure that these cases are the most protective of this style. There are other things that have been done to insure that the functions of all the brands I have mentioned have been met or exceeded.
Which is better, the Ron Thomas, Fellini, GTF, George? That is really for you the consumer to decide. It's like debating whether a Mercedes, BMW, Cadillac or Lexus is better. Each has certain features that the designers and engineers felt make them better than the others but consumers often choose for reasons that engineers don't expect.
Once again the "made in" comments surfaced. Some BMWs are made in Germany and some are made in the USA. Some BMWs are made in China. When you go to look for BMW you aren't looking for which patch of earth it was made on, you are looking for the quality that BMW stands for. Instroke has stood for quality and security for more than 15 years. I built Instroke and I build GTF cases. I promise you that there is not one bit less quality in this brand than is found on any case of this genre ever made to date.
John Barton - case maker
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dave sutton
Banned
ALL LINES ARE TIGHT AND STRAIGHT. CUE FITS LIKE A GLOVE. CASE IN ON PAR OR BETTER WITH ANY RON THOMAS CASE IVE EVER SEEN AS FAR AS PRODUCTION AND QUALITY. BLOWS ENGLES OUT OF THE WATER!!!
IF I HEAR ANOTHER THING ABOUT THESE CASES MADE IN CHINA IM GOING TO THROW UP ON MY KEYBOARD...WHO CARES???
IF I HEAR ANOTHER THING ABOUT THESE CASES MADE IN CHINA IM GOING TO THROW UP ON MY KEYBOARD...WHO CARES???
dave sutton said:
Dude! Quit shouting, most of us can read just fine...sheesh!
Okay, here's my take, for what it's worth. I have examples of both a Thomas case (Centennial style 2x4) and Engles case (Fellini style 1x2). Both are examples of each case maker's take on the Friction Fit case.
The Engles: The case is covered with a smooth black leather, which is actually tooling thickness. The interior of the case is very well done, and is very much on par with the Thomas case interior, in regards to both materials used, and fitment...minimal cue movement. While this case was designed after the Fellini style, interestingly, Sam choose to go with the old Centennial style O-rings for the Friction Fit...and it does what it is supposed to, keeps the lid nice and secure. Now to the exterior...as I previously stated, the leather is relatively thick...not harness leather thick, but thick enough to be tooled easily. With that in mind, the seamwork is noticeable. Not gappy noticeable...and to be honest, the thicker the leather, the harder it is to hide the seam, in this style of case. I would NOT say the quality of work in this case is any less than the others on the market...because it is not...it is just more 'rustic'...and will take a beating. Also, I think it should be noted, that to my knowledge, Sam only worked with real hides/skins...I cannot remember ever seeing an embossed leather being used in any of his cases. If the case was listed as lizard, you can bet it WAS real lizard. He was also known to use real elephant, shark, and other exotic skins. I, for one, really like this case, and it's a shame that he discontinued making them...for whatever reason.
The Thomas: The case is his basic black lizard embossed leather, which is actually quite nice, albeit, a much thinner leather...as the embossed leathers generally are. He does offer a thicker, higher grade embossed leather, but I still not believe it to be equal in the thickness of the Engles case's leather. Again, the interior is very well constructed, much like the Engles, with very similar, if not identical materials used. Again, very minimal cue movement. Now, Ron chose to use a button type set-up for his Friction Fit design...which I had doubts about at first, but actually works quite effectively at keeping the lid secure. Back to the exterior...seamwork in my particular case is wonderful...and with the black embossed lizard, very difficult to locate...which is why he actually added a small silver dot on the inside back of both the case body and lid...so you can match them up. I believe that due in part to the thinner leather used, and the lizard embossment, is what makes the seamwork on this case virtually invisible. I would say that overall, the case would be considered more 'refined' than the Engles.
To clarify what I mean here between the two cases, I would compare the Engles as the Justis of this style of case, whereas the Thomas would be compared as the Whitten of this style of case...if that makes any sense at all. I am quite happy with both cases...but am less inclined to 'baby' the Engles.
As to the GTF cases...I have not seen one up close yet, but they do appear to be on par with that of the Thomas cases. The quality of the leather used appears to be the same, as does the interior materials. While I like the finishing touch of carrying over the interior material to the outside of the case's body...I would have concerns that this may wear out after repeated uses, as anything short of a Kevlar fabric is going to be prone to wear. At this point, that would be my only concern.
I believe that all three of the above examples of this style of case will perform equally, with regards to cue protection...so I think it's pretty much a wash.
While I, myself, would prefer to spend my money on an American made product first....with the advent of the discontinuation of the Engles cases, it has opened a niche in the market, and the GTF cases appear to be filling it.....and seems to have helped draw the It's George line of cases back into the market as well.
Lisa
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dave sutton
Banned
lisa
pretty good rundown. however i have to disagree. you made a statement that sums up what i was saying. if they are equal in protection then why not pick the best made. IMO the seams in the engles cases are horrible. i took a few in on trade and unloaded them immediatly. that is a deff factor. when building a quality product that comes into playrons cases are pretty good but i have seen some bad ones. i looked at literally 30 gtf cases they all were perfect. i love ron hes a great guy.
pretty good rundown. however i have to disagree. you made a statement that sums up what i was saying. if they are equal in protection then why not pick the best made. IMO the seams in the engles cases are horrible. i took a few in on trade and unloaded them immediatly. that is a deff factor. when building a quality product that comes into playrons cases are pretty good but i have seen some bad ones. i looked at literally 30 gtf cases they all were perfect. i love ron hes a great guy.
dave sutton said:
Well Dave, with regards to the quality of the Engles cases, I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. Being a biker b*tch, I have seen my fair share of leather, trust me, and I understand how difficult it can be to work with the heavier grades of it...and the stuff does not lend itself to stretching across a surfaced as easily as a thinner leather will...it's stiff. But it has to be in order to accept any kind of tooling and hold it. The thicker, stiffer leather is far from pliable, and can be a real booger bear to work with. Trust me, I have worked with both the heavier and lighter weight leathers, and the lighter weight stuff is definitely easier to work with!
Now, with no disrespect to Ron Thomas, but if I treated my Thomas case like I treat the Engles...I suspect that I would damage the leather quite easily. Yeah, the leather on the Engles may get scratched and bruised, but as far as actual damage, I highly doubt it. I have plans to recover the Engles, but haven't decided how I want to tool the leather yet, but it will be recovered with a leather of similar weight...I like the heavy stuff...it tends to stand the test of time better...as witnessed by the durability of the Justis cases.
I consider my Engles 1x2 to be the consumate road case...and all you really need when walking into a room. It has enough room in the top of the lid, that I can carry a piece of chalk in a tiny ziploc in it...and I am good to go!
When I want to carry both of my cues, the Thomas fits the bill nicely, especially with the pocket and luggage handle...but I am not going to be just tossing it about carelessly...or sliding it up under a table.
Lisa
Hey. Do you think you could post some pictures of the brochures here?RackRunner said:
I think be it GTF, Thomas, Engles, Meucci, Its George, they are not going to really do that worst off in terms of protection if you do not abuse it. I don't think any of them will survive being run over by a truck repeatedly.
I like that style of case. I have been wanting to get one from thomas. In the past i only have a couple of Its George and Meucci of similar design.
JB Cases said:
This is an outstanding post!! Thank you! I think you have cleared up some misconceptions, and equally answered some questions.
From my knowledge, albeit limited as it is, the GTF Replica line will be the first to do the leather covered ends since Fellini, Gore (she did
), and Engles. I have to say, I do prefer it to the Centennial style end caps, for the reasons you named above. I will admit, that I think it is great that GTF is offering both the Fellini style AND Centennial style cases...as it offers lovers of both styles greater options. Kudos!
I would like to add here that until I moved to this style of cases....I carried, and own, two 8 yr old original Instroke Premier 1x2 cases. And while one stands empty now (gave the other one to the ol' man), I will never part with it! That case still looks almost as good as new, and it was not treated kindly by any stretch...LoL. A real testament to just how well built those cases were.
Using those cases as a barometer, then there should be no worry as to the GTF cases durability and build quality.Lisa
If protection is your concern,
Then I would definitely say its those old Mc Dermott cases! Those you can run your truck over it and the cue within will still survive.
They could even double as a baseball bat, home protection system..........
Gone are those Fellini case. So no matter how good they were they are not available. So I am kind of glad someone came out and made them though.
Then I would definitely say its those old Mc Dermott cases! Those you can run your truck over it and the cue within will still survive.
They could even double as a baseball bat, home protection system..........
Gone are those Fellini case. So no matter how good they were they are not available. So I am kind of glad someone came out and made them though.
I think this thread has gone long enough. I would like to thank everyone who participated in this thread and for your statements. I really appreciate it. I guess the only thing left for me to do is to buy one and see it for myself. After all, Im looking to get 1 from each case maker in the long run.