Hard case VS soft case

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Plagueis

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
First off I hope this topic hasn't been done yet or at least done to death. And in this hobby there's no right answer so my question to everyone one isn't which is best. It's what do you use and what reasons did you pick it. I'm kinda stuck between two and although they are both different in many ways the primary difference is one is a hard case and the other a soft case so perhaps someone can help my in making my decision by explaining the reasons why you came to yours.
Thanks everyone.
 
Hard case for me, just seems to offer a little more protection without much downside other than slightly heavier weight. Since I mostly carry it to and from my car that isn't a concern for me. Most of the time you don't need the crew protection, but if you ever do I'm sure you'll be glad to have it.
 
Plagueis said:
First off I hope this topic hasn't been done yet or at least done to death. And in this hobby there's no right answer so my question to everyone one isn't which is best. It's what do you use and what reasons did you pick it. I'm kinda stuck between two and although they are both different in many ways the primary difference is one is a hard case and the other a soft case so perhaps someone can help my in making my decision by explaining the reasons why you came to yours.
Thanks everyone.
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Hard Case of some kind is nice. In the trunk of a car even the hard case rubs up on things. If someone leans on your case its no big deal, softcase not so much although Ive seen a few butterfly cases I liked.

I tend to want to carry lots of stuff so I have a cheap 2 x 5 I use from time to time and a cheap 2 x 4. I bought a nice Whitten used 2x4 but its so nice I hate to use it very ornate. I reccommend getting something you will be proud to get road marks on but make it substantial enough to protect your cue even if you use a $50 cue. Its yours and when you finally get it like you want it...its the cue for you.
 
To me it's a matter of preference. A hard case will offer more protection than a soft case. If you have a sizable investment in your cues then a good quality hard case might be better. Of course, a hard case usually is more expensive. I own a good hard case but also a soft case that is less conspicuous.
 
I have a Porper VIP, while it is a soft case, it also has a spine that guves it a little bit of structure so I really don't think the protection is all that different. One of the reasons I bought it is because it weights WAY less than most 4x8s while actually having a capacity a little higher than a 4x8 if you really need it.
 
Like many here I have some of both - hard cases and butterfly style soft cases. I'll use a hard case when traveling of course. Also use a hard case for league so that I can toss it under the table and not worry if someone else throws their gear on top of it.

I'll often go with a soft case for tournaments since they tend to be lighter weight and there is more standing around with your case over your shoulder all day long compared to say league play. Also for a tournament a butterfly case allows you to store all kinds of items you may need that don't fit in the typical pockets of a case, like a Hager extension for example. I can even stuff a sweater in it on the chance the room is chilly. My butterflies are 4x8 so I can carry a spare cue (just in case) and my break cue along with my main player. A hard case that accommodates 3+ cues tend to get heavy.
 
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I use my soft case the most. I am very good at taking care of my stuff and my case is not thrown in the trunk to bang up against stuff. I carry my cues for hours at DCC or SBExpo! So, weight is a big concern and given the need for bridges/extensions/break cues/jump cues/chalk/Etc. I carry what I need to GAMBLE when and where the mode hits me. Nothing worse then gambling and want/need something NOT in your case!!!

Plus, playing pool with a sore arm and back from lugging junk around is not good. I opted for Backpack straps on my Castillo cue case and love it and never looked back. Best buy and decision I made in a few years!!!

KD
:thumbup:
 
Great responses everyone, so a little information. I live in Canada so the temps get cold in the winter and hot in the summer and I use public transportation to get back and forth to league and tournaments. Im not sure that banging a case around would be much of an issue and weight wouldn't be much of a concern so I'm still not sure which would be better. I doubt the difference in hard and soft case would help much with temperature changes.
 
I have a hard sterling 4x8, though I'm going to change over to a different case. The sterling is fairly light, but the pocket seam is coming apart.

I like hard cases, though the old It's George soft cases were nice.
 
If you have a cue that you really want to protect including the finish I would stay away from most hard cases as many of them let the cue bounce around &/or they have a rather abrasive felt lined tubes.

JB Case is the way to go but the basic rugged modelstarts at around $180.

Many of even the economical soft cases have a tricot material for the sleeves much like what JB Case uses for the interiors, which imo, is better than the felt linings of most of the hard cases.

It's really up to you but I'd rather go with a soft case unless you go with JB Case or some other brand that has started using interiors like theirs.

Good Luck with whatever you decide.

Best 2 You & Yours,
Rick
 
Plagueis said:
Great responses everyone, so a little information. I live in Canada so the temps get cold in the winter and hot in the summer and I use public transportation to get back and forth to league and tournaments. Im not sure that banging a case around would be much of an issue and weight wouldn't be much of a concern so I'm still not sure which would be better. I doubt the difference in hard and soft case would help much with temperature changes.
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buy once and buy with the understanding that you have to LIVE with the case for the rest of your life!!!

when you think of it this way listed above, you do your self and your wallet a big favor.

i have 8 or more cases bought for different reasons/ purposes. i had a VERY Flashy case and it was a distraction and drew too much unwanted attention.

then

Bought a plain case and it was too plain

then

got into tournaments and needed comfort and bought a light case.

then

tried my buddies backpack straps and was hooked

then

got a hager extender and it would not fit my case

it just went on and on until I look in my basement at roughly 8 cases.

Buy BIG enough to grow and expand!!! Most important
Buy a soft case because it will carry MORE and weight LESS
Buy Backpack straps because you travel via public transportation easier to function with both hands free. plus, spread the weight over BOTH shoulders.
Get the Biggest shoulder pads offered size matters.
Buy a nice looking case that you can be proud of for YEARS
If pool is a part of your life then don't skimp.
Consider durability and wear! Many cases look horribly scratched up. Best bet is to buy a black leather case and get a can of black shoe polish! Other option is get the case made out of bullhide or some other scratch resistant leather like veggie tan.

KD
 
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Kid Dynomite said:
buy once and buy with the understanding that you have to LIVE with the case for the rest of your life!!!

when you think of it this way listed above, you do your self and your wallet a big favor.

i have 8 or more cases bought for different reasons/ purposes. i had a VERY Flashy case and it was a distraction and drew too much unwanted attention.

then

Bought a plain case and it was too plain

then

got into tournaments and needed comfort and bought a light case.

then

tried my buddies backpack straps and was hooked

then

got a hager extender and it would not fit my case

it just went on and on until I look in my basement at roughly 8 cases.

Buy BIG enough to grow and expand!!! Most important
Buy a soft case because it will carry MORE and weight LESS
Buy Backpack straps because you travel via public transportation easier to function with both hands free. plus, spread the weight over BOTH shoulders.
Get the Biggest shoulder pads offered size matters.
Buy a nice looking case that you can be proud of for YEARS
If pool is a part of your life then don't skimp.
Consider durability and wear! Many cases look horribly scratched up. Best bet is to buy a black leather case and get a can of black shoe polish! Other option is get the case made out of bullhide or some other scratch resistant leather like veggie tan.

KD
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That is some very good advice, my two options are a JB ultimate rugged or the newest predator case a 3x4 soft case. The JB for protection or the predator for looks. Though I'm sure I'd be happy with both
 
Soft cases are lighter and less bulky. Therefore they're best when you need case for 4+ cues, 6+ shafts.

But my choice for 2-3 cues, 3-4 shafts is a hard case. It's a lot more protection but not bulky/heavy enough to be a problem.

Forget the "I'm careful, so I don't need a lot of protection" mentality. It's not you that you're worried about...it's the drunk at the next table.
 
I used to carry a soft case for my one cue. It was nice and light. Then I ordered a longer custom cue that required a longer case. My custom case now is a 2x6 hard case. However, the lining started wearing out and the pvc piping is starting to become exposed and my cues can be heard rattling.

I love the case because it was custom ordered, but I've come to realize that I only use my playing cue and sometimes a break cue, and rarely jump. Plus my case is heavy and as I've gotten older, it's become a problem for my shoulder. I'm now downsizing to a custom JB ultimate rugged in a 2x3. It's still a hard case, but is much lighter and probably offers better protection for my prized cues. But I'm not a guy that collects cues, thus the 2x3. Also, I play a lot of local tourneys and prefer to keep it simple and light.
 
JB makes a nice case. Both hard and soft.

If you order a JB custom, the wait time can be a little unpredictable.
 
Plagueis said:
Great responses and I've narrowed down what I want. However any more input is welcome
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I hope it's a JB Rugged. In my opinion, there isn't a more cost effective case out there. I love all my cases, but if I had to advise a new case buyer, it would be a JB Rugged. The cost is fairly low, and for the price, it's as protective and slingable as you need.

After that, then of course I'd advise to get a much fancier case from Jack Justis, Joe Whitten, and John Barton. Then after that, it's off to a Rusty Melton and Phil Eastwood.

Freddie <~~~ luvs spending other people's money
 
I have a soft case that is my first and only. Mainly just because it was cheap. But it's a Made in U.S.A. Porper.
I'm thinking of getting a hard case because that's what Eddie, Vincent, and Johnny Doyle all used!!!:thumbup:
 
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I got both soft and hard cases.

When going to tournament, I cannot imagine going with a soft case, it's like an accident waiting to happen.

So, I like a hard case with tubes as in my Instroke for example.

The John Barton case makes me nervous, while it holds the cues well apparently, how do you know the cues are not pushing against each other and bending shafts etc.?
 
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