How to choose between which case to buy?

[Jude Rosenstock]

I had a Joe Porper 2 X 4 leather case for 15 years. The leather looks as good today as when I received it as a present. The hardware has taken a beating over the years and my wife just bought me a new one for a birthday present. I received it about one week ago and am very pleased with the inside and the outside. It appears to be in the price range you stated and they have several capacities. Just have to look around.

http://www.wayfair.com/5280-Pool-Cues-34-Pool-Cue-Case-in-Burgundy-RM24B-OUO1020.html

I love Porper cases. The only downside is that they typically come with tapered tubes which means you have to put your cues in upsidedown and they can get stuck this way. However, I've ordered straight tubes from them before and they do this at no additional cost.

My everyday case is a custom made Whitten 2x4 but sometimes it's not a good idea to bring out. The Porpers are cheap, do a great job protecting your cues AND they're really light. They also come in a ton of colors.

In regards to the OP, every case mentioned thus far will do a great job. There are very few bad decisions and far more good ones when buying a case. All can protect a cue just fine. Some will last longer. Some will look better. Some are more comfortable to carry. You should look to spend upwards of $80 for a 2x4 hard case. Anything less should raise an eyebrow but don't necessarily dismiss it altogether. Just google a few reviews if you can. All of the custom cases out there are great but will often cost more than $300. Mine was about $540.

 

[eastcoast_chris]

I bought a Predator 3x5 Blak case when in Vegas... I think I paid about $220 for it, if I remember correctly?

Great case and built like a tank. Amazing interior that holds everything I own (Playing cue + 2 shafts, Break cue/shaft, snooker cue/shaft, jump shaft... butt goes in the pouch). Good padding on the strap for carrying around.

http://www.predatorcues.com/predator_cues_case_blak_big_3x5.php

I see some on Ebay for about $211+shipping.

 

[JoeW]

I agree with Jude and BTW I have noticed that my new case is significantly heavier than the old Joe Porper. So that is one disadvantage. If I were looking for a new case I think I would give more consideration to the weight of the case.

I like the new handle that allows me to carry it like a brief case rather than the standard shoulder sling.

I guess you need to consider how you will use the case and the features that are available. For me, leather is definitely the way to go for a long lasting case.

After I received my new case I saw the ads by Aramith. Their cases that appear to be metal are interesting. I also like the idea of being able to carry your own set of pool balls. I wouldn't need to do it very often but it is something to think about.

Many of my friends have cases that allow them to use the case as a stand and they store their cues in the case when they are playing. This is a nice way of telling others that your cues are private and not for use by others when you are playing.

 

[3andstop]

I'm one of those guys who wouldn't pay more than 300 bucks for a cue, 50 bucks for a shaft, or 100 for a case ....


here's a case that you'd be hard pressed to beat for the price ...

or this one ...


BTW no affiliation with this co. I just knew a picture was at this site. Good luck

 

[Matt]

Where is the best place to buy the sterling wave case?

ebay or mr. vmax (see this thread)

 

[Ghosst]

Yea I'm mainly a recreational player, occasionally will play a session of league, occasionally play a tournament. Wouldn't want to spend more than about $200.

A tube-style with feet (so it will stand up on it's own) that allows you to put the butts in either way is what you're most likely looking for.

I bought a Predator 3x5 Blak case when in Vegas

http://www.predatorcues.com/predator_cues_case_blak_big_3x5.php

I had thoughts about that case myself, however this is my problem with it for long waits between matches:

Case weighs 7.25 lbs (3.27 kilos)

For league I'll be returning to my Elite Nexus Reserve. It's light, tough, and while cheap, it has feet, I can use it to store my cues upright, and has enough storage space to hang onto the essentials. The cues will wobble around a bit, but I'm not hopping onto a plane with it.

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

A tube-style with feet (so it will stand up on it's own) that allows you to put the butts in either way is what you're most likely looking for.



I had thoughts about that case myself, however this is my problem with it for long waits between matches:




For league I'll be returning to my Elite Nexus Reserve. It's light, tough, and while cheap, it has feet, I can use it to store my cues upright, and has enough storage space to hang onto the essentials. The cues will wobble around a bit, but I'm not hopping onto a plane with it.

I think all of the Predator cases are nice. In fact, they're probably some of the nicest production cases. The only problem I have with them is that they're so common. When I go to some of these big tournaments like Vegas, there's going to be a 40% chance I'm walking away with somebody else's cue.

IMO, it's best to have a noticeably different case. My girlfriend's case can be spotted from across the room which can be very reassuring.

 

[Ghosst]

The only problem I have with them is that they're so common. When I go to some of these big tournaments like Vegas, there's going to be a 40% chance I'm walking away with somebody else's cue.

Yes, I have the same problem and mentioned that in my first post on this thread. My league case has a TAR and CSI patch on it which no one else does, and it's dark brown where anyone else chooses black or the Outlaw version of the case (because everyone wants to be an Outlaw).

I have the Blak soft butterfly myself. But it's used for my custom cue and never taken into a bar. It also has a few identification marks on it in case anyone tries to Savoie it.