In Search Of: The Perfect Case...

D

Dedeye1209

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
OK everyone, I am looking for opinions and input.

I have been carrying my cues in an Instroke 3x7 Cowboy for 10 years. It has served me well, but it has some issues. Shoulder strap SUCKS (mine actually tore off, so it's moot), it weighs like 35 freaking pounds when it's loaded, and least of all, it seems like it is the same as everyone else's...

Anyway, I am looking for a case with comfy shoulder straps, maybe even backpack style, fairly light, holds 3x6, and plenty of pockets for gear. I ride my bicycle for transportation, so it would be nice if it were easy to carry in that situation.

I was looking at the Sterling Wave and the JB rugged. I don't really like the interior where you have to load & unload your cues in a certain order tho. I really like the lined tube style of the Instroke, but that is where a lot of the weight comes from.

Thoughts?
 
IMHO JB Rugged.

I have been studying cases for years and have made a few as well. I think the JB Rugged is it in practical terms, hands down.

I don't have one but am probably getting one soon. I have a 3x6 and want a 4x8.

If you want a different liner, talk to JB.

If you are the kind of guy to carry the same case for 10 years then why buy "off the rack"?

Talk to JB, tell him your needs. I bet he can meet them.

Just my opinion.

There are a lot of great cases and several really top notch case makers if you want a custom. Feel free to talk to any or all of them.

When you mentioned the straps I immediately thought of JB.

.
 
Based on your description....JB Rugged all the way. Great cases, especially if you want a lighter 3x6 and backpack straps.
 
JB rugged for sure. I have 5 of them. Just ordered my dream case from Karen yesterday at the expo, butterfly, all leather with some minor tooling.
 
I have a Ron Thomas 2x4, McDermott 1x2, and it is a bit of an annoyance to load and unload the cues as there's a specific way to get them to fit best. Overall, I don't mind, but I will tell you the the Ultrapad interiors are the best.

Look for a Chuck Fields, JB or Murnak case. If you want to save a few bucks, go with JB Rugged. I also have this rifle style case that's a 3x4 it will carry everything safely, secured firmly, and you can take butts and shafts out individually. If you're interested, I will sell it cheap to you, it's been a storage case for me and I'm paring things down.

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=370150

20160406_173955.jpg

20160406_173934.jpg
 
For a custom case, well built and affordable I would get a Dennis Swift. He makes a good case that is dependable and will last years. I own one of his cases and he is easy to work with and order from. The case is a tank but it will weigh as much as your current set up.

Another good option is the JB rugged or the Sterling Wave case. I own one of each. The rugged can be customized by JB in numerous forms to suit your needs. He also makes a nice butterfly style case that might work for you. The Wave of mine came with backpack straps and a JB interior for a good price. The only drawback is the Wave has less storage pocket space than the others. Both of these cases are much lighter than my Swift and the interior is top notch.
 
The perfect case? It's a myth from the Pool and Billiard Grimoire of Wishes, Dreams, and Fairy Tales. Does not exist. I think the best you can do is to find something that suits you. I knew exactly what I wanted, it, in fact has been built before, but I wanted mine in leather and not a faux leather or some kind of nylon. So I went on what was probably about a 5 year search for someone to build it. I finally wound up settling for something I could live with. Recently I found someone that was willing to take on what I wanted and much more cost effective than "what I could live with". The thing is I really don't need another case, but I know it's out there and I now know where to get it.
The perfect case, never gonna happen, but there are many that do a more than adequate job and some you will be quite happy with.
 
I've had a JB ultimate rugged 3 x 6 case for about 3 years now. It's not fancy, but has held up very well. I can insert and remove items in any order. I did not see a backpack double strap option, but it's probably possible if you ask. Mine has a handle on the mid side and another on the top. It also has a single adjustable strap on the back; with a sliding pad. I'm not easy on things as this case bounces around behind the seat of my truck. The price is another recommendation too.
 
my 2 cents
the sterling wave pocket zippers butterfly all around the pocket so it opens up widely and makes it very easy to ut things in and out of the pockets
the jb rugged only has that as an option i beleive
most jb zippers are less user friendly based on the rugged cases i won
also the sterling wave comes with back pack straps which are WAY more comfortable and would be easy to use when on your bike
again the jb rugged has back pack straps only as an option so it would be harder to find
they are both great cases
i own both but prefer the sterling wave
the only reason i bought jb ruggeds is because sterling no longer makes the 4x8 in black
 
Last edited:
Thanks!

Yea, after looking at JB's website, I see I could order up a rugged built to my specs: colors, straps, interior, capacity, layout, etc. for about $230.

I paid $399 for my Instroke new, so I feel like I'd be getting a deal. I don't really care for the leather so much anymore; it's more luxury than function, and practical functionality is what I'm looking for.

I also considered a Pelican or SKB take-down rifle case (since Zero Halliburton doesn't make their 4x8 anymore) but those aren't conducive to carry on the bike.
 
bbb said:
my 2 cents
the sterling wave pockets butterfly all around the pocket so it opens up widely and makes it very easy to ut things in and out of the pockets
the jb rugged only has that as an option i beleive
most jb zippers are less user friendly based on the rugged cases i won
also the sterling wave comes with back pack straps which are WAY more comfortable and would be easy to use when on your bike
again the jb rugged has back pack straps only as an option so it would be harder to find
they are both great cases
i own both but prefer the sterling wave
the only reason i bought jb ruggeds is because sterling no longer makes the 4x8 in black
Click to expand...

Larry,

You mean like these pockets (JB Cases elephant print leather 3x6)?... ;)




Sorry I couldn't resist. But the sterling wave cases are great, too. John can do whatever the customer wants.

Dave
 
12squared said:
Larry,

You mean like these pockets (JB Cases elephant print leather 3x6)?... ;)




Sorry I couldn't resist. But the sterling wave cases are great, too. John can do whatever the customer wants.

Dave
Click to expand...

YES
HOW MUCH EXTRA DID IT COST YOU
ITS FREE WITH A STERLING WAVE
:p:D
 
watched some of john henderson and frank espinosa
john won
saw alot of tom wirth and jeff sparks
jeff pulled out a squeeker 4/3
looking forward to tommorrows matches.....:)
 
Own a JB and you'll want another and another. They are supreme cases.
 
All good ideas but here is another idea- get a Whitten lite 3x6 and you will be happy. It's more money but they are great cases.
Good luck.
Stan
 
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