Jack Justis vs JB Cases

[jmurphy]

I am going to let you in on a secret.

Erofey Evaladin


Never heard of him? Me either...till I was searching for a case long enough for my 62" cue...and found him in the Ukraine where he makes cases for Russian Billiard cue...and normal ones as well...

Craftsmanship....incredible...

Price...380 +90 shipping

Wait Period From confirmed order to in hand including shipping...12 days

Weight A heck of a lot lighter than my instroke cowboy

Communication Between the emails and photos enough to keep me happy

Looks? you judge...

Durabiility....hanging in so far...and Im not gentle...known for strapping to my back and taking off on the Harley

Customization...complete...including making it longer for my 62" cue at no additional cost...



Feel free to PM with any questions or requests for new pictures with different details...

Rick

I had one of these cases but I found the material used to line the tubes to be way to coarse for my liking. Other then that great case for the cash :wink:

 

[JB Cases]

Sorry I forgot to mention length.

We do the cases in any length. Our standard capacity is up to 32" parts will fit in our cases. We make the interiors so that anything from 28.5" inches up to 32" will fit easily and be easily accessible.

Sorry for posting again but this is the type of thing that you don't see from looking at a picture. We also will make the case longer on request generally for no extra charge.

 

[JB Cases]

I have had all the big name cases except for Whitten. Dunno how I've missed it. My Justis is my EDC. It's too short to acommodate my 59" cues with j/ps, and the pockets are very hard to get into. You need to be careful not to dump your cues and shafts out as there is nothing to hold em in. That being said, it's exceptional cosmetically and I'm proud of it, so that's what I carry.

I do have some hesitance to buy anything made in China. I support American products if possible. It's not easy sometimes, but I try to stick to it. The Justis is the epitome of class in a case. I am careful with my equipment and so far no mishaps. Oh, I also wish the case would stand up by itself without being tippy. I don't think the others do either...Tom

Our cases stand by themselves solidly. We began putting a rubber bottom on a few years ago and it stands up very securely.

For pockets we do L-zippers to make it easy to get in them:

Regarding the length see above.

 

[jmurphy]

My ONLY criticism of the Justis is trying to access anything in the pockets. They are tight to get your hand into!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had one of the nicest Justis cases you would ever lay your eyes on.
At the BCA I had many strangers stop me just to check out my case but in the end I Sold my Justis case for the very reason as above.

 

[jmurphy]

Hey John did you say something about putting customer's names on cases?...LOL

 

[Tommy-D]

Jack's stuff is nicer than even top-shelf redheads LOL,and always has been,hell of a man too. I'd own ANY of his cases if the cash allowed and be damn proud,some more than others due to personal taste.

I've owned 4 cases in the last 20 years.

Burgundy vinyl 2x4 Porper,served me well.

Next up was a white shoe leather 3x6 Porper,the only one ever made to my knowledge. It looked like a white/black Air Jordan when new. It even protected my cues during a house fire with only smoke damage to the leather,cues were perfect after a wipeoff. After 15 years worth of autographs by the world's best and even some of my people and typical rugged use,stuff started coming apart.

Next up was a black vinyl 3x5 Stroke Sports/Instroke type. After a while with no actual abuse but taking in and out of car,etc,it started coming apart.

My current case is a 4x6 Shooter Collection McD. Needed a case bad,brand new and price was right,under retail.

I bought it about a year ago,and I've had to repolish the joint collar on the butt of a year old Schon that was brand new twice now,because even with a joint protector on it,it still wound up with faint,straight line scratches on the stainless even with CAREFUL insertion into the liner.

On top of that,I use the side handle a lot,taking the case in and out of the back seat in my ride. Although this is a 4x6,I only have 3 butts in it,shafts are full load,but occasionally need the extra open slots to move a shaft I'm picking up for my repair gigs.

The side handle had pulled away from the vinyl bad enough I had to use a big zip-tie to hold it in place before it completely comes apart.

I've made up my mind unless the cash comes available to buy a 4x8 Whitten in one swipe of my ATM that John will be making my next case.

John,PM me at your convenience and I'd like to discuss what I have in mind,etc,and thanks in advance . Tommy D.

 

[RShellhouse]

I had one of these cases but I found the material used to line the tubes to be way to coarse for my liking. Other then that great case for the cash :wink:

In all fairness that might be the only complaint I have. I like the looks of JB interior and would have loved to have it inside but the material has not damaged any of my shafts or butts...and that in the end is the what it is suppose to do.

R

 

[JAlan]

Jack's stuff is nicer than even top-shelf redheads LOL,and always has been,hell of a man too. I'd own ANY of his cases if the cash allowed and be damn proud,some more than others due to personal taste.

I've owned 4 cases in the last 20 years.

Burgundy vinyl 2x4 Porper,served me well.

Next up was a white shoe leather 3x6 Porper,the only one ever made to my knowledge. It looked like a white/black Air Jordan when new. It even protected my cues during a house fire with only smoke damage to the leather,cues were perfect after a wipeoff. After 15 years worth of autographs by the world's best and even some of my people and typical rugged use,stuff started coming apart.

Next up was a black vinyl 3x5 Stroke Sports/Instroke type. After a while with no actual abuse but taking in and out of car,etc,it started coming apart.

My current case is a 4x6 Shooter Collection McD. Needed a case bad,brand new and price was right,under retail.

I bought it about a year ago,and I've had to repolish the joint collar on the butt of a year old Schon that was brand new twice now,because even with a joint protector on it,it still wound up with faint,straight line scratches on the stainless even with CAREFUL insertion into the liner.

On top of that,I use the side handle a lot,taking the case in and out of the back seat in my ride. Although this is a 4x6,I only have 3 butts in it,shafts are full load,but occasionally need the extra open slots to move a shaft I'm picking up for my repair gigs.

The side handle had pulled away from the vinyl bad enough I had to use a big zip-tie to hold it in place before it completely comes apart.

I've made up my mind unless the cash comes available to buy a 4x8 Whitten in one swipe of my ATM that John will be making my next case.

John,PM me at your convenience and I'd like to discuss what I have in mind,etc,and thanks in advance . Tommy D.

LOL Tommy...I remember that white Porper case! It's been close to 15 or 20 years since I saw it, that's back when you had sugar daddy

Regarding the OP, both are great cases. Ive owned both, If your looking for the best protection though, I'd have to give my nod to JB. His cases are built like a tank, beautiful to look at, amazing quality and will last a lifetime.

 

[CocoboloCowboy]

My NEW Pool Cue Case arrived several weeks ago, and Masonite is what John Barton named this first ever Mason Type Pool Cue Case with a Little Extra Reinforcing for added Pool Cue Protection. The Mason line of Pool Cue Case was inspired by a fly fishing tool case done by master leather worker Arne Mason.

What secret materials John used to give the Pool Cue Case that added protection up front behind the pockets, and to the rear part of the Cue Case is unknown, but rumor control has it that John created it, in his secret laboratoryin hhis work shop where John & his team of workers do most of the R & D, and tweaking of new ideas for Pool Cue Cases, and Pool related products John has developed.

If you look close at the photo below you will see the added protection up front behind the pockets, and to the rear part of the Pool Cue Case.

If you want to see a gallery of all the photos of the JB Cases-Mason Type Pool Cue Case, <<<---they are linked here for your viewing pleasure. John has recently completed the FIRST Mason Type Pool Cue Case in 3 Butts X 6 Shafts configuration, and it looks awesome. Think he already posted pictures on the forum but if you missed them they are linked.

My Masonite Pool Cue Case is a 2 Butts x 4 Shafts Configuration, with a Zippered Jump Butt Compartment, with a Jump Butt Protective Sleeve for added protection incorporated in the Pool Cue Cases 18” Long Lower Pocket. That Long Lower Pocket has John’s SUPER NEATO “L” Shaped Zipper for ease of access, and it holds my 16” John Hager Extension with no problems. Plus the Masonite Pool Cue Case has John’s well padded compartments for each Cue Butt Section & each Cue Shaft Section to fit in snugly like a baby in a receiving blanket giving each Cue Butt Section & each Cue Shaft Section great protection.

Plus there is an 8” Upper Pocket with a built in Chalk/Joint Protector Holder, the Upper Pocket Incorporates Zippers running down each side of the Upper Pocket for easy access to the entire storage area, and uses a Puzzle Latch Closure on the top of the pocket. The Pool Cue Cases Top closure is also a Puzzle Latch closure on the Main/Top Cue access area.

I did ask John to make the Pool Cue Case’s (2) POCKETS a 1/4” deeper than his normal depth of 1-1/4”, and that extra 1/4” more depth worked out just great for storing a couple of item I carry creating no strain, or puffiness on the pockets.

The Pool Cue Case weighs in at a lean 5 Pounds, 6.0 Ounces including the detachable towel ring that weigh almost 2.0 Ounces buy it self. No I have no weighted the Case full with 2 Butts x 4 Shafts, and the junk I seem to always put in my Pool Cue Case.

John and I went back and forth on design, & features I wanted as I wanted in this Pool Cue Case light enough that I could use when I walk to our Community Pool Room that is about a Mile and a Third walk each way. So the Pool Cue Case did not beat me up on my trek. But still offers Great Cue Protection, and easy access, and room for what I carry beside Pool Cue Butts, and Shafts sections.

Plus I wanted simple design, no flash, no tooling, just function for what I wanted to carry, leather dyed a dark dark brown with some leather grain showing character, and good Pool Cue Protection. Everything I ask John for, John & his Team delivered, plus more.

John’s Non Slip Shoulder Pad design rocks IMHO as it don’t slip off your shoulder, and don’t harm clothing you are wearing, like my favorite $100.00 Tommie Bahama Hawaiian Shirts I pick up at a garage sale. The Non Slip Shoulder Pad could not work any better on a long walks IMHO.

I honestly think John, and his Team have hit a Home Run with the Masonite Pool Cue Case, I am one happy customer. John and his team of craftsmen & women pulled off another great project per my wishes, and honestly I think his team’s craftsmanship, construction, and attention to detail could not be any better.

I will also mention that the Zippers John uses in his Pool Cue Cases are for industrial use, and not some of the shall we say el crapo clothing grade you find in some Pool Cue Cases, that have a limited life expectancy. I have several friends now looking for someone to fix, or replace a broken zippers in a Pool Cue Cases with a clothing grade zipper.:angry:

I will honestly say if you have a idea for a Custom Pool Case with Logo, Artwork, Special Configured, etc., you would like to see come to see come life. I would highly recommend John, and his Team for your project, as they are more than capable of turning a simple ideas into Magic. Making suggestions on what functions', what don’t function. What works, what don’t work in Pool Cue Case design, and turning your ideas into great Pool Cue Case that offers as John’s web-site say, “The Protection Your Cue Needs™".

I will take the liberty again of giving John Barton, a new AKA. That being King of the Pool Cue Case Builders, as John is been at this Pool Cue Case Build thing over two decades, he is constantly reinventing Pool Cue Case Design, he can build about any style of Pool Cue Case, or any configuration of Pool Cue Case, and is constantly looking to do Pool Cue Cases that not only look great, but offer the best protection for Pool Cues.

I like to compare John’s Genius, or maybe his unorthodox approach to Pool Cue Case making with the great Walt Disney. As Walt dreamed of a magic place, did some scribbling on a table napkin when he first got the idea for the magic place, that places was for a place for his employees to unwind. When he first dreamed up the idea for what grew to a place for the public to unwind, and is now know as Disneyland the Magic Kingdom.

John Barton today like Walt Disney before his death was not satisfied with what he had done before, or in the past, I think both of these creative guys minds never stopped working 24 x 7 x 365 dreaming up the next new idea, to incorporate in a Pool Cue Cases, or the Magic Kingdom called Disneyland.

Be it Custom, Semi Custom, or just a darn good production leather Pool Cue Case like John's aka JB Cases-Jay Flowers Tribute Case, I would consider looking at what JB Cases is offering for sale now. Or a consider a JB Cases, Jay Flowers Tribute Series, IMHO a lot of Bang For Your Buck. Available from from either IndyQShop or Sterling Gaming/CueSight two John’s dealers stocking the Jay Flowers Tribute Pool Cue Cases.

If you have any more questions about this Pool Cue Case, or what John Barton and his team can create, I suggest you look at the JB Cases, aka John's Barton's Web Site.

If you got questions e-mail Karen Barton, John's wife who is dealing with most of the correspondence for JB Cases now. She replies in a day or two to most e-mails, and remember CHINA is about 12-14 hours later in the day than most paces the U.S.A. When it High Noon Tuesday in Arizona, it is 3:00 AM Wednesday Morning in Xiamen, China.

**But I believe as OF MAY 21st, according to JB Cases, AZ Billiards Signature Line, until further notice JB Cases is NOT taking any more direct custom orders. But you may order through IndyQShop or Sterling Gaming/CueSight who are JB Cases Dealers and, will take those orders.

 

[CocoboloCowboy]

Well the wait is over, I have received my JB Cases-Custom Case, and it is now time to share the story. First I wish to thank John Barton and his team, including the talented Zhen Hai his Master Leather Worker ( pronounced GEN-HI) who was responsible for part of the tooling design, and all of the leather tooling. Think Zhen Hai ‘s Leather Works ROCKS! He is IMHO right there on the top of the pile with the best leather workers in the world.:bow-down:

The idea for this Cue Case came about because I was seeking what I would like to call the “Perfect Pool Cue Case”, for me to carry what I use. I started calling the project, the “Element’s Case”,(<<<---PHOTOS LINKED AT LEFT) when I realized I was putting elements of what I liked in other Pool Cue Cases that I own, or have previously owned, or had the opportunity to look at, and examine real close!

I decided I wanted a Cue Case built to hold, 3 Cue Butt Sections, & 4 Cue Shafts, so I could carry the following with ease. Playing Cue with Two Shafts, a Break Cue with a Single Shaft, a Jump Handle with a Single Jump Shaft, and in last a Butt Section Slot, was the place for carrying my John Hager Extension. Think the Brown Colored Ultra Pad Interior works well with the over all, color, and design of the case.

Plus I again choose to have John’s Ultra Pad Interior Liner, for MAXIMUM CUE PROTECTION! Like John offers in his line of Jay Flowers Tribute Pool Cue Cases, that I personally consider, a “best buy” in a leather pool cue case, because of all the options offered at little or no cost. Lots of bang for the buck in those Jay Flowers Tribute Pool Cue Cases:bow-down:

I also request deeper than NORMAL Pockets, (Approx. 2” Deep) as I have this Pro-Just-A-Bridge I love to use, but because of the Pro-Just-A-Bridge's bulk, it often get left at home as it didn’t fit into my other Pool Cue Cases. Plus the Pool Cue Case has room for cell phone, reading glasses, pool rule book, accessories up the wazoo, change of clothing, including extra pair of cowboy boots, LOL, etc. Yes I carry too much junk.:grin:

Also as I am a South Pawed I asked John to set up the Case to be carried in my Left Hand with Pockets away from the body, Top/Lid Forward, the way another Cue Casemaker sets up his cases. The other reason I asked for Left Hand Carry is a problem with my Right Shoulder, that I just can not too carry much weigh in my Right Arm because of the problem creates pain.

Also the Jump Butt Compartment & Zipper is on the Side where my Side Carry Handle is for ease of getting at the J/B Handle. Plus I can see if I left the compartment open before walking too far.

The case has the similar profile of a Pool Cue Case John did previously, it was called , “The Palace Garden”, but I wanted more bare leather showing, I think the tooling that was done on my case flowed together well. The Pool Cue Case John did called, The Ranchero Case was the inspiration for less tooling, and more leather showing.

I have had the opportunity to look over the Element’s Pool Cue Case real well in good light last evening, I know I have a critical eye for detail, and I would rate the workmanship a 10 ++ out of a possible 10. Honestly everything lines up perfectly, and it all works like the Marine Corps Precision Drill Team in Washington, D.C. The Zipper Placement, Stitching , Fit & Finish, etc., is all just way beyond great construction. Lets say John, and his teams attention to detail is like striving for perfection.

I really like the Puzzle Latch, John Barton created, and is now incorporating in many cases, as it was designed to replace trouble some Turn Locks, Purse Type Twist Locks, and Snaps that can with time developed problems. The Earth Magnets John uses in the Puzzle Latch are said to loose 1% of their power every ten years, so the Magnets I am sure will be working flawless when I am long gone.

John also incorporated a Chalk & Joint Protector holder in the Top Pocket. The Case has John’s newly designed Rubber Foot, to keep the Cue Case from slipping on a slippery floor when leaned against something. Dry or Empty Weight of this 3 Butts, 4 Shaft Pool Cue Case is 6 # 1.6 OZ.

I took the Pool Cue Case over to our Community Leather Club where I live yesterday afternoon before dinner, I asked a few of the members how they would rate the workmanship. Got lost of ooze, aaaazzzz, and nothing but compliments. One guy asked about the Chinese letters on the bottom, and I said it was the mans name who did the tooling work, and he is in what I call the "Old Red China", were the Pool Cue Case was built. This Leather Club Member who did the most talking, said he did not realize the Chinese were capable of such a work, was totally impressed with the quality of work, and all the attention to small details, that he made a point to point out to me. Like all the Tiny Swivel Knife Cuts in the Side of the Case, Carry Strap, Top Handle, Side Handle, Under the the Top Positions of the Body of the Case that he said was the mark of a very skilled craftsmen who took his craft seriously.

This was the same kind feedback I got on my Jay Flowers Tribute Pool Cue Case, that I took it over to the Community Leather Club, a year ago for critique, and comments.

I honestly think John, and his Team have hit a Home Run with the Element’s Case, I am one happy camper. What I received, it is beyond my wildest expectations. I will honestly say if you have a idea for a Custom Pool Case with Logo, Artwork, Special Configured, etc., you would like to see come to see come life. I would highly recommend John, and his Team for your project, as they are more than capable of turning a simple ideas into Magic. Making suggestions on what functions', what don’t function. What works, what don’t work in Pool Cue Case design, and turning your ideas into great Pool Cue Case.

I will take the liberty of giving John Barton, a new AKA. That being King of the Pool Cue Casemakers, as John is been at this Pool Cue Case Build thing over two decades, he is constantly reinventing Pool Cue Case Design, he can build about any style of Pool Cue Case, or any configuration of Pool Cue Case, and is constantly looking to do Pool Cue Cases that not only look great, but offer the best protection for Pool Cues.

I like to compare John’s Genius, or maybe his unorthodox approach to Pool Cue Case making with the great Walt Disney. As Walt dreamed of a magic place, did some scribbling on a table napkin when he first got the idea for the magic place, that places was for a place for his employees to unwind. When he first dreamed up the idea for what grew to a place for the public to unwind, and is now know as Disneyland the Magic Kingdom.

John Barton like Walt Disney before his death is not satisfied with what he has have done, I think both of these creative guys minds never stopped dreaming up the next new idea, to incorporate in a Pool Cue Cases, or the Magic Kingdom called Disneyland.

BTW John Barton, aka JB-Cases has updated his Web-site, and most of his recent works are on display, and his Blog has a bunch of new Blog entries. both are fun to look at, to get ideas for a Custom Pool Cue Case, or information about Pool Cue Case past & present!:thud:

 

[DrOnePocket]

I have had both, plus OnQ, Whitten, Instroke, Swift, etc etc etc.


The next time I buy a case it WILL be a John Barton.

I see no difference in the quality of leather or tooling. However JB's interiors are in a league of their own. His compartments and zipers/latches etc are better too IMO. Well thought out and built to last.

My second choice would be Jack. His cases are beautiful but for that much money, i want the best. That is JB

 

[sengkun108]

just order a mason stlye John Barton Case one pocket...550$ and it's the best you can get in this earth....Very light...easy to carry with...very safely to protect your cues...it's not fancy but hell this cue is eyecatching...and many people with ask you about it and praise it...i love mine...
if you want a bigger case....JB can make you anything you like with good price.....:wink:

 

[atthecat]

Extremely happy with my JB Case. Perfect in every way. Told him what I wanted and he came through.

 

[Realizm]

jb cases best for over all protection and style.

 

[ctran]

I came through the choice also, I was looking for a nice leather case 2 months ago and cast eyes on a few, I liked plain leather and decided to go for a JB Chas (2x4) due to the superior interior. And I did not regret, price is right, case is perfectly nice and sturdy.

Since then I got a 2nd JB case (3x4/2x5) and will look forward to ordering a 3rd (will be a 1x2) from him, I contacted him already and agreed on the design, the only thing pending is fund on my side.

I have not owned any other cases but was offered a few during my search, and I always asked the seller to give me pics, and close-up pics of the interior and other details, then I decided JB case is watch I needed.

 

[uwate]

ive own both as well as a host of other cases like ron thomas, its george and a few others.

The Justis cases hold their resale value better than JB cases.

The JB cases interior offer more padding, particularly if you own an older justis Tube case (which I do). The newer justis cases I would say are comparable and do a fine job.

You can get more selection and more unusual custom work done with JB cases. Like for example the 4x8 soft case I have I got with a spot built in to hold a Hagar cue extension. Ive seen the same case with the storage pockets built inside and not on the outside like mine. (that was woofbiscuit's 3x6).

Just IMO but I think Justis cases are more elegantly designed.

The Justis cases are more scarce in the used market, which helps support the resale market for Justis cases. One contributing factor to this would have to be that Jack builds fewer cases than JB. The ol Supply and demand factor.

 

[jhanso18]

I honestly can say I've been toying around with the idea of a new case for about a year. Jack and JB are the two obvious choices. We all have the same concerns. One thing can say is that thus far I have yet to see an interior with equal or greater quality to the JB cases. I'm thinking that's the way for me to go, but now for every thing else I want out of it. Price will be on my mind as well, so we'll see very soon what i decide to do.

Nothing against Jack, but the variety of different styles of case, combined with the superior interior design makes me a future JB customer.


good luck in your decision,

Justin

 

[Okie]

JB Cases has superior creativity in design. However, that makes these cases more difficult to obtain. I ordered a case back in April. I heard nothing. John dropped the ball and made no effort to make amends or even close the original deal.

If you can get a JB case you will get a nice case no doubt! If you can get one.

I am sure if John was selling production line cases it would be much easier to fill orders in a timely and efficient manner.

Ken

 

[ghost ball]

I have a Justis and JB case. My high dollar cues are in the JB case, bangers go in the Justis......The difference between the two are like storing a Rolex in its original padded and lined box vs a shoe box.

On another note, JB's rants here on AZ makes me a little embarassed to own one of his cases (and they are made in China).

 

[JB Cases]

JB Cases has superior creativity in design. However, that makes these cases more difficult to obtain. I ordered a case back in April. I heard nothing. John dropped the ball and made no effort to make amends or even close the original deal.

If you can get a JB case you will get a nice case no doubt! If you can get one.

I am sure if John was selling production line cases it would be much easier to fill orders in a timely and efficient manner.

Ken

Ken you are not forgotten! Something special is planned for you.