hclopez13
Member
Recently purchased JB Rugged Ultimate case, black, with orange stitching, zipper pulls and interior sleeve. Bought directly from JB's website.
I have an older custom Dennis Swift leather case that has served me very well for almost 20 years and I have taken very good care of, but as I upgrade my cues and gear to more "modern" pieces, I was searching for a second cue case of good quality. I am not retiring the Swift case, but I won't be taking it into tournaments or bars to get beat up after being with me for a very long time and all the effort I have put into taking care of it; planning to keep my Swift with my "classic" cues and gear in it and use it when I feel like it. Want to pass it along to my daughter or grandkids when the time comes.
We all know the flaws of most of the mass produced cases. Honestly, none of them appealed to me. I searched for US made cases but at this point, they seem to be all made by custom case makers and they are priced at substantially more of what I can afford at this point. I do not like products that are made in china and try to buy US made goods as much as I can.
With that being said, I understand John's business model, the thought that has been put in designing his cases and the quality he demands from his manufacturer in China. So, for the sake of functionality, quality construction and protection, I went ahead and bought a JB Ultimate Rugged case. I felt I could compromise by buying his well made product for a reasonable price, even if it is made in China; still supporting a US based company. The case was priced fairly close to other imported cases of inferior design and quality. A lifetime warranty was also a nice incentive to purchase his case.
The Ultimate Rugged case was shipped promptly by JB and arrived very well packed, protected by a nice blue velvet like fabric bag. This bag will serve well to protect the case when not in use. The case is built like a tank and it is appealing; that is the best way I can describe it. Heavy duty stitching all around, leather reinforcements, quality zippers and a very nice padded interior. The additional pouch inside the large pocket for a jump cue butt is a nice addition and accesible from the outside via a zipper. The double backpack straps work great, with non slip shoulder pads; very comfortable to carry in backpack configuration or with just one strap on the shoulder. I like the ability to detach one or both straps at my leisure. The bottom is constructed of a very heavy duty piece of rubber. The Nylon fabric covering seems to be resistant to scuffs and scratches. It is indeed a very high quality case that was designed with a lot of thought for functionality and durability. I cannot find a single flaw or defect on the case and I am 100% satisfied with it. I would highly recommend the Ultimate Rugged case.
The only issue I have with the case is a matter of personal preference. The padded interior tightly secures the cues in place, but I found it hard to insert my shafts tip down and the butts joint down, as I am accustomed to do in my other cases; the tapers, pointed in the same direction, make for a very, very tight fit at the top of the padded insert, to the point where I struggled to remove the butts or shafts from inside of the case. So, I had to switch to butt joints down, and shaft tips up so each piece's taper match along each other, and while it is still a tight fit, it is a little looser and easier to insert and remove butts and shafts this way. I have found that inserting the shafts first, then the butts, and vice versa for removal, is the best way to do it. Again, this is a matter of personal preference and I do not consider it a flaw. I use joint protectors on all my cues so I don't expect to have any issues with debris or excessive wear to the padded insert.
Overall very pleased. JB makes a heck of a case and great bang for the buck. This will be my go-to case for my regular playing activities from now on.
Eddie
I have an older custom Dennis Swift leather case that has served me very well for almost 20 years and I have taken very good care of, but as I upgrade my cues and gear to more "modern" pieces, I was searching for a second cue case of good quality. I am not retiring the Swift case, but I won't be taking it into tournaments or bars to get beat up after being with me for a very long time and all the effort I have put into taking care of it; planning to keep my Swift with my "classic" cues and gear in it and use it when I feel like it. Want to pass it along to my daughter or grandkids when the time comes.
We all know the flaws of most of the mass produced cases. Honestly, none of them appealed to me. I searched for US made cases but at this point, they seem to be all made by custom case makers and they are priced at substantially more of what I can afford at this point. I do not like products that are made in china and try to buy US made goods as much as I can.
With that being said, I understand John's business model, the thought that has been put in designing his cases and the quality he demands from his manufacturer in China. So, for the sake of functionality, quality construction and protection, I went ahead and bought a JB Ultimate Rugged case. I felt I could compromise by buying his well made product for a reasonable price, even if it is made in China; still supporting a US based company. The case was priced fairly close to other imported cases of inferior design and quality. A lifetime warranty was also a nice incentive to purchase his case.
The Ultimate Rugged case was shipped promptly by JB and arrived very well packed, protected by a nice blue velvet like fabric bag. This bag will serve well to protect the case when not in use. The case is built like a tank and it is appealing; that is the best way I can describe it. Heavy duty stitching all around, leather reinforcements, quality zippers and a very nice padded interior. The additional pouch inside the large pocket for a jump cue butt is a nice addition and accesible from the outside via a zipper. The double backpack straps work great, with non slip shoulder pads; very comfortable to carry in backpack configuration or with just one strap on the shoulder. I like the ability to detach one or both straps at my leisure. The bottom is constructed of a very heavy duty piece of rubber. The Nylon fabric covering seems to be resistant to scuffs and scratches. It is indeed a very high quality case that was designed with a lot of thought for functionality and durability. I cannot find a single flaw or defect on the case and I am 100% satisfied with it. I would highly recommend the Ultimate Rugged case.
The only issue I have with the case is a matter of personal preference. The padded interior tightly secures the cues in place, but I found it hard to insert my shafts tip down and the butts joint down, as I am accustomed to do in my other cases; the tapers, pointed in the same direction, make for a very, very tight fit at the top of the padded insert, to the point where I struggled to remove the butts or shafts from inside of the case. So, I had to switch to butt joints down, and shaft tips up so each piece's taper match along each other, and while it is still a tight fit, it is a little looser and easier to insert and remove butts and shafts this way. I have found that inserting the shafts first, then the butts, and vice versa for removal, is the best way to do it. Again, this is a matter of personal preference and I do not consider it a flaw. I use joint protectors on all my cues so I don't expect to have any issues with debris or excessive wear to the padded insert.
Overall very pleased. JB makes a heck of a case and great bang for the buck. This will be my go-to case for my regular playing activities from now on.
Eddie
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