I would go with Dennis Swift! American made and built to last. I've had one for over 20 years and it's still good as new.
Looking for a new Case any recommendation
- Thread starter ericb21
- Start date
had a justis
had an omega 2x4
have a JB 3x6
Loved all of them
had an omega 2x4
have a JB 3x6
Loved all of them
All the suggestions are top notch for sure, however If protection and economics enter into the picture I can readily, and confidently choose Instroke. If you review their specs, they offer arguably the BEST protection for your cues for the money... hands down. They also last forever and hold their value excellently. They have thought of everthing in design... even temperature acclimatization of cues.
I bought my first case, an Instroke 3x5 Premier for about 8 or 9 years ago. While cost was an issue at the time, I paid about $150. It was not leather, but really was a great top grade vinyl case. Instroke uses full, dedicated felt lined pvc tubes in there cases. I still looked almost new when I sold it for $150 shipped on Ebay a day ago (it had a custom sheepskin shoulder pad, that may have entered into the value element?
Over the years, the only thing that needed replacement was a peg on the bottom, and customer service sent them to me Gratis.
I fell in love with a 3x5 tooled leather Saddle Instroke case (style close to the Instroke saddle D03) on e bay that I had to have.
The seller was not motivated at all to sell it and was quite attached. Over time I finally offered him an extra $20, and told him I would appreciate it every day.
Bought it for $250 and It had a lot of character and richness and since it was also about 5 yrs old it did not have the heavy clearcoat that Instroke and others put onto their cases now, resulting in a harder looking glossy leather that some do not prefer. So the used case I bought was Retail $460, wholesale $367.20. I feel comfortable buying it for $250, and confident that I will always be able to sell it for that or more.
I spoke to Instroke prior to my purchase, and I can confirm that Instroke makes the WIN cases as well. I was torn between the WIN and the used Instroke, but was advised by Instroke that their cases offer the full tube protection, and is superior to that of WIN cases. I could not find any specs on WIN, but plenty on Instroke so the decision was clear. I researched forums and online to find out which cases I would be able to get for under $275. Compared things.
Instroke was the game changing cases that led to the the higher end customs listed. JB was a previous Instroke Company Holder and it was my understanding that many of the designs were from him mind.
All of the Whitten, JB, Castillo cases are great and I respect them all, but there is only so much I think should be put into them.... and they should not me more expensive than all the cues your going to carry INHO.
I will likely keep the Instroke case I know have for the rest of my life. I need not look any further.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Given what you are considering at this time, you are definitely looking at the cream of the crop.
I would not look at any other additional "production" brands for they would be a step down IMHO.
I bought my first case, an Instroke 3x5 Premier for about 8 or 9 years ago. While cost was an issue at the time, I paid about $150. It was not leather, but really was a great top grade vinyl case. Instroke uses full, dedicated felt lined pvc tubes in there cases. I still looked almost new when I sold it for $150 shipped on Ebay a day ago (it had a custom sheepskin shoulder pad, that may have entered into the value element?
Over the years, the only thing that needed replacement was a peg on the bottom, and customer service sent them to me Gratis.
I fell in love with a 3x5 tooled leather Saddle Instroke case (style close to the Instroke saddle D03) on e bay that I had to have.
The seller was not motivated at all to sell it and was quite attached. Over time I finally offered him an extra $20, and told him I would appreciate it every day.
Bought it for $250 and It had a lot of character and richness and since it was also about 5 yrs old it did not have the heavy clearcoat that Instroke and others put onto their cases now, resulting in a harder looking glossy leather that some do not prefer. So the used case I bought was Retail $460, wholesale $367.20. I feel comfortable buying it for $250, and confident that I will always be able to sell it for that or more.
I spoke to Instroke prior to my purchase, and I can confirm that Instroke makes the WIN cases as well. I was torn between the WIN and the used Instroke, but was advised by Instroke that their cases offer the full tube protection, and is superior to that of WIN cases. I could not find any specs on WIN, but plenty on Instroke so the decision was clear. I researched forums and online to find out which cases I would be able to get for under $275. Compared things.
Instroke was the game changing cases that led to the the higher end customs listed. JB was a previous Instroke Company Holder and it was my understanding that many of the designs were from him mind.
All of the Whitten, JB, Castillo cases are great and I respect them all, but there is only so much I think should be put into them.... and they should not me more expensive than all the cues your going to carry INHO.
I will likely keep the Instroke case I know have for the rest of my life. I need not look any further.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Given what you are considering at this time, you are definitely looking at the cream of the crop.
I would not look at any other additional "production" brands for they would be a step down IMHO.
patbrownocc
Registered
custom cases
I have a Gil Castillo case and it is the real deal.Real leather, custom made and i get comments about it all the time. He is also a good dude.His email is castilloleathergoods.com.
I have a Gil Castillo case and it is the real deal.Real leather, custom made and i get comments about it all the time. He is also a good dude.His email is castilloleathergoods.com.
Great looking case. Wish it was 2x4
You have to consider what you are protecting. A $200 cue doesn't need a $500 case.
A great case that doesn't really look that great but gives great protection at a cheap price is a few pieces of PVC pipe taped together inside of a larger size pipe with caps at both ends. Some use golf tubes inside the pipe. A handle can be installed with two hose clamps. Seen a few players using that. If you want you could cover the PVC with fabric but why bother. You can also put some sort of shock absorber in the caps.
A great case that doesn't really look that great but gives great protection at a cheap price is a few pieces of PVC pipe taped together inside of a larger size pipe with caps at both ends. Some use golf tubes inside the pipe. A handle can be installed with two hose clamps. Seen a few players using that. If you want you could cover the PVC with fabric but why bother. You can also put some sort of shock absorber in the caps.
That's like the "what cue is good question". It all depends of what you want and are into. If you're on a budget, have more than one case and looking for one to serve a purpose or fill a gap.
My suggestion is this guy right here. http://www.billiardwarehouse.com/cases/jj/jj-pc24x.htm
It looks good in person, get a lot of compliments, is deep enough to carry long cues (bought a mcD and that ish sucked cause it was too shallow, unless you don't use joint protectors) and the bonus THE STAND. Putting my case down has always been a problem for me, so this replaced my $500+ case and left me with some money from the sale.
My suggestion is this guy right here. http://www.billiardwarehouse.com/cases/jj/jj-pc24x.htm
It looks good in person, get a lot of compliments, is deep enough to carry long cues (bought a mcD and that ish sucked cause it was too shallow, unless you don't use joint protectors) and the bonus THE STAND. Putting my case down has always been a problem for me, so this replaced my $500+ case and left me with some money from the sale.
Thanks for all the replies. I have currently have a Andy Gilbert and a break cue. I am looking for something that looks good but also clean looking. I like the whittens for that reason but also there are numerous suggestions that I did not know was out there that look good as well. I have some thinking to do...
Instroke Premier
Not wanting to initially spend a great deal of money on a case, I bought an Instroke Premier 3x7. It was $150 new.
The Instroke suits my needs perfectly. It has a tube interior which I have come to appreciate more and more. The case stands upright on it's own and I can easily slide my cues into and out-of the case. The side pockets hold everything I need to carry with me. My only recommendation would be that it had metal feet.
Last fall, wanting a 4x8 case, I bought a JB Ultimate Rugged, but turned-around and sold it almost immediately. The craftsmanship was superb but the Ultra-Pad interior was not for me. I prefer tubes so I can quickly and easily slide my cue into and out of the case between turns at the table.
I am currently considering Whitten and Justis, but I agree that some of the other names mentioned make outstanding cases.
Good luck in your quest.
Not wanting to initially spend a great deal of money on a case, I bought an Instroke Premier 3x7. It was $150 new.
The Instroke suits my needs perfectly. It has a tube interior which I have come to appreciate more and more. The case stands upright on it's own and I can easily slide my cues into and out-of the case. The side pockets hold everything I need to carry with me. My only recommendation would be that it had metal feet.
Last fall, wanting a 4x8 case, I bought a JB Ultimate Rugged, but turned-around and sold it almost immediately. The craftsmanship was superb but the Ultra-Pad interior was not for me. I prefer tubes so I can quickly and easily slide my cue into and out of the case between turns at the table.
I am currently considering Whitten and Justis, but I agree that some of the other names mentioned make outstanding cases.
Good luck in your quest.
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I have Whitten, Justis, JB and Murnak cases.
For lining - JB
For built like a tank - Whitten
But for all round looks, style and usability, I use the Murnak as my playing case.
With the Whitten I have to take the JPs off my shafts if I want them to fit.
With the JB it is a 4x8 butterfly and is a little awkward, most comfortable carry strap though.
The Justis does quite poorly, it's a nice looking and built case, but the pockets are not nearly as useful as the others, and I don't like the way the lid closes and fastens.
Just my 2c
For lining - JB
For built like a tank - Whitten
But for all round looks, style and usability, I use the Murnak as my playing case.
With the Whitten I have to take the JPs off my shafts if I want them to fit.
With the JB it is a 4x8 butterfly and is a little awkward, most comfortable carry strap though.
The Justis does quite poorly, it's a nice looking and built case, but the pockets are not nearly as useful as the others, and I don't like the way the lid closes and fastens.
Just my 2c
I love my Instroke case. I have the 3 x 7. Seems to be well built and looks great.
If you want something a little less main stream, I'm a big fan of http://www.onqcases.com/ . Amazing quality, truly custom designs and flourishes. Very personal one on one consultation. Great all around cases imo. I have two (one in my avatar).
Whitten's are great. JB cases are great. Justis cases are what they are, and I don't have much experience with them so I won't give an opinion. Nothing can top my Fields case. However I'm pretty sure he's not taking orders for custom cases at this time. Apparently the last custom case he made, the customer was so awful to work with he said no more (that may have been me
). But he is making cases and you would not disappointed with one of his
Ben
). But he is making cases and you would not disappointed with one of hisBen
I love the interior of my JB rugged. However, the outside is starting to fray in places and its less than a year old and i'm not rough with it at all.
If you want function over form (ie. price), then a vinyl Instroke is a great deal. It will protect your cues from anything you could possible do to the case.
The vinyl looks like leather, but will last even longer. And thus, the price is low... I mean, you can get a 2x4 Instroke Premiere for $125.....how you gonna beat that.
now, if you are looking to make a statement, then move on to the leather Instrokes, or go real big and go with the custom builders like Fields, JB, Whitten and Justis.....
The vinyl looks like leather, but will last even longer. And thus, the price is low... I mean, you can get a 2x4 Instroke Premiere for $125.....how you gonna beat that.
now, if you are looking to make a statement, then move on to the leather Instrokes, or go real big and go with the custom builders like Fields, JB, Whitten and Justis.....