Last week I received my custom 2x4 OnQCase built by Garth Bair in Arizona. Originally I was told that it would take 3-4 weeks to complete, but I gave Garth an extra week since I was out of the country for 8 days.
I should begin with my early dealings with Garth; from jump he was friendly, helpful, knowledgable and eager. After browsing his website I had an idea about what I wanted as far as color scheme, materials, general layout, etc. However Garth really helped me fine tune my case with some neat options like a towel holder that doubles as a carrying tab (so that you can have assembled cues in the case and carry it around vertically), a jump cue butt pocket and a nameplate. I could tell that Garth was able to envision the final appearance of the case during our initial discussions; he insisted on it looking classy.
My case is made of ostrich-resembling leather, with a black body and burgandy pockets and trim. The metal is all silver colored and the latch is an Italian latch. There is a key hole in the latch but no key (the one for my luggage is just a little too big).
The back strap is nice, and can be tightened when not being used (as in picture).
Aesthetically the case is beautiful and I couldn't be happier in that respect. The ostrich texture looks great and has a really neat feel to it. I am glad that I didn't buy a run-of-the-mill Instroke now that I see dozens of them around (no disrespect).
Garth offered to add a few features pro gratis because he felt it enhanced the case's overall appeal and functionality. The enbossed monogram was free. He offered to do one inlay in the large pocket for free, but I declined. Originally I had asked for a 2x3, but when assembling the case he noticed that the pockets would seem too big and things would look awry, so he gave me the extra shaft upgrade at no charge. He also added a second compartment to the small pocket for storage of personal effects (similar to the jump cue portion of the large pocket).
The only thing I can say negative about the case is that the butt of my cue rattles around a bit in the tubes (shaft is tight). This isn't a huge deal, but I sort of expected it to be tighter. This is the first multi-cue case I've owned so I have no basis for comparison.
The body of the case does flex if squeezed, but I understand that the cue tubes are made of PVC so this is where the strength is imparted. I don't think it could survive a car being dropped on it like an Instroke (we've all probably read that story), but it is very sturdy. I'll leave it in the trunk if I get a flat!
Overall I'd rate the case an 8.5 out of 10. When the pockets wear in a bit and loosen up (as I'm told they will), it will jump to a 9 for sure. A little more insulation around the tubes both for strength and heat would bump it up to a Mary Lou Retton. But the fact that I got this case for under $300 is hard to believe. I think a custom Justis or Murnak could cost maybe double this. The word on the street is that prices may not be so low forever.
I would absolutely recommend Garth to anyone looking for a nice, classy, personalized cue case. Nice work, Garth!
BTW, my signature quote below is from Wayne's World 2, not a conversation with Mr. Bair.
Edit - 11/21/05: After reading this review, Garth offered to alter the tube diameters for a tighter fit of my cue butts if it ever bothered me.
I should begin with my early dealings with Garth; from jump he was friendly, helpful, knowledgable and eager. After browsing his website I had an idea about what I wanted as far as color scheme, materials, general layout, etc. However Garth really helped me fine tune my case with some neat options like a towel holder that doubles as a carrying tab (so that you can have assembled cues in the case and carry it around vertically), a jump cue butt pocket and a nameplate. I could tell that Garth was able to envision the final appearance of the case during our initial discussions; he insisted on it looking classy.
My case is made of ostrich-resembling leather, with a black body and burgandy pockets and trim. The metal is all silver colored and the latch is an Italian latch. There is a key hole in the latch but no key (the one for my luggage is just a little too big).
The back strap is nice, and can be tightened when not being used (as in picture).
Aesthetically the case is beautiful and I couldn't be happier in that respect. The ostrich texture looks great and has a really neat feel to it. I am glad that I didn't buy a run-of-the-mill Instroke now that I see dozens of them around (no disrespect).
Garth offered to add a few features pro gratis because he felt it enhanced the case's overall appeal and functionality. The enbossed monogram was free. He offered to do one inlay in the large pocket for free, but I declined. Originally I had asked for a 2x3, but when assembling the case he noticed that the pockets would seem too big and things would look awry, so he gave me the extra shaft upgrade at no charge. He also added a second compartment to the small pocket for storage of personal effects (similar to the jump cue portion of the large pocket).
The only thing I can say negative about the case is that the butt of my cue rattles around a bit in the tubes (shaft is tight). This isn't a huge deal, but I sort of expected it to be tighter. This is the first multi-cue case I've owned so I have no basis for comparison.
The body of the case does flex if squeezed, but I understand that the cue tubes are made of PVC so this is where the strength is imparted. I don't think it could survive a car being dropped on it like an Instroke (we've all probably read that story), but it is very sturdy. I'll leave it in the trunk if I get a flat!
Overall I'd rate the case an 8.5 out of 10. When the pockets wear in a bit and loosen up (as I'm told they will), it will jump to a 9 for sure. A little more insulation around the tubes both for strength and heat would bump it up to a Mary Lou Retton. But the fact that I got this case for under $300 is hard to believe. I think a custom Justis or Murnak could cost maybe double this. The word on the street is that prices may not be so low forever.
I would absolutely recommend Garth to anyone looking for a nice, classy, personalized cue case. Nice work, Garth!
BTW, my signature quote below is from Wayne's World 2, not a conversation with Mr. Bair.
Edit - 11/21/05: After reading this review, Garth offered to alter the tube diameters for a tighter fit of my cue butts if it ever bothered me.
Attachments
Last edited: