I would like to spend a few minutes here talking about my girlfriend's 2x3 Sterling wave case. She purchased it while we were at the SBE this year and the initial reaction was positive as she was using it as a 2x2. That was until we actually tried to use it as it was intended.
She purchased a Josey Purpleheart wrapless cue from Keith and Sherry and decided to use her old Meucci as a break cue. That left her with needing a case that would hold both of her cues. We spent some time looking around and finally settled on the Sterling wave 2x3 in case she ever wanted to add an extra shaft to her Josey.
The good:
The case has some nice features and initially it seemed to be well made considering it's made in China. It has nice large zipper pulls which was one of the things my girlfriend needed because she has long fingernails. The JB padded dividers worked quite well in keeping the shafts separated from the butts and providing adequate protection while she was using it as a 2x2. The zippers seemed to be of pretty good quality and the pouches are a nice size and easy to get items in and out of. There are two straps that allow it to be used like a backpack. There is also a nice flower pattern embossed on parts of the case and even on the inside cover. Nice touch and for Stacie and I think this is why she chose this case over several others we looked at.
The bad:
For $110 there are a LOT of other (better?) options. The case is now a few months old and even though Stacie only plays twice a week, the case is starting to show some signs of wear. Some of the stitching is starting to come loose and the top zipper sticks on occasion.
The biggest issues with the case are in regards to it's intended use. The case is intended to be a 2x3 but when we tried to use it as such, we damaged the finish on one of the shafts. I actually had to wet sand and buff the finish to correct the problem. I mentioned this in another thread and John Barton decided to trash me on his website. Take a look here to see what kind of person he really is:
http://jbcases.com/caseblog/
As most of you know he was responsible for the design of the padded interior on the Sterling cases. He for some reason can not admit when he makes a mistake or even if there was a flaw in manufacturing and if you question him he will call you a liar, leave you negative rep, and send you threatening emails. This alone is enough for me not to want to ever buy anything he is affiliated with again. In fact, I plan on buying Stacie another case and lighting the Sterling on fire. I'll be sure and post a video of it for you all to see.
Anyway, back to the review.
As I mentioned, the case has a huge problem when used as it's intended as a 2x3. When you try to slide the second shaft in when the rest of the case is full, the joint protector rubs on the finish and makes a mark. To be honest, it doesn't do it on cues that are thin at the joint so if you have a thin cue, this case may be ok for you. I have also noticed that when you are using it as a 2x3 the tips of the cue will sometimes get stuck on the padding as you try to slide it into the case. I think Sterling should consider using a larger outside tube for their 2x3 rather than trying to squeeze in the extra shaft.
Here is a few photos of the case with cues stored in it. The first photo shows it with 2 butts and two shafts. As you can see, the case does ok when used like this.
Here is a photo with the case being used as it is intended as a 2x3. As you can see, the joint protectors are touching and unless you are very careful when sliding the second shaft in IT WILL DAMAGE the finish. Maybe it is just a defect with this case but we'll never know because JB will never admit there is a problem.
Conclusion:
For a cheap case, it's ok. I wouldn't buy one to use with a high end cue or one that has nice joint protectors like the one's that Jim Baxter made for Stacie's Josey. :thumbup:
There are a lot of options for cases in this price range and you could probably get a lot more protection for your money (or less) with something else. For just a little more you could buy a slightly used Swift envelope case and be much happier with the design, construction, and protection.
She purchased a Josey Purpleheart wrapless cue from Keith and Sherry and decided to use her old Meucci as a break cue. That left her with needing a case that would hold both of her cues. We spent some time looking around and finally settled on the Sterling wave 2x3 in case she ever wanted to add an extra shaft to her Josey.
The good:
The case has some nice features and initially it seemed to be well made considering it's made in China. It has nice large zipper pulls which was one of the things my girlfriend needed because she has long fingernails. The JB padded dividers worked quite well in keeping the shafts separated from the butts and providing adequate protection while she was using it as a 2x2. The zippers seemed to be of pretty good quality and the pouches are a nice size and easy to get items in and out of. There are two straps that allow it to be used like a backpack. There is also a nice flower pattern embossed on parts of the case and even on the inside cover. Nice touch and for Stacie and I think this is why she chose this case over several others we looked at.
The bad:
For $110 there are a LOT of other (better?) options. The case is now a few months old and even though Stacie only plays twice a week, the case is starting to show some signs of wear. Some of the stitching is starting to come loose and the top zipper sticks on occasion.
The biggest issues with the case are in regards to it's intended use. The case is intended to be a 2x3 but when we tried to use it as such, we damaged the finish on one of the shafts. I actually had to wet sand and buff the finish to correct the problem. I mentioned this in another thread and John Barton decided to trash me on his website. Take a look here to see what kind of person he really is:
http://jbcases.com/caseblog/
As most of you know he was responsible for the design of the padded interior on the Sterling cases. He for some reason can not admit when he makes a mistake or even if there was a flaw in manufacturing and if you question him he will call you a liar, leave you negative rep, and send you threatening emails. This alone is enough for me not to want to ever buy anything he is affiliated with again. In fact, I plan on buying Stacie another case and lighting the Sterling on fire. I'll be sure and post a video of it for you all to see.
Anyway, back to the review.
As I mentioned, the case has a huge problem when used as it's intended as a 2x3. When you try to slide the second shaft in when the rest of the case is full, the joint protector rubs on the finish and makes a mark. To be honest, it doesn't do it on cues that are thin at the joint so if you have a thin cue, this case may be ok for you. I have also noticed that when you are using it as a 2x3 the tips of the cue will sometimes get stuck on the padding as you try to slide it into the case. I think Sterling should consider using a larger outside tube for their 2x3 rather than trying to squeeze in the extra shaft.
Here is a few photos of the case with cues stored in it. The first photo shows it with 2 butts and two shafts. As you can see, the case does ok when used like this.
Here is a photo with the case being used as it is intended as a 2x3. As you can see, the joint protectors are touching and unless you are very careful when sliding the second shaft in IT WILL DAMAGE the finish. Maybe it is just a defect with this case but we'll never know because JB will never admit there is a problem.
Conclusion:
For a cheap case, it's ok. I wouldn't buy one to use with a high end cue or one that has nice joint protectors like the one's that Jim Baxter made for Stacie's Josey. :thumbup:
There are a lot of options for cases in this price range and you could probably get a lot more protection for your money (or less) with something else. For just a little more you could buy a slightly used Swift envelope case and be much happier with the design, construction, and protection.
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