What makes a good case?

tonov12

tonov12

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Just out of curiousity, what do you think constitutes a "good" case? I had a 2x4 "cheapie" that recently broke and wanted to purchase a new one. I see that you are all fond of Instroke, Justis, It's George and so on but at this point I can't justify the cost of said cases. Is there a cheaper alternative that is of decent quality? I mean, I see leather cases on ebay for $100 -$150. Are any of these viable options? Do you have any suggestions for a nice case at a good price point? I'd like to keep it under $150. Thanks guys.

Mr. Wilson, if you feel this belongs in the ForSale forum feel free to move it. I wasn't sure. Thanks
 
I like the soft side cases like Lucasi or Silver Fox. I put a tube or two in them to protect an expensive cue and even with the tubes from a hard case they are lightweight, cheap, and have bigger pockets.
 
So what do you think... I can purchase a Guiseppe 3x5 for near $100 or I can go with an unknown leather case on the bay for a little more. The bay seller is Side Pocket Billiards, so if anyone knows anything about these cases it would be helpful. Shoot, the owner might even post here:) . I wish I could drop the $250+ to get a top end case but I guess that's gonna have to wait.:)
 
My porper is pretty tough. Has lasted 5 years or so anyway. Just the vinyl 2X2 model in black. I'm more into cue protection than bling, so haven't gone for leather. Not yet anyway.
 
pwd72s said:
My porper is pretty tough. Has lasted 5 years or so anyway. Just the vinyl 2X2 model in black. I'm more into cue protection than bling, so haven't gone for leather. Not yet anyway.
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I just purchased this case, and I love it, it's so solid, I would recoment Porper to anyone looking for a case that does one thing well, and that is protect! ;)
 
Try Vincitore. They have a few models (look just like Instrokes) in all sorts of sizes -- and mine has held up pretty well. In fact, bought mine second-hand! And they're pretty inexpensive, too....around the $100 mark.
 
Yeah, you can't go wrong with a Porper case. They are solidly built. My wife has a 2x4 Porper that she's been using for more than 10 years. It will last as long as you take care if it. The only reason to spend the big money on the Instroke or Justis case's is to have the visual along with the safety. Nothing against those companies at all. I'm currently fighting with myself whether to get an Instroke or a Justis. But you really can't go wrong with a Porper. I will say one thing negative about the Giusseppe cases though. I had one a few years back and left it in my car on a moderately warm day. I was only gone about an hour but when I got to the pool hall that night and opened my case the tubes had softened from the heat and were disfigured. I literally had to cut the tubes to get my cue out. They may have upgraded their tubing system since then, I don't know, but I'll never buy another one because of that.
MULLY
I don't make it a habit to leave my cue in the car.
 
I've got an Instroke 2/3. I like it because it will stand by itself while I put my cues together saving me the trouble of performing some kind of juggling act. Only thing, I wish I had opted for one 3/5. :)
 
I don't know if all Porpers are like this but the couple I have had would only let you put the cues in joint down.

I like the option of putting them in up or down. They were well made though.
 
It depends largely on what you want the case to do for you.

A soft case that only holds a butt and shaft may be what you want if you carry around just a sneaky pete. This might look less conspicuous that shooting with the "Balabushka".

A larger case may be required if you want to carry a jump/break cue and a second cue with multiple shafts.

How you store the cue when not using it will come into play. If you put it in a gun safe, storing it in a soft case might be alright. If not, a harder case is better. Are you going to store the cue in the case when not using it?

Do you want to carry around your own cue ball, chalker, scruffer, jump cue butt, complete set of pool balls, slippers, flask, etc. How many pockets do you want and what sizes?

Weight is discussed alot, but you have to decide if thinner leather is sufficient for what you need. Is lighter really important to you?
 
Here is your alternative

I have the Action Nexus (now called Nexus) soft/hard case that is a 3 x 5 with molded rubber tubes. It is the most CONVENIENT case I have ever owned to use, and is not heavy. I like haveing butts on 1 side (hard side), and shafts on the other side (soft side). Good padded wide shoulder strap, good rubber handle, jump cue pocket with separate zipper, handles up to 35" shafts (or with JP's). It is $84 with free shipping, don't think you will beat it for options vs. price.

I have the first one, but anyone of the first 3 listed is a good buy (the 2 x 4 for $79 or $95 for synthetic leather). I ordered mine at noon on Thursday, and got the following Monday. I got a 'Billiards Boy' patch and put it on it, and had a special 'Snapshot' patch made that I put on the little pocket.

http://www.pooldawg.com/brand/action/pool-cue-cases/5

If I had money, I would have a Justis and Murnak case both, but I don't.
Anyway, cases are like cues, after using them 5 or 6 months you no longer
pay attention to the 'prettiness' of them, you just use them.
 
I have a couple 2x4's George's and a 2x4 leather Bentley. The Bentley I picked up off of ebay for a deal a few years ago. I heard the quality recently has not been so great though. Mine is holding up very well with some cleaning. I have a friend who stills uses a porper for about 10 years now and for the price, you can't beat em. And he has tossed his around like a garbage bag. I would suggest porper on a budget.

ez
 
Wow, thanks for all the responses. I do actually use my case as storage also, so a quality build is important. I haven't quite decided on what my player will be so I currently have 3 players and a Varney J/B. I wasn't sure if I wanted to carry two players and the J/B or or just one and the j/b. I'm kinda leaning towards a 2x4 (just gotta chose my player). I want it to be convienient to lug around also.

Hey Buddha, doesn't Instroke actually make the Vincitore cases? You'd think build quality would be similar if so, of course the are significantly cheaper.

:) Thanks again for all the info and suggestions. With all of your input at least I can make an informed decision.
 
> My current case is a 3x5 Instroke Sports,solid black vinyl. To me,it looks better than the leather ones,and lighter. I like the fact that you can stand it up too. My previous case was the old-style (slip-on pouches and Velcro straps) square Porper 3x6,the only white leather one they've ever made. I was originally hoping it would be something close to their really light gray,like a 2x4 Whitten I saw at a dealer in Ohio once. When it came,it was BRIGHT white,and with the black trim and straps,it looked like an Air Jordan. I put a red No Fear sticker on the top,and a Pro Billiards Tour luggage tag. This survived my house fire with only aesthetic damage,and no damage whatsoever to my cues that couldn't be fixed with a dry,clean rag. Jack Justis probably makes the nicest cases on the planet,but I like the sleekness of the Whitten better. My next case will be a 3x6 Whitten. As far as what actually makes a good case,protection of whatever is inside is paramount. Weather damage can be slowed in a good,tight case,if you're the type to just leave it in the car. Aesthetics are just a personal thing,but look at the fittings,closures,and zippers and make sure they are solid. Tommy D.
 
I really like the porper, the hard foam is light and tough as can be. You do have to put the butts in joint down, some people say this is a disadvantage because you can't leave the cue together, slide it in the case and carry it all to another table when playing tournaments. This hasn't bothered me though because I just put the case over my shoulder and carry cue stick in hand if I need to change tables.
There are lots and lots of nice cases though; protecting the cue from bumps is the most important thing.
 
"Matcase" Would Know

matcase said:
I really like the porper, the hard foam is light and tough as can be. You do have to put the butts in joint down, some people say this is a disadvantage because you can't leave the cue together, slide it in the case and carry it all to another table when playing tournaments. This hasn't bothered me though because I just put the case over my shoulder and carry cue stick in hand if I need to change tables.
There are lots and lots of nice cases though; protecting the cue from bumps is the most important thing.
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"MATCASE" is a very good poolplayer and a very good "casemaker" as well. He made the cases in his avatar and, having seen them in person, I can say that they are well made and real eyecatchers. He knows of what he speaks!
 
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