Whats your favorite case.
- Thread starter sr 9ball
- Start date
Jack Justise. I don't own one yet, but I hope to eventually. Obviously makes a high quality case and IMO they are the most beautiful.
!!!
I'd definitely buy a Whitten if a 4x8 is what I needed.
I'm partial to Whitten cases but if I were going to try something new it would be a Barton. Extremely functional, heavy duty, and great looking cases. Probably the best bang for the buck.
I'm partial to Whitten cases but if I were going to try something new it would be a Barton. Extremely functional, heavy duty, and great looking cases. Probably the best bang for the buck.
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I have owned quite a few cases over the years, so here's my take:
Instroke Premier Line (old Germany factory) 1x2 (2) 2x3 (1): These cases were simply a best bang for your buck case...the vinyl was a heavy heavy upholstery-grade that looked just like leather, with the famous Instroke interior...just a great all around case...damn near bullet-proof. Cues load either way, and longer cues would fit. Nice long storage pocket. The newer Instroke Premier cases do not appear to use the same heavy duty vinyl as the old cases did.
Porper 1x2: Case was well made with a lighter grade vinyl, tube interior. Cues must be loaded in a certain way to fit. Would not accommodate longer cues easily. Didn't care for the 'rattle' of the cue inside the case when carried. Pocket too small. Reasonably priced.
Guiseppe 1x2: My review would be very similar to that of the Porper.
Ron Thomas 2x4: This case is similar in construction to the It's George, GTF Prestige and Centennial cases. That being the case shell is an extruded oblong PVC tube with a sleeved interior. Cues must be loaded in a certain order, but do not move around or 'rattle'. Case was well crafted. My main 'complaint' would be that in many cases the leather used is a bit thinner, and some of it can be prone to nicks and tears.
Murnak 1x2: Case was well made, using a nice heavier weight leather, quality fittings, that was then hand-dyed in red, then over-dyed in black, producing this wonderful black cherry color. Mine actually had a pocket on it, but it kinda stuck outside the lines of the case itself, making it easy to catch on things...and it was small. My main 'complaint' about this case was that my cue really rattled around inside the tubes...which worried me a bit. No doubt the case would last a lifetime.
Engles 1x2: Construction like the Fellini, Gore, and GTF Replica cases. Used very thick leather on the exterior, and a sleeved interior. Cues need to load a certain way, but do not move or 'rattle' around. Back seam not as clean, typically, as that found on the Thomas cases, but the leather was much thicker, making it a little tougher to do. Well made, with no two every actually being alike. These are no longer being made, and since I need a 1x2 for solo carry occasionally, I opted to keep this case, because I really like it....preferring the folded leather ends over the wood/plastic ends.
Sterling Wave 2x5/3x4: From the creator of the original Instroke case, comes the newest bang for your buck case. Reasonably priced for just about everyone, these cases feature either a vinyl/faux leather exterior, or a nylon exterior. Nice large pockets, self-healing zippers, comfy carry handle, and backpack style straps. But it's what is going on inside that makes this case so great for your cues. It's called the Ultra-Pad Interior...with what is called 'Organic Rebound'. The interior is super plushy for your cues. While the interior appears to be sleeved, there are actually tubes inside for maximum cue protection. You can turn the case upside down, and your cues are not coming out. When you open the case lid, the cues will most times, pop right up for easy retrieval...no digging down inside the tube to get at it. If they don't pop up right off, a quick little upward shake and there they are! The 2x5/3x4 interior allows you to carry 2 butts, 5 shafts or 3 butts, 4 shafts...which I think is brilliant. Gives you a little bit of versatility in carry options. All in a footprint slightly less than a typical 2x4 case.
I have not had experience with Whitten cases. They are visually very nice cases, but my concern is that garment leather is often used, and it may not be a great every day carry option if you wish the case to remain nick or tear-free. Also, again, tube interiors, which bring the 'rattling' issues back.
I also have not had any experience with Justis cases. They have a great following, and are well made. Most recent cases feature a sleeved interior now over the older tubed interiors, making them lighter than before. Top quality leather and fittings are used. They also tend to retain their value, and re-selling them easily is generally not an issue. It is my understanding from a recent post that Mr Justis made, that he is not accepting orders at this time.
Lastly....if you like the interiors of the Sterling Wave cases, but want something in leather, then you can go directly to the source and order yourself a JB Case. If you can dream it, he can very likely build it. He can also do the Wave type cases, but in a different exterior style, using canvases, nylons, or a heavier grade vinyl.
On a smaller scale, there is also Rusty Melton, Marc Turcasso, and Rex Goulet....all doing some really top shelf, high end tooled leather cases.
Hope this helps!!
Lisa
Instroke Premier Line (old Germany factory) 1x2 (2) 2x3 (1): These cases were simply a best bang for your buck case...the vinyl was a heavy heavy upholstery-grade that looked just like leather, with the famous Instroke interior...just a great all around case...damn near bullet-proof. Cues load either way, and longer cues would fit. Nice long storage pocket. The newer Instroke Premier cases do not appear to use the same heavy duty vinyl as the old cases did.
Porper 1x2: Case was well made with a lighter grade vinyl, tube interior. Cues must be loaded in a certain way to fit. Would not accommodate longer cues easily. Didn't care for the 'rattle' of the cue inside the case when carried. Pocket too small. Reasonably priced.
Guiseppe 1x2: My review would be very similar to that of the Porper.
Ron Thomas 2x4: This case is similar in construction to the It's George, GTF Prestige and Centennial cases. That being the case shell is an extruded oblong PVC tube with a sleeved interior. Cues must be loaded in a certain order, but do not move around or 'rattle'. Case was well crafted. My main 'complaint' would be that in many cases the leather used is a bit thinner, and some of it can be prone to nicks and tears.
Murnak 1x2: Case was well made, using a nice heavier weight leather, quality fittings, that was then hand-dyed in red, then over-dyed in black, producing this wonderful black cherry color. Mine actually had a pocket on it, but it kinda stuck outside the lines of the case itself, making it easy to catch on things...and it was small. My main 'complaint' about this case was that my cue really rattled around inside the tubes...which worried me a bit. No doubt the case would last a lifetime.
Engles 1x2: Construction like the Fellini, Gore, and GTF Replica cases. Used very thick leather on the exterior, and a sleeved interior. Cues need to load a certain way, but do not move or 'rattle' around. Back seam not as clean, typically, as that found on the Thomas cases, but the leather was much thicker, making it a little tougher to do. Well made, with no two every actually being alike. These are no longer being made, and since I need a 1x2 for solo carry occasionally, I opted to keep this case, because I really like it....preferring the folded leather ends over the wood/plastic ends.
Sterling Wave 2x5/3x4: From the creator of the original Instroke case, comes the newest bang for your buck case. Reasonably priced for just about everyone, these cases feature either a vinyl/faux leather exterior, or a nylon exterior. Nice large pockets, self-healing zippers, comfy carry handle, and backpack style straps. But it's what is going on inside that makes this case so great for your cues. It's called the Ultra-Pad Interior...with what is called 'Organic Rebound'. The interior is super plushy for your cues. While the interior appears to be sleeved, there are actually tubes inside for maximum cue protection. You can turn the case upside down, and your cues are not coming out. When you open the case lid, the cues will most times, pop right up for easy retrieval...no digging down inside the tube to get at it. If they don't pop up right off, a quick little upward shake and there they are! The 2x5/3x4 interior allows you to carry 2 butts, 5 shafts or 3 butts, 4 shafts...which I think is brilliant. Gives you a little bit of versatility in carry options. All in a footprint slightly less than a typical 2x4 case.
I have not had experience with Whitten cases. They are visually very nice cases, but my concern is that garment leather is often used, and it may not be a great every day carry option if you wish the case to remain nick or tear-free. Also, again, tube interiors, which bring the 'rattling' issues back.
I also have not had any experience with Justis cases. They have a great following, and are well made. Most recent cases feature a sleeved interior now over the older tubed interiors, making them lighter than before. Top quality leather and fittings are used. They also tend to retain their value, and re-selling them easily is generally not an issue. It is my understanding from a recent post that Mr Justis made, that he is not accepting orders at this time.
Lastly....if you like the interiors of the Sterling Wave cases, but want something in leather, then you can go directly to the source and order yourself a JB Case. If you can dream it, he can very likely build it. He can also do the Wave type cases, but in a different exterior style, using canvases, nylons, or a heavier grade vinyl.
On a smaller scale, there is also Rusty Melton, Marc Turcasso, and Rex Goulet....all doing some really top shelf, high end tooled leather cases.
Hope this helps!!
Lisa
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I currently have a Whitten 3x6 that I love. It is heavy, and doesn't appear that it would be easy to clean the interior. Also the zipper broke and had to be fixed locally at my expense. The comment about the leather used may have some merit, as mine is a bit dinged up after years of use. Overall though, I feel GREAT opening that case and taking my cues out. The cues seem VERY well protected, and snugly held in place. The leather and overall look is beautiful.
If I were in the market for a new case, I would consider another Whitten. However, I must say that first on my list would be a JB case. This is mainly because in those recent "case war" threads, John expressed a business mentality that I really liked. He seemed to genuinely have an interest in the customer's point of view and experience. I get the feeling that he would do anything to keep a customer happy. This is of course all speculation...nonetheless I would be eager to give him a shot.
KMRUNOUT
If I were in the market for a new case, I would consider another Whitten. However, I must say that first on my list would be a JB case. This is mainly because in those recent "case war" threads, John expressed a business mentality that I really liked. He seemed to genuinely have an interest in the customer's point of view and experience. I get the feeling that he would do anything to keep a customer happy. This is of course all speculation...nonetheless I would be eager to give him a shot.
KMRUNOUT
I can tell you that John absolutely LOVES input from players and his customers. He is truly all about getting the best protection in a case into a player's hands...but he also likes hearing the other things that might make his cases even more 'user friendly'. I love the fact that he is willing to take into account little things like what's going on inside the pockets...adding the option of organizing the pocket insides for things like chalk and joint protectors. I know I hate having to dig down inside a pocket for something like a portable bridge head that I needed yesterday...or digging for those jp's that always wind up buried at the bottom. It's those little things that stand out huge for me....even moreso than a prettily tooled exterior.
Lisa
Best value under $100 - Sterling 4x8 Classic
Reason: Super protective interior, flexible to handle different cue sizes, holds 32" parts and 29" parts equally well. Two generous pockets. Jump cue compartment in lower pocket. Street price about $85
http://www.sterlingcuecases.com/sth12k.html
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Lightweight for under $100 -
Reason: Well made and durable semi-hard case that fits 4x8 easily Street price - $39 http://www.cuesight.com/sts6bk.html
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Don't like to carry it - Get the STERLING rolling case. Unlike the "other" guys ours is made with the wheels in the FRONT which means that when you lean it against something it does not roll away and fall down.
Reason: Decent interior with good quality fittings. Street price - $127
http://www.cuesight.com/str2we.html
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JB Cases Butterfly: http://www.jbcases.com/butterfly.html
Reason: Well made semi-hard case with no annoying flaps to deal with. Case works well as a drop-in style or a suitcase style. Light. Very fine leather work. Price $450 and up
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JB Cases Hard Case: www.jbcases.com
Reason: Superior protection coupled with insanely OCD leather work. Price $550 and up.
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Sterling Wave Cases: Style and protection
Reason: Super protection combined with a modern but sleek style. Street price: $150 http://www.cuesight.com/stw2bk.html
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If I didn't make cases I would certainly be interested in the Whitten 4x8 light case they make. It's a good case, well built and the thinner poster tubes make the weight bearable. Cases made with the thicker PVC tubes such as the black and red JB Case above are pretty heavy. Made with a single tube like the brown one above the weight is ok.
I find that the semi-hard butterfly style cases provide the best balance of protection and weight reduction. I can also make those with rigid plastic side panels to make a hybrid between the hard drop-in style and the butterfly style.
Justis does not make a 4x8.
Doesn't mean Justis couldn't, if price is right.
I guess that's a fair statement. Seems like it's kind of pointless though since Jack has made it pretty clear that he prefers to stick to the sizes he offers regularly.
I seem to remember that Cliffy tried to get Jack to budge on a certain design feature and Jack refused so if someone like Cliff who has lots of cash to put towards what he wants can't get Jack to budge I doubt that Jack will do a 4x8 without some SERIOUS money.
But hey we might as well throw in Fellini as well as long as were playing this game. Someone could look up Bob Hemphill and offer him enough money and he would probably do a 4x8 as well.
Meanwhile it might be easier and less expensive to simply go with makers who are already doing these sizes.
Jack recently posted in a thread that he was not currently accepting any orders. I suspect he is looking to retire. After the long years in this business, he's likely ready for a break. So, no 2x4's, 3x6's, or, even if the price is right, 4x8's. Not for now, anyways.
Lisa