What do you guys think about rack bags?

Cb4rabid · #1 07-19-2011, 02:51 PM

Hey guys, im going to be buying a rack case soon once I save up a bit more money, but im liking the look of a rack bag more than a rack case. In fact, I think I almost always prefer bags over cases. They seem easier to transport and more convenient.

But im looking for opinions. What do you guys think about them? Do they hold up well? Im looking at the 2U SKB rack bag, I like that it has a strap for easier transport and a pouch for cables and stuff, looks better than a rack case that doesn't hold anything, y'know?

Just wondering if you guys think a rack case is better than a rack bag. Im not looking to throw my rack gear down a mountain anytime soon, so I thought a hard case would be a bit overkill? Thanks.

NicJimBass · #2 07-19-2011, 02:54 PM

I recently started using one. In the past, I went from a huge 12U rack, to a couple smaller racks, to a micro head, and back to a rack bag. It's not bad at all... definitely a breeze to carry with the handles, so I can carry it with one hand and my pedalboard with the other hand. It's not super light, but that has everything to do with the amp, obviously. Go for it!

BassmanPaul · #3 07-19-2011, 03:22 PM

Rack cases offer more protection to the equipment than bags do.

**IvanMike** · #4 07-19-2011, 03:26 PM

those two replies sum it up. If you're not bashing your stuff around (which will be less likely if it's light as it won't bash you around!) then a bag might be an ok way to go.

hover · #5 07-19-2011, 03:48 PM

My 2 space Gator "bag" is actually a hybrid hardshell case in that it is rigid around the amp, has a solid zipped face panel, and a soft rear panel, and is covered in nylon like canvas. It's lighter than a roto molded case, easier to lug as it has a strap and handles sewn in, and I feel it's plenty sturdy against impacts unless you're into throwing your amp down stairs.

And it has a roomy zipped pocket on top of it. And it was cheap.

R Upsomegrub · #6 07-19-2011, 03:51 PM

I've had a couple of them; IMO, they're OK if you stick with a 3-space or smaller. The 4-space I had was bulky enough that I sold it.

Bass_Pounder · #7 07-19-2011, 04:18 PM

They have their purpose.............

I would say it would depend on how heavy of an amp you are looking to put in a bag.

If you have a lightweight amp, then it makes sense.

If you have a heavy "old iron" amp, then not so much. The extra weight in a rackbag will eventually start ripping at the seams of those sewn on handles.

Cb4rabid · #8 07-19-2011, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hover

My 2 space Gator "bag" is actually a hybrid hardshell case in that it is rigid around the amp, has a solid zipped face panel, and a soft rear panel, and is covered in nylon like canvas. It's lighter than a roto molded case, easier to lug as it has a strap and handles sewn in, and I feel it's plenty sturdy against impacts unless you're into throwing your amp down stairs.

And it has a roomy zipped pocket on top of it. And it was cheap.

Yeah! I was looking at the SKB equivalent to this one, which both have plywood covered in denim, it's it's sort of a hybrid, not a flimsy little bag.

My amp is a pre-rack amp, the thing is huge so it's not even designed to be in a rack. Im getting it for my power conditioner and compressor. I guess i'm going with the bag since it's a bit lighter and I don't need a bulletproof case for it.

Jarrett · #9 07-19-2011, 04:33 PM

I love the Gator rack bags. I've used the 3 and 4 space ones for the last few years. Here is a pic of my current setup:

Little fuzzy but you get the idea. What you don't see there is the tuner and amp is plugged into the Furman with one power cord coming out the back. The tuner is permanently plugged into the amp. Flip the Furman on and the tuner and amp come on. Also I have to Speakon cables in the back of the BX500, that stay plugged into the head.

So when I get to a gig, one zip for the front and tuck it under the rack. One zip in the back and the power cable and speaker cables flop out. I plug one cable to the wall and one cable in each cab and bam done. Break down is just zipping up the front, then unplugging the cables from the wall and cabs and tucking them into the back and zip, done. Grab the handles and gone. Super easy setup and break down.

In the top bag I have a spare tuner, instrument cable, speaker cables, patch cables, 9 volt batteries, ear plugs, some chord charts, etc. All very convenient.

hover · #10 07-19-2011, 04:36 PM

Can the amp be retro-fitted, in any capacity, to accept rack ears? My Gator is definitely designed for a rack mountable amp, as it has the mounting rails. What kind of amp is it?

Edit: Jarret, that is exactly what I have, only 2-space. love it. Best 45 bucks I spent on gear in a long while. Well, save for the awesome two-bass hybrid gig bag I just bought...

steamthief · #11 07-19-2011, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hover

My 2 space Gator "bag" is actually a hybrid hardshell case in that it is rigid around the amp, has a solid zipped face panel, and a soft rear panel, and is covered in nylon like canvas. It's lighter than a roto molded case, easier to lug as it has a strap and handles sewn in, and I feel it's plenty sturdy against impacts unless you're into throwing your amp down stairs.

And it has a roomy zipped pocket on top of it. And it was cheap.

Bam! I've been using the same rack bag for over six years, no complaints whatsoever.

Cb4rabid · #12 07-19-2011, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hover

Can the amp be retro-fitted, in any capacity, to accept rack ears? My Gator is definitely designed for a rack mountable amp, as it has the mounting rails. What kind of amp is it?

Edit: Jarret, that is exactly what I have, only 2-space. love it. Best 45 bucks I spent on gear in a long while. Well, save for the awesome two-bass hybrid gig bag I just bought...

Nope. It's a Peavey Mark VIII, definitely not rack friendly at all. It's an old amp, not one of the sleek modern rack friendly ones.

MuthaFunk · #13 07-19-2011, 06:16 PM

I used a rack bag with my Eden WT-400 and two small light effects racks for 12 years. It held up well and I didn't baby it. I gigged 3 nights a week for 6 of those years and at least 1 night a week for the rest. It finally did take a dive when one of the zippers went on it. I'm running a combo as of late or else I'd replace it in a heart beat.