I've recently compared a few of the most well-known hybrid, semi-hard gig bags and here is how I've rated them, from my least favorite to most:
#8 Gator Commander - $159
This bag isn't really stiff enough to be a hybrid, but it's priced like one ($159 at GC), so I thought I would include it.
Pros: None.
Cons: Price, heavy, floppy, no neck support system, way wider than necessary, rides high on your back and very top-heavy feeling.
#7 Mono M80 - $189
Pros: Space-age look for those who like that, high quality construction and zippers. The double-gig bag version seems to be the best of it's kind.
Cons: Walls are nicely padded, but not that rigid.
#6 iGIG 515 - $194
Pros: Similar to the Mono M80, except more traditional looking with larger pocket areas and more handles, but slightly less rigid and slightly cheaper feeling zippers.
#5 Access Stage 5 - $289
Pros: Never tried it, but it looks like a great hybrid bag.
Cons: Price!
#4 Incase - n/a
Pros: There are some great reviews on this bag, however...
Cons: they don't make them anymore, only the double bags.
#3 Protec Contego - $115ish
Pros: I like this bag. It's light, slim profile, cool-looking, very comfortable when worn, rides low on your back, very rigid walls with enough pocket space.
Cons: Headstock area is not big enough to fit a Fender 5 string (4+1 tuners), walls are rigid, but not padded enough. Also, there isn't enough padding on the front and back sides, straps feel flimsy and zippers do not seem as robust.
#2 Sadowsky Portabag - $189
Pros: This is a great bag. Very rigid walls, high quality zippers and overall construction. Solid. Probably the closest thing to a hardshell case you can get.
Cons: It's heavy and the metal strap connectors really pinch your shoulders. Also, when you're walking, the bottom of the bag flops against your butt with each step. It's the most uncomfortable bag I've tried, but I still liked it because it was so rigid and protective. There is a molded neck support foam piece, but no velcro strap.
#1 Reunion Blues Continental Electric Bass - $189
Pros: My favorite. Fairly rigid walls with ample padding everywhere, not just on the walls, but on the front and backsides as well. There is the main handle, but also a hidden recessed handle by the neck for taking in and out of the car. Fabric, rubbers, zippers, straps, handles, and overall construction is all top notch. Very comfortable when worn, balances great, does not ride high on your back. The neck pillow and velcro strap provides excellent support. Lifetime warranty. Crazy videos on Youtube of this thing being thrown from buildings and catching on fire, but still protecting the instrument!
Cons: Not as cool looking as maybe the Mono, iGIG or Contego, but not bad looking either.
#8 Gator Commander - $159
This bag isn't really stiff enough to be a hybrid, but it's priced like one ($159 at GC), so I thought I would include it.
Pros: None.
Cons: Price, heavy, floppy, no neck support system, way wider than necessary, rides high on your back and very top-heavy feeling.
#7 Mono M80 - $189
Pros: Space-age look for those who like that, high quality construction and zippers. The double-gig bag version seems to be the best of it's kind.
Cons: Walls are nicely padded, but not that rigid.
#6 iGIG 515 - $194
Pros: Similar to the Mono M80, except more traditional looking with larger pocket areas and more handles, but slightly less rigid and slightly cheaper feeling zippers.
#5 Access Stage 5 - $289
Pros: Never tried it, but it looks like a great hybrid bag.
Cons: Price!
#4 Incase - n/a
Pros: There are some great reviews on this bag, however...
Cons: they don't make them anymore, only the double bags.
#3 Protec Contego - $115ish
Pros: I like this bag. It's light, slim profile, cool-looking, very comfortable when worn, rides low on your back, very rigid walls with enough pocket space.
Cons: Headstock area is not big enough to fit a Fender 5 string (4+1 tuners), walls are rigid, but not padded enough. Also, there isn't enough padding on the front and back sides, straps feel flimsy and zippers do not seem as robust.
#2 Sadowsky Portabag - $189
Pros: This is a great bag. Very rigid walls, high quality zippers and overall construction. Solid. Probably the closest thing to a hardshell case you can get.
Cons: It's heavy and the metal strap connectors really pinch your shoulders. Also, when you're walking, the bottom of the bag flops against your butt with each step. It's the most uncomfortable bag I've tried, but I still liked it because it was so rigid and protective. There is a molded neck support foam piece, but no velcro strap.
#1 Reunion Blues Continental Electric Bass - $189
Pros: My favorite. Fairly rigid walls with ample padding everywhere, not just on the walls, but on the front and backsides as well. There is the main handle, but also a hidden recessed handle by the neck for taking in and out of the car. Fabric, rubbers, zippers, straps, handles, and overall construction is all top notch. Very comfortable when worn, balances great, does not ride high on your back. The neck pillow and velcro strap provides excellent support. Lifetime warranty. Crazy videos on Youtube of this thing being thrown from buildings and catching on fire, but still protecting the instrument!
Cons: Not as cool looking as maybe the Mono, iGIG or Contego, but not bad looking either.
