I've never gotten my hands on the Portabag but I feel the same way about my Mono M80
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I've never gotten my hands on the Portabag but I feel the same way about my Mono M80
Rugged softshell cases I've owned and used, ranked:
- Portabag. Easily the best -- no contest. Great features, beautifully padded, super rugged
- Reunion Blues Continental. Possibly as rugged as the PB, pretty quilted padding inside, but has the least amount of pocket space, and I don't like the "longneck" design (as opposed to teardrop): doesn't open as easily, doesn't like to stay open. I have a few other nitpicks as well
- Protec Contego. VERY nice for the price, but not as rugged as 1 and 2
- Mono M80. Been using it (with a non-Sadowsky) for 3+ years now, and I don't see what the fuss is about. I guess it's nice that it's waterproof, but it might be less rugged than the Contego: mine has become flabby; the case bends without a bass inside. Also, the velcro on the neck flap is nearly useless. Obviously some ^^^ like this case a lot... maybe they've improved it over the past few years?
I've used all 4 of those at one point. and agree with your appraisal, with the exception that I would rank my M80 (single and double, own both) as 2. I think its the shoulder straps, best I have found on a gig bag, which I often use to reduce the number of trips to the SUV.
My M80 dual was huge. For me, carrying around 2 basses in 1 bag seemed like a cool idea until I actually did it.
I toured with 3 basses. Played one the entire time. When I came off the road, I sold everything but 1 bass and gigged with that for 7 years.
Short story - I am quite happy with 1 bass in a quality gig bag with some backup batteries and a few sets of strings.
I toured with 3 basses. Played one the entire time. When I came off the road, I sold everything but 1 bass and gigged with that for 7 years.
Short story - I am quite happy with 1 bass in a quality gig bag with some backup batteries and a few sets of strings.
yes, the Mono dual bass gig bag is not for the faint of heart or weak of arm. But works like a charm and I have no qualms using it for any of my basses.
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Sorry, do you mean huge literally? Like is was too big? Or huge as in awesome?
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I have the mono dual bag and dont mind its size versus the protection it offers.
Huge as in large. It was just a little too much to carry around, imo.
This going to be a rather subjective opinion. Personally, I’d rather carry an extra bass in a hard case if I needed to bring an extra and wear the gig bag on my back.
2 basses on my back for me just got old in a hurry and wasn’t something I needed. So then I had 1 bass in a dual case and it just was more size and bulk than I cared for.
Funny thing is that I have been a weight lifter since I was a teen. I have no issues lifting heavy things, but when it comes to music, I just prefer lighter weight and minimalism.
The M80 was quite protective and secure though. No doubt about that.
Ditto on the Protec... I've used this for touring for years! Very solid, stable, and inexpensive! Fine for putting in the bus bay, It has a semi solid perimeter that really adds to your bass's protection.
That being said, I would not fly with it. Sometimes you luck out and can get it onboard, but usually they want you to check it. So when I fly I just use my SKB iSeries and check it...It has never, ever let me down...bulletproof!!
I have both Mono M80 and Portabag. The Portabag is definitely stronger, the sides don't give and it could take more direct weight if something was stacked on it. Also has more storage then the Mono, however it is heavier by a few lbs. If you walk a distance you can definitely feel the weight difference while strapped to your back. The Mono isn't as stiff and a bit more flexible, lighter weight (as I mentioned) and water resistant which is a big plus for me. I've been caught in the rain on a few occasions and the water just beads off the case. One of the things I really dislike about the Mono is that the upper carrying handle is on the backside of the case. Most of the time I have my bass standing up against the front passenger seat and there is nothing to grab onto when putting it in and pulling it out of the vehicle. (they made it that way in case you wanted to add the tick bag) which I don't. To sum it up for local gigs I use the Mono case because of the water resistance and lighter weight. When I travel or if it's packed in with other gear I use the Portabag. IMO the Portabag offers more protection (it's just a sturdier bag) Both hold the bass very securely and the zippers on both are of excellent quality.....Hope this helps!
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I also have both the Portabag and a Mono M80 Vertigo. The Portabag is definitely sturdier and as I’ve said in a previous post, I use it for flights. I use the Mono day to day since it is lighter yet sturdy enough. As far as it being waterproof, it holds up in light to medium rain but once I was caught in a literal typhoon and it failed. No damage was done to my bass or other items but it took a while to dry everything out!
Fortunately no damage to your bass. Being a lot of my gigs are outside I'm always prepared with trash bags and a tarp. I would also like to clarify not waterproof but water resistant to the point as which you described (not to a down pour) The water protection the Mono offers has always bought me enough time in the rain to seek shelter or get it under a tarp.
I agree and solved that problem with some paracord and a D ring. Looks like the attached (Mono double; I use on single as well). Yes, Mono should include, but for $20 all in, not a bad MacGuyver solution. I much prefer the shoulder straps on the Mono, and it is lighter, but to other's points, the grab and go of the PB is really a great benefit.
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this....is just making me weak in the knees.
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Sweet! I feel you on the Metro... I love my MV4
Wondering if a waterproof spray might be a solution...?
I normally take two basses to every show and the Incase Dub Double bass bag has served me well. It's amazing that it's still in great condition considering how many times it has been loaded in and out. It has a small zipper tab that broke but other than that it's rock solid.
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If I only brought one bass to shows the portabag would be my choice .
