Gator vs Kinsman cases? Rigid v hard?

[jay ell]

Looking for a new case for my Sire v7 j-bass.  (Bought it 2nd hand and it came with an old padded gig bag that is a bit worse for wear).  Want to give it some decent protection as I get to rehearsal studios on the bus so it gets shuffled around a lot/people knock it sometimes squeezing past - but also not too heavy as I have to walk a bit too.

 

1) Any opinions on getting a 'soft hard/rigid case' like this? https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Gator-GL-BASS-Rigid-EPS-Electric-Bass-Guitar-Case/MWN

or
https://reverb.com/uk/item/74725688-kinsman-ultima-hardshell-bass-guitar-bag-grey

 

Seems appealing to have soft backpack style straps rather than just a handle.. But does it offer much protection or am I better off with a hard case?

 

2) If anyone has any of these hard cases below would love to know how heavy you find them - find it mad that they don't all specify how much they weigh! 

3) Also Gator vs Kinsman as a brand? Gator I am familiar with and feel like they are decent quality? Any vouches for Kinsman?

 

4) I assume the difference in c£80 vc c£100 is just marignally better quality? 

 

The hard cases I'm looking at:

https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Gator-GW-BASS-GW-Deluxe-Wooden-Bass-Case/2AIS

https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Gator-GWE-TBIRD-BASS-Bass-Guitar-Case/2AK2
https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Gator-GC-BASS-Deluxe-Bass-Guitar-Case/CU2
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/186520468123?_skw=bass+guitar+case&epid=14012051135&itmmeta=01K049C1NJH175YFQ5WZ89HZEE&hash=item2b6d7c7a9b:g:7zAAAeSw-yNocLXq&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA0FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1cpsC1MZFh4N8uPuXF6%2BHytYb%2FxsIB0a01stQArsQl7q41FojfZmjyAc7ImnDp7Bdhj21zdYwSCTGfe65zRJqbRdk8QkAyYVe--5TOwnCLR0R42O3%2FsldrFMJCwHlgPZzaTZKSC1dht134G1OzkNcVT1VI1vmaFVnuvrqDj4v5Hiz%2F%2BtnhH7sbL%2BKMyyUpCSA5bm6CwWs7qCpK87zAc7p57W2Kt2SlxLW5NgGSo6vV3sRPFyBR5UsOOhpEi8RONcHc%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR4SbsImBZg

[Matt P]

I can't really comment on the cases you have listed but for me the obvious choice would be a Hiscox liteflite case, you'll not get a new one in your budget but they're not hard to find secondhand and on a weight vs protection ratio I don't think there is anything better, personally i've got 12 of them and many were bought secondhand, some for as litlle as £30 a wanted ad on here would probably find you one, alternatively i've had good luck on facebook marketplace and ebay, as you're in London you've got a good chance of finding one.

 

Matt

[Jeffskowski]

I just bought a TGI case for my Squier Jazz as I needed a case with decent protection but didn't want to spend more on the case than I did on the bass which was a cheap project bass purchase. I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived with regards build quality. You can tuck the straps away in the back sleeve if only carrying with the handle. Front pocket is larger than it looks. The only niggle is the velcro strap to hold the neck is a little long but it does fasten. 
Worth a look in my opinion but I can't attest to it's durability yet.

https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/TGI-4836-Extreme-Series-Bass-Guitar-Gig-Bag/2WP4?_gl=1*tpfb0g*_up*MQ..*_ga*MjA4Nzg4MDE5Mi4xNzUyNTAwNDU2*_ga_0WF1R5QW3K*czE3NTI1MDA0NTYkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTI1MDA0NTYkajYwJGwwJGgxMjc1ODMwMDk5JGRMd1RsYUx2MXc0dFJFcE41VUU0VUtCd1lRZGt6UU5CQUxR

With regards your other Gator options. I have had a Gator hard case for my main bass for 20 years or so and will stand by Gator quality so if you do choose a Gator case, you won't be disappointed.