I have used the ProTec ProPac with the backpack straps - I find it quite comfortable, and wish more cases had backpack straps. Overall it seems well designed and executed. I didn't notice anything particularly odd/uncomfortable about the asymmetry. The only thing I found is that you should check the top attachment when you go to put it on, as it can become unfastened.

 

I have used all Protec contour from curved soprano to baritone and they are all great because they are the only hard shell case that has the backpack straps AND pockets and spaces to put away things.


I always say that I have testes the case by falling flat on my back with my Super 20 tenor inside. I weigh 120Kg. The horn was still there, undamaged after the experience.

Bam are nice too (I had one for my bass clarinet and also a tenor one, a B&S medusa made by BAM) but they are not hard shell cases and, as you said they are bulky and heavy.

Hiscox lovers will chip in and tell you that they have the best case in the world. This might be, as a case, but the Hiscox (I have owned an alto case) has almost no capability to keep any extra things and it is rather bulky and heavy and doesn’t have a backpack system of straps that I know of.

 

The Jacob Winter cases have backpack straps and are very good.

 

I stay away from Protec cases. I had a strap break while walking from a gig to the parking lot. The horn was ok, I think. I used that horn as part of the deal to get my current horn, a Selmer Paris tenor bought new in 2004.

Actually a moot point for me since I keep the horn in the Selmer Vanguard case. The best protection in my biased opinion.

 

I stay away from Protec cases. I had a strap break while walking from a gig to the parking lot. The horn was ok, I think. I used that horn as part of the deal to get my current horn, a Selmer Paris tenor bought new in 2004.

Actually a moot point for me since I keep the horn in the Selmer Vanguard case. The best protection in my biased opinion.

I kind of worry about this with all cases that have "optional" backpack straps. This seems to be true for the ProTec, JWinter, and Hiscox cases. They aren't really designed to be used primarily as a backpack, but they have the ability.

The nice thing about the BAM Trekking was the permanently attached backpack straps. This gave the straps a very secure feel, and I never had to worry about them snapping off. I have no desire to carry a sax by the handle or with a shoulder strap, so a good backpack system is crucial.

Some might say, "why not just get another BAM?", but I'm really looking for a contoured case. I'd rather have a contoured case with a nice, functional, and comfortable backpack system for everyday use as well as for plane travel. Otherwise, I'll have to get a rectangular backpack case like a BAM Trekking for everyday use and a gig bag or other light contoured case for plane travel. I guess that's an option, but it'd be cool to only need one case.

 

Until somebody does some actual destructive testing, I'm not convinced that a hard shell case is always superior. Once the shell is cracked, the structural integrity is compromised. Once the padding is compressed (usually EPS foam), it doesn't recover. And the backpack straps on the hard shell cases that I have seen are a joke. Pop rivet on some D rings, add some nylon strap, and claim it's a backpack system.

Soundwear went a different direction with a cordura-covered semi-rigid plastic shell and firm open-cell foam. The backpack system is actually usable, with contoured padded shoulder straps and a sternum strap to keep everything in place. The side pouch can hold a three ring binder or real book. A second pouch can hold just about as much. Only down side (which I quickly got used to), is the neck has to be stored in the bell for maximum protection. I haven't seen a hard shell case that looked like it would protect better, but then I've never seen a Hiscox. I've also never seen a case that couldn't be improved to fit my horn. Sax cases are generic by nature and, as is always the situation, the old claim that "one size fits all" means that it fits most poorly. I've found that it's not too difficult to double the protection provided by a case.

Mark

 

This case looks promising. The backpack straps look great. Do you have to use the sternum strap? This seems a bit excessive and reminds me of the Osprey pack I use for backpacking trips. Also, the pouch on the side looks kind of bulky in the photo--is it? Putting the neck in the bell is kind of annoying, but it's not the end of the world. I could get used to it, I suppose.

 

my involuntary test was pretty destructive, i can tell you that! The shell of a protec is made of plywood and I couldn’t crack it, My horn fits very well and doesn’t move around

 

Jakob Winter's "Eastman" cases are great. Hardshell, wearable over the shoulder (what I do) or on the back. Fits Selmers very snuggly, could be too tight for bulkier horns.
Take a look here.

 

I know you're looking for a shaped case, but I thought I'd mention the Selmer lite cases. I've used them for cycling to gigs for the last 13 years and find the straps more comfortable than any others I've tried. The back of the case is quite soft and sits on my back without sliding at all.
I'd love a good contoured case, but any backpack style ones I've tried have slipped all over the place
Just thought I'd mention it,
Don't want to derail anything.

 

These are essentially Bam Trekking cases, aren't they? I thought BAM made the Selmer cases. I wonder how this case compares to the BAM in terms of size/bulkiness?

 

I haven't used the Bam, maybe they are the same. I use the older, grey lite case. I've had a couple of them over the years.

 

I use a Protec contour with the backpack straps...It works well. The only downside is the case doesn't lay on it's back when you put it down and the backpack strap itself cant be used as a neck-strap when you forget to bring one....

On a side note, today's Protec contour cases have been improved over what they were five years ago. I had a strap break on an older one - it was out of warranty but they sent me a new one no charge, and told me to just keep the old one. A side by side comparison shows they have considerably improved the strap attachment points...

 

I use the protec case for my tenor and alto. They are very durable and i have never had straps break or come off. I tour with these cases and take them on several flights a week. They fit in all airplane overhead compartments, including the CRJ. The straps start to lose a little thickness as they wear but you can replace them for only $15. The pockets are great too. I put my flute in the front pocket and a tablet in the back.

I have friends who use Michael Manning cases out if NYC. They say they are good too. These cases are all custom fitted to your sax so they are much more expensive than the protecs.

 

I know a pro who was using a Bags of Spain case - it looked really good, and she liked it. I don't recall if it had backpack straps or not. I have never had a problem with the ProTec straps coming off when I was wearing it, and I always used the backpack straps when I was carrying more than 50 feet. (It was when it was not on me that part of it got disconnected.) No D-rings or rivets involved, nothing broke, and it worked well for a number of different horns (I did have to use a shorter tenon plug on a couple, though.) I didn't put anything in the side pocket that went against my back. That one is kind of a useless size, though, as it is just a bit too small for standard size sheet music or books, and it is on the bottom when you put the case down to open it up.

 

I have never had a problem with the ProTec straps coming off when I was wearing it, and I always used the backpack straps when I was carrying more than 50 feet. (It was when it was not on me that part of it got disconnected.) No D-rings or rivets involved, nothing broke, and it worked well for a number of different horns (I did have to use a shorter tenon plug on a couple, though.) I didn't put anything in the side pocket that went against my back. That one is kind of a useless size, though, as it is just a bit too small for standard size sheet music or books, and it is on the bottom when you put the case down to open it up.

Here's a review on the ProTec "hard" shell case, which talks about some of the shortcomings noted by artstove. I was originally sceptical about placing my neck in the bell as required in the Soundwear case, but not as sceptical as using the ProTec neck placement. The blog goes into some detail about modifying the ProTec case, including more support on the backside of the case to protect the thumb hook. Since then, I purchased a King tenor with so much thumb hook damage that the hook had to be replaced. The original King case has the cloth "padding" worn through at that point and I have no doubt that the damage occurred while the horn was in the case. Because thumb hooks are in a standard position with space below them, I would recommend that most cases be modified to add a pad in this position.

Mark

 

I have a King Super 20 residing in a protec for many years. No modification has been necessary ( and the super 20 thumbhook has not damaged the case in any way!) other than somewhat filling the neck receptacle with a little rubber foam, modification which I suggested to GRumps too who, as far as I know also uses the same case.

 

I bought a ProTec PROPAC, and I really like it. The case is well-made, and doesn't feel cheap at all. It's hard to believe that it costs $300 less than a BAM Trekking. I like the backpack straps, though I could do without the sternum strap--I guess I can sacrifice a bit of style in the name of added security. Thanks for all of the recommendations, everyone!

 

Been using a Protec Contour for years both alto and tenor - never a problem. Use them as a backpack all the time. For my teaching alto which usually stay on a stand at school, I have a Protec EXTREME case. It looks like a BAM for 1/3 the price. I don't think they are available anymore. Lot's of storage and the horn is very well protected. I rarely give my case a second thought.

 

Bam Cabine is nice, I have one in the defense finish for my tenor. But the best out there is without a doubt is the Manning Custom, I have one on alto.