Pro Tec IPAC and Max cases

[MTbassbone]

I have a Yamaha 830 bass and am looking at a few tenors including at Yamaha 882OR. I am assuming they would fit in either of these cases. The IPAC seems more protective than the Max. However, I like the idea of the max being super light. Anyone have the Max? How protective is it. Would either of these horns fit?

[Kevbach33]

I have 2 of the Max cases for tenor and bass. They are indeed very lightweight and have integrated backpack straps. The hand slide is stored in the lid with a Velcro strap.

The tenor fits up to a 9" bell, and open wraps, so the Yamaha you're eyeing should fit. Personally I don't care for the music pouch on the tenor case; it looks tacky. Also, the inner compartments for smaller items are pretty shallow.

The bass case is nicer. No tacky music pouch — just a flap with Velcro to cover the backpack straps — and the inner compartments are deep. Your 830 will definitely fit in this; it accommodates up to a 10" bell, and the mold might just fit a Bach 50BO with its long wrap.

Protection is decent for what they are, being a hybrid case versus a true hardshell. You're not going to want to bonk them too much. The nylon is a lower quality than the IPAC or the similarly shaped PROPAC, so easier to scuff. However, the higher quality cases set you back double or more new and do not have backpack straps included fwiw.

Don't forget to factor the PROPAC in your search and comparisons.

Ymmv.

[MTbassbone]

I have 2 of the Max cases for tenor and bass. They are indeed very lightweight and have integrated backpack straps. The hand slide is stored in the lid with a Velcro strap.

The tenor fits up to a 9" bell, and open wraps, so the Yamaha you're eyeing should fit. Personally I don't care for the music pouch on the tenor case; it looks tacky. Also, the inner compartments for smaller items are pretty shallow.

The bass case is nicer. No tacky music pouch — just a flap with Velcro to cover the backpack straps — and the inner compartments are deep. Your 830 will definitely fit in this; it accommodates up to a 10" bell, and the mold might just fit a Bach 50BO with its long wrap.

Protection is decent for what they are, being a hybrid case versus a true hardshell. You're not going to want to bonk them too much. The nylon is a lower quality than the IPAC or the similarly shaped PROPAC, so easier to scuff. However, the higher quality cases set you back double or more new and do not have backpack straps included fwiw.

Don't forget to factor the PROPAC in your search and comparisons.

Ymmv.

I guess I like the slide position on the IPAC but I like the weight of the Max. Do you have any pics you could post with horns in the case? Is the foam super spongey or is it slightly denser? When using the back pack straps does the fabric pull away from the foam or are they attached to the foam well enough to prevent that?

[greenbean]

I would use a MAX for a cheapo tenor but that is about it. I don't think a Yam 830 will fit, anyway, unless they have a bass version. I would use (and have used) the IPAC without hesitation. Nice case.

[MTbassbone]

I would use a MAX for a cheapo tenor but that is about it. I don't think a Yam 830 will fit, anyway, unless they have a bass version. I would use (and have used) the IPAC without hesitation. Nice case.

Is the Max just a gig bag with extra padding?

[greenbean]

No, it is just a super-cheaply made cloth-covered styrofoam case.

[MTbassbone]

I think I am going to stick with the Yamaha case for now and just use the shoulder strap.