Reunion Blues Expedition vs. Continental Voyager

[Will T.]

Has anyone had a chance to compare the new Reunion Blues Expedition cases against the popular Continental Voyager cases?

[Alter]

This video does a pretty good comparison of most models. Don't have the newest one, but I've used the others quite a bit. For in town playing and flying with the guitar in the cabin, the cheapest RBX is by far the best choice, lighter, smaller, you don't hit the doors, more than enough protection.

For checking guitars when flying, and for touring with a van or bus the other models are far better though, as the extra protection will be needed, and they are closer (better actually) to a case than a gigbag. But I think the headstock backpack is a bit overrated, if you put anything close to heavy in it the bag becomes too heavy and out of balance.

Overall I'd suggest to choose based on use and need, and not necessarily go for the most expensive ones as all models are great. I much prefer them to Mono.

[arnie65]

Both, the Expedition and the Continental seem to be good quality cases, but at that price point, you could do better. Gator offers the Pro-Go model, which offer better protection, and comparable features, at a better price point. My number one priority is always "protection", then I consider at everything else. If the price point is no issue, Mono and Gruv Gear stuff make some great stuff!




Cheers,
Arnie...

[Will T.]

Thanks for the info. I'm mostly looking for a case that would fit in the overhead/closet space on a plane but would like it to be sturdy enough for the possible gate check scenario. I'll be traveling with an inexpensive 2.5" - 3" deep Ibanez archtop. If it gets damaged I would be bummed but could easily replace it. I have a Mono Vertigo (acoustic size), but it's pretty bulky. I feel like I would be asked to check that more often than not.

[Cunamara]

Both, the Expedition and the Continental seem to be good quality cases, but at that price point, you could do better. Gator offers the Pro-Go model, which offer better protection, and comparable features, at a better price point. My number one priority is always "protection", then I consider at everything else. If the price point is no issue, Mono and Gruv Gear stuff make some great stuff!

Interesting, I had never seen the Gator bag before. I had an old Gator bag which was marginal at best in terms of protection, but it's also at the lower end of their lines. Basically a nylon bag with a little bit of padding. I currently have an RB Continental for my ES-175/Dreadnought acoustic; it's just a little too small to fit my 17 inch arch top. Looking at the Gator website, I can't really see that there would be any difference in terms of protection, but I haven't seen one in person. What makes them better in this regard?

[John A.]

Both, the Expedition and the Continental seem to be good quality cases, but at that price point, you could do better. Gator offers the Pro-Go model, which offer better protection, and comparable features, at a better price point. My number one priority is always "protection", then I consider at everything else. If the price point is no issue, Mono and Gruv Gear stuff make some great stuff!

Does the Pro-Go have the sort of rigid reinforcement that the RB Continental series bags have? The online specs don't explicitly say so, which I infer means they don't, but I'm happy to be wring about that. The level of reinforcement is what sets the Continental series apart from other bags.

[arnie65]

Does the Pro-Go have the sort of rigid reinforcement that the RB Continental series bags have? The online specs don't explicitly say so, which I infer means they don't, but I'm happy to be wring about that. The level of reinforcement is what sets the Continental series apart from other bags.

The Pro-Go and the Icon models both have a very rigid reinforcement, they were recommended to me years ago by bass players. However, their guitar bags are just as good and built the same. I own one for my bass, and two for my guitars... I don't think Gator offers enough information about their bags, their also lacking as far as their advertisement, and promoting their brand.



Arnie...

[Will T.]

Giving this a bump in case someone has something to add. I have one of the RB Expedition cases on the way. After doing a bunch of research that one seemed to be the best combo between durability, ergonomics, and crush resistance (in the case of being forced to gate check). Maybe I'll get one of the Gator bags too and return one