S4 - What to carry it in

[Rukks]

I got my Novation 25 and decksaver this week. It fits perfect, not even tight for the zippers, and I succeed to place my headphones, laptop, cables and even my MIDI Fighter!
Great combination at a great price without doubt.

How in the Hell?

Do you have a macbook air and earbuds?

Theres no way I could fit all that, but im content with walking in with headphones in my pocket or around my neck...

[tomflynn]

The only thing about the dj tech tools bag is that you can't wear it as a back pack.

[noelflava]

Gotta go with the DJTT S4 bag all the way. For design, function, durability, and cost. You cannot beat it.

[aviatorman]

I have spent quite a bit of time looking and researching a dynamic bag that will function for the S4.

What variables I considered in order of importance:
1-Protection
The most important thing for any bag.
2-Durability
You need to protect your investment.
3-Dynamics
Most S4 users will have the same setup, but you need added options with the amount of controllers surfacing out there.
4-Portability
It is all about how you roll as a working DJ.
5-Weight
This eliminates the need for flight cases. People evolve-please.
6-Airline check-in-friendly.
After you take off your shoes and get scanned by the government, the last thing you wanna do is watch your gear glide away on a conveyor belt.
7-Weather resistance
A little feature that may be costly in the long run. You can't fool mother nature...
8-Price
Yeah, I left it for last, but at the end of it all- you should always get a good deal. We are being perpetually fooled by quality and workmanship over price. It is a world filled rubber, plastic and, in some cases, aluminum. Face it, we ARE paying through the nose!

And now for the results!

1st place: Fusion Workstation Bag (available in Europe but coming to the states)
Why? The non-linear option; Most bags on the market allow you to slide your S4 in & out rather than having the option of placing it in. This can damage your precious knobs and sliders. This bag allows for a complete placement with the added option of a linear slide in.
Another plus is the amount of room there is; there is a giant compartment for cables, mixers, audio interfaces and midi controllers. It also has a multitude of small zippered pockets that are ideal for non-essential objects.
Major plus: It can be worn as a backpack or as a shoulder strap, AND it is proven to be airline check-in friendly. With the amount of room and features with a modest price tag. This is my leading contender for the honor.
Another important dynamic is that it is not just made for the S4. Most producers/DJs have more than one controller. This qualifies as a versatile studio bag too!

2nd Place: UDG Traktor Trolley ($249)
Why? UDG. They have an immaculate reputation for making bags for DJs.
The major plus on this bag is the wheels, but I am not a big fan of wheeling lightweight rubber and plastic controllers below my waist. It is mindless to have all that padded protection gone to waste on a wheeled design. The bottom line is that all these buttoned gadgets are lightweight. Vinyl is heavy. CDJs are heavy. Turntables are heavy. If you think S4 & gear is heavy, then you need to spend more time at the gym. Other than that, it is truly a well designed bag, but the price is a little steep.

3rd Place: Novation 25 Bag ($69)
Why? What you get for the price. Most people will argue that they shouldn't compromise on a bag that is too cheap for expensive equipment, but this Novation bag does protect your gear, and you can't be what you get for the price. The only problem with the bag is the lack of options in size. To put it plainly: it does the job well but is too small. I still don't know why it hasn't occurred to Novation to offer it in red and black. Light grey sucks, but you can't bitch and moan for $69.

4th Place: Magma Bag ($199)
An excellent bag, but it has been receiving complaints from users regarding discomfort on the back. You are limited to a linear placement, as I mentioned earlier, but you do have an overall well constructed bag that offers plenty of room for all your crap. The price is too high, and their availability sucks.

5th Place: DJTT S4 Bag ($129)
Why? It looks amazing and sleek, but there are not enough pockets when compared to the other choices. Also, you can only don the bag one way: shoulder strap. The choice of the materials is bar none, and I think Mr. Golden did do his research on durability (if he's the one behind the design...)
I always like to enter the room looking like a DJ and not a computer technician. In these minor aspects, the bag falls a bit short. However, the price is not bad.

If I didn't mention any other models, it could be for one major reason: protection and not just fit. I saw plenty of models priced modestly that allow for a fit of the S4, but you will find yourself looking for foam and neoprene sleeves (GOOD LUCK!) to protect your controller. So if you find a bag that fits, it really is JUST the tip of the iceberg when you are considering a bag that can function through your perilous journeys. You can cut corners with luggage, but it would not be fair to the design constituent and the whole basis of this post.

I hoped this post helps those in question ultimately make a sound decision in the marketplace. And I'm sure by the time you read this, there will be more bags coveting the honor of being the right choice for S4 users. I think my top five pretty much sums it up.

Congratulations to all the folks at Fusion. You made one hell of a bag.
Thank you !

[Alex Wild]

Brilliant post Aviatorman.

I've spent a lot of time this week trying to decide what to get and I think you've just persuaded me to go with the Fusion. The only thing that was holding me back was that you cant fit the S4 in the special sleeve that comes with the bag so you're losing some padding, but you reckon it still protects enough without it?

Alex

[loop]

Aviatorman, Alex, I have the Fusion for about 2 months now and it's really good. The extra room inside and the overall protection. Have a minor complain, when in backpack mode - i have it described in an earlier post on this thread. Told Fusion about it and will most likely be addressed in their next production run. All and all, i'm happy with my Fusion bag, as is!

I think master smittten has the contacts of the US dealer and could also arrange some discount.

BTW, there's one more GREAT (but more expensive) bag, which you may have missed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZIdFIfMhco

[aviatorman]

Actually the DJTT bag unseeded the Odyssey. I think 5 choices is enough, but I do think the Odyssey deserves an honorable mention. Thanks

[smiTTTen]

Aviator: do you actually own or have real life road tested all these bags?

[haze324]

when does the Fusion hit the US?

[smiTTTen]

They are available now. I have an 'artist accommodation" with the US distributor. I have been hooking up odd ppl here and there but going forward I need a list of ppl (minimum 5) and I will refer in groups. PM for info.

SmiTTTen