Today we talk about the popular UDG Gear Creator Hardcase. Despite not being on everyone’s mind when they think about DJ gear, having a quality hard case is very important and something you don’t want to take lightly.
Many starter DJs may feel that a case isn’t necessary or that they can just use a normal laptop case or some other bag; and, while you can, you’re likely to find out just how much protection you’re lacking.
While there are many different Hardcase options available, the one we’ll be taking a look at is the UDG Gear Creator Hardcase.
This case has multiple size varieties based on the type of DJ controller you’re using and makes a point of providing serious protection at an affordable price.
Or at least, that’s what they say. Today, I went over the UDG case to see if it held up to its claims or if, while reasonable, you’d be better off looking at something better priced or with better protection.
Is The UDG Gear Creator Hardcase Any Good?
It achieves the bare minimum which, weirdly, is probably a very good thing! The UDG Creator Hardcase makes a point of being exactly what it set out to be, it protects, and nothing more. It does the job!
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UDG Gear Creator Hardcase: First Impressions
Starting with initial first impressions, the UDG Gear Creator Hardcase makes a point of being exactly what you need as a DJ case.
The case we’re checking out goes well for controllers like the Denon DJ Prime Go, Numark N4, or the midrange Pioneer DDJ controller models – though there are other options to choose from based on what you’re looking for.
The case doesn’t come with any additional pockets or sections, instead presenting itself as a single-piece carrying case.
This may be a slight disappointment since it limits your use to carrying your controller and only your controller. I’d have liked it if they had at least widened it out to include your cables or headphones.
From a physical standpoint, the case weighs around 1.57kg and has a dimension size of 48.5 x 36.0 x 12.4 cm.
Its body is a mix of a rigid plastic material that excels at durability and protection while also being lightweight and easy to tote around from gig to gig.
Though it doesn’t have any pockets or additional sections, it does offer a foam top padded material that cushions any impacts against your controller. It also comes with a handle and shoulder carrying strap for easy movements.
The straps & handles aren’t much to say about and it’s clear they were focused on simplicity rather than anything necessarily “comfortable”.
- Affordable
- Does the job!
- Lightweight
- No-frills
- Lacks pockets
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A Deeper Look
Looking past its physical description, there isn’t much in terms of “features” or “functions”. While it isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing, the case does make a point of doing its job very well as a durable, lightweight, and protective hard case.
Its shoulder and hand straps, while not ergonomic or accessible on the hands, it almost doesn’t need to be due to the low weight considerations.
All in all, the UDG is a very serviceable and functional hard case that does everything you’d expect in a case.
It’s pretty firm, with a zipper that will keep things nice and snug, while its body is spacious enough to even accept controllers like the Prime Go and its Decksaver acrylic top cover.
Overall Performance
What We Like:
- Affordability: The UDG Gear Creator Hardcase makes a point of being very reasonably priced and perfect for starting DJs that want to invest in something that will keep their gear safe while not breaking the bank.
- Protective: From its rigid plastic material to its foam protectant top and eggbox style, the UDG case is definitely going to keep your controller protected against all but the most extreme of drops. Unless you’re chucking your case and controller over a 3-story building, you shouldn’t worry about any drops or falls you may experience while using it.
- Lightweight: Weighing in at only 1.57kg (3.4lbs), this thing is super easy to run around in. Pretty much, if you need to get somewhere, this is light enough that you can attend all your gigs carrying it yourself rather than packing it in luggage or a secondary larger case.
What We Do Not Like
- Lacks Pockets: The UDG does exactly what it’s meant to do, and that’s carrying your controller. Anything outside of that, however, is going to need to go somewhere else. There aren’t any additional pockets, folders, or sections you can store your cables or cords, or headphones. This means you’ll have to have “another” case if you want to bring anything else with you, which kind of defeats the purpose of a case in the first place.
- Handles Aren’t Comfortable: Another small nitpick here is the fact that neither the shoulder nor the hand handle is particularly comfortable. They certainly do their job in giving you something functional, but you’re not getting much more outside of that. For most, this won’t be a big issue since it’s light enough as it is. However, if you’re expecting something that feels good in your hand, this handle isn’t it.
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UDG Gear Creator Hardcase: The Verdict
The UDG Creator Hardcase makes a point of being exactly what it set out to be and nothing more. On the one hand, you could say that it’s a success since it does everything you want it to.
On the other hand, you could say it’s a bit of a letdown since it only accomplishes the bare minimum.
Still, as much grief as I’d like to give this case, it does make a point of keeping your DJ controller very safe without weighing a lot.
Not only that, but you’re getting it at a very affordable and reasonable price. I’d expect that, after you get used to this and graduate as a DJ, you’ll either use this for smaller-time gigs or look into something with a bit more options.
All in all, if you’re just getting started and want a durable and quality case, this is a solid entry at a very competitive price.