I've had this case about 2 years now; it is excellent but I have a couple of reservations:
1) Weight is heavier than listed. I've seen claims that it weighs 1.6 kg/3.5 pounds, which is simply not true. I put it on a highly accurate digital scale and came up with 4.5 pounds empty, 4.8 pounds with the packpack straps.
At that weight, it is really not much lighter than other hard shell cases and arguably not worth the high price that Bam charges.
2) Hardware is top notch and should last a long time, and the soft plastic edge gives you a pretty good weather seal. However, closing this case is quirky. The storage compartment (removable, which is admirable) has a zipper. If the zipper is not closed, the case won't close because the storage compartment gets in the way of the soft plastic case edge. Still, two strong steel latches are a lot better than most of the closure systems out there.
3) As many others have noted, this case will show scuffs. If you bump it against a plaster wall, the plaster gets deposited on the case. What people need to know is these scuffs can be removed with a little floor wax (or, for that matter, violin polish). They're not permanent. I use this case hard and I have found the outer shell to be quite durable and scratch-resistent.
Summary: It's very well designed, beautifully made, the hardware is top notch. The shell is very strong and does not flex even under heavy pressure. Inside, the suspension system is well engineered -- violins and bows are going to be safe.
Nevertheless, if you're hesitating based on the price, you might look at some other brands -- Bobelock, or Core. There are pretty good Bam knockoffs out there, and other hard-shell cases that cost several hundred dollars less. Every year it seems to me the choices get better. Still, if you've got the money and you want something that will provide really good protection, you can't go wrong. This case is built to take a lot of abuse.
