Stadium Backpack

[Karl Houseknecht]

My case arrives tomorrow. I’ll report on it once it’s here.

 

[toneseeker911]

I absolutely hate my Studio Slips FM9 bag and the level of protection that brand provides even with "double" padding is even worse than this bag, so that option is out.

So, I’m not the crazy one. Had a studio slips bag a while back for my fractal. One of the shittiest bags I had. Looked strange, had some kind of unbalanced design, not enough padding etc.
It seems to be peddled heavily on the fractal forum for some reason, there are way better options.

 

[Karl Houseknecht]

It seems to be peddled heavily on the fractal forum for some reason

Because one very vocal member there helped design it, and if you say anything bad about it you’ll get talked over.

 

[fiftyshadesofslay]

I’m definitely after some sort of backpack solution rather than a hard case. Has anybody shoved one in an OG Helix backpack? Quite a bit cheaper too.

 

[Desertdweller]

Does Gator make a case that would fit? I have a 23" Gator bag for my fm9 and I can fit the fm9, cables, and a SS power amp in the bag.

 

[EOengineer]

The Helix backpack was one of my favorite things about Helix. It perfectly balanced protection, durability, and portability. The Stadium backpack was basically a given so its disappointing to see people struggling with it. As I’m seeing more of the feedback come in I’m going to wait to check one out at a local dealer before springing for it.

 

[Orvillain]

Honestly, the Novation backpack is the GOAT of bags.

 

[Karl Houseknecht]

Case arrived and it is awesome! Great fit, really sturdy foam. Strong latches. Balanced carry with nice handle. Room for an expression pedal or cable and power cable. Zero movement of the unit when lid is closed.

A better shot of the fit. It is slightly recessed so the encoders don’t hit the lid.

My Stadium Backpack is going back. Good riddance.

 

[ChordInversion]

Disappointing that they stepped on a rake with the new backpack design. Here's hoping they have the smarts to hear the feedback and make a better one.

 

[paisleywookiee]

Does Gator make a case that would fit? I have a 23" Gator bag for my fm9 and I can fit the fm9, cables, and a SS power amp in the bag.View attachment 55642

I’ve got the gray one, and it’s an awesome case.

 

[ejecta]

Would it fit in the original Helix backpack?

I use my original for mine. There’s more space in the backpack but not a lot. Works well. I don’t like the new design anyway so I’ll be using my original backpack.

 

[molul]

I strongly recommend the Thon case from Thomann. I have the LT one and it's just perfect. I don't even take the device out of the case to play.

I wish I saw the polyboard version (5'5kg) when I bought the plywood one (8.6kg).

So much looking forward to buying the Stadium non-XL and the polyboard Thon case to go from carrying 13kg to ~7kg.

 

[DanRad]

I used the backpack for the first time last night (kept the tags on, just in case). It will take some getting used to. I doubt I'll use the back pocket at all, and the front compartment is a tight fit for what I like to get in there: Cables, ergonomic strap, iPad, set lists. With the old one, I just had to unzip the top of the big front compartment. With this one, I think I'll need to unzip down the sides for it to be useful.

Not a huge fan of shoving the Stadium in the top of the bag, but I think I'll get used to it.

I think I'll keep it.

 

[arcenson]

Okay, I got my Stadium Backpack before my Stadium (which arrives tomorrow) so I thought I'd open it and admire it and get to know it better.

What the hell were they thinking with this thing? How in the world do I even get the unit into it? I have to unroll a flap, open a trapdoor, and somehow slide the unit inside that narrow opening? I've had it all of 5 minutes and I want to send it back. The original Helix Backpack was perfect. This is...not.

• You are forced to use it as a backpack because the "handles" are flimsy pieces of fabric which will likely rip with any kind of weight on them.
• The backpack straps can't be stowed like the ones on the Helix Backpack.
• I carry my guitar on my back in a Mono gig bag and my OG Helix by the backpack's side or top handle. Can't do that with this bag. I'd be forced to carry my guitar in one hand and have this on my back. It's not convenient at all.
• Padding is seriously lacking compared to its predecessor.

Overall, I'm terribly disappointed with this purchase. The original was soooo good. What are my options?

• I absolutely hate my Studio Slips FM9 bag and the level of protection that brand provides even with "double" padding is even worse than this bag, so that option is out.
• The Helix Backpack might work, but won't it be too big for the Stadium?
• The Gator Helix rolling case is probably also too big and the Stadium would no doubt flop around inside it.
• Custom case option? Who?

Here is a good option for the Stadium XL as a gig bag:

Gig Bag Effect Gator GK-2110​

 

[Karl Houseknecht]

Gig Bag Effect Gator GK-2110

Not nearly enough padding. I'd take the Stadium backpack over that.

 

[EOengineer]

Not nearly enough padding. I'd take the Stadium backpack over that.

Just throw it in a ziplock freezer bag it’ll be fine.

 

[Karl Houseknecht]

I found my solution above. Liked it so much that I bought another one and some closed cell foam for a custom fit for my FM9.

 

[sleewell]

They got rid of the small top pocket for teh ganja wtf hahaha

I sold my lt but kept the backpack bc it's sweet. After all these years of use the zippers are starting to fail on a few spots but it's still usable.