domke, canvas vs. ballistic…what's the difference?

[back alley]

the ballistic versions...none available locally for me to check out…from what i can tell from the net, the ballistic bags still have canvas in them - on the rear panel.

anyone here have experience with the ballistic version of a domke bag? what can you tell me about them in use compared to the regular canvas or the ruggedware versions?

 

[benji77]

I have the J3 in Ballistic, and F2 in canvas.
The ballistic is lighter, softer and at the joints, do not appear as rugged as the canvas.

I have had 2 copies of the J3, and each was different. The first copy had much thicker ballistic and weighed heavier.

All in all, I still prefer the strength of the canvas.

 

[markus_h_photography]

I've had a ballistic J-1 bag which i've used every day for about 8 years. It carries 2 slrs with lenses, extra lens, flash, and spare batteries. All up weighs about 10kgs. I'm pretty sure it'll last me at least another 8 years and i treat it pretty rough.

 

[papasnap]

I have the 803 in canvas and ballistic versions - they both do a fine job but I much prefer the look and feel of the canvas, the ballistic version looks/feels more like a laptop bag

 

[rolfe]

The ballistic is some sort of synthetic, either nylon or nylon-like. It is lighter and more water resistant. The canvas is softer and gets better as it ages, as it sort of forms to your body.

 

[Ben Z]

I have both materials in F3x, J803 and F5XB styles. The ballistic ones have a smooth nylon panel on the part that goes against your clothing. They are lighter in weight, less prone to abrasion, and more water resistant. Functionally I much prefer the ballistic ones. The canvas ones have that nostalgic thing going, but that's not particularly high up on my priorities for a camera bag.