The first thing that will strike you about this compact and very unprepossessing cabinet is how dense it is. At 77 lbs. it straddles a middle ground between light and heavy, because there are many good bass cabs substantially lighter as well as heavier. You just don't expect it to be such a load for its modest dimensions. Between the 80 oz. magnets in its two Bag End E-12 drivers and its very stout construction, there is no question that this thing is built for the long haul. Still, it can be a real commitment to carry it anywhere, even with two people holding the side-mounted flip-up handles (it's strangely awkward for something so small). A dolly or handtruck is a big help.

One practical benefit is the package fits nearly anywhere: the trunk of a compact car, the backseat, the front seat (you can fit a shoulder belt around it with ease or just lay it down on its side). I drive a Toyota Corolla and it goes in my trunk with much room to spare, which is also a great security benefit. It keeps me from advertising that there is a pile of expensive gear in my car.

The sound is pretty damned amazing for a cab of any size. Note that there is no high-frequency horn in this cab; you will not miss it for an instant. There is as much high-end grind in its sound as your bass and amp will allow. There is also as much fatback bottom end as a normal person can stand. If it had any more bottom in it, you couldn't tell the notes apart. This cab delivers it all with uncompromising clarity and definition. The performance of this cab can be summed up in a single word: forceful. It's a sound that will not be hidden in any mix. I thrash with it; I play light jazz with it. This cab has astounded many of my colleagues. It is also very efficient --103db@1 meter@1 watt-- and thus capable of delivering fine tone from any amp.

My attraction to this kind of cabinet is two-fold: 1) I love the sound of 15-inch speakers and 2) I also love the portability and versatility of the better 2x10 cabinets on the market. This cab scratches both of those itches: I get performance similar to a 2x15 cabinet in a package closer in size to a 2x10. It does 'vintage' and 'hi-fi' equally well. I am learning to live with the 77 lbs. aspect of it, but it's a trade-off I can live with because the sonic quality I get for it is unparalleled. If this cab were about 20 lbs. lighter it would approach sheer perfection.

At the end of every gig, my load-out is quick and simple. Moreover, when I travel, near or far, I can pack a world-class bass rig in my trunk and still fit all kinds of luggage around it. That's a beautiful thing.

I bought mine used for about half of what they sell for new, so there are deals to be had on them. Not being a common brand, Bag End might suffer from a certain amount of low 'brand recognition' in the marketplace, which may result in good used deals. If you're anything like me, you'll fall in love the moment you plug in.

Construction	100%
(Exceptionally well done. Bullet-proof.)
Clarity	100%
(Tonal response is second to none.)
Volume	100%
(Shattering. How much can you stand?)
Portability	85%
(Compact, but heavyish. Fits in most trunks.)
Customer Service	90%
(Useful website. Quick replies.)
Value	90%
(A little pricey new. Good used deals are there.)
Overall	95%
(I'd buy this brand again in a heartbeat.)