For my entire twisting career, I've used a balloon apron.  That apron has held up wonderfully, even though it's seen a lot of use and abuse.  However, lately I've found that my trusty balloon apron is just too crowded with all the variety of balloons I carry to my gigs.  Even though I've removed a lot of balloons that don't get frequent use, my bag is still overflowing with product.  This makes finding what I'm looking for more difficult, pulling balloons from the apron can be challenging when its overfilled, and it weighs a ton which stresses my back during those long gigs.

I've seen other artists who use top-loading suitcases to store/transport their balloons.  While using a suitcase might require frequent bending to get the balloons needed for a design, it certainly reduces the wear and tear on one's back from wearing an apron and, from what I've seen out there, a suitcase will hold way more balloons than an apron.

I'm wondering what the other advantages and/or disadvantages of a suitcase are over using a balloon apron?  What do *you* use for your gigs?  Is one more appropriate for certain venues (e.g. restaurant work or parties) over another?  Are there reasons why I should stick with the apron or, for that matter, reasons why I should switch immediately to a suitcase?

Any suggestions and tips would be greatly appreciated...  thanks!  Btw, if you would like to share any pictures of your apron or suitcase, that would be helpful, too!

Regards,

Chris

I use a Twist'emup triple busking bag. It holds the balloons in groups of around 25, and you can see the colours clearly. It also has pockets for rounds and hearts.
It holds 2,500 balloons, but takes about 2.5 hours to refill. I use 2 bags. The second one holds 350, 160, 646s

Hey Chris,

I have two set-ups. I use my Crop-in-Style XXL for any line twisting events. It's my preferred set because it holds a greater variety of balloons and more of them and because I use it more, it is stocked or I know what needs restocking.

My second setup is the largest Twist 'em up apron they make. I use this for restaurant work. I just can't figure out how to use my crop-in-style for a restaurant. My apron does a good job for me in these situations although it does have limitations compared to my first choice.

If you do a lot of strolling, perhaps an apron is the better way to go. If you do more line-twisting, I recommend a case with a large center area and lots of see-through pockets.

Yo, Sean!  Long time no chat!  

Thanks for the comments.  I've never heard of the Crop-in-Style XXL so I went online and looked it up (Google is your friend!)     That's one heck of a tote!  I'd be interested in seeing a pic of your setup if you have a chance to post one.

Here's a pic of the balloon apron I've been using since I startd:

//http://www.crazychris.ca/files/8113/2193/7862/My_balloon_bag_1_2011-11-21.jpeg

Back at Twist & Shout '09 I bought 4 busking bag roll-ups from Twist -em Up with the idea I would put together some sort of case, but I never saw a tote that struck my fancy.  Then, the other day, I was in a local lumber/hardware store and saw a perfect heavy-duty tool tote on sale.  On another whim, I bought the tote and I've started to put together my outfit although I've run out of roll-ups and have to order 4 more.  Here are pics of the tote as it is right now (pardon the blurriness...  I haven't figured out my wife's new digital camera yet):

//http://www.crazychris.ca/files/7613/2193/7862/My_balloon_case_1_2011-11-21.jpeg
//http://www.crazychris.ca/files/9013/2193/7863/My_balloon_case_2_2011-11-21.jpeg

I think for now I'll use both set-ups until I decide which one I prefer.  My gut tells me that you're right...  the apron will be better for restaurant work while the tote will be dandy for line work.  We'll see!

Thanks, again, for the comments.  I'm looking forward to seeing what set-ups other folks are using.  All tips and pics are welcome!

Regards,

Chris (of the crazy variety!) Wacko

Ok I have tried so many different set ups and never quite found one I am totally happy with, so after talking to a guy that makes all sorts of things from Harris Tweed he has agreed to make me a bespoke twisting bag. It is in production as I type and I will load the pictures as soon as I get it. He has said that he will be happy to make more, and will make to a persons requirements. Mine is even going to have a suitcase stile trolley which can be removed.

My loverly mum is currently making me a large bag, the issue for me is having enough pockets for all the rounds and hearts and other balloons, we've designed it from the ground up and even including a holder for my mac light.

I'm really looking forward to having everything in one place!

I've also tried various balloon bags over the years. I eventually made a table top balloon box and the after that a full length version. There's photos and a discussions here balloon-box-t816.html?hilit=balloon box  

I made them three years ago and have never looked back since. It has always been a huge talking point while twisting. People talking about the balloon pictures on the sides etc. I never have a problem with kids touching the balloons as I always have funny lines to stop them. It's on wheels so I can push it around, so suitable for just about any venue. I've never used a bag since. It's also a huge advert while working.

I've had quite a few twisters ask me about selling them. After Christmas, I will be making a few new boxes for sale, full size and table top size. If you're interested, send me a PM.

Roger & Ben:  I'd love to see your set-ups once they're done.

Billy:  It seems a bit "bulky" to me, but if it works for you that's great.

Thanks, everyone, for sharing your thoughts and ideas.  Keep 'em coming!

Regards,

Chris

I posted a picture of my setup in a Crop in Style thread a while back: //http://balloonchat.co.uk/post34437.html#p34437.

The pockets on the underside of the lid are something I just added.

Quote from: "seanmcd51"I posted a picture of my setup in a Crop in Style thread a while back: //http://balloonchat.co.uk/post34437.html#p34437.

The pockets on the underside of the lid are something I just added.

Wow!  That's certainly got pockets, eh?!?!?  How many roll-ups does it hold?  Looks like my new bag will hold 8 (only had 4 on hand and had to order more).

Regards,

Chris

Although I don't twist every day, even not on every weekend, I'm totally satisfied with the Twist'em Up's Triple busking bag when I'm at a table and the Easy Load Jumbo apron when I'm on a birthday party. Really good products.

I use the twist 'em up triple too. it's fantastic top two layers I have devoted to 260s and the bottom layer is all other sizes. however I feel that I could fill another with all these as they seem to be rather cramped and am limited to the amount of colours therefore that I can carry in this way. I think two is the way to go for me.

I have seen many other ways of holding balloons but the one that sticks in my mind the most has to be Thelma's.

Does anyone know where I can get the roll-ups from Twist -em Up in the UK?

Mark try Fun Time Faces in Chorley they have them for £11.50  www.funtimefaces.co.uk

At present I use 2 aprons on one belt. The tiny tuck and go is just big enough to hold my 350's and 160's in a decent enough range of colours which leaves my triple apron for all my 260's. It is a little heavy but for some of you strong fellas it shouldn't be an issue. If you do this though make sure you have all the most popular colours in the middle and side nearest the mini apron as they certainly tuck round my waist a little far  :roll: