The PRS Premium bag came in today. It is much sleeker than the S2 bag. The S2 bag is like a guy that lost 50 lb of extra weight real fast. He looks good because he lost a bunch of weight, but he doesn’t look near as good as he will a year later after working out, and after all the loose skin tightens up. The premium bag looks like the guy does after the year of working out. It’s a little narrower at the neck and at the body. The premium bag arguably has a little more padding. The front pocket is just neater and cleaner. The bag has a more firm foam border all the way around. The rubber scuff guards are more robust. The straps tuck in more nicely. The handles are much “nicer,” especially the the one on top of the body for single handed carry (the “usual” handle). The premium bag does NOT have the triple secret closet hanger hook in a pocket on the back of the neck like the SE and S2 bags do - I was mildly bummed about that. In conclusion - I would not trade up from an S2 bag unless you just want the cleaner look, I don’t think you gain any in protection. Well, maybe a tiny bit, but arguable. I would pay the extra $15 or so for the premium bag if you are adding it for when you don’t want the beastly PRS hard case (my justification), or are buying one for a “naked” guitar. I haven’t held a Mono or other high end, high protection bag in my hands, but I don’t think the premium bag provides that level of protection. I wouldn’t fly with one unless I bought the guitar it’s own seat, or flew first class. I’m not sure a guitar would live through even a gate check in one 100% of the time. For my use, in the guitar corner, and not the beastly hard case, trips to lessons, it’s about perfect.
