Think Tank Airport Security vs. Storm 2600

[MisterCat]

Now that I have the 170 I need a new case for transport. I have to travel by plane fairly often, having used a Pelican case in the past. I was looking at the new Storm2620, the one with wheels, to save my arms from carrying a heavy case through airports. I also saw the ThinkTank Airport Security (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_ArprtScrty2.php)case in a store and it looks tempting as it is carry-on size, which the Storm is not. Anyone ever use a ThinkTank case? These are marketed at SLR cameras and use dividers instead of molded foam. These are supposed to be ok if checked, but I'm just freaked out a little because I'm used to molded plastic like the Pelican and Storm. What's tempting though is being able to easily change the dividers around, whereas the foam has to be replaced and recut to make changes. The thing with the 2620 is it is too big to carry-on, so will always have to be checked as baggage. Also, anyone using TSA locks on their cases? Are these acceptable at all airports? They always ask if your bags are locked and I wonder if all security people know about these locks...

thanks
Steven

[kwoff]

Have you lookded at the Pelican 1510? Wheels, carry-on size, big enough for the HVX so it will fit the 170. However, foam instead of moveable dividers.

[Chenopup]

If I were going for a "case" - I'd strongly recommend Pelican or Storm, however I have a 16x9 (Petrol) camera bag that has travelled many, many times with me as carry on. Much more room then the Pelican too. Never had a problem getting it on board loaded to the hilt.

cheno

[puredrifting]

I flew this week with my Storm case with two Kinos in it. The case did great, but the schmucks at Phoenix Sky Harbor lost one of the TSA locks. I believe you are fine with the TSA locks in the U.S., not sure about international flights. Honestly, the TSA locks are more symbolic than actual locks, any of them would be super easy to get around with just a pair of dykes/wire cutters, I have not seen a "real" quality TSA lock yet, they are all pretty cheap and junky.

I can't see the point of lugging your 170 in a hard case when flying. Why not just get a backpack? You aren't going to ever check it unless you are crazy, you will be carrying it. The CineBags are really great. I have the Ogio Ty, it holds a ton and is very uncomfortable, I can't wait to get rid of it and get the CineBags CB-22. I had the CB-20 but it had no slot for your laptop, the CB-22 does.

Dan

[Bobonli]

I just received a Think Tank Airport Acceleration backpack. Plan/hope to use with an EX-1, but for the time being it will hold my HV20, sound gear, editing stuff and DSLR. I just got it yesterday so I haven't completely given it a once-over but it looks very well made. I have a photo from another member here of it with a EX-1 sitting upright so I imagine it will accomoate a Panny.

Read through the Think Tank site. They pretty honestly say that you lose some interior space and gain weight by adding wheels; they seem to come down on the side of backpacks. But I've heard good things about their rollers too. Very highly reccomended by sports photogs.

In the end it comes down to whether you're comfortable with a soft bag or prefer the security of a hard case and, I guess, what environment you'll be in. For hopping in and out of my car, I opted for the bag. It's also nice to be able to reconfigure the bag as my gear list changes mission-to-mission.

I have TSA locks. Come to think of it, I've never used them on my checked luggage (clothes) but they function fine. My understanding is that they are good anywhere in the US (can't speak for Europe) and that's why they have the TSA monniker.

[n8ture]

I just ordered a Airport Acceleration as well. Should be here next week.

I was seriously looking at one of their rollers but for international weight limits, the roller could almost be half of your alloted carry-on depending on airline.

The one thing I liked about the Think Tank was that it just looks like another piece of luggage. It doesn't scream photo or video gear which in some parts of the world is important.

I'll see if I can't get some pics once I have it configured.

[wgzn]

ive traveled all over the world (and into some pretty shady places) with betacams, xl2s, dv500, dvx, hvx, etc.. ive ALWAYS checked them in hard wheeled cases - be that pelican or whatever. and ive not had a single issue - ever.

ok, i did have one firewire cable crimped in a hinge once leaving caracas or maybe naples...

here is my philospohy - take it for what you will (and feel free to call me a loon): i make a practice of trusting people to do their job and i dont worry. i dont know if there is some kind of "cosmic weight" attched to stress and worry. but in my experience the less of it you let effect you - the less you ultimately attract. i have no other proof than my experience...

[manglerBMX]

i carry on my camera, and i check my bike(taken apart in a bag to dodge costs). and my bike gets absolutely wrecked. i've had hubs get blown out, spokes broken, axles bent, and my paint is shot(not like that matters...). but i wouldn't trust my camera gear down there at all. and plus, you never know when a candid moment may happen on the plane...

[Mattykins]

The TSA locks have a special key access that the TSA holds. Every agent will have a key that will be able to access a TSA lock. Which is why they are allowed on your baggage. So, in theory, no one else can get into your bag - or it won't open accidently when on the belts, but the TSA can open it to check the contents of the bag.

[MisterCat]

[quote=manglerBMX;1488531]i carry on my camera, and i check my bike(taken apart in a bag to dodge costs). and my bike gets absolutely wrecked. quote]

Is your bike in a bag as rigid as a ThinkTank case though? Certainly not as tough as a Storm case. Just wondering how close we are to apples and apples?

[manglerBMX]

no, its def not in a bag as tough as the thinktank, i have started using a golf bag tho, which is a lot better. i was just using that as a reference for how rough those guys are with luggage. and not to mention i have a fairly tough bike/components.

[mcgeedigital]

here is my philospohy - take it for what you will (and feel free to call me a loon): i make a practice of trusting people to do their job and i dont worry. i dont know if there is some kind of "cosmic weight" attched to stress and worry. but in my experience the less of it you let effect you - the less you ultimately attract. i have no other proof than my experience...

I too have travelled all over the world.


Inside the continental US, I've never seen a bigger bunch of thieves than the luggage handlers at U.S. Airports.

My camera goes on the plane with me.

Always.

[wgzn]

my point - defined

[puredrifting]

I too have travelled all over the world.


Inside the continental US, I've never seen a bigger bunch of thieves than the luggage handlers at U.S. Airports.

My camera goes on the plane with me.

Always.

Totally agree Matt. Certain airports like Miami, in particular, have an international reputation for ripping off people's stuff out of their checked baggage. Unless you ship FedEx or UPS insured, I always would just carry cameras and expensive recorders and mixers. Never check anything you can't afford to lose.

Dan

[Ducatimark]

Just returned from a week in Puerto Rico and carried both my HPX and HVX on to the plane. I checked my bag (a bat bag from Under Armour - update on that soon) that carried my main tripod, a second lighter tripod, two K-Tek mic poles, shoes, coat, and other stuff. I shipped 5 boxes USPS and four showed up on time for the 3 day shoot. My Carrion monitor, cables, and RedRock FF didn't show up. Fortunately, mics and matte box made it so we got thru the shoot. My wife travelled with me so I was able to have her carry my laptop.

I talked to a couple of the local video folks I was working with and we talked about the whole carry on / shipping thing at length. They emphatically said from their experience to never check anything except as the comment above "what you can afford to lose." In the end, insure, insure, insure....

[puredrifting]

They emphatically said from their experience to never check anything except as the comment above "what you can afford to lose." In the end, insure, insure, insure....

Thats why I travel with my Bogen 501 and the Sachtler stays at home. When I came into Burbank from Phoenix on Wednesday this week, I almost panicked because my duffle bag carrying the Bogen, lightstands, wireless mic systems, etc. wasn't on the baggage carousel with the Storm case with my Kinos. After I pulled off the Storm case, I stood around until they turned off the carousel. I was thinking, "Crap, how much is this going to cost me, Southwest lost my bag". A women from the luggage office was walking around moving bags and I asked her if my bag could be somehwere else. I told her my name and she said, "oh, it's sitting in my office, it came in on an earlier flight". Whew! Even with the Bogen, the light stands and the wireless mic systems, I was still looking at the potential loss of thousands of dollars of gear.

I wish there was a better way. I use UPS and FedEx but to ship even my small amount of gear for just interviews, it costs about $700.00 ea. way. Some clients will pay but with the Depression 2.0, some of my clients are balking at those charges.

Gotta get stuff smaller and lighter. I am so encouraged that VidLED is supposedly going to be back with some new products. I won't be happy until I can pack everything needed for a one week shoot of location interviews into a carry on sized bag.

Dan

[Erik Olson]

We do sell padded dividers for almost every case in the Hardigg Storm line. As does Pelican.

e

[timbook2]

I just spent 300 € special camera equipment insurance for my 4 week trip to India and I carry all valuables on board. I agree about the principal of attraction of wgzn but I dont want to gamble too high. I am packing now and tripod and lights cant come with me so I hope my guys in India hook me up with some quality stuff.

[monday1313]

unless something has changed in the last two weeks at storm, their largest wheeled carry-on case should fit my HPX, and Letus...(not assembled obviously). I plan on going that route...I wear a photog's vest to carry me lenses and some allowable acccesories, plus a back pack with laptop and a few changes of clothing. I carry a 501 tripod in a light tripod bag and shove that into the curved area of the overhead rack.

It's a bit of a hassle to get all that through the security scanning area quickly, but i've done this a lot and only once had to gate check my tripod. Just make sure you loosen the arms and head a little so that they don't get snapped off...

[Erik Olson]

You'll want the im2500. That'll do the HPX170 with a few accessories. There is space for a P2Gear / P2Store / DOF Adapter in there along with five batts and a Panasonic charger.

We do DVXUser discounts if you want to order one offline: http://www.expeditionfilmpartners.com/products/p613.html

Best,

e

[MisterCat]

You'll want the im2500. That'll do the HPX170 with a few accessories. There is space for a P2Gear / P2Store / DOF Adapter in there along with five batts and a Panasonic charger.

We do DVXUser discounts if you want to order one offline: http://www.expeditionfilmpartners.com/products/p613.html

Best,

e

I thought I'd seen some posts about the 2600 being the right fit. So the 2500 is small enough to carry on and still fits that much gear? Interesting...

I've always tried to carry on my camera but now and then have no choice but to check as luggage. This has been my major concern with anything but a hard case, for those times when checking is the only choice.

[Erik Olson]

It depends on what airline you're flying. They have different standards, which is why Hardigg lists the im2500 as their largest.

They are wise (and you would be too!) to set your carry-on limits against the 45" (22"x14"x9") airline standard instead of less common (and often only in business premium or 1st Class) standard of 55".

Safe travels,

e

[n8ture]

Just got my Airport Acceleration so I thought I'd try and load it up to see what I could fit in there and how much it would all weigh.

I was able to pack my HPX-170, Four extra batteries, four additional P2 cards, a P2 Store, mattebox, rails, filters and four portable USB hard drives.

Total weight including bag was 20.7 pounds.

I'm sure I'll reconfigure it but just wanted to make sure I could make my international weight limit on KLM.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/9485/1228769325.jpg

[manglerBMX]

i think i may have found our solution for baggage issues regarding TSA. buy a STARTER PISTOL for every bag you plan on checking. an acquaintance of mine is a photographer who travels a lot, i spotted this article on his blog.

http://www.jaredsouney.com/2008/10/brilliant-travel-tip/#more-512

quoted from his posting
"A “weapon” is defined as a rifle, shotgun, pistol, airgun, and STARTER PISTOL. Yes, starter pistols - those little guns that fire blanks at track and swim meets - are considered weapons…and do NOT have to be registered in any state in the United States.

That’s the procedure. The case is extra-tracked…TSA does not want to lose a weapons case. This reduces the chance of the case being lost to virtually zero.

I have a starter pistol for all my cases. All I have to do upon check-in is tell the airline ticket agent that I have a weapon to declare…I’m given a little card to sign, the card is put in the case, the case is given to a TSA official who takes my key and locks the case, and gives my key back to me."

[MisterCat]

Well, been up in the Smokies for a week without connectivity, much of the time not even cell phone reception. Kind of strange to be that unplugged.

Mangler, that's a pretty funny suggestion. Let us know how that works for you on your next flight!

Kevin, thanks for posting the photo. If you were in a situation where you had no choice but to check that Think Tank bag, do you feel it would offer enough protection? I'm just curious how sturdy the shell is.

[monday1313]

I'm not going to speak for the sturdiness of that bag, as i don't have one, but i can tell you all this.

I worked at Orlando International Airport as a lost luggage delivery guy for about six months as an extra money gig. I can tell you that anything fragile in luggage without a hard shell will be broken if you fly often. I don't know how many soft bags I delivered to people with broken stuff in it. Before I moved up to Boston I used to fly up here for extended stays and I'd bring my 23" apple display inside a specially modified samsonite roller suitcase I had it strapped into the foam it originally shipped in. I would stnad at the window and watch them load the luggage onto my plane and no matter how many fragile stickers were on that suitcase. they would literally throw it half way up the conveyor into the plane. EVERY TIME.

If it's valuable don't check it in anything less than something bulletproof...

[Rodney V. Smith]

I always seem to get the seat by the wing where I can watch them load the luggage and it still pains me to think about it. I travel often between Toronto and Atlanta and often travel with my modified Glidecam V-8 and Altman lights in a pair of Pelican 1650. Every time they would load my cases (and they weighed exactly 50lbs) it's like they would take a personal offense to the cases and no matter how heavy they were, would throw them halfway up the conveyor belt. More often than not they would land upside down. While this isn't an issue with the Glidecam as everything was packed snugly... the Altmans were a little more fragile AND had bulbs inside (packed in a separate travel case). The first time this happened I had left one of the bulbs in one of the 300watt and when I checked it the bulb was definitely broken.

Can't trust baggage handlers: if something is there to be broken, it WILL get broken.

[puredrifting]

I totally agree about the need for ATA shipping cases but also a large part of the equation is understanding the principles of how to pack gear correctly. Fortunately when FedEx merged with Kinkos, I did a nice one week shoot in Chicago on training Kinkos staffers of how to pack gear correctly, hosted by experts from FedEx.

Its simple but you do need to follow certain rules. There should be a layer of protective foam, peanuts or other soft suspension materials between the item being transported and the innermost layer of the case. Nothing should be able to move or rattle around. It's simple, one you have packed, turn the case over several times and in several directions, you should not hear ANYTHING move or rattle around in the case. If you do, unpack and do it over. I use Pelicans and Storms with foam and I secure loose smaller items inside with old bathroom towels. I flew with my two Kinos Divas last week and did not have a broken tube or other issue going either way from LA to Phoenix. If you can isolate and suspend the item inside the case and make sure that it is packed firmly, you should have no issues. Will the luggage handlers toss it? Count on it, of course they will. But if you pack it right, you should come out with little to no damages.

Dan

[n8ture]

While the ThinkTank is probably the most rugged soft case I have, I'd never trust it to stand up to being checked.

If I have to gate check it, I'll take the camera out first.

[manglerBMX]

i'm not sure if i'll be packing a starter pistol with me. its a great idea for people who are checking on camera's with fragiles such as a red with accessories. but usually i'm having to sneak my bike in a bag to avoid extra fees. so having my bag opened at the check in counter isn't the best idea for me. i like avoiding that $150 extra fee for a bike...

[kapil]

I just got a 170, and about 10 hours after picking it up, it I had to leave for an international shoot with it.
I rushed to the local camera store, showcase (atlanta),
and was able to get a Pelican 1550. Perfect size for carryon and good amount of storage,
not my favorite setup, because after a few minutes of walking around the airport as a carryon, it got annoying.
The 1510 is an option im thinking about going back to switch as it will carryon, but feels a little small.
the 1610 is too big though...
im in a hard place trying to figure out my best option as well...