Take a look: inexpensive sound gear or cam gear aluminum case...

O

OldCorpse

Rockin the Boat
Since I'm a sound moron/newb, I am unable to make any contribution to this forum, and have mostly been a taker. In trying to at least make a tiny contribution, perhaps I can draw your attention to a case that caught my eye. I've been looking for a case for the sound gear I'm buying, and this is what popped up, right now on sale: 18" x 13" x 6" Aluminum Case. It's $24.99 plus shipping (unless you have a store near you) of $6.99.

Yes, yes I know it's Harbor Freight, BUT, I've done some research and it's just a rebranded exact same case selling in other places (including B&H!) sometimes for 3-4 times more. I've seen reviews, including on youtube, and generally the consensus is that the quality is quite decent. It certainly is less expensive than the exact same case rebranded that some sound companies sell for their gear with just the logo slapped on. As I said, it's on sale right now for $24.99 plus shipping. Check it out, you might find it useful!
 
I doubt if the case will last that long, cases like that are normally riveted with very light rivets.
What normally happens is the joints and latches loosen up then eventually pop out.
The case would be ok for very light use.
 
Well, I ordered two of them, and they should be here next week. I have not used them yet, obviously. How long they'll last, I have no idea. Clearly, they are $24.99 so I doubt they are bullet-proof, but there are some reviews floating around where people have used them to store their gear for years now, and generally the reviews are good. Again, however, I can't vouch for them. To me, for the price they were worth trying. Maybe if you've got $10K mics, it might not be the case for you :) YMMV.
 
I've had one of these, or something very similar, for nearly 15 years. Bought it at Lowe's for $25. Very practical rugged cheap case. I use mine for my audio test gear kit. Lowe's changed to a more cheaply made version that was not nearly as good. The molded corner reinforcements make it quite strong and rigid.
 
I have about a dozen of these. I keep all my audio and video gear in them for 4-5 years.
The only failure has been a bent latch that got damaged through a stupid blunder.

I have traveled with gear in them as checked luggage, but with a pair of external straps or tape.
I wouldn't trust the latches by themselves in a game of baggage-handler football.
OTOH, I only travel occasionally, and they would never replace proper Anvil-style road cases for long road shows.
 
I have several of these. I use them for storing camera rig bits (plates, clamps, arms), another for NP batteries and chargers, and another for other odd bits. I don't use the foam, but rather the dividers they provide. They work well. I use Pelican-style cases for my more precious items.
 
OzGizmo said:
I doubt if the case will last that long, cases like that are normally riveted with very light rivets.
Click to expand...

Paul F said:
I have several of these.
Click to expand...

Well, I'm using it even for my camera stuff. Got them from the local hardware (Canadian Tire) and it works pretty well. Haven't got a single issue with them since the first one (over 3 years). My camera has one as well as the audio gear in another one. They're quite sturdy for the price.

But I'm not doing video shoots every day, so...depending on the use I'd say.
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"This guarantee is void only if the Pelican™ product has been abused beyond normal and sensible wear and tear."

That's the weasel get out of jail clause. What's "normal"? What's "sensible"? What's "abused"? I understand that Pelican can't guarantee against all use - you can't use it for atomic testing for example. But what about 'normal' use? Who defines that? I mentioned airport cargo handlers for a reason. I saw a Pelican or Pelican-like (couldn't tell the brand from a distance) fall from a gangway onto the tarmac below, a fall of maybe 30 feet, and the case split open. Now, when I put my gear into a Pelican case for travel, I fully expect it to survive anything travel related (barring an airplane crash) - that's why I put it in a Pelican case to begin with! I expect it to survive a baggage handler dropping it in the course of transport to and from the cargo areas including the concourse. If Pelican had denied a claim for that fallen case, I'd be mighty displeased. I would not put my gear in the $25 case I just bought and expected it to survive air travel in the cargo. That's why I'd shell out the extra $ for the Pelican for that purpose - and I'd expect that accordingly. Why do people buy Pelican gear? The #1 reason is to keep gear safe during transportation, particularly airline transportation. If you fail at that, you failed at your #1 job.

So I guess it's all up to the lawyers. Would Pelican lawyers argue that it was "abuse" beyond "normal" and "sensible"? There you go. Weasel words.
 
You missed the last part...

Any liability, either expressed or implied is limited to replacement of the product. This guarantee is void only if the Pelican™ product has been abused beyond normal and sensible wear and tear. The guarantee does not cover shark bite, bear attack and children under five.
 
I just purchased a used Pelican 0370 24" Cube Case (without the foam) for $100. I don't expect a chunk of it to get eaten by a shark anytime soon, so I'll 'take a chance' with the warranty. But seriously, Pelican cases are worth the cost, even at full price. Check eBay though, as you can get some incredible prices on slightly-used equipment.
 
Since this has shifted to Pelican products, I'd want to put in a word for those considering same to look at the Storm line also available from Pelican. They were a competitor for some years and Pelican bought them out and, surprisingly, still offers them. The primary difference is in the latches, which I consider far easier to operate especially in the cold.

As far as travel and general wear: my gear is probably half and half custom built flight cases and injection molded cases (Storms and Pelicans). I have a few of the latter that go back 15 years or more and have traveled plenty (via air and shipping) and are still fully functional, albeit tired looking. A worthwhile investment.
 
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