Travel case needed. Suggestions?

[Hawk Teflon]

We've had a couple of light kit cases go for broke on recent travels thanks to the wonderful baggage handlers out there. The lights are fine, but the cases themselves don't latch anymore (they're the Arri cases seen here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=679313&Q=&is=REG&A=details). The locks are riveted in, so they can't be replaced, and to be honest, I'd rather have a completely different case anyway. These things are a PAIN to haul through airports because the tiny handle doesn't telescope so it just busts the back of your leg the entire way.

Do you have any recommendations for a couple of bags that are travel friendly? Each needs to hold a handful of lights (21k, 2 650, and an extra), stands, softboxes, etc.

 

[William_Robinette]

I hate those damn cases and have gone through quite a few airports with them as well.

Specific case numbers aside I always roll with Pelican - pretty indestructible and they come in all shapes and sizes. I don't travel with lights enough to grab one for them but my camera gear always goes carry-on in a 1510.

 

[Michael Carter]

Couple thoughts:

SKB has knocked off many of the popular pelican sizes, for a few bucks less - and they're a very legit case maker.

If funds are tight - get creative on eBay. Try "military case", "wheeled case", etc. There are sometimes dozens of military surplus Pelicans and similar on there, dusty and dingy, but hey - pelicans are hard to destroy and mil spec is tough. Check surplus stores in your town but keep in mind those guys usually think their stuff is made out of veteran's tears or something. I've bagged some really nice cases on eBay and they've cleaned up like new.

There's all kinds of nice cases out there, but once you're flying or fedexing... the cheap stuff dies fast.

One thing to consider though - get a pop riveter to fix stuff like this in the interim (make it sellable or useful for other gear). handy & cheap tool to have, very easy to use.