When choosing a case or box for your equipment, a common dilemma arises – which is better: a professional flight case (specialized hard transport case) or a durable plastic case? Both categories have their own advantages and suit different situations. In this article, we will overview the differences between flight cases and plastic cases to help you decide which solution best meets your needs.
Flight Case – Features, Advantages, and Disadvantages
A flight case is a specialized hard-shell case, typically made of wooden panels with metal reinforcements. It is widely used in the music industry, for transporting event equipment, and anywhere ultra-reliable protection is required.
Advantages of Flight Cases:
- Superior impact resistance: Thanks to the sturdy wooden shell and metal corners, a flight case can withstand rough handling, drops, and shocks. They are built for “road” travel, so they protect sensitive equipment under the harshest conditions.
- Customized fit: A flight case is custom-made, so it exactly matches the dimensions of your equipment. Special foam inserts are fitted inside, keeping devices from moving out of place. You can also choose where handles or wheels go, and customize the case shape or internal layout.
- Durable and repairable: If any part of a flight case (e.g., a latch or handle) breaks, it can be replaced without having to discard the entire case. The construction is meant for long-term use, so your investment pays off over many years of service.
- Can be made large: Flight cases can be built in very large dimensions to accommodate unusual or very large objects (e.g., stage equipment, servers). Plastic cases often don’t come in such large sizes.
Disadvantages of Flight Cases:
- Weight: Due to the wood and metal construction, a flight case weighs more than a comparable plastic case. Extra weight can be a factor when carrying by hand or when facing airline weight limits.
- Not fully waterproof: While flight cases are quite sealed, they are typically not 100% watertight. Heavy rain or submersion in water could potentially reach the contents unless the case is specifically built with gaskets.
- Cost: A custom-made flight case can cost more than a standard plastic case, especially if non-standard solutions are required. However, for the price you get a product tailored exactly to your needs.
Plastic Cases – Features, Advantages, and Disadvantages
Plastic transport cases are usually made from tough molded plastic (e.g., polypropylene). Popular brands like “Pelican” have made such cases common in military and photography fields. They come in various standard sizes and can be outfitted with foam inserts inside.
Advantages of Plastic Cases:
- Waterproof and dustproof: Many plastic cases have rubber gaskets and tight latches that ensure a complete seal. They may be certified to IP67 or similar standards, so the equipment inside is protected from rain, dirt, even short-term submersion.
- Lighter weight: Plastic shells are often lighter than an equivalent-size wooden flight case. This matters when you have to carry cases frequently or adhere to strict weight limits during air travel.
- Quick availability: A standard plastic case can be purchased off the shelf without waiting for manufacturing. This is convenient if you need a solution immediately.
- Cost: In many cases, plastic cases are less expensive than custom-built flight cases. This can be an economical choice if your gear fits into one of the standard sizes.
Disadvantages of Plastic Cases:
- Limited sizes and shapes: You are bound by the sizes offered by the manufacturer. If your equipment has unusual dimensions, it might be hard to find a perfectly fitting case. Also, you might end up with unused space or not enough room inside.
- Less customization: While you can cut interior foam to fit your items, you can’t change the case’s shape or exterior design much. There are fewer options to add extra compartments or uniquely placed handles or wheels (unless a given model includes them).
- Structural strength: Quality plastic cases are sturdy, but under extremely heavy impact they can crack or break, and repairing them is more difficult. For very heavy equipment, plastic can potentially deform, whereas a wooden flight case construction might hold up better.
What to Choose?
Choosing between a flight case and a plastic case comes down to evaluating your needs:
- Choose a flight case if you have non-standard or very valuable equipment that needs precisely tailored protection. Also, if you frequently transport gear in harsh conditions or on tours, a flight case will provide the highest reliability. It’s the best choice for professionals who value longevity and customized solutions.
- Choose a plastic case if your equipment can fit into standard dimensions and you need water resistance or lighter weight. Also, if you need a solution quickly or have a limited budget – a quality plastic case will serve well under normal conditions.
Conclusion: Both solutions – flight cases and plastic cases – can protect your equipment effectively. It’s important to consider your usage scenario. If you’re unsure, you can always consult with HardFlightCase.com experts. HardFlightCase.com offers both custom-built flight cases and a range of reliable plastic cases. Contact us and we will help you find the best solution to keep your equipment safe and easy to transport.