Advice needed: Hard case for Rig Transport?

[ntrprnr 0]

All: Could use some advice from those with more knowledge than me:

I fly a Safire 2 229, in an Infinity. About 29 or so pounds. I'm doing a lot of traveling (as always) but want to jump more. I have some connections at FedEx that will allow me to ship my rig whenever I need to super-cheap. To best care for it during shipping, I'd assume that a hard case would be my best option.

My questions

1) Is my assumption right?

2) Can someone recommend one that they've either used for parachute transport, or for other "sensitive equipment" transport?

All advice accepted.

Thank you.

-Peter

_______________
"Why'd you track away at 7,000 feet?"
"Even in freefall, I have commitment issues."

[wmw999 2,447]

I've used Pelican cases for other sensitive equipment. They're very highly thought of.

Wendy P.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[zxcvb 0]

Pelican cases are awesome. Waterproof, and you can lock them.

[BIGUN 1,314]

Pelican.

All in favor, say "Aye!"

Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

[BMichaeli 1]

i just bring mine carry on it fits into the over head in a small suit cases so i put mine in there with some clothing for my trip... but i don't travel much and when i do i do it very light

[GLIDEANGLE 1]

Aye!

The choices we make have consequences, for us & for others!

[quade 4]

Years ago I needed to buy a hard case to transport my rigs. At the time I could also get a deal from a company called Storm Case which is similar to Pelican. We used Storm Cases at the place where I worked. We liked the way the latches worked a LOT better than the Pelican case knuckle busters. Since then I think Pelican bought out Storm Case but have kept them as a separate line.
http://www.stormcase.com/StormProducts.htm

I think you also want to do a LOT of research on the EXACT size you want and exactly how much it's going to weigh when you load it up with gear.

When I bought mine, I got it one inch less than the maximum allowable limits from most of the airlines and when filled it was just a couple of pounds under the limit as well. These are the limits under which you'd have to pay an additional baggage fee. I know they keep changing and the case I have from years ago would now be considered over the limits for most (if not all).

So, it's not just the brand you're looking for, but also size and weight options.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[heavydude 0]

I build Military equipment sets that use Storm Cases, the ARMY prefers Storm while other branches buy Pelican. Latches I feel are nicer on Storm, but OK on both. Pelican used to have a no-hassle return policy...break the box and you get a new one. However they have changed that recently and guess what..they also bought Storm. So Pelican now corners the market, I think they also have new owners. Pelican Boxes are heavy however with your stuff inside it is easy to reach limit. I always used these boxes before on Cave Diving Trips but now I pack tighter !

[heavydude 0]

If I remember right the Pelican 1540 ? is about the most popular one for Skydiving stuff. Its pretty big. Can fit about the biggest rig + stuff inside.

[MakeItHappen 15]

Check dimensions of your rig and this box
http://www.leisurepro.com/prod/PL1510NF.html?srccode=cii_9324560&cpncode=21-65683549-2

I saw one of these at a layover at some airport somewhere this year.
It's nice.
This was the cheapest price I could find.
And it is carry on.

We also use Pelican (larger box) for the OmniSkore! systems that travel the world.
Excellent. And when a handle ( or two) breaks, Pelican sends you a replacement asap.

.

.
Make It Happen
Parachute History
DiveMaker

[DSE 5]

Pelican 1650 here.
Holds rig, helmet, wingsuits, and a couple of small cameras. Big, but has wheels.

[HSPScott 0]

Me: two 1620s. One holds 2 rigs and jumpsuit. The other holds camera helmet and camera gear. Those are my regular gear bags. I don't use them for travel.

Wife: one 1620: one rig, jumpsuit, weight belt, shoes, helmet and a few small things.

They make great places to sit on in the packing area.

[heavydude 0]

Double checked the box..1650 is correct must have been drinking some strong beer last night.

[theonlyski 8]

Quote

Me: two 1620s. One holds 2 rigs and jumpsuit. The other holds camera helmet and camera gear. Those are my regular gear bags. I don't use them for travel.

Wife: one 1620: one rig, jumpsuit, weight belt, shoes, helmet and a few small things.

They make great places to sit on in the packing area.

A whole 1620 for your camera gear?

I have entire tactical satellite systems that fit in those things.

"I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly
DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890
I'm an asshole, and I approve this message

[jonstark 8]

Pelican is overkill for a rig.

I used a simple Samsonite hard suitcase, with the interior flaps and covers removed, for years and it served me perfectly well.

jon

[Armour666 0]

Quote

Pelican is overkill for a rig.

I used a simple Samsonite hard suitcase, with the interior flaps and covers removed, for years and it served me perfectly well.

jon

Maybe its my bad luck in the past I have zipper blow out things crushed and luggage cut But I now swear by my pelican case,

It has a huge gouge in it that would have broken or damaged any thing else, It has sat for 30 min on the ramp when a thunderstorm moved in and all the workers cleared the ramp leaving the luggage cart out there.

This is why I don't trust luggage handlers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijHC3hZclSY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRFcbWdn360
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLOHtHve_u8

SO this one time at band camp.....

"Of all the things I've lost I miss my mind the most."

[champu 1]

I've checked my rig and helmets numerous times (as recently as yesterday actually) in a simple American Trunk & Case semi-rigid bag and haven't had any issues. A lot of it is being smart about how you pack things into the bag.

Pelican cases are great and I use one for my camera equipment, but you can easily hit the 50 lbs mark with a rig, a pelican case, and not much else.

[david3 0]

Quote

Quote

Pelican is overkill for a rig.

I used a simple Samsonite hard suitcase, with the interior flaps and covers removed, for years and it served me perfectly well.

jon

Maybe its my bad luck in the past I have zipper blow out things crushed and luggage cut But I now swear by my pelican case,

It has a huge gouge in it that would have broken or damaged any thing else, It has sat for 30 min on the ramp when a thunderstorm moved in and all the workers cleared the ramp leaving the luggage cart out there.

This is why I don't trust luggage handlers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijHC3hZclSY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRFcbWdn360
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLOHtHve_u8

And even worse...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2ZeIoLz8FE


Probably dating myself.