I’ve been using this exact same case for year now for my film travels all over Hawaii. That case has even been to Cambodia. It’s a great way to travel, especially love the wheels. There is one drawback, though: the bales, or latches, are total junk. I see that you use gaffer tape over them– that is mandatory!

I might take my case to a luggage repair guy and see if they might have a better latch, as long as that doesn’t cost more than the case.

Jeff

Shorter and fatter with extending Handle (like what you usually see at an Airport) would be better
than having the S.W.A.T. Team ambush you with their Weapons drawn (and red dots on your chest).

What do you people think of the secureness of just a lock and latches…being able to deal with the baggage handlers… particularly if the TSA cuts the tape to search the bag?

http://www.golf-xpress.com/Items/XX72001

First, buy the right one.  There are many models on the market, some are poorly constructed, some that are really good.  Look close to make sure you get the right bag for your needs.  

Make sure you get one with an integral, molded handle.  I had one with a handle that simply folded down.  Seemed OK, until it came thru the baggage turnstile sans handle.  Luckily there was an integral handle at the top so moving the case wasn’t a problem, but loading it into the SUV was a PITA.  You need that handle for leverage.

Don’t over load the case.  There is a LOT of room in those things.  It’s easy to pack a whole lot of stuff.  Don’t.  I did.  My back has never forgiven me.  Neither has my assistant.  Especially my assistant.  It was a local assignment and we needed a lot of lights.  Something like a dozen heavy duty stands, plus any and all smalls were crammed inside the case.  It seemed like the thing to do at the time… I know there was a good reason why we did it… but all I can remember is how much of a mistake we made.  That case packed weighed a half ton.  So keep it light, resist the temptation.  

If you want to keep your stands from getting banged up, or banging into other gear while traveling in the case, buy (or make) stand sleeves.  I know, who cares, it’s a light stand.  But who wants to arrive at a job site and find one of the knobs of your stand has been sheared off, or bent, in transit?  A little protection goes a long way.