| It never ceases to amaze me how many people | | | | compliant with military testing standards and carry |
| spend a lot of money on products that can dent, | | | | IP67 and IP68 ingress protection ratings. So make |
| scratch or get damaged, and then leave them | | | | sure you know what you need. |
| entirely unprotected. It simply makes no sense. I | | | | Cushioning -- Some cases are just empty boxes |
| mean, why risk damage or loss of all those costly, | | | | whereas others come with foam cushioning or blocks |
| valuable tools and toys we carry around with us | | | | of foam with "pick and pluck" cutouts for individual or |
| when it's so easy to properly stow and protect | | | | specific items. If you need maximum space for a |
| them? Hunters, for example, know the value of | | | | variety of items, a bare case is just fine. If you need |
| waterproof cases for pistols, rifles or shotguns. | | | | to safely stow a number of individual items, foam |
| Photographers use protective cases to have all their | | | | with pre-scored cutouts works best. If you use the |
| valuable gear in one place, neatly organized, and | | | | case for carrying the same item all the time, such as |
| protected from harm. Hikers use waterproof | | | | a particular type of pistol and ammo, there are pistol |
| backpacks so their things stay nice and dry. So if you | | | | cases with custom cushioning just for that item. |
| have gear that needs protection, here's what to look | | | | Locks -- You may or may not need a lock for your |
| out for in a case. | | | | case. However, even if you don't always use a lock, |
| Construction -- Protecting expensive items such as | | | | it's best to get a case with predrilled holes that can |
| electronics, guns, cameras, etc., means case | | | | accommodate a lock. If you check protective cases |
| construction should be at the same high level. Look | | | | at the airport, make sure you understand the latest |
| for tough ABS plastic (or even ABS reinforced with | | | | TSA (Transportation Security Administration) |
| fiberglass like S3 cases are), stainless steel hinges, | | | | requirements for locks. |
| heavy-duty foam and latches that will last. | | | | Size -- Believe it or not, but the size of a case often |
| Protection -- Cases protect against valuables being | | | | determines whether it's going to be used or not. A |
| seen, getting crushed, getting scratched, or | | | | handy, compact case may turn out to be too small |
| protected from heat, cold, or water. Decide what is | | | | to handle your items. A large, roomy one may turn |
| important to you, and then get a case that fits the | | | | out to be just too big and bulky. So always measure |
| bill. Too much protection adds cost, too little | | | | your items and get a case that is just right in size! I |
| protection means increased risk. As far as | | | | hope this article made the case for a case. If you |
| waterproof cases goes, there's a big difference | | | | carry around electronic gear, cameras, guns or other |
| between simply keeping a bit of rain out and a case | | | | valuables, pack them in waterproof cases! They don't |
| that can handle actual immersion into water. Some | | | | cost a lot, keep you organized, and provide |
| cases are rated to depths of 150 feet or more. | | | | protection for all your wonderful gear. |
| Others, such as Seahorse cases, are actually | | | | |