Price Paid: US $106.00
Ease of Use: 3
It should be easy to use, however the retracting mechanism jams, the latches flop loose and you have to conform to putting you gear in with the preset apcing of the one riece rails they provide - or you can use another mfgrs slips like SKB.
Sound Quality: N/A
I think it will sound good when I smash it onstage with a piece of truss or maybe an old school mic stand.
Reliability: 2
You would think a case would be reliable - only a few moving parts, no elctronics, it is made out of metal, plastic and rubber - things that will be here long after humans are extinct....
I am sorry to report that the latches after only a few uses became loose and don't stay secure. The andle broke off during it 5th or 6th use while wheeling a 40lb load.
Customer Support: N/A
I contacted the dealer - Discount Music in Orlando, FL. They had me bring it in. The case was pristine minus the latches and the handle - so they said they would look at getting me a replacement. Well after being on the road for 2 months I called back to hear that it was out of warranty - I protested as it sat around in a repair shop due to the Hartke amp - also purchased from Discount Music - it housed having issues. Haven't heard back from them.
Maybe conatcting Gator is the next step - what a waste of time over a $100 case.
Overall Rating: 2
I purchased the rolling case as an alternative to a std SKB. It's purpose was to give the convenience that airport folks have enjoyed with their luggage over the years and alleviate picking up and carrying another 40-50lbs of gear.
I have SKB racks that are 7-10 years old loaded with twice to three times the weight and have had ZERO problems. When I fly, I have a US luggage laptop rolling case loaded with 40lbs of box cutters and nail clippers and it has been in service coast to coast for the past 18 months - no problems..
The GATOR design is BAD overall:
1) latches are weak and flop loose
2) latches are on the body of the case - not the lids - annoying and hazardous.
3)Retractable handle broke off within only a few uses over a 14month period of time.
4) retracting mechanism doesn't always extend or retract with ease.
5) lid and case trim not parallel = potential leaks
I won't buy anymore Gator anything except maybe some boots, it it were stolen- one can only hope - I would buy something higher end - like a cardboard box.
Gator just plain sucks - DO NOT BUY!!
Submitted by St. Catherine at 11/11/2004 04:08
