Whether you're working at a church or an event venue, for a band, or as a DJ, there will come a time when you need to move your lights. Whether you're transporting them within the building, taking them on the road or on a flight across country, the most important thing is to ensure they arrive safe and sound. Today, we're going to discuss various cases and ways to protect your gear.

I'm a firm believer in protecting your gear appropriately. However, I see a lot of bad information out there. Some people insist that you must use road cases, but that's not always the best option. If you're in a gigging band and you transport everything in the back of a Suburban or a van, road cases can be heavy, cumbersome, and awkward to get in and out. They can also be problematic if you have to navigate stairs to get into your venues. On the other hand, using the original cardboard boxes until they fall apart, or not using any case at all, can leave your gear vulnerable to damage. 

Different types of lighting fixtures require different levels of protection. Fragile moving heads will need more robust casing than a simple par can. Think about the size, weight, and fragility of each piece when choosing its transport case, as well as where and how often you'll be moving them 

When you have your gear in some sort of protective case, it can withstand occasional bumps and minor abuse. These protective cases, if you buy decent ones, can outlast even the lights you currently have. You might even be able to use the same case for new lights in the future. Today, we'll look at different options from Above AVL and elsewhere. 

Road Cases (ATA Cases)

These are the industry standard for a reason. Constructed from plywood and often reinforced with metal edging, these cases are built to withstand the rigors of the road. They offer the highest level of protection against impacts, drops, and vibrations. Consider custom-fitted interiors for the best fit and protection for your specific fixtures. We carry a wide variety of road cases from different manufacturers.

Dominar X Road Case: 

Gator Trunk Cases

Let's talk about Gator cases. Gator is one of my go-to brands and offers some of the best deals for stage lighting people. Their tour pack-type trunks are well-built with half-inch or 12 mm plywood and carpeted interiors. They come with wooden bins, dividers, and case labels, making them versatile for storing cables, hardware, and fixtures.

Gator Truck Pack Trunk, 45"x22"x27"

Trunk-style cases are ideal for venues without stairs or for use within the same building, like a church. They can store cables, hardware, and even fixtures with packing blankets or custom foam. However, if you have to navigate stairs or transport gear in vehicles without easy access to roll the trunk straight in, trunk-style cases may not be the best option.

Gator Bags

For those situations, Gator bags are a great alternative. These bags come in various sizes, with or without wheels, and have customizable dividers. The dividers use Velcro to adjust to fit whatever you need to store – pars, wash lights, small moving heads, etc. You can put some extra foam in the bottom if needed, still have room for cables, and protect your gear very well.

Gator LED Par Lighting Tote Bag Large: 

These bags are super durable – one local production company I know of has used Gator bags for over ten years, in heavy use, and they still work well.

Pelican-style or Flight Cases

If you need more protection than a bag, consider pelican-style or “flight” cases. These waterproof, latched cases are great for flying with your gear or for situations where your gear might face rough handling, but you still need easy portability. Gator offers good value flight cases, and we also offer custom cases for Onyx consoles and other gear at Above AVL – see all those options here.

Custom Onyx Road Case with space for accessories: 

Custom Cases for Specific Fixtures

Many manufacturers sell custom cases for specific fixtures. If you’re looking to buy new gear and know you’ll be moving it around a lot, definitely consider available case options while shopping for lights. Here's a few examples: 

The ADJ Element PC6 waterproof, wheeled case holds up to six ADJ Element Par fixtures:

The Chauvet Freedom Charge 8P rolling case has a custom molded interior to hold and charge up to 8 Freedom Par fixtures. 

ColorKey offers very reasonably-priced cases for many of its lights, plus bundled options, like the Mover Beam 100 2-pack with carrying bag:

Or this Mobile Par Mini Hex 4 8-pack bundle with charging flight case:

In conclusion, choosing the right protective case for your gear depends on your specific needs and circumstances. We are your lighting experts here at Above AVL and we’d love to help you find exactly what you need to protect your gear, and quote you a personalized price. Check out the options on our website, or contact us if you need something but it's not listed - we can probably get it!

Whether you opt for trunk-style or road cases, carrying bags, or pelican-style “flight” cases, protecting your gear is essential to ensure its longevity and functionality.