Hello All,

Does anyone have any experiece with the Vanguard line of hard cases in conjunction with thier XL1? Is an aluminum case an aluminum case, or are their different grades?

Thanks!
-SL

I haven't heard of the Vanguard line, but if you are in the market for a plastic case like a Pelican, I would recommend checking out the new Storm Cases. They improve on a number of design flaws in the venerable Pelican line and cost about the same, and have been rolled out in comparable sizes. Both can be had for good prices at www.cases4less.com.

Vanguard is somebodies propietary name for their cheap, made in China or Korea junk. It's been used in the photo industry for years. I forget whose it is. Take Charles' advice and get a decent case. Vanguard cases are so thin they don't protect against much. But, they sure do look nice.

Jeff

Aluminum cases dent. Reinforced plastic ones only get scuffed. Best yet, the Pelican cases (and related ones) are waterproof. You can actually swim with them if you have to -- I did a few times. The aluminum ones aren't nearly as well-sealed.

Plastic ones are also uglier and attract less attention. Or at least they weren't as obviously valuable as the aluminum ones.

I like and wish I had a Pelican.

Charles:

Besides these improvements to the Pelican case (listed below), are there anymore that are worth noting?

- Latches have Press & Pull operation with extra-strength wide design
(have killed some nails, and split a finger)

- Latches won't pop open when dropped
(never had that happen)

- Automatic purge valve, won't fall out
(one of my cases still doesn't have its valve)

The handle is definitely more comfy. There is a comparison between the Storm and unnamed but obviously Pelican cases at http://www.stormcase.com/product_info/indexcomp.html

I will say this: if nothing else, the latches are a MASSIVE improvement. I hate, hate, hate those Pelican latches, especially in the cold. The Storm cases open like butter.

I have a Vaguard-brand case that I bought several years ago from Elite Video. As Jeff so frankly stated, it's mainly junk (but it does look nice). The sides are very flimsy and would certainly crush if subjected to any meaningful force. The corners and edges are reinforced but I've little faith in their integrity. Currently I use mine to stow some audio gear but will probably replace the case by year-end.

Don't waste your cash on this brand. Get a Pelikan, a Cases Plus or another top-notch brand.

Here's what I use when storing, traveling by car and the sort of lighter travel, (I live in the high desert and travel by jeep). I use an Igloo ice chest the plastic kind. It costs $20 at Wal Mart and I have cut closed cell foam to fit the inside of the chect then cut the shape of the camera in the middle of the foam. I have a foam bridge that goes over the top of the camera after it's put in the chect. The chest is relitively waterproof, DUST PROOF, it helps protect the camera from tempurture changes,( hot car in the summer), and the chest can with stand a huge impact. Oh, an added bonus, nobody breaks into your car to steal an ice chest.

Interesting comment about the ice chest.

A few years ago someone broke into my car. They took loose change, my dark glasses, a cell phone and a bunch of gas receipts.

They didn't take my camera gear -- it was in an old beat up Igloo ice chest in the back of the station wagon.

Charles:
You are certainly right about those latches. It would be the primary reason to switch cases. But I have several pelicans now and I'll have to either beat them up some more or sell them to really justify replacing them.

They have competitive sizing as well! How are those rollers and handles?