800ct case: The gap btw Peli and crap in the old world (1 Viewer)

[Coyote]

The issue is what to do when in the 800ct gap between Pelican-type cases and crappy aluminum ones, given that an obvious answer, i.e. an 800 or 750ct Versa Deluxe case isn't available.
I can see that in the US the solution is a cheaper faux-Pelican case, like MM or Apache.

For the rest of us, I wonder if a photographer's aluminum case might be sturdy and protective enough to entrust it with expensive clay chips, in an aircraft's cargo hold.
Any photographers here to tell us if they would do the same with their cameras in the $44 οr $55 cases below?

https://www.vnp.gr/bilora-luxus-alu-rahmen-koffer-548.html

https://www.vnp.gr/accessories/thik...-aluminium-foto-case-basic-m-black-brown.html

 

[Psypher1000]

A number of chippers have used this specific case, which looks to be a camera case/general purpose case by my estimation.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SRA-Cases-...words=SRA+Cases+Heavy+Duty+Aluminum+Hard+Case

 

[Coyote]

Looks pretty similar. At 91 GB Pounds though, it's well into BW (faux-Peli brand available here) territory.

 

[TheBigTater]

You might look at this one may be a little cheaper for you.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Metal-Grey...&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=SRA+Cases+EN-AC-RB-340

I have 2-3 of these SRA and they hold 800 chips in racks almost perfectly

Discussion about these cases; https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/sra-heavy-duty-cases-cheap.13952/

Here is the same case from US Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ORYBCD4

 

[Coyote]

Many thanks @TheBigTater
Would you use them for travel other than in your own car?

Of course, the quality / sturdiness question is also brand-dependent, so any input by European members about the apparently German-made ones that I posted would be more than welcome.

 

[TheBigTater]

Many thanks @TheBigTater
Would you use them for travel other than in your own car?.

Yeah I would see no problem using the SRA case to transport to an away game. IMO the latches & the handle are better than most aluminum cases I've seen/handled and would be sturdy enough except for the most roughest of handling.

 

[upNdown]

I don’t know if everybody tldr’ed the OP or what, but he asked what would help his chips survive in an airline cargo hold. I’d suggest the most case money can buy.

 

[TheBigTater]

I don’t know if everybody tldr’ed the OP or what, but he asked what would help his chips survive in an airline cargo hold. I’d suggest the most case money can buy.

For airline travel I personally would probably use a hard shell pelican type case but the OP mentioned that where he was located those were supposedly not available or out of the price range he was wanting to spend. I was only suggesting a cheaper & available solution that I would recommend.

 

[Coyote]

Ok guys, solved.
For cargo holds, only Pelican-type.
I may consider this one, which is locally available for something like $85.

https://www.skroutz.gr/s/8828133/B-W-International-Type-3000-3000-Y-SI.html


Οr, I 'll decide I 'll never take all my chips to anywhere I can't drive and use the Versa 500 as a cabin-portable solution for a shrunk, traveling-size version of any chip set.

 

[Coyote]

I 'd like to come up with some pictures of what I chose finally. This is basically directed to Old World chippers.

For leaving the chips unattended in airplane / ship / train cargo holds, the solution can only be Pelican-type, Pelican-quality shock-proof and water-proof cases.
The best bet I found (for 80E) are the German-designed, Chinese-made B&W cases, made to international military standards (STANAG 4280, IP67), just like Pelican, Nanuk etc.
They come in several sizes, but I opted for something I 'll be physically able to carry in the future too, ie 2.3 kg of case plus 8 kg of chips/racks, ie 10.3 kg total (23lbs), for 800 chips. It's the B&W 4000 model, accomodating 8 racks in 2 floors.

A cheaper solution (50E) for 8 racks, with somewhat decent latches and hinges and a more than decent handle, but not waterproof and certainly destined to travel in your own vehicle onlly and handled basically by you, is the aluminium Mantona Photo Case (equivalent to the SRA type sold in North America).
This one is housing my Paulson Pharaohs.

The foam is visibly lower quality and has already begun falling appart, so I 'm seriously considering spraying it with plastic-dip.
Size-wise, the case could accommodate 10 racks in 2 floors, but I wouldn't like to stretch its structural integrity that much - or be lifting 13kg (30lbs) on one hand myself.

 

[pltrgyst]

Why make your case a target?

For shipping as airline baggage, I wouldn't use any of those solid cases alone. I'd take that valuable-looking case and pack it inside a generic tourista suitcase, padded with towels or something similar.

 

[Coyote]

That's a nice idea(y) :thumbsup:
Edit: If, however, a foreigner attempts to enter the US with luggage packed like that, he risks triggering a national security alarm

 

[pltrgyst]

That's a nice idea(y) :thumbsup:
Edit: If, however, a foreigner attempts to enter the US with luggage packed like that, he risks triggering a national security alarm

Nah. Some of us do it all the time with booze, and never a problem. Did I mention the three bottles of Armagnac I brought back from France yesterday?

One specialized bottle-carrier case, not unlike these gun/chip/whatever cases, inside a regular suitcase, padded by dirty laundry.

Or perhaps the key is the dirty laundry...

 

[mrplacey]

You might look at this one may be a little cheaper for you.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Metal-Grey...&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=SRA+Cases+EN-AC-RB-340

I have 2-3 of these SRA and they hold 800 chips in racks almost perfectly
Discussion about these cases; https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/sra-heavy-duty-cases-cheap.13952/

Here is the same case from US Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ORYBCD4

FWIW for those in EU countries where Amazon.co.uk doesn't ship this case, here's the retailer direct link:

https://www.cases-and-enclosures.co.uk/grey-aluminium-flight-case-340-240-120.html

They have a -15% Cyber Monday promo code valid until Thursday this week on all products. Got this and the larger model for £40.00, which I feel isn't the worst price.

 

[RocAFella1]

You might look at this one may be a little cheaper for you.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Metal-Grey...&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=SRA+Cases+EN-AC-RB-340

I have 2-3 of these SRA and they hold 800 chips in racks almost perfectly

Discussion about these cases; https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/sra-heavy-duty-cases-cheap.13952/

Here is the same case from US Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ORYBCD4

@markleteenie no foam needed.

 

[markleteenie]

@markleteenie no foam needed.

So does the lid just close snugly on the top of the racks? No enclosed rack needed?

 

[RocAFella1]

So does the lid just close snugly on the top of the racks? No enclosed rack needed?

Yes, 8 racks fit perfectly 4 racks on top of 4 racks. As long as there are chips, nothing moves.

 

[RocAFella1]

And two full barrels in each of the top racks is enough to hold everything in place. The inside is lined with a thin foam.

 

[APatHand]

Put a couple .45's in it?