SKB vs. Gator for 19" plastic racks

[Jim C]

Thought that if the thread was more straight forward some of you might offer opinions. Want to buy the best 2U rack for a 13 lb. Mesa Walkabout. Your opinions please.

[Hoover]

I've never examined Gator cases too closely, but from a distance they always struck me as being 100% identical to SKB cases

...which always struck me as being 100% identical to Thermodyne cases (albeit cheaper).

The latches are the weak point on all those brands. If someone ever finds a way to put a real heavy duty latch on a roto-molded plastic rack, they'll be the clear winner. Until then, I vote Six Of One...

[Bryan R. Tyler]

I've had multiple racks from each company.

I prefer SKB for standard racks, and I prefer Gator for shallow racks. SKBs seem a bit tougher and the latches come off with the lids, but their shallow racks have an annoying plastic rear hatch and and it's more difficult to access your cables with it because it the reinforcement plastic hangs lower.

Rackmounts.com usually has great prices on both brands.

[Bardley]

Originally Posted by Bryan R. Tyler

I've had multiple racks from each company.

I prefer SKB for standard racks, and I prefer Gator for shallow racks. SKBs seem a bit tougher and the latches come off with the lids, but their shallow racks have an annoying plastic rear hatch and and it's more difficult to access your cables with it because it the reinforcement plastic hangs lower.

Rackmounts.com usually has great prices on both brands.

+1 to all of this. We have many of both kinds at my work.

[lbwdog]

I've liked Gator shallow racks for my G-K & Thunderfunk gear. Never had a problem with latches rattling either. The rear hatch on the SKBs is inconvenient. Other than that, there's not much difference IMO.

I don't think the Gator is available in a 2u shallow though. Don't know about the other brands.

[Jim C]

In my case, I need a minimum of 12" in depth which eliminates many effects racks.
Gator does offer their cases in color for the same price (although not stocked by MF)
check out page 16; kinda like that purple granite http://www.gatorcases.com/Assets/Doc...CATALOG-LR.pdf
Bryan, thanks for moving this where it will get seen; Rackmounts does have amazing pricing but looks like MF is also competitive on the standard stuff

[Fuzzbass]

I prefer SKB because the latches are attached to the lids! They're also plenty sturdy enough for my needs: I play local bar gigs and move my own gear. I use both the ATA and Roto cases. I was a little concerned about the plastic latches on the rear lids of the Rotos, but I've never had one fail.

[wiseguyst]

Depends on your needs. I had a simple 2u zipper bag that I used for many years when it was mostly me handling my head, doing moderate traveling, and it worked fine. I also have a 4u Anvil ATA case as well as a 6u Road Runner ATA case that all have been great. The bag style rack was easier to carry, lighter and had an organizer pocket, though it was the two ATA cases that provided the peace of mind to let other people handle my gear.

FWIW, I have both a Gator and SKB molded bass cases and the build quality on the SKB is significantly better.

[metalinthenight]

I prefer the SKBs for all around use. What wiseguyst said about the difference between SKB and Gator is SPOT on. I've had Gators, and OSPs also, and I really dig the OSPs for the price if you can't dish out the cash on Anvil's or other custom local companies.

[FatAndy]

I've owned the same SKB for years and it has performed perfectly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsfrnbfbAoE

[prd004]

I've had the same SKB for close to 15 years. Countless gigs/rehearsals on it, but the main reason I reccomend SKB is after all those years the latches on mine started losing tension and became unreliable...............

SKB Warrantied them and repaired it for free!

[Jeff Scott]

SKB, here!

I like the deep rack with the rear rack rails, as it is nice and strong and the rear lid is a better design than the shallow flat lid of the shallow cases. The rear rails come in handy, too, for putting my SL Waber power strip in the rack.

[Blues Cat]

SKB needs a shallow rack (13.5"d) with a real rack lid on the back, badly.

I wrote to the head of the music division and product manager stating the bass community's desire for this model. They do not seem to be interested. New molds are $40,000 ea. Yes the comma's in the right place.

[rodl2005]

Pretty close SKB & GAtor. BUt IF Gator HAVE the shallow one.. it's a no-brainer for a WA- or virtually any tube style amp. I looked everywhere(in AUS) for a shallow ack case for my SVTII then after I got it I realised it made it 20lbs heavier!! :-(


As I load myself........... The shallow rack case went bye bye

[Alex1984]

I prefer SKB rack cases, but I also love Gator rack bags!

[rob_thebassman]

ive only ever used gator before and seemed sturdy enough for me

[singlemalt]

SKB, I like the latches on the lid.

I notched the lip on the rear hatch so I could get to the speakons and 1/4" out puts on the back of my GK 1001 rb 2 easier, and that let me put the amp in the lowest two spaces. It took two minutes with a jig saw and doesn't effect the lid at all.

I left a space empty for air flow and put the tuner in the top space.

For a two rack space amp, the four space rack makes sense, a little room to grow.

[4Mal]

I'm a big fan of SKB. I've had several. Some of them bought used, old & beat. I called them for replacement latches and they just ship 'em. No receipt, no warranty bs - they just take care of it. Gator took care of me with a dead 8 bus power supply but ... it took ages. Me - Easy I vote SKB

[boisebassco]

Just to be annoying... I have two brand new Gator roto racks that are pretty nice... (4 and 2 space). They have the latches on the lids, and they come in various colors, and were WAY cheaper than SKB. We'll see how they hold up, but they seem nice, and I've had SKB for years.

[JimiLL]

Im using Road Runner... its wood but seems to be very rugged