SKB Bass Safe vs. ATA Case

mikekim · #1 10-18-2010, 03:26 PM

I fly internationally quite a lot, and in my experience, they rarely let you take a bass on board these days. So, I've been thinking of buying either an SKB Bass Safe or an ATA Case from http://affordable-cases.com.

I've been inclined to invest on an ATA Case since it seems to be much sturdier than the Bass Safe, but there are a few things that worry me:

-Is the weight of the ATA case with a bass in it over airline weight limits? I don't want to pay overweight fees every time I travel. This is the only thing that makes me consider the Bass Safe.

-This one is more of a rant: I'm having a hard time getting over the fact that I shouldn't lock the case because of custom inspections. One of my most frequent destinations is Argentina (where I'm originally from), and I know how things work there: you always run the risk of getting something sneakily stolen, especially if you don't use a lock! I've had lots of things stolen. Three months ago they stole a soccer ball

They just steal something hoping you don't notice, or notice too late when you get home. I wouldn't be surprised to get the case back without the bass in it. So, how do they expect us not to lock our valuable stuff?
Taking a bass I can afford to lose is not an option, because I spend several months there and several months here and/or another country.

Any suggestions? (and yes, I've browsed several threads regarding the subject, but overweight fees were (almost) never mentioned or the information was dated).

Thanks!

jasonbraatz · #2 10-18-2010, 03:42 PM

I just flew yesterday, and had to check a bag with some drum parts for my friend. It was American Airlines, and their limit for "overweight" was 50lbs. A flight case is going to be around 25 lbs by itself, so you still should be ok.

crijan · #3 10-18-2010, 03:51 PM

I use an SKB bass safe with a well padded Levy's Leather gig bag and have not had a problem with overweight or oversized charges on multiple different airlines.

I do not use locks, but I do have a strap that I put through the handles to make sure that the case won't separate if one of the latches accidentally pops open.

I've never used an ATA case for flying, so I can't comment on them.

Showdown · #4 10-18-2010, 03:54 PM

Go to a luggage store and buy a TSA approved padlock. TSA inspectors. Have a key that will open them, but they are locked for everyone else.

bassjam · #5 10-18-2010, 04:26 PM

I have used the Bass Safe for a few years and have used it on many many flights without an issue.It is just wonderful.I was a bit skeptical about the it at first-wasnt sure if it would hold up,but it still looks good.The handles and wheels are great!As mentioned above,pick up a couple TSA locks-They(security) can get into your case but nobody else can.I believe I got mine at Home Depot.I have a nice gig bag and just slide it in.When you get to where you are going,leave the Bass safe in the hotel room and grab the gig bag.

Before the Bass Safe I used a super heave duty flight case.Never had an issue with that either,but man was it heavy.Im sure I would have been pushing 50lbs with that thing loaded up.I hated carrying it around and after several flights,it was pretty banged up and eventually the lid didnt shut right.I wont go back to that.

kesslari · #6 10-18-2010, 04:36 PM

I've heard good things about the Bass Safe - the downside being that it could open if not refastened correctly.
The "strap around the case" sounds like a good mitigation for that.
The TSA-approved lock is a great idea.

The other thing I've heard about is using an ATA case designed for golf bags - similar to the Bass Safe, but airline attendants deal with golf bags (and cases for them) much more regularly than basses, so they don't raise as many eyebrows and are less likely to get mishandled.
I haven't tried it - but the reasoning seems sound.

mikekim · #7 10-19-2010, 12:11 AM

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm gonna ask them the exact weight of the ATA case, but the Bass Safe does look really convenient... how hard is the plastic? If you stand on it, does it touch the gig bag/bass? That's my main concern with it (and the refastening issue).

Hoover · #8 10-19-2010, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikekim

If you stand on it, does it touch the gig bag/bass?

Yes. Emphatically, yes.

scotch · #9 10-19-2010, 06:03 AM

Another very satisfied SKB Bass Safe user.

I fly internationally regularly as well. I haven't been charged for oversize fees yet! (Technically, it is oversize, but the wedge shape seems to fool the ticketing agents.)
I have had zero damage to any instrument. The plastic is very sturdy! The new butterfly latches (standard on all new Bass Safes) are much better than the original version - should be no issue there. Additionally, SKB has been great about sending me free wheels and replacement latches (the old style ones broke a lot). They even replaced my old original-styled Safe with the new version with the new latches (again, for free).

I also own 2 anvil/ATA style bass cases that I had made back in the 90's. Without a doubt, they are the best at protection - but I haven't used them for years because they are both oversize and overweight. The ticketing agents see them coming a mile away.

scotch · #10 10-19-2010, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikekim

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm gonna ask them the exact weight of the ATA case, but the Bass Safe does look really convenient... how hard is the plastic? If you stand on it, does it touch the gig bag/bass? That's my main concern with it (and the refastening issue).

I just tried this test (I weigh 230lbs). The case does compress a little , but I don't think it is putting any significant weight on the instrument (There's easily 2-3 inches of clearance around the instrument). Choice of a well-padded gig bag is important with the Bass Safe, of course.

The new latches are more intuitive for the TSA idiots as well.

If price is no object (including exorbitant oversize/weight fees), and you don't mind schlepping a heavy anvil case - then the old road case is the way to go! Also, your best protection is always all-peril INSURANCE.

Did I mention INSURANCE?

Seriously, one of the best investments a professional can make. I'm always astounded by how many of my colleagues never get insurance. It's cheap and effective (I have had claims in the past).

**nostatic** · #11 03-16-2011, 05:23 PM

For those that use the Bass Safe, will a ProTec Contego gig bag fit inside? I don't have a smaller/thinner gig bag at this point.

EASonBass · #12 03-16-2011, 08:44 PM

My only issue with the Bass Safe is the TSA geniuses are not familiar with how it opens and closes and of course they won't let you help them. This has worked out to my benefit where they just give up and run it through the x-ray.