rack bag recommendations?

[BasserX]

Hi! I have a Mesa/Boogie Bass 400+ amp and I'm looking for transport/protection. It doesn't get moved that much, so light protection would be acceptable. I tried mounting it in a Pro Stage Gear 6U rack, which was nice, great construction and protection, but the amp is a heavy beast all by itself, so I was thinking about changing to a rack bag, and downsizing to a 4U to help save weight.
A lot of the 4U rack bags I've seen have the amp facing forward while carrying it. To me, it looks like this would put most of the weight load on the screws... wouldn't it make more sense to have the amp facing up so the weight would be on the rack? I think Gator makes one like this....
I was also thinking backpack straps would be helpful to distribute the weight on two shoulders...

Does anyone know of such a rack bag or must I design and build it myself?

Thanks!

 

[chadds]

I've used Protec rack bags for years.

 

[Medford Bassman]

I've used a Gator rack bag. Pretty happy with it.

 

[Chef]

An SKB 4 space rack will be lighter.
Get the good one, not the roto-x-moulded one.

 

[lakedmb]

I have a Gator rack bag that I'm really happy with. Found mine on Craigslist for only $40.

 

[lburton2]

I'd go protec. The gator 4U i have has worked alright, but the bungee cord thing on the top broke the first week and the wood bracing isn't very good.

 

[mathewjg]

I ordered a rack bag on the assumption that it would be light but found it had a fairly substantial plywood frame inside which made it heavier than the equivalent Gator molded cases. Also the zip on my rack bag stuck after about 9 months of use. I found that Thomann in Germany prices for Gator are about 25% less than UK prices

 

[scowboy]

I'm using a Protec 4 space, it works fine an does not add too much weight. I drive a Mini Cooper and I don't want any potential sharp edges in the car (when you transport anything in a Cooper it's "in the car" ) otherwise I'm with Chef on the SKB.

 

[Chef]

On my skb; all the corners are pretty well rounded, but I take your point...

 

[T. Alan Smith]

My SWR220 is in a Gigskinz bag that's really nice.

 

[lookiel]

The Protec rack bag is pretty nice and the amp faces forward but it doesn't have backpack straps, only a sling type shoulder strap.

 

[lburton2]

Do you know of a rack bag that has backpack straps?..

 

[chadds]

I'm using a Protec 4 space, it works fine an does not add too much weight. I drive a Mini Cooper and I don't want any potential sharp edges in the car (when you transport anything in a Cooper it's "in the car" ) otherwise I'm with Chef on the SKB.

The Protec doesn't tear up your car.
Shoulder straps? Can't imagine that. I have my 8x10 cab and bass on my back so I carry my rack bag.
Actually if I'm rolling urban or suburban my cab(s) on rack n roller with backpack full of cables etc. and Protec with bass on back.

 

[lookiel]

Do you know of a rack bag that has backpack straps?..

Nope!
But that's one of the things the OP mentionned.

 

[scowboy]

That is why I got a rack bag in lieu of the SKB.

Looks like this:

The Protec doesn't tear up your car.

 

[MLC_BassPlayer]

I've used an Odyssey 4U rack bag. Amp was carried face up.

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It works well. The flaps can get in the way. I also broke the tab on the bottom zipper. I've also used a solid rack case. Pros and cons with each approach..