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Upcoming: The Kapsule from Gruv Gear

#61
I'm thinking about picking up a kapsule if my cruise gig comes calling again. I'd probably try and gate check whenever possible to reduce wear and tear but I know its marketed to withstand baggage handlers and belts. Can any owners share its weight? I can't find anywhere online.
 
#62
I've been using mine for a few months, and while there's definitely a lot to love about it I will offer a word of warning:

Baggage handlers and TSA officers have a tendency to grab the top handle and drag the case across floors of all types (including concrete), causing significant damage to the track plates for my wheels. In addition, the bottom edges of the case are not externally reinforced to withstand drops off of a conveyor belt or any sort of rugged "common carrier" handling.

Also, the wheel plates do not appear to be replaceable by the user. Unless we're supposed to leave the wheels on when checking the case, I see this as a rather significant design flaw. I understand that keeping the weight down is a factor, but if this continues to happen my case could soon be rendered unusable for commercial air travel.

Unfortunately, damage from this type of mishandling do not appear to be covered by the GG warranty, at least as I interpret it. For the price I paid for this case, I would have expected that these issues would have already been sorted out since the product hit the markets a couple of years ago.

A simple solution could be to make the top handle removable so that gate agents, baggage handlers, and TSA officers would use the (TSA locking) side handle instead and not be inclined to just drag the case around.

All of the above offered FWIW! ~ Chris D
 
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#63
cbdonohue said:
I've been using mine for a few months, and while there's definitely a lot to love about it I will offer a word of warning:

Baggage handlers and TSA officers have a tendency to grab the top handle and drag the case across floors of all types (including concrete), causing significant damage to the track plates for my wheels. In addition, the bottom edges of the case are not externally reinforced to withstand drops off of a conveyor belt or any sort of rugged "common carrier" handling.

Also, the wheel plates do not appear to be replaceable by the user. Unless we're supposed to leave the wheels on when checking the case, I see this as a rather significant design flaw. I understand that keeping the weight down is a factor, but if this continues to happen my case could soon be rendered unusable for commercial air travel.

Unfortunately, damage from this type of mishandling do not appear to be covered by the GG warranty, at least as I interpret it. For the price I paid for this case, I would have expected that these issues would have already been sorted out since the product hit the markets a couple of years ago.

A simple solution could be to make the top handle removable so that gate agents, baggage handlers, and TSA officers would use the (TSA locking) side handle instead and not be inclined to just drag the case around.

All of the above offered FWIW! ~ Chris D
Click to expand...
Very useful info, Chris. But, I don't see GG has changed the design over these last few years. And sadly, @gruvgear is no longer on this forum since roughly a decade ago to read this.
 
#65
I got one of the single bass Kapsules on sale from Sweetwater for a pair of upcoming fly-in gigs. My experience with our last fly gig wasn't so great. The Vertigo bag and Guitar Tick did fine but dragging it through the TSA lines to take on board was a pain. This trip I'm checking the bass as luggage.

At first pass the hybrid case appears to be sturdy and is clearly capable of holding much more stuff than the bass. The padded lid that contacts the instrument face is solid and thankfully should keep the bass firmly protected in place. Test fitting a Jazz Bass and a Mesa D-350 amp, there is more room left for additional gear and gig clothes. Understandably, with all the extra items packed in there, it will be heavy (aiming to keep it under 50#) but this is where the removable wheels should pay off. With all that's packed into the upper level, it should also protect the bass that much more. In addition to flying we will also use a commuter train, taxis and even some walking, so all of the hybrid gig bag's features should be taken advantage of (except the tracking device, lol).

I can't see much use in taking this rig around town or using it in the trailer. That's what my M80 Dual bag is for. But I feel it is going to be a great solution for these fly-in shows and others that we are anticipating.

The one item that needs addressing is the upper zipped section needs its own lock. Thankfully it is designed to accept a small padlock. A pair of TSA locks on Amazon cost less than $10.

I will update the thread after the shows in July.
IMG_8079.jpeg
 
#66
I’ve had this thing for years now and have probably done close to 100 flights with it, always checked in. They don’t allow us to carry instruments onboard in Australia.

It’s still in great condition, which I’m amazed by, considering how heavy-handed baggage handlers are. It was designed to be checked in and if I were in a position to take my bass onboard, I’d be using my mono vertigo. Even so, how do your fellow passengers react to getting to their seat and seeing a massive piece of luggage taking up an entire overhead bin? I think I’d be screamed at for that.

Yeah, the upper zipper definitely needs its own lock and that was one of the things that annoyed me when I first got it. I got my own combo lock like you though, and it sorts that out.

The other thing that I think they could have done a better job on is waterproofing. If it rains, water will get into the case, and I’ve experienced this. If a lot of rain is forecast, I take my SKB iSeries instead.
One thing you can try though is spraying Collonil Carbon Pro on it. I’ve done this and I think it helps a bit.
 
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#67
My last flight adventures were covered here, when I took the Vertigo on the plane. But the gist is I had made arrangements with the flight crew ahead of time for them to stow it in a closet. It worked fine but it was a favor that I can’t rely on every time.
I’m glad to know your Kapsule has held up. I won’t be flying as much as you but this case should serve me well and will make my traveling ability that much better.
 
#68
I picked up a Kapsule Duo a few weeks ago. I don’t do fly dates, but I wanted it for a couple other reasons. I’ve been using a Gator Pro double gig bag, which has very little extra storage space. The Kapsule completely eliminated an extra bag I used to have to carry with all my odds and ends in it. The wheels make it much easier for me to bring it to and from my apartment. I also feel that my basses are protected very well in it.

Overall, I’m very happy with it. I got mine on sale from Sweetwater, and I feel it was money very well spent for what I wanted out of a double gigbag/case.
 

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