Hard shell suitcase for flights

[Mscdex]

I am heading to Jamaica from Washington dc in 2 weeks and saw a previous post about mesh bags on the plane. I take very good care of my gear and don't want anything to get torn or dinged up. I plan on taking my regulator as a cary-on but still have a lot of gear to check in.

Has anyone tried using one of those large hard shell suitcases for dive gear? Any suggestions?

I found this one which had good reviews: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004TNOB22...lid=2RRUNO0QG73VX&coliid=I2T9K587AVC3XC&psc=1

 

[MB NZ]

i have used a carlton hard case for the past 15 years and it's been great. secure and no zips to break. downside is weight, it's about 5 kg.

 

[GDI]

I recommend using a hard case on a plane, Just be prepared for the pick up as it may be put through a heavy luggage

 

[rongoodman]

I've used a heavy duty Cordura duffel from Wild Things for years. I don't see the point of using up my baggage allowance with a heavy suitcase. OTOH, I have a hard shell carry-on that I use for my rebreather when I take it.

 

[MB NZ]

I used to travel with a drysuit. There was no way I was going to risk the zip being damaged in a soft bag and ruining a week's diving. The weight thing is an issue, but got round this by not taking any clothes. You don't really need any on a dive trip!

 

[fisheater]

I just use whatever cheap, lightweight luggage I can find at Tuesday Morning. I can only see negatives from having any sort of expensive logo on your luggage.

 

[Tigerman]

I use a cheap, light, hard-shell suitcase for my diving equipment. Its still about 4kg extra weight though, but when I travel with diving equipment it tend to be to places where I don't need much clothes anyways.
The weight of that case is featherweight compared to the stormcase for my photo gear thoug - not to mention what happens when I stuff it full of said photo equipment, even after I carry-on my camera body and lenses...

The suitcase with diving gear looks inconspicous, the stormcase not so much, but there's just no way I'll send photo equipment without it being properly packed. Id rather run the relatively low risk of having to claim the theft on the insurance than the certainty of luggage handlers busting something up...

 

[Mscdex]

Any tips for suitcase brands?

 

[tursiops]

I've used this and its earlier versions for a decade of much travel, my wife uses them too. Never a problem. An advantage is there is no insides...just bare plastic. Great with all that sand and water and silicon grease...
Amazon.com: Samsonite Luggage Flite Upright 31 Travel Bag, Bright Orange, One Size: Clothing
You can find good buys on them if you keep your eyes open.

 

[pjhansman]

I use Samsonite hard side.....the ones with side locks and no zippers.