Gator Cases GR6S Shallow Rack Case

Comments about Gator Cases GR6S Shallow Rack Case:

Gator makes the only shallow (effects depth) rack case of this particular type on the market right now so if you're really set on the combination of shallow rack depth, lightweight molded plastic construction, and TWO access doors (front and rear) this is your only option. That said, the Gator plastic cases in general have some significant flaws compared to those made by their biggest competitor SKB.
1 ----- The plastic itself if noticeably thinner and MUCH more flexible than a comparable SKB rack case. If you are the only person who ever handles your gear, then you can keep this in mind and minimize the drawbacks. Personally, I would not let a roadie or other "helper" within a mile of this rack case for fear of them damaging the gear inside
2 ----- Having the latches mounted on the case body, as opposed to the lids, is a major design flaw IMHO. If you're going to use one of these for an instrument amplification rack and like to put your rack on top of your speaker cabs, those latches will rattle like crazy at any usable volume level. You can always come up with some sort of way to pad/cover the latches to keep that from happening, but you shouldn't need to do that to begin with.....
3 ----- The latch hardware itself is pretty flimsy and the QC on the fit (tightness of the lids to the body when closed) is not very good. With the latches fully closed, the lids are still a bit on the loose side
4 ----- FWIW this product is made in China, where the comparable item by SKB is Made In USA. Whether or not that is a big deal, only you can decide
----- Bottom Line ----- If SKB ever starts making shallow rack cases with full-sized access covers on BOTH front and rear, I'd sell this Gator case in a heartbeat and buy an SKB instead. Until then, this is the only option for this combination of features and Gator got the sale

Comments about Gator Cases GR6S Shallow Rack Case:

I have a Shuttle 6.0, QSC GX5 and a Furman in this case. It's very light...easily just a third the weight of an equivalent traditional wooden rack, which I prefer to use. But it's difficult to find a wooden rack in this shallow depth. The side handles don't inspire confidence. They are thin, hollow aluminum and appear to be just pressed in as opposed to bolted/riveted in place. The plastic is very, very thin and feels kind of "flexy." This is not an SKB case. Once you rack some gear inside, the whole structure feels stiffer though. This is a good case for light touring, bar band circuit, etc. I'd be nervous about letting roadies load it up in a truck though. "Heavy duty" it's not. But for what it is, shallow and very light, it gets the job done. Covers fit well. Latches, latch, etc. I think it's a little pricey for what it is, but it really has no equivalent. A wooden rack is 30 pounds heavier and a softbag/rack combo provides no protection at all. This is the perfect middle ground.