SKB Freedom ATA Stand Transport Case with Wheels - for Audio or Lighting Stands up to 48 x 12 1/2 x 12 1/2"

Comments about SKB Freedom ATA Stand Transport Case with Wheels - for Audio or Lighting Stands up to 48 x 12 1/2 x 12 1/2":

As others have pointed out, this case can be a bit tricky to use. The top fits inside the bottom, so overfilling it means that the two wont go together properly. The little latches are pretty bad and easily separated while pulling it, spilling tripods on the ground.

However, that being said, it is many hundreds of dollars less than the next comparable case of its size. A few added luggage straps and light modification will hold the pieces together firmly. If you need perfection, then look elsewhere. If you are on a budget, can stand a few workarounds, and would rather have better lights instead of a fancy case this might be for you.

Comments about SKB Freedom ATA Stand Transport Case with Wheels - for Audio or Lighting Stands up to 48 x 12 1/2 x 12 1/2":

DO NOT BUY THIS CASE IF YOU PLAN TO TRAVEL COMMERCIAL AIR. I love the case, I love the easy wheels and handles, but when I travel by air, it always comes down the carousel UNLATCHED. This was a concern for me until yesterday, and now it's a dealbreaker: Southwest Air only delivered the bottom-half of the case... the top half and EVERYTHING inside of it wound up in Tampa. My gear was damaged. I will continue to use this case for local work, but only when I have it in my control at all times. Even locks and additional attachments do nothing to keep the latches from coming undone. I first I thought it was lazy TSA... but it happens every time, so it must be the case.

Comments about SKB Freedom ATA Stand Transport Case with Wheels - for Audio or Lighting Stands up to 48 x 12 1/2 x 12 1/2":

I purchased this product to store and transport 6 atlas stackable mic stands and it works perfectly. I am in a weekly setup situation, so this helps to keep the gear from getting damaged from other equipment and the wheels save your back some effort.

Comments about SKB Freedom ATA Stand Transport Case with Wheels - for Audio or Lighting Stands up to 48 x 12 1/2 x 12 1/2":

The case is great for my needs, however, it is true that the latches only stay closed if you put a separate lock or tie on them. Otherwise they are quite flimsy and open on their own during transport. Beware of this and make sure to lock up!

Comments about SKB Freedom ATA Stand Transport Case with Wheels - for Audio or Lighting Stands up to 48 x 12 1/2 x 12 1/2":

I used this case for one job. I shipped a couple of light stands and a tripod which I hope to see again some day.

Outbound, the latch that I locked with a padlock popped open. Fortunately, the latch I zip-tied stayed closed. When I shipped it back to myself, FedEx called to tell me that half of an empty case had arrived in their distribution hub and that all my equipment was missing.

The latches on this case are pathetic. This case might be okay for local work, but if you plan on traveling, it will not do the job. SKB should be ashamed of this model. Too bad I had to give it even one star.

Comments about SKB Freedom ATA Stand Transport Case with Wheels - for Audio or Lighting Stands up to 48 x 12 1/2 x 12 1/2":

Haven't as yet used this unit to travel via aircraft but have thrown it around in the back of the crew van and it has come through with shining colours so far. As other reviewers have mentioned there is a bit of a design flaw with the top section sliding down in side of the bottom section. Not much of an issue but a little annoying at times. Other than that the unit seems strong and I particularly like the wheels.
Have some heavy air travel coming up so I guess the latches will see some work. Stay tuned.

Comments about SKB Freedom ATA Stand Transport Case with Wheels - for Audio or Lighting Stands up to 48 x 12 1/2 x 12 1/2":

Just received this case to use for an upcoming job where I'll need to transport my gear with me while traveling by plane. Wanted something secure and sturdy to stand up to the abuse that is on par for airport checked packages. Opened the box, latched the top to the bottom picked up the case from the top and gave it a slight shake and the top came unlatched from the bottom. Tried it a few more times to make sure the latches where positioned properly but each time the case top would come lose from the bottom. Latches remained in the closed position but wouldn't keep the case securely closed. I'm returning this case, because I need peace of mind that my gear will not be damaged or lost while in transit due to a poor design. If you value you equipment do not buy this case. Go with the SKB coffin style cases instead. Remember you get what you pay for!!

Comments about SKB Freedom ATA Stand Transport Case with Wheels - for Audio or Lighting Stands up to 48 x 12 1/2 x 12 1/2":

I use this case to take large light and c-stands along when I travel by airplane. It also fits large collapsible reflectors.

The quality is great, the price is equally good.

I only have one quibble: the top fits inside the bottom. This makes closing the case a pain, although turning it upside down can help in that respect. It also means that rain will run down the side of the top and get inside the case. Other than this, the case performs flawlessly.

Comments about SKB Freedom ATA Stand Transport Case with Wheels - for Audio or Lighting Stands up to 48 x 12 1/2 x 12 1/2":

I use this to ship light stands and accessories around the country for various productions. It's great for this purpose. I can get 3 10' stands and a small tripod in it, and then I put stingers and mic cables, etc. inside, too.

As others have noted, it can be mildly tricky putting the top on when fully loaded, as it has to slip inside the bottom shell.

The handle can be a bit awkward for pulling the case a long way, but I usually don't have to do that.

All in all it does exactly what I wanted it to do.

Comments about SKB Freedom ATA Stand Transport Case with Wheels - for Audio or Lighting Stands up to 48 x 12 1/2 x 12 1/2":

I have searched long and hard for a way to transport my light stands to my location gigs. They were either too expensive, bulky or impractical.

This works perfectly!
I can load three full size Manfrotto stands, three umbrellas, two or three smaller stands and assorted soft goods that fit in the spaces.

Some reviewers have noted that the top is hard to put on if the case i heavily loaded. I found the same thing but I just flipped it over and used the top as the bottom.

You can then fill it without any worry that the case will not close as the top/with wheels goes over the outside of the bottom. You then flip the whole setup over and wheel off.

Well made easy to load into my van. What more could I want?

Comments about SKB Freedom ATA Stand Transport Case with Wheels - for Audio or Lighting Stands up to 48 x 12 1/2 x 12 1/2":

I am a professional photographer working both in the studio and on location. I've used one for 2 years and I am purchasing a second. It holds an adequate amount of stands, and umbrellas with a tripod. It's not wise to overload the case. Since the top fits inside the bottom and locks, it has to be free to move into place. I put a nylon laundry bag inside mine (not the mesh kind). The equipment fits in the bag and then I cinch it up first. Then I put the top on and lock it. Rolls easy. Overloaded it can be heavy to put in the back of your vehicle. Very Durable. Not latch problems like discussed in other reviews, but I am not flying with them.

Comments about SKB Freedom ATA Stand Transport Case with Wheels - for Audio or Lighting Stands up to 48 x 12 1/2 x 12 1/2":

I love this case because it can transport large light stand as well as c-stands. It is a great travel case for tripods that you might otherwise be worried about traveling with in a soft case. It is very sturdy and lightweight. I also like that is has locking latches that can be zip tied or locked. The wheels seem to be quite durable. The only downfall is that it is sometimes difficult to put the cover on when filled with a lot of stands.

Comments about SKB Freedom ATA Stand Transport Case with Wheels - for Audio or Lighting Stands up to 48 x 12 1/2 x 12 1/2":

I recently bought yet another of these cases. I see that SKB has changed to the more common ATA-style of twist-lock rather than the earlier lever-lock.

Although I never had a problem with the earlier lever-lock, the ATA twist-lock is more secure.

Comments about SKB Freedom ATA Stand Transport Case with Wheels - for Audio or Lighting Stands up to 48 x 12 1/2 x 12 1/2":

Thought this was an economical way to travel with my light stands. I've owned the case for 1/2 a year. Flew across country roughly 4 times. Only once has it come out of baggage with the clasps still locked (and they were secured with small locks). This last time the locked clasps came undone while I was putting the case on the conveyor belt at the airport. I worried the whole time that it was going to come apart and I'd lose my new tripod. All came back together, but the top was 1/2 way off. The clasps are worthless; completely. Trying to find a way to make the case secure so I can continue to use it, but I'd buy a golf traveling bag if I could do it all over again. Don't recommend this case for those needing to travel with it.

Comments about SKB Freedom ATA Stand Transport Case with Wheels - for Audio or Lighting Stands up to 48 x 12 1/2 x 12 1/2":

This is a great product with a fantastic design and price. The fact that this is top loading is just perfect. I mean, so often we cram ourselves into small spaces. The clamshell cases that so many manufacturers offer just don't make sense for those kind of restrictions. Well, not having to lay the SKB Freedom down flat makes all of the difference. I can stick it in any corner and have full access to everything. I couldn't be happier with this product.

Comments about SKB Freedom ATA Stand Transport Case with Wheels - for Audio or Lighting Stands up to 48 x 12 1/2 x 12 1/2":

I love this case--I've got four of them! These are premier cases for lightstands and a lot of other gear, such as umbrellas and Westcott Apollo softboxes. Although they are extremely rigid and tough, the major benefit is that they load upright (like golf bags) instead of having to be laid down and opened like clamshells. They'are also wheeled--at my age, I don't buy any cases without wheels. Moreover, they're relatively inexpensive (especially with free shipping). I do a lot of on-location work, and I carry everything but my cameras themselves in these cases.

Expertise: Professional photographer, 30+ years experience

Problems Encountered: They don't come filled with cash, but they help me make cash.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Clamshell-style cases. Soft cases.

Items I Recommend: Westcott Apollo softboxes, Reflectasol umbrellas