SKB Roto Mini GigRig

Feature:
This case is pretty nice and included a pack of rack-mount screws so you could begin mounting equipment immediately. There is 10ru spaces on the top (slightly slanted) which is great for mixers and 6ru spaces on the front for other equipment. I would have prefered the larger Gid Rig but the additional $200 for the 4 extra ru spaces is crazy.

Quality:
Product quality appears pretty decent although my case arrived with some damaged parts. Rough handling via UPS I guess. It makes me wonder how well it will protect my components though. It seems that all SKB cases arrive with a thin oily film of some sort. It just feels funny and a little slippery. It did take some time to wipe the enclosure clean so it wouldn't feel slippery. Although the parts fit together well, the top lid is intentionally curved inward for some reason. This inward curve keeps the four corner edges from fitting well. I don't know if this will eventually be a problem but I can see water seeping into these areas if the case is transported through rain as is unusually the case for many musicians getting to and from a gig.

Value:
I would give the case a higher value rating if replacement parts and support was better. As I see it, the value is directly related to the company's ability to offer support for their product. That is why other companies are able to fetch a premium for their products; not because of the product but because they stand so firmly behind their products. The case is probably worth the price I paid for it however, as I mentioned before, one of the reasons I purchased this case is because of the lifetime warranty. I don't see the warranty end of the case making me feel too secure.

Desirability:
The case looks pretty nice atop the Roto Roller and is very functional. It's great to be able to split the weight into two managable cases. I was sold that this case was the solution for needs but my experience with C/S has left me somewhat bitter. Let's see if I ever get my replacement parts, then I will be able to offer a better opinion of the 'I Want It' factor.

Sound:
N/A

Ease of Use:
Open the sucker up! Mount your equipment! and presto! you're ready to go. The case has a locking system that is somewhat questionable but they do allow you to secure the contents somewhat. The keyed lock also allows for additional security although I'm sure a swift yank would open the case anyway. Hopefully I will never have to find out.

Support:
Does this even exist at SKB? I don't think I have ever experienced worse support from any company. After over two months of phone calls and promises, I have yet to receive a replacement rear lid for my Roto Roller (see my review about this piece too). On the few instances I have managed to get through to them (phone messages I have left and emails have never been returned) the support person appears genuinely concerned and talks a good talk but for naught. As I said before, I have yet to receive a replacement for my rear lid. Unfortunately, my Mini Gig Rig also came with some damaged components (as I mentioned earlier) and I have to try to get those replaced too. This makes me wonder how on earth they will honor the 'lifetime warranty' offered with SKB equipment.

Overall:
I expect this case will last for, a lifetime? I'm pretty sure the case will stand up to some abuse so I should have it for quite some time. I treat my equipment pretty gingerly. I might have to replace this case if my needs outgrow its space limitations. I think SKB cases are just as good as other cases currently offered by other manufacturers but don't think they are superior. I know their support structure needs major help. If this case were damaged (and I couldn't get SKB to replace it within a reasonable amound of time) I don't think I would replace it with the same type or brand. I would give one of the other major case manufacturers a try.

Feature:
Very light weight, nice rack tilt feature, would have been nice to have some way to mount power strips on the bottom or in the back.

Quality:
I've had mine for three years of every now and then gigs and it's still in great shape. No problems with any of the gear I've loaded in it either.

Value:
unbeatable value and it's LIGHT for its features and size