Is anyone here flying around with the D1's? I've ordered the 1000ws Studio Kit and also about to order one of the Dynalite 1100 inverters. I'm new to the game of air traveling with lighting equipment and wondering the best way to go about it? I'm not sure how rugged the case that comes with the studio kit is. I'd prefer not to learn the hard way that I need a better case for air travel!
Tenba Air Cases are about as good as you're going to get for this sort of thing...they even make a couple that are designed specifically to take Profoto heads, with a custom-cut bottom pad that has recesses for the bulb covers that keep the heads immobile. You'll pay a premium for them, though, and they aren't light.
You should also take a look at Lightware's line.
Pelicans are great for harsh environments, where you need to worry about water, dust and sand, stacking other objects on top of your cases, or using it as a step-stool, but they aren't my favorites for air travel...too heavy and even the rolling ones are a pain to drag around airport concourses.
I use Lightware and Zarges cases. Stopped using Pelicans and similar for any shock sensitive gear years ago when I saw two get cracked open by a baggage handling mishap.
Looking at the Tenba AT-4LX and the Lightware Powerkit 1800. I'm trying to find the biggest, lightest, safest bag without incurring extra charges. I note that both cases are slightly larger than the 62" max linear dimensions on the airlines (63" & 62.5" respectively). Has anyone ever had them pull out a ruler and argue over an inch? That just doesn't seem that big to me.
Any thoughts? These are both in stock at B&H at roughly the same price. Tenba has slightly more volume with slightly more weight.
I have two of the Profoto D1 Air kits. While the cases are adequate for storage and tossing (gently) in the trunk of a car, there's no way I'd trust them to be sufficiently rugged to withstand the "bag throwers" airlines employ for loading checked luggage.
Also, the zippers that open and close the Profoto case don't latch in any way. I don't know if Tenba or the other brands have secure latches or not, but the Profoto case closes with a fabric handle attached to two zippers and is very easy to partially unzip by accident (which would lead to a light falling out if you're not paying attention).
