FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. General Questions

What is a flight case?

A flight case is a durable container designed to transport fragile equipment, often used in air travel.

What is a road case?

A road case is built for transporting equipment primarily over land, offering robust protection.

What are the typical uses for flight cases?

Flight cases are used in music, broadcasting, aerospace, military and medical fields for transporting sensitive equipment.

What are the typical uses for road cases?

Road cases are commonly used by touring musicians and event professionals for transporting gear between venues.

How do I choose between a flight case and a road case?

Choose a flight case for air travel and a road case for frequent land transport in trucks, vans and other vehicles.

Are flight cases heavier than road cases?

Flight cases are generally lighter to comply with airline weight restrictions, while road cases can be heavier due to sturdier materials.

Can flight cases be customized?

Yes, Calzone Anvil flight cases can be custom-designed to fit specific equipment needs.

Can I use a flight case on the road?

Yes, but flight cases are optimized for air travel. Road cases may provide better durability on rough surfaces.

Do road cases have wheels?

Yes, many road cases come with wheels for easier transport. Read More

Can road cases and flight cases be used for non-musical equipment?

Yes! While road cases and flight cases are popular in the music industry, they're designed as universal protective transportation solutions for any valuable equipment. Calzone Anvil custom cases protect everything from:

  • Audio and video production equipment
  • Medical and scientific instruments
  • Trade show displays and booth materials
  • Photography and filming equipment
  • Electronics and computer hardware
  • Military and aerospace components
  • Broadcasting and telecommunications gear
  • Industrial tools and machinery
  • Art pieces and museum exhibits
  • Sports and recreational equipment

Any item that requires reliable protection during shipping, transport, or storage can benefit from a professionally built road case or flight case. Our ATA-certified cases meet the highest standards for protecting valuable cargo across all industries.

Do road cases and flight cases require more storage space than traditional cases?

Contrary to common belief, professional road cases actually maximize space efficiency compared to traditional fiber cases, molded cases and equipment bags. Here's why custom-fitted road cases are the smarter storage solution:

Single Case Efficiency: A road case custom-built to your equipment's exact dimensions uses no more space than standard fiber or molded alternatives while providing superior protection.

Consolidation Benefits: One strategically designed large road case can replace multiple smaller cases and bags. Typically, 2-3 well-planned road cases can store the same amount of equipment as 10-15 miscellaneous fiber cases, molded cases and gear bags.

Space-Saving Advantages:

  • Reduced floor footprint - Fewer cases mean less floor space needed
  • Vehicle optimization - Road cases pack more efficiently in vans, trucks, and trailers
  • Stackable design - Cases can be safely stacked in garages, warehouses, or storage rooms
  • Load-bearing capability - Strong construction allows stacking other items on top
  • Fewer loading trips - Consolidation reduces trips between venue and vehicle

Whether you're organizing a touring setup, warehouse storage or mobile equipment transport, road cases provide the most efficient use of available space.

2. Standards & Compliance

What is an ATA case?

An ATA case is a sturdy shipping container designed to protect sensitive equipment during transportation. The military, medical providers, production and AV companies use ATA cases to transport and store AV equipment, musical instruments, firearms, and more. Read More

What is ATA Spec 300 Cat I?

100-trip durability standard for flight cases. Read More

Do you build MIL-STD-810/GSA cases?

Yes, Calzone Anvil is an GSA Schedule contractor/MAS contractor/GSA Approved vendor/GSA Advantage! vendor specializing in heavy-duty MIL-SPEC transit cases.

What does EIA mean in rack mount cases?

EIA stands for Electronic Industries Alliance, an organization that established and published comprehensive standards for the electronics industry, including specifications for rack mount equipment and cases.

How do EIA standards apply to equipment cases?

The EIA-310-D publication specifically defines parameters for racks, panels and associated equipment, including protective case requirements. Visit the EIA's website for complete technical standards information.

What is a rack space or rack unit (RU)?

Rack spaces, also called Rack Units (RUs), are standardized measurements for rack-mount equipment. According to EIA-310-D standards, each rack space equals 1.75 inches in height. Equipment heights follow this standard: 1RU = 1.75", 2RU = 3.5", 3RU = 5.25", and so on.

How is rackable depth measured in rack mount cases?

Rackable depth measures the distance between the front and rear rack rails of a rack-mount case (when applicable), measured with both front and rear covers removed. This measurement is crucial for ensuring equipment compatibility.

3. Design & Materials

What are road cases made of?

Road cases from Calzone & Anvil Case Co. are made from high-strength, impact-resistant materials designed for maximum protection and durability. Read More

What kind of hardware is used in road and flight cases?

Common hardware includes locks, latches, handles, hinges and corner protectors made from steel, zinc or aluminum.

Are flight cases waterproof?

Many flight cases offer water resistance but may not be fully waterproof. Talk to Calzone Anvil sales engineer about your specific case needs to find the best solution.

Are there soft-sided options available?

Yes, soft-sided cases exist but provide less protection than hard-shell options like flight and road cases.

Can I stack flight and road cases?

Flight cases and road cases are designed to be stackable for efficient storage and transport. Be sure to discuss your specific requirements with your Calzone Anvil design engineer.

How do I determine the right size case?

Measure your equipment carefully and choose a case that allows for padding without excess space. Your Calzone Anvil sales engineer can guide you through the process.

What color options are available for custom cases?

Our custom cases come in a wide variety of color options to match your brand or preferences. Special custom colors and designs are available through our special order program.

Can I add wheels to my flight case?

Yes, professional-grade casters and wheels can be added to any case design as an optional upgrade for improved mobility and transportation ease. Read More

Do you manufacture cases with telescoping handles and wheels?

Yes, we can integrate telescoping handles and wheel systems into most case designs. Our design team will advise if these features are suitable for your specific case requirements and intended use.

Telescoping handles and wheels are also called:

  • Pull-out handle with wheels
  • Retractable handle system
  • Telescopic handle kit
  • Luggage-style handle and wheels
  • Trolley system / trolley handle
  • Cart handle system
  • Roller case hardware
  • Pull handle with casters
  • Integrated wheel and handle set
  • Tow handle system
  • Trolley handle & wheel system
  • Telescopic trolley
  • Tilt and roll wheels
  • Speedster wheels
  • Luggage wheels
Can you build non-rectangular custom shaped cases?

Absolutely! From musical instrument cases for harps to protective cases for grand pianos, we manufacture custom-shaped cases for virtually any requirement. Our design team specializes in creating unique protective solutions for irregularly shaped equipment.

Are your cases available with locks?

Yes, we offer multiple locking options for case security, including padlock hasps, recessed locks and combination locks to protect your valuable equipment during storage and transport.

4. Foam & Interior Protection

Can you kit Pelican/SKB with custom foam?

Yes, we customize SKB & Pelican cases with high-quality custom foam inserts, specialized hardware options and colors.

5. Shock, Vibration & Rack Cases

What is a shock-mount rack case?

A shock-mount rack case is a vibration-isolated 19” rack for sensitive electronics. Read More

6. Specialty Cases & Boxes

What sizes of flypacks do you build?

Lower racks from 4U to 20U (custom on request). Single width racks, double wide and triple wide. XL options add drawers to your flypack. For example, a double wide XL Go-Live Workstation is double wide with drawers in the middle or on either side. We customize to your preferences.

Will Calzone Anvil flypacks work with Ross/ATEM/TriCaster?

Yes, these are common builds we support.

What size monitors fit the lid of flypacks?

Typically 20–24” per bay. Ask about dual-monitor lids, triple wide and XL configurations.

How fast can a flypack be set up?

Most teams roll in, open lids, connect power and are live after basic patch checks. Your raceways and pre-mounted gear save the most time.

Do Calzone Anvil flypack lids double as tables?

Yes, front and rear lids can be spec’d with folding legs.

Where are Calzone Anvil flypacks built?

In our 3 US facilities in Connecticut, Texas and California. Design and build under one roof for consistent quality.

Do you stock ready-to-ship cases?

While most of our cases are custom-built to order, we maintain inventory of popular standard models for faster delivery. Contact a Calzone Anvil representative to check current stock availability and immediate shipping options.

7. Travel & Shipping

Do you offer international shipping?

At the moment, we are not offering international shipments. We would be more than happy to ship your cases to a freight forwarder of your choice.

What are airline baggage restrictions for flight cases?

Airlines impose specific size and weight restrictions on both checked baggage and carry-on items. These requirements vary by airline, and whether your flights are domestic or international, so we recommend checking with your specific air carrier before traveling with your cases.

8. Ordering & Lead Times

How do I order?

We make it easy.

Most Calzone Anvil cases are built to order based on your specific needs. Check out in-stock, ready-to-ship cases in our Bone Yard.

Contact us and our team will work with you to find or design your perfect case.

How can I get a custom case quote?

Getting a quote for your custom case is simple. Use our online quote form for immediate submission, or contact our design team directly by email or phone to discuss your specific requirements and receive a detailed estimate.

What's the typical production time for custom cases?

Production lead times vary based on case complexity and order quantity. Standard flight cases and road cases typically ship within four weeks. Custom-designed cases may require additional production time due to specialized manufacturing requirements. Contact us for current lead times for your cases.

Do you offer rush order services for urgent case needs?

Yes, we understand that sometimes you need cases quickly for tours, events or emergency replacements. Depending on our current production schedule, we often accommodate rush orders at no additional charge. For orders requiring overtime production, we may apply a rush fee to cover additional labor costs.

Can you duplicate a previously ordered custom case?

Yes! We maintain complete design specifications and cut-sheet information for every case we manufacture. Simply provide your previous order information, and we can produce an exact duplicate of your original case.

9. Service, Maintenance & Lifecycle

Do you offer mobile repairs?

We offer repairs in our three facilities in Connecticut, California and Texas. Contact us about the possibility of mobile repair services near our facilities.

How do I maintain my flight or road case?

Regularly check for damage, clean surfaces and ensure hardware is secure to maintain functionality. Road Case Maintenance Tips

What is the average lifespan of flight and road cases?

With proper care, both flight and road cases can last many years, often exceeding a decade.

Is it worth repairing my damaged flight case or road case?

The value of repairing your case depends on the extent of damage and repair costs. While we specialize in restoring flight cases and road cases to their original condition, sometimes severe damage may make replacement more cost-effective than repair. Our team evaluates each damaged case individually to recommend the most budget-friendly solution that meets your timeline requirements.

How long does professional case repair take?

Professional case repairs typically require less time than manufacturing a new custom case. We integrate repair projects into our production schedule alongside new builds to ensure efficient turnaround times for all our customers.

What are typical repair costs for ATA flight cases?

Case repair pricing varies based on the complexity of the damage and construction type. Cases built with double angles and split rivet fasteners require more labor to disassemble and repair. However, Calzone Cases' construction methods and material choices generally make our ATA flight case repairs more affordable than repairing cases from other manufacturers.

How do I request flight case repair services?

To start your case repair, you can submit a repair request through our online quote form or contact our repair specialists directly via email or phone for personalized assistance.

Can shipping-damaged cases be repaired?

Yes, most shipping damage can be professionally repaired for significantly less than replacement cost. Even cases with punctured panels can be restored through our panel replacement service.

10. Customer Support & Policies

What does your warranty cover?

Our Limited Lifetime Warranty covers any faulty construction and/or defective hardware. Foam disintegration and damage from wear and tear are to be expected and not covered. Contact us for your service needs.

How does payment get processed?

We typically require at least 50% deposit in order to get your drawings designed and ready for approval. We accept major debit and credit cards and ACH payments. We also offer terms to qualifying businesses.

How long do orders usually take?

As our cases are typically built to order, our lead times can vary. Standard cases in stock can ship immediately. Expedited orders may be available at an additional charge.

Please contact us for our current lead times and more information. Let us know how soon you need your cases, and we'll do what we can to make it happen for you.