Smith-Victor PL03CS Extra Large Cordura Soft Wheeled Lighting Kit Case, 18x44x13"

2016-05-05T21:46:12

We are traveling event photographers and we wanted bags to haul gear in to on location photo shoots to replace our current rolling travel bags. This bag based on specs looked great almost like a cut down ice hockey bag. And while this bag seemed to cover all of the bells and whistles at a reasonable price and eat up all of the gear, light and backdrop stands, diffusers, cords and assorted poles we threw at it, the bag itself has real problems. It is way way too bulky, heavy even unloaded and extremely awkward to even move once even partially loaded, in part just due to its width, a side from the fact loading it into anything but an SUV or truck was just plain impractical. The handles themselves are not sound. If you think it will fit in a car, it won't, and have fun even trying to pick it up and place it in any vehicle. The handles felt like there were going to pull right off even without much loaded into the bag, and with the main top grab handles placed as they are just based on the size of the bag made it was difficult to lift it without two people. The bag looks great in the picture, but not in real life. Even the main carry handles were not firm and felt like they were too light for the bag even empty. I was not going to wait for them to tear off. We are able to carry all of this gear in other rolling cases, so sadly I think it is basically problems with this cases design which was a real let down. We wanted to love these bags, but we are going to return them instead. They feel and look like they will not stand up to hard handling or travel over time, they flex and bend when loaded even with a few items, and they tip over when stood up vertically so you always have to lay them down. If you want a lay down bag to put all of your stuff in, leave in the studio and not move anywhere, then this bag is for you. If you want a bag you can actually haul gear to a job in, my advice: spend more money for a better more practical designed bag which you can fully load up, maneuver or move around into spots on location that are not the width of a three lane highway, and load into something other than a semi. A good bag, even if it does not handle all of your gear, at a minimum is one you do not have to struggle with on the job or to get to the job due to its extremely flawed design. It should also last for more than one season of photographing without falling apart or the bag handles coming off due to poor placement and construction.

david n.

2012-09-23T21:00:00

This bag is really nice, really big, and holds EVERYTHING. That being said, the weight adds up fast. This is not a light weight traveler by any means. I can see how some struggle with the size and weight. But it is exactly what I wanted. A way to store everything in a tidy spot with the ability to transport everything if needed. I will still look for another smaller "go bag" for smaller functions. Couple wishes for this bag would be a retractable/telescoping rigid handle, and a few more dividers. But overall I'm extremely pleased with the size and quality of the bag. So far I have the following in my bag: 3 AlienBees, Vagabond Mini, 4 light stands, 2 Westcott Halos, softbox, umbrellas, various triggers, extension cords, clamps, etc... And I have lots of room left over. I just used it on a recent wedding shoot this weekend. Glad I have a pickup truck. I highly recommend if size and weight are not a concern.

mjrager444

2010-04-25T21:00:00

It is large!!! Fits whole studio on location. Excellent. Good buy.

WILHELM R.