Gator GR-4S

Originally the hinges on this Gator model were fixed to the body of the case. Nowadays the hinges are on the lids and clamp to the box when closed. The good thing of that is that the hinges no longer stick out when you have the box in use and opened. The only disadvantage is that when you have older versions of the case you cannot mix the lids of the old version with the new ones.

These cases are pretty sturdy and will hold most pieces of rack equipment safely. The screws use a rubber disc between the screw head and the rack ears, which effectively avoids rack rash. This is also a very good thing in case you want to sell a piece of equipment as it will remain in a virgin state around the screw holes.

In the past the Gator cases used to smell very badly for a long time, before the odour would disappear. They have improved hugely in that field as well. The smell is only faint now and will not stay for a long time.

Things that could be improved:

- the fit of the moulded bumps and holes could be better, for improved stacking and slip stability there.

- the metal profile of the openings has some sharp edges around the closing strip that has been pop-nailed onto the closing seam. Normally this is no problem, but when you place the case flat on a table and moved it, it will scratch the surface. That's bad, especialy when you are a guest using someone else's table. I've put four felt stickers underneath all my gator cases on the metal rims of the openings. (Can be had from any DIY store as floor protectors for furniture.) These lift up the case by only 2mm, but this is enough to avoid any scratching of flat surfaces. I highly recommend sticking felt stickers routinely under any new Gator case that you purchase, before starting to employ it.

I am using this case as the basis for a small outboard rack. It is a nice lightweight case but is far sturdier than some of the cheaper immitation racks that I have come across.

Pros:
Lightweight yet rigid. The shallow version of this rack is great for outboard equipment that doesn't need a huge depth of rack. The rear rack rails provide a convenient mounting location for a power distrubution unit and patch panel freeing up space on the front. On these newer Gator cases the bulk of the lid clips is now on the lid rather than the case, removing the old issue of leaving a metal clip sticking out from the rack.

Cons: The rack screw fixings are to tapped metal plates that are separate to the rail itself, which can make initial assemply tricky.

I bought it as a hard shell for a X32 Rack, with one extra rack unit space for the wi-fi router and cables.
For that, it is perfect. It is lightveight and the plastic seems hard enough to handle all sorts of transportation and traumas. Also, it is not as brittle and cheap-feeling as a lot of the plastic rack cases are.
I have previously bought Gator products and I have always been impressed with the adamant quality and well-made handling parts. Unfortunately, this was a small dissapointment in that regard. The lids don't fit as perfectly as they could, the butterfly latches seem cheap and the handles are tight-spaced for my hands.
However, it has been in use for about a year now, and nothing has broken or worn out. So I would still recommend this to anyone.
Good price, lightweight but sturdy enough. Would buy again.

As a rule you know what you're going to get when you order a Gator case and this model is no exception.

Exceptionally light for the protection it affords your equipment, this case is equally at home in the studio or on stage - users of rackmounted amps, effects and tuners would find a lot to like about these cases.

One often overlooked feature of cases of this type is the handle, or more precisely how (un)comfortable it is to carry. Luckily Gator have got it right with this model and, even when fully loaded with heavy rack gear, this case is a breeze to carry and doesn't end up digging into your hands which is the last thing you want before you go on stage!

I haven't had any problems with the butterfly clips to date although I know some people have moaned about them. I can imagine the clips lasting many many years however unless they took a heavy knock.