Ahead Armor Cases

While the name Ahead has been around for ages, it has really only been associated with making drumsticks. And drums too, almost forgot that, mustn''t forget their drums either. You can find my review of some of these in the Archive section. Anyway...

You may have noticed recently in the press etc that Ahead now has a rather nice looking line of cases as well as the other things it has to offer and it was some of these cases which I''ve been looking at for this review. These were representatives from the drum, cymbal and hardware case ranges.

First, the drum cases. (http://www.aheadarmorcases.com/drumcases.html)

For a little background, I''ve included the following summary from Ahead''s website because it describes things better than I could, but first of all I''d direct you to the photos for some reference -

Ahead Armor Cases begin with their unique shape. Featuring Revolution’s patented TruForm design, the shape of each case corresponds to the “true” shape of the drum plus its mounting hardware. The universal teardrop design allows for a much snugger drum fit. It also allows dealers to reduce their inventory by eliminating the need to double-stock separate bags for tom-toms with and without suspension mounts and bass drums with and without tom mounts.

Well, in terms of the drum case I was given to look at, this description is fairly spot on.

The slightly odd looking shape (compared to what we''re more used to seeing) presents a little more overall space inside which will then accomodate things like RIMS (isolation) mounts and drums with larger snare strainer and butt plates. This is a fundamental weakness of round cases - unless you simply buy a bigger case than the drum size - and so will obviously be a positive buying consideration.

The cases come with plenty of padding to protect your drums and instead of just opening around the circumference like most cases, they also open down too (again, see the photo) which makes things a whole lot easier to put the drums in and access.

Other than that, it''s a case, you put your drums in it. It doesn''t do much more than that.

The Cymbal Silo cymbal case is definitely one of the more thought out ones I have come across.

It''s big, bold and comes with a small front pocket (for notes, etc), a larger front pocket for your smaller cymbals and hihats and then the main section for everything else up to 24". Both cymbal compartments in the case came with a multi-cymbal removeable insert which was thickly padded. You also get a shoulder strap, ''normal'' carrying handles on each side and adjustable shoulder and stomach straps for carrying on your back. These latter straps easily disappear into a flap when not required. I quite liked that about them as they''re a little annoying when just hanging there.

Overall, the case is made of the same sturdy fabric as everything else and is waterproof. I will add that this was the high end case and there are two others available if flash isn''t so much your thing.

Finally, the hardware case.

This is almost like a suitcase in many ways.

It comes with a retractable handle on top (when stood upright) and is on wheels so it''s very easy to move about.

Inside and out there''s big thick straps to hold everything in place, with the outer straps having handles built into them as well for lifting. In practical terms, there appears to be enough space inside to put a small child up to about age 5 or so - probably best off not actually trying that though - although for my own uses and experience, I still think I''d more than likely have to use two such cases to carry all of my gigging gear. But that''s just me.

Out of all the hardware cases you can buy, I have to admit the ones I''m most wary of are fabric ones, i.e. not the hard plastic types, because the obvious heavy wear and tear you''re going to get through years of abuse is likely to affect them more and then they eventually fall apart. Obviously, I didn''t have years of abuse to put into this case prior to the review to see how it would fare, but I guess in this particular case''s defense it does have a hard plastic base to help offset this. I suppose time will tell on that one.

These cases all seem to have been well thought out and made, and I couldn''t find fault with them. Unfortunately, I didn''t get to try them in any real practical terms as these particular cases are destined to be someone''s competition prize, but I have to say that I happily would use them if I could.

They''re available in a choice of colours including black, black or black. Cool stuff.

See the website for a full run down of the sizes available and a price list - http://www.aheadarmorcases.com/drumcases.html

David Bateman
February 2012