A Deep-Dive into Gator’s Polyethylene Rack Cases!

Have you heard of Gator? If you are a guitarist or a drummer, you have probably heard of this world-class case manufacturer. Gator offers a lineup of more than 1,000 types of musical instruments and rack cases, not to mention guitar cases and drum cases. Since Sound House became an authorized importer in June 2023, Gator has been attracting even more attention and has gained strong approval from a wide range of users.

Today, I am going to focus on Gator’s polyethylene cases among their various types of cases!
I would like to take a closer inspection of them thoroughly and get a good feel of the case.

Let’s start with these products↓

Gator / GR-2L 2U Rack Case

Gator / GR-2S 2U Rack Case Short Size

I selected the standard size and the short size in order to compare the sizes.
Now let’s take a look at the packaging.

Just as I thought, the short size, which has a shallower depth, came in the smaller cardboard box. The thickness was almost the same, as both are 2U. Next, let’s take them out of their cardboard boxes.

It looks good. When actually holding the case, the weight is much lighter than PVC or FRP since it’s made from polyethylene, but you can feel how solid and sturdy it is. The “GATOR” logo also makes the case look cooler more than any of the other features on it. Now, let’s take a look at a few of the details.

We have never handled a rack case with a lock on the lid as standard... until now. Gator’s standard-size rack cases come with locks (*short-size rack cases do not)! Not only is this a good security feature, but it will also prevent the possibility that the catch locks are accidentally opened by a shock during transportation and the equipment pops out.

The structure looks like this. When the key is turned, the hook inside rotates and hooks into the groove on the case body.

Of course, keys for locking are also included.

Another detail is the case has a structure in which the metal fittings are hooked onto the metal frame of the case, and the lid can be fixed more securely by hooking the claws on the case lid to close the case.

Next is the screw hole portion of the rack mount. The screw hole plate and sash appear to be riveted together. There is no misalignment of the screw holes and they are clean.

The screws and washers for rack mounting are on the other side of the rail.

I’m going to show you a few more details. This is the catch lock. The GATOR logo is also engraved on the catch lock. Seeing the Gator name engraved on the lock just makes it look extra special.

This is the GATOR logo on the lid. It has a solid plate attached. I feel like a cool alligator is looking at me...

By the way, the one we were looking at earlier is the standard size GR-2L, and this is the short size GR-2S. The logo on the lid and the catch lock are the same, but this one does not have the lock on the sash part or the metal part to catch the lid.

Next is the handle. The standard size and the short size have the same handle. Incidentally, the handles are attached on both sides, so it seems easy to carry heavy equipment in them! I thought that with the handles on both sides, it might not be possible to stand it up vertically, but the convex feet on the four corners made it possible to place it vertically either way. Excellent!

Finally, let’s take a look at the interior. I’m secretly curious about the internal structure, but the rivetting was done nicely! It feels more secure since the quality of the small parts are solid.

Now that I have inspected the case so far, I’m wondering about stacking the cases. I think that structurally, it would be difficult to stack cases with different depths...↓

I did it! I stacked the short size on top of the standard size here, but note that the opposite (standard size on top of short size) does not seem to be possible. Of course, it can be done with cases of the same size. The convex part fits perfectly into the concave part of the case, so even if a little shaking happens, the cases should be okay.

What do you think? As I have mentioned in the introduction, Gator polyethylene rack cases are made to have highly precise parts and will protect your equipment well. What should be noted above all is the light weight of their polyethylene cases. It’s difficult to carry heavy equipment in a case, so this case’s light weight is its best feature! You will definitely be happy with this case because it’s very sturdy! We highly recommend this case to anyone who is considering purchasing a rack case for the first time or to anyone who is considering replacing an old case. We hope you will consider Gator cases! Come again soon!