So you’re looking to invest in new roadcases? There is a lot to consider when jumping into the case purchasing process. In this roadcase buyer’s guide, we’re going to walk you through some of the key factors to consider when you’re thinking about making that investment.
Caster Ratings
Caster ratings tell you how much actual working weight each wheel is designed to safely carry — and the rating is per caster, not per case.
Because of rolling shock, ramps, cracks, and uneven floors, which dramatically increase load stress, you should always spec casters so your total caster capacity is at least 2–3x the fully loaded case weight. This ensures smooth rolling, longer caster life, and prevents frame fatigue or blowouts during load-in/load-out.
Internal Protection Types
There are quite a few options here, most of which are heavily dependent on what you’re actually going to be putting inside of this case.
Foam: Precision-cut foam cradles your equipment in place, absorbing shock and vibration while preventing internal movement during transport. There is also a wide range of foam density dependent again upon the items that will be inside of the case.
Carpet: Industrial-grade carpet lining protects finishes from scuffs while providing a forgiving surface for loading, unloading, and repositioning gear.
Plywood Dividers & Supports: Rigid internal partitions create structural compartments that prevent shifting, reinforce the case shell, and safely separate multiple pieces of equipment in a single case.
Case Finish Type
ABS Laminate is a lightweight, smooth-finish plastic laminate that gives roadcases a clean, professional look while keeping overall case weight down.
Phenolic ABS (Hex) is a heavy-duty, resin laminate with a textured hex pattern designed to withstand serious stress, moisture, and impact.
Cabinet Texture Coating is a sprayed-on, rubberized finish that bonds directly to the wood shell, creating a seamless, highly abrasion-resistant exterior.
Plywood Thickness
3/4″ Plywood – 3/4″ plywood is ideal for extremely heavy, high-value items that demand maximum impact resistance.
1/2″ Plywood – A perfect balance of strength and weight, 1/2″ plywood offers excellent protection without unnecessary bulk.
3/8″ Plywood – Lightweight yet sturdy, 3/8″ plywood is great for cases where portability is important but structural integrity still matters.
1/4″ Plywood – Best suited for small accessories, rack drawers, and internal components, 1/4″ plywood keeps cases light while still providing reliable protection.
Hardware Options
Chrome Hardware – Chrome-plated hardware offers a classic, professional look while providing excellent corrosion resistance and long-lasting durability for touring and rental environments. It’s a popular choice for buyers who want their cases to maintain a clean, polished appearance over years of heavy use.
Black Hardware – Black powder-coated hardware delivers a sleek, modern aesthetic with added scratch resistance and reduced light reflection on dark stages and show floors. It’s ideal for production teams who want their cases to blend seamlessly into stage and backstage environments while still offering rugged protection.
While there are plenty more factors that go into the case buying journey, this roadcase buyer’s guide featured some of the most important factors to consider. As is true in any purchasing process, you also want to make sure that you find a manufacturer that you trust. The team at Nationwide Case has over 25 years of experience building roadcases for the live events and touring industry. Our engineers are always happy to hear about your prospective case build and help you out through the entire process. Our Central Michigan-based team is looking forward to hearing from you when you’re ready to talk about purchasing new roadcases!
Nationwide Case can be reached by phone at 800.935.8191 or via email at sales@nationwidecase.com. To check out their capabilities, visit their website at nationwidecase.com!