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| Look at that design. Now we’re gonna party like 1989. |
The case reviewed is a Hiscox Liteflight Pro II Classical Guitar Case (GCL-L)
Overview
“Exactly how strong is the case?”you ask.
“Strong enough for you to stand on!”the sales person replies, before taking a guitar, inserting it into the case and closing it.
“Do you think I would risk damaging my own instrument if I didn’t think it was safe?”the sales person asks,before standing on the case.
For many instrument dealers, this has been the sales pitch for the legendary Hiscox cases.
These cases are reportedly so strong, that the basic model has a crush strength of 500kgs.
The sales person’s demonstration pales in comparison to the video on the Hiscox website. In that video 6 men stand on the case, with the instrument inside of it emerging unscathed.
For years, I have heard stories of this legendary case. I have always wanted to own one and I have finally gotten my chance.
I ordered a Hiscox Lite Flight Pro II classical guitar case (model GCL-L) to accompany my recently completed Kris Barnett guitar.
But does it live up to its fabled reputation?
Honestly,I don’t know what to think. Being weaned on the prolific stories surrounding the cases for years, I was expecting a lot. And while the case lived up to some of my expectations, it left me disappointed in other areas,.
Build Quality
Firstly, it is worth noting that the case is very well made. The overall build quality appears far superior to competing cases like SKB and Gator.
It feels sturdy and tough upon first glance while retaining a surprisingly light weight that belies its heavy appearance.
I like the spring loaded latches that adorn the case.It allows for easy one handed operation and they feel sturdy and durable.
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| Spring Loaded catches (open). Notice the lack of ‘teeth’ when open. The reduces the likelihood of damaged should the lid slam down on the guitar. |
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| Latch closed. |
But upon opening the case, I became somewhat disappointed with the interior. The Hiscox case does not offer a lot of soft cushioning.
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| Here I try to dig into the case. Notice the lack of depression. This is because there is no cushion to depress. The base is hard. |
The crushed velvet fabric is directly bonded onto the protective foam. This foam is rigid and is by no means soft.
I am surprised that this issue has not been discussed by most Hiscox case owners.
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| The side walls of the case. Once again, notice the lack of padding. |
This isn’t a big issue but I was expecting an interior that was much more plush with much more cushioning. Essentially, I did not find the interior to be as luxurious as I thought it should be.
The Hiscox also houses a generous accessory compartment inside the neck rest.
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| The accessory compartment is nice and roomy. |
You can easily store a few set of strings as well as a string winder and a series of nail files.
The problem with the accessory compartment is that it lacks an opening latch.This is a problem because the scalloped support for the neck is not recessed enough to allow your fingers to open the compartment when fully closed.
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| Notice the lack of recess. How are you suppose to open this thing when it’s completely shut |
When I first received the case, I had to pry the accessory compartment open with a ruler!
Subsequently I looped a ribbon around the compartment’s lid to make it easier to open. This is a rather annoying design oversight that doesn’t belong on a case of this price. Cheaper competitors like SKB and Gator had enough foresight to add opening latched for their cases; cases that cost a faction of Hiscox’s.
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| I looped a ribbon around the lid to help me open it. I hereby dub this solution, “Dedrick’s Ribbon Pull” |
I am shocked that Hiscox didn’t catch this problem.
Durability/Strength/Protection
Hiscox cases are legendary for their strength and durability. There are a countless number of stories that detail the cases’ legendary abilities to protect instruments from anything from a 5 foot drop to a car accident.
My demands from this case were decidedly less grueling. I merely needed it to protect my Kris Barnett guitar as it traveled from Atlanta to Singapore.
In that regard it succeeded. There was no damage to my instrument though to be fair, UPS seems to have treated the package with care. Kris also did a great job of packing it.
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| Despite the lack of a contoured shape, my Kris Barnett guitar sits snugly in the Hiscox Case. |
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| It is held in place via 4 small cushioning pads that hold the guitar firmly in place. There is also a pad at the headstock area and at the lower bout. |
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| Notice the small rectangular pad at the bottom of the lid. |
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| Padding at the headstock area of the lid. |
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| Corner padding such as this holds the instrument in place. |
It should be mentioned that the case came with a small nick at the bottom. I am not certain if it is a manufacturing flaw or if it is due to wear and tear from usage.
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| How did that happen?! |
Whatever the case, I was surprised to see the nick considering that Hiscox prides itself on its impeccable quality and durability.
The case has not left my home since it arrived and I have been treating it with care.
I have not put it through any torture tests save the fabled ‘case standing’ trick. After all, how can you purchase a Hiscox case and not stand on it? (I should mention that the case was empty at that time.)
I’m not sure how Hiscox cases are designed to withstand high crush loads, but it certainly isn’t from pure rigidity.
When I stood on the center of the empty case, it buckled slightly from my 75kg frame.
The case did not seem to be on the verge of breaking, but the deflection was significant enough for me refrain from further testing.
The case’s aluminum valance seems sturdy and the handle and the latches look tough enough to handle common everyday use.
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| The aluminium valance looks sturdy. But notice the lack of rubber feet at the bottom of the case. |
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| That’s a sticker. I hate it. Couldn’t they have used a tag? |
Unfortunately, I have not owned the case long enough to tell if any deformation may take place; an issue that has been reported by some owners.
Design
In an era of slick carbon fiber and fiber glass cases, the Hiscox looks drab and boring.
I once read a remark stating that the hiscox looks “very 1980s”. I tend to agree.
After purchasing the black case, I discovered that Hiscox currently offers their cases in an ivory shell for slightly more money.
I’m can’t comment on how it looks but I find it commendable that they are trying to offer more aesthetic options.
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| Hidden somewhere in this case is a time portal to the 1980s. On a serious note, notice the case’s contoured back. |
Personally the design looks extremely dated. I would like to see Hiscox offering more daring designs in the future.Their product lines desperately need a face lift.
Conclusion
Hiscox cases offer excellent ABS cases with inspiring build quality.
Despite the lack of testing on my part, I am willing to accept most of the manufacturers claims in regards to the amount of protection offered.
The build quality is that good.
But it isn’t perfect. The most obvious flaw being the lack of a latch for the accessory lid. It’s hard to imagine Hiscox overlooking such an obvious flaw.
The case also would have benefited from more soft padding and a fabric that is more plush.
Hiscox cases appear to be very good at doing what the manufacturer claims, just don’t expect much else. I would not hesitate to use this case for flights or for shipping an instrument overseas. And if that is your intended use for this case, then you will probably be extremely satisfied with your purchase.
But if you are looking for a luxurious, envy-inducing case, then you may want to consider the Hiscox’s Artist case or a case from one of its carbon-fiber competitors.
30 May 2011 Update
Jonathan, a reader of mine, has kindly informed me that the new Hiscox cases have implemented a pull-tab for the accessory compartment. I have ordered a new Hiscox case and have posted a video update here.
flying from atlanta to singapore, did u check in your guitar or brought it on-board?
i'll be flying from canada – malaysia on 2 weeks time and im panicking/planning on how to bring the guitar home which i just bought here.
My guitar was shipped by UPS to Singapore.
What kind of case are you using?
From my experience, as long as you have a hard case, you should be pretty safe.
If you fly business class, there's a higher chance you can bring it on board.
Can I ask what guitar you bought?
Dedrick ,the Hiscox pro-2 is a $120 guitar case .What on earth do you expect for the money ??
I expect it to be more resilient than a $80 case.
And you are missing the point. Hiscox proponents have constantly stressed-tested the case. I do not concede the case’s ability to protect the instrument.
My issue is with how almost everybody on the internet is more concerned with raving about these cases than revealing how prone they are to damage. So much for consumers helping other consumers.
I guess self-validation and hype are both more important than the truth isn’t it?
When I purchase a product and discover it doesn’t perform up to my expectations, I’d rather face the truth than hide behind the hype.
Where are you getting them for $120? The retail price is $320 or something. You can’t even get a standard Martin Geib case for $120 unless you’re lucky.
Dedrick ,I respectfully recommend that you purchase a case cover to protect your case.The guitar and case go inside the cover which protects the case against getting scratched and also provides a bit more insulation and protection against the elements.Most guitar cases get scratched easily. Hiscox pro cases are not very soft nor luxurious inside ,I agree with you ,perhaps they design them not to be that way ,but they are strong cases ,especially for the price.
Bam cases ,which are pricey ,and Karura also are prone to becoming badly scratched .
I’ve seen fiber glass and carbon fiber cases. They do get scratched easily, and the online community has readily come forward to point that out.
I’m suprised that nobody has come forward to speak on the issues of Hiscox’s cases. I find the lack of a latch for the accessories compartment a terrible oversight. I’ve seen $60 cases with the latch. Would it have been so difficult to add it to the Hiscox cases? My lid can be a real pain to open.
I have been impressed with higher-end cases. I was very impressed with Karura’s cases. Excellent interior, good strength for its weight and well designed compartments.
IMO, it is worth the price for those who can afford it.
My opinion is that Hiscox cases offer excellent protection for its price. But it did not meet all my expectations.
If someone were looking purely for protection for their instrument, at an affordable price, then I would recommend the Hiscox case with some reservation. Afterall, there’s no water-tight seal and the front pad of the case actually left a mark on the top of my guitar. Perhaps if more even pressure was placed around a larger area, the mark would not have been created.
I appreciate your suggestion about the case cover, and I know Colorado Case Covers makes some nice ones. But the damage has already been done. There’s no ‘pristine condition’ to protect. The case stays in my home most of the time anyway.
One of the best cases I’ve ever seen is actually the cases Sakurai uses on high-end Kohno guitars. They are very impressive. If they retailed for around the same price of a Hiscox, I would consider purchasing one. It’s a shame it’s only custom made for the Kohno factory though.
Hi Dedrick
I’m in the market for a guitar case. May I ask how much you bought your case for?
Have you found any other case comparable(value and built wise) to the hiscox which is available in Singapore?
Rob
Hi Rob,
The case was bought along with a guitar, so it’s very tricky for me to break down the cost. With shipping it’s easily over SGD$300.
Try looking at SKB cases. I’ve seen them and they’re pretty good. Nice interior, well-made and the protection seems decent.
I’m not certain if it’s as hardy or durable as a Hiscox, but I’ve heard a few personal anecdotes about the durability of SKB cases. They are cheaper too.
Thanks Dedrick for the reply.
I am aware of SKB cases. I agree they seem pretty well built and affordable. I wonder why they aren’t talked about as much as Hiscox’s. I have avoided them simply base on that, silly I know but I think I’ll give them a thorough inspection this time and make my own impression.
Hi Rob,
Hiscox cases are great for the protection they afford. As mentioned in my review, they appear to be generally well built and appear to provide excellent protection for the price.
Why are they so widely talked about? Because Hiscox cases are legendary for their strength-tests. If 5 men climb on top of a guitar case, guitarists are going to talk about it!
It weren’t for the minor oversights on my case, I’d recommend them wholeheartedly. I prefer SKB’s interior. It is much more plush, and it has a leather latch for the compartment case.
Unfortunately, I was unable to find the deluxe version of the case at Swee Lee. The lower end SKB cases do provide as much protection as I would like.
Hi there, just ran across your blog whilst googling hiscox cases and Singapore.
I’ve had a Hiscox case for about 12 years, and they do stand up to a rough load of abuse. I’ve flown with the case over 14 times in the past 5 years and never had an issue with the case. The case has been dropped, sat upon and abused, but still stands up well. I’ve also replaced all my standard Wooden Taylor guitars cases with Hiscox cases, as they are just more travel friendly and lighter than other cases. I’ve had SKB cases, and I wouldn’t put a nice guitar in them, the plastic is too thin, the Foam is like styrofoam and the Aluminium valance is quite thin and flexible.
Oh, yeah. I’ve performed the Stand on my guitar test before, it holds up just fine, 3 fat guys stood on my Taylor K14, I WAS a bit worried.
As for shock protection, one of my cases has a hole in it from being dropped by baggage handlers, guitar is fine, the shock is absorbed by the Polyurethane foam, not the Plush lining. I prefer it that way, as it means the guitar doesn’t move an inch inside and as such transfers any shock back to the guitar case.
Hi Jonathan,
Thanks for your feedback. I have not placed my Hiscox through as much abuse testing as you have, but I’m willing to believe that it would probably hold up well. I still maintain that the Hiscox cases need more padding on the bottom.
It’s not for when the case is dropped, but for when the guitar is placed in the case. If it slips out of hand and onto the case, there ought to be something that cushions it. A lot of damage that happens to guitars happens when it is out of the case. More should be done to ensure that risks are minimized as the instrument enters the case.
Hiscox seems to agree because they place padding on the lower part of the case for their Artiste model. I’m disappointed that this isn’t a standard feature in all their cases. The same applies to the latch for the accessory lid.
Which SKB cases have you used? Their recent line of deluxe cases seem pretty solid to me. I wouldn’t use their cheaper line though those look pretty flimsy.
Hi Dedrick, I agree with the padding at the bottom could be better, but the foam at the bottom would probably dent before the guitar got hurt.
And In other news, maybe Hiscox listened and on my brand new case, they have attached a small tab to lift up the accessories pouch.
I’m not really sure which SKB case I used to own, but It was for electric guitars and i guess it wasn’t a deluxe model, but still given that fact, I only trust Hiscox cases for the weight and strength plus price point.
Am in Australia at the moment, and havent been able to find any SKB cases, they have Gator, but those look really tough and heavy, but thats where it ends, they dont protect the instrument at all, Bad fit and flimsy construction all around, even though it is about half the price, my guitar is worth much much more, not to mention a sound mind.
Hi Jonathan,
That’s wonderful news. I’m not sure if I made the difference or if this was a common gripe, but if nobody mentions the problems, nobody will correct them. Good on Hiscox for adding the tab.
Until I see further strength testing, I am unwilling to comment on which case would be better at damage control. Honestly, i don’t run into that many mishaps with my instruments to make an educated assessment.
I’m also not a scientist who specializes in instrument case trauma either. And unless independent research is carried out, any discussion would be purely anecdotal and moot.
Any comparison I make will be largely decided by my subjective opinions of the cases’ build quality.
And to that extent, I must say that Hiscox cases are generally well made. They aren’t perfect (which I think should be stressed in a constructive and honest manner), but they generally do a good job of protecting the instrument.
Ultimately, it’s up to the buyer to decide on the case that best fits his/her needs. All I can do is write detailed and honest reviews and let the reader decide what’s best.
May i know where did you bought that hiscox case?
Hi Nicholas,
As previously mentioned, I requested this case as an add-on option for a guitar I ordered from a luthier. I believe my luthier got this from Guitars International.
Thanks for the info and reply although this post was years ago haha. Appreciate it =)
Don’t mention it. I hope the info helps!
Hi,
thank you for your great review 🙂
I have a question about this case, I hope that you can help me…
On the Hiscox website the Upper Bout dimension for this case is 279mm, but it has soft padding corners. The Upper Bout of my classical guitar is 287mm, do you think that it can enter in squeezing the padding corners? Or the measurements on the website indicate the maximum size?
If you can give me a more precise measure, I’d be grateful. I have also written to Hiscox, but they didn’t help me…
Thank you 🙂
Cheers from Italy,
Simone
Hi Simone,
I’d rather not hazard a second opinion by offering a measurement that could differ from the original manufacturer. In any case, I’d recommend going down to a distributor with your guitar to do a fitting.
Thank you for your reply,
yes, I would like to try with my guitar, but there aren’t any dealers in my area, unfortunately.
I asked to you that because there’s a difference of only 8mm, 4mm for each side, and in your picture your finger sinking in padding a lot, I thought it could work anyway.
I wonder how measure the upper bout of your guitar inside it, but I guess it’s luthier-making and so is difficult to find dimensions online.
Thank you for your time and your attention 🙂
Cheers,
Simone