5 Things to Consider Before Ordering a Custom Flight Case

When you’re investing in a bespoke flight case, you’re not just buying regular luggage: you’re buying peace of mind. 

Whether you need to protect expensive AV equipment, sensitive instruments or specialist tools, you want to know your kit is fully protected. At Oakleigh Cases, our custom cases are excellent for providing protection against theft, damage or harsher environments. 

From the quality of our materials to the skill of our team, everything we do is about keeping your equipment safe, secure, and professionally presented.

So, before you place your order, here are five essential things to consider:

1. What Are You Protecting, and What are the Main Risks?

The starting point for any flight case design is understanding the equipment inside. What size are the items? Are they fragile? Do they have delicate connectors or moving parts? Will it be packed with cables, accessories or extra kit?

But it’s not just about the item being stored. You also need to consider the environments it’ll be travelling through. Will it be hurled into vans or flight holds? Exposed to rain, dust, or freezing temperatures when on location?

Oakleigh Cases designs flight cases with all these considerations in mind. We use a unique process to increase drop resistance and durability, giving each case an edge in tough environments, whether it’s a muddy festival field or the back of a haulage lorry.

2. Which Materials Are Being Used?

The materials used to make your flight case determine how well it performs. Some cases are constructed from cheaper ply or lightweight plastic. These might reduce the cost, but they also offer less protection, and that can cost more in the long run.

At Oakleigh Cases, we only use Russian Birch plywood, widely regarded as one of the most durable and versatile materials on the market. Combined with robust hardware and internal foam tailored to your equipment, our cases are built to last – and to perform in the most demanding conditions.

If you want a case that can handle heavy knocks, environmental pressure and regular transport, you can be assured we never cut corners when it comes to quality materials and construction techniques. 

3. Do You Need Custom Internal Layouts?

A strong outer shell is only part of the story. Inside, the layout and foam inserts are what actually protect your gear and prevent damage. If it’s poorly designed inside, it can lead to kit shifting in transit, or even breaking.

A quality custom flight case should offer precision-cut foam inserts, with compartments designed specifically for your gear. At Oakleigh Cases, we work closely with clients to understand exactly how their equipment is used, packed, and deployed – then we design the interior to make loading intuitive, efficient, and safe.

This not only reduces damage risk, it also saves time when setting up on location – vital when every minute counts.

4. What’s Your Deadline, and Can the Supplier Meet It?

Lead times can vary wildly in the industry. Some manufacturers overpromise and underdeliver, leaving clients without protection when they need it most.

At Oakleigh, our friendly and experienced production team – many of whom have been with us for over 20 years – are known for pulling out all the stops to meet customer deadlines. We’ve built our reputation on reliability, and our clients trust us to deliver when it matters most.

So before you order a custom flight case, ask about turnaround times, and more importantly, ask for examples of how the company has handled tight deadlines in the past.

5. Do You Want to Enhance Your Brand with the Case?

Flight cases aren’t just about protection: they’re also about presentation. A professional-looking case sends a strong message to clients, crew and customers. It shows that you take your equipment seriously. It builds trust.

Whether you’re turning up to a high-profile shoot, a trade event or a client meeting, your flight case can reflect your brand. Oakleigh offers custom branding options, including screen printing, vinyl wraps, and coloured finishes to match your corporate image.

Our cases don’t just protect – they promote your company, service, or product in a way that’s sleek, professional, and instantly recognisable.

Transport Your Equipment with Confidence

A custom flight case means investing in protecting your items, ensuring they last for years to come. By working with a trusted supplier like Oakleigh Cases, you’ll get a solution tailored to your needs, crafted to the highest standards, and delivered on time.

We’re not just manufacturers of bespoke flight and road cases: we’re your partner in protecting what matters most. With the best materials, a time-tested production process, and a team that genuinely cares, we offer more than durability. We offer confidence.

Ready to get started? Contact our team today and let us help you design the right case for your kit.