K i t Z o n e
126 DIGITAL CAMERA^ AUGUST 2019 http://www.digitalcameraworld.comMini Test
Manfrotto ProLight
Reloader Tough-55
HighLid
£290/$330
http://www.manfrotto.
co.ukT
he
Reloader
To u g h - 5 5
comes in two size
variants. Both have
a 55 x 35cm length
and width, but
where this HighLid version has a 22.5cm depth,
the LowLid option is 20cm, ensuring that you
meet even the strictest airline carry-on size
requirements. You get smooth rolling wheels
on both, yet at 4.6kg, the HighLid is relatively
light if you need to carry it.
Like the HPRC 2550W, this lightness is helped
by an interior that uses a removable padded liner
and Velcro dividers, rather than cubed foam. It’s
very effective, but HPRC’s Second Skin is better
made and eats up slightly less space. Interior
dimensions are quoted as 50 x 26 x 17cm for the
HighLid, which seems small, but this takes into
account the thickness of the padded liner.
The lid is secured by two-stage latches, and
we like the included harness that enables you to
strap a tripod on the front. We’re less keen on the
needlessly stiff release catch for the otherwise
robust extending handle, and the case flexes
slightly more than the competition when crushed.PROS Practical size options; handy tripod
harness; good interior dividersCONS Doesn’t feel quite as tough as rivals;
relatively pricey; stiff handleVerdict
HPRC 2550W with
Second Skin
£220/$200
http://www.hprc.itH
ailing
from Italy,
HPRC
proves hard cases
can be stylish,
with the 2550W’s
coloured accents
(available in red
or blue) lifting
the utilitarian look.
There’s even an all-red version – called Ferrari
Red, no less – if you want to show off.
Other pleasing touches include ergonomic
two-stage lid latches, a neat handle extension
release clip, and the smoothest rolling wheels
we encountered in this Mini Test.
The 2550W also nails the basics. It feels every
bit as tough and unburstable as the Calumet,
Peli and Vanguard cases on test, yet it weighs
a reasonable 5kg. This is partly due to the Second
Skin interior – a thermoformed one-piece padded
moulding shaped to hug the interior contours of
the case. This is then divided using conventional
Velcro dividers, which are slim yet strong.
It’s a very neat way to carry more gear than
you could with a conventional cubed foam interior,
and makes the most of the 51 x 29 x 20cm internal
size. This translates to 55 x 35 x 24cm outer
dimensions, meaning you should stay within
most cabin luggage limits.PROS Well designed, both visually and
ergonomically; excellent Second Skin interiorCONS Second Skin not quite as cosy as foam,
but a foam interior can also be speccedVerdict
Calumet WT1905 Water
Tight Rolling Hard Case
£189/$237
http://www.wexphotovideo.comC
alumet’s
hard case
range
includes numerous
size options, but
the WT1905’s 55 x
35 x 25cm exterior
dimensions are
ideal for sticking
within most airline
carry-on limits.
At 6.5kg with an untouched cubed foam
interior, it’s on the heavy side for its size –
but that’s no big deal, as there are smooth
roller wheels and a stout one-piece extending
handle to take the strain.
The build quality of the case itself is also
extremely rugged, with very little flex in the lid
despite our best efforts to jump on it with gusto.
The whole case simply exudes solidity. Our only
minor complaint with the design is that the
two catches securing the lid need a bit of
a whack in order to get them to close.
The 52 x 28 x 22cm interior is typical of most
of the cases here and is about as large as you can
go without exceeding carry-on limits. If you need
more capacity, Calumet’s £300 WT6840 hard
case has a commodious 86 x 56 x 36cm interior,
although at 16.4kg unloaded, its roller wheels
are essential for realistic use.PROS Toughness to match any big-brand rival;
keenly priced; stackableCONS Only comes with the option of a diced
foam interiorVerdict
Hard cases
Ultimate gear protection for when the going gets really rough