Better F5 mandolin case?

[Gene Summers]

I'm looking for a better mandolin case for my Eastman MD315. My cheapish $50 F5 case isn't deep enough, and the bridge gets pressure applied when I close it. Looking for recommendations for cases under $150. Thanks.

[Eric F.]

Travelite. Widely available for $70 to $80. Light and protective.

[Gene Summers]

Travelite. Widely available for $70 to $80. Light and protective.

Thanks Eric, I've been searching the web for one and the Travelite looks nice and sturdy . I have one of those for my fiddle and I like it. Very good quality for the price. I want there to be a little wiggle room between the bridge and the padding of the case top. I didn't want to spend a fortune either. Still deciding.

[sunburst]

It's true. For the price, Travelite is hard to beat.

[TEvans]

I have my MD315 in a gator case. Gets the job done, protects the instrument, and fits with a tone-gard on the mando.

[mandodan1960]

Tone Guard fits in my Travelite. Has handy straps for festival travel. Big Plus.

[Cheryl Watson]

I've owned a few Travelites and they are very lightweight and are a true suspension case with a good amount of space in the headstock area. The hinges pulled out of the foam of my oldest one after many years, but it sure does not matter, I just pulled them out completely and just use the case without them.

[Clement Barrera-Ng]

Another vote on the Travelite. It may just be my favorite case at the moment after trying a number of others.

[DataNick]

Have you seen the Eastman MD 500 series cases: same hard foam as the Travellite, but shaped for 'A' & 'F' models like little guitar cases; comes with a strap as well; they're my favorite for daily on the go or light travel.

Got my 'A' style case from a friend who didn't like hers...you might contact your closest Eastman rep about purchasing one if interested...

[mandroid]

Ive Got my Mix in an Eastman Fiberglass case,

come in under $150, too. [new ones fit F4 & F5]

I like having the backpack straps .

Gasket seal on the edges of FG cases in general is really nice headed out in the Wet.

Just "Not to be used as a personal flotation devise".

[Gene Summers]

So far the Travelite has more votes, but the Eastman cases are second. I will call my local music store tomorrow and see what they have, and can order. Carry straps are nice, as well as rain gaskets, something to consider. I did get a gig bag with the M315, but wanted a good case with a little more bridge room. Thanks for all your help!

[Ivan Kelsall]

Another Travelite devotee here. Thay're hard to beat for lightness & have enough space in them for all your bits & pieces.Plenty of room in the headstock area, & if you use the "D" rings & 2 back straps,you'll never know it's there. I can't help but think that for the price,it must be the best case out there,
Ivan

[Eric Michael Pfeiffer]

This is the case that I have too I think....Eddie offers it with all of his mandolins...it's really nice with a built in hydrometer

[Eric C.]

I was presently surprised that my mandolin cafe sticker adheres just fine to my Travelite case.

[Ivan Kelsall]

Eric - So was i !,
Ivan

[Dave Hanson]

I've used a Gator ABS case for quite a few years for all except the Webers with no problems at all.

Dave H

[Gene Summers]

Everyone, a BIG thank you for your comments, advice and cool mandolin case pics! May you all have the Merriest of Christmases!

[Gene Summers]

Update: I went with the Eastman fiberglass case, in black, from my local music store. I help them unbox it too, just like on Christmas morn. They even gave me a little jingle for my old case, which helps. It looks like a well built, water resistant case, and it has plenty of head room for the bridge. The mandolin fits perfectly inside, with little to no wiggle room side to side. It came with a strap as well. Christmas came early! Thanks again for all the great suggestions. Merry Christmas!