handbell cases

[LuvBells]

I seem to remember this subject being presented during the past couple of weeks; but every week I delete most of the entries on handbells.

 

My friend, who was a ringer for 15 years before becoming a Minister of Music and Director of Handbells some 20 years ago, is a member of AGEHR, but not on the Handbell-L, has requested that I ask the following:

 

For those of you who have experience with both, which do you prefer – Port-A-Bell cases or Schulmerich’s “Ring-N-Roll” cases?  He says that Schulmerich has wheels and a handle extension, as does Port-A-Bell.  His main objection to Port-A-Bell is that the bells fit in so tightly that one must lift the bell straight up to remove them from the case.  He has not had access to Schulmerich.  He says the cases are too expensive to buy the wrong ones.  I think he is talking about the two octave cases plus a case for low 3^rd octave and low 4^th octave.

 

Opinions ? ? ?

 

Frances Corbin

luvb...@nc.rr.com

[blanchemarie]

My preference is the Port-A-Bell. They are lighter, easier to handle, and make transporting the bells a breeze.

Blanche Marie

From my Android phone on T-Mobile. The first nationwide 4G network.



------ Original Message ------

From : LuvBells 

[Michele Sharik]

This is true, but I dont know why this would be an objection.

The ring n roll cases are just regular cases outfitted with wheels and handles. They are heavier than normal and the rubber bumpers make them hard to stack/store and get up over curbs.

I recommend portabell.

-M

Sent from my iPhone

[Ann F]

We have Port-A-Bell cases. I looked at the Schulmerich web site but I see no interior pictures of the cases. For me, the big advantage of the Port-A-Bell is that foam which is die-cut to fit the bells and holds them in place when moving the cases. If you are never going to travel much with your bells, the other cases may be just fine, but I believe the Port-A-Bells protect the bells better unless the Schulmerich has a similar interior.

Ann

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[Michele Sharik]

Agreed. The schullie cases have the normal insides. They are just regular cases with wheels and handles.

Sent from my iPhone

[Fran Underwood]

I don't have experience with Portabell but I know, since we have them, that
the rolling Schullie cases are much heavier than the standard no-wheel
cases. They don't stand straight on the wheels and bumpers. They don't slide
easily on the floor when laid flat to open because they have rubber feet.
And they don't have any extra padding. Their only benefit is that they roll.

If I had it to do over again, I'd buy Portabell even though they are lots
more money.

Fran

[Rima Greer]

Portabell saved Campanile's fannies on many occasions. And they've improved a bit since we toured with them.

Highly, highly recommended for anyone who is moving their bells anywhere with any frequency!

Rima

[Nancy Hascall]

I'll second that. The body of my ancient Portabell solo case looks like it's been through a tornado, but it's still solid, and my bells are in fine shape.

Wish I had a newer model, though. Mine didn't have enough handles, so I had a luggage repair shop add an extra one (at the same time they replaced the pullout handle that got bent after too many helpful souls tried to use it to lift the case into a car trunk). And its old-style latches aren't secure enough -- Ever since the time it showed up on the baggage carousel with one of the latches undone, I've always felt the need to tape the latches or strap the case when I fly. And the wheels are still too small -- Dragging it over thick carpet or even miniscule obstacles on pavement is a pain. One of the old wheels broke a long time ago, and I had the same repair shop replace them, but there wasn't enough room for larger ones. (Not sure there's anything to be done about that, short of a new case.) But enough grumbling -- that's what happens when you buy a prototype (or at least a very early model) of anything.

In spite of those annoyances, I've never regretted buying my Portabell case. And especially since they've worked out (all?) the bugs by now, I'd do it again.
:-) Nancy Hascall