Reviewer: Gizmo • Date: July 2006 • Price: £20/€30 • Link: Magma

I stopped playing out years ago but from time to time, I need to carry my carts to various events around the world - namely trade shows - on the off-chance (well almost certainty) that decks will be on display without carts. So I figured it would be a good idea to get something to safely transport said carts from place to place.

I've got a pair of Shures and Ortofons and needed something that would carry both (better to be prepared). The case the Ortofons came in logically only takes Ortofons and I have no proper case for the Shures - well I did but stupidly I tossed them. Enter Magma's Headshell case.

Coming in 2 colours - black and camouflage - the headshell case is of a semi rigid construction. Basically it's a fabric outer with a hard plastic inner shell lined with a padded soft fabric. Opening the case, you're given a solid plastic rack held in place with some serious rivets. The rack has space for 3 standard fitting headshells on the lid but I would have liked to have seen 4. But I guess 2 and a spare is OK.

While it's not a supremely rigid case, this feels like it'll take a fair battering. Because of the construction though, the case is nice and light so won't break your shoulder when lugging the rest of your gear around - nor will it take up too much space either.

The rest of the case is one big compartment with a removeable velcro'd divider. You can pretty much put what you want inside here as the case itself is quite deep - around 60mm. And the adjustable velcro divider can be positioned to keep things nice and snug. But if you don't fill the case up, things could move around so it might be a good idea to pad it out with a cloth or similar.

Road Testing

On the face of it, the case does everything it's supposed to. But the real test is taking it out on the road. And this case has been in the luggage hold of a 747 to LA, a plane and train to Frankfurt out on the road with Rafik and quite seriously abused by the Royal Mail on the way back to me.

The end result is that the headshell case performed perfectly. My carts were safe and sound and despite the Royal Mail trying to squash the case, everything was fine. The carts stayed in the rack and the contents were unharmed.

Ratings

Build Quality - 9/10
Light yet solid. It'll flex rather than crack, giving better protection.

Features and implementation - 8/10
3 slots and a configurable inner department

Value for money - 9/10
What price do you put on the safety of your precious carts?

Pros:
• Sturdy Build
• Lightweight

Cons
• Would have liked 4 slots

The Bottom Line

There's a wide range of cases available in the market, often being supplied with carts. But if you're like me and threw your Shure cases away, the Magma case will keep everything safe and sound and won't be a burden to your shoulder or wallet. Recommended.

Big thanks to Mike at Magma for the case - it's saved my carts from the UK postal service!