Bel-Air Custom Lighting Cases: 5 Features That Set Us Apart

When you’re transporting delicate lighting gear—whether it’s for a concert tour, film shoot, corporate event, or theatrical production—the right case isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Lighting cases are specifically designed to safeguard fragile and often expensive equipment from the bumps, drops, and harsh conditions of transit. But not all cases are created equal.

At Bel-Air Cases, we build every case with protection and performance in mind—incorporating these five must-have features found in every top-quality lighting and equipment case we make.

1. Durable Exterior Construction

Lighting cases take a beating—on loading docks, in truck beds, at airports, and everywhere in between. Look for cases made from high-impact materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE). These rugged exteriors resist dents, cracks, and weather-related wear while maintaining a professional appearance. If you travel frequently by air, make sure the case is ATA-rated for airline transport.

At Bel-Air Cases, all of our shipping cases are built using HDPE shells. HDPE is not only highly durable but also extremely lightweight, which can reduce your shipping costs. We also use aluminum for our valances, as this material also is highly durable and lightweight. Unlike traditional road cases, which feature wood construction, our cases are far lighter and easier to move from place to place.

2. Custom Foam Interiors

The outside protects against external force, but it’s the inside that truly shields your lighting equipment from damage. High-quality lighting cases should feature custom-cut foam that cradles each fixture, lens, cable, or accessory snugly in place. This prevents shifting during transport and reduces the risk of vibration or impact damage.

Purchasing a custom hard case with foam is the best way to ensure that your gear arrives safely, but not all foam is created equally. Unfortunately, many case manufacturers simply toss a piece of cheap pick-and-pluck foam inside their cases. This forces the customer to create cavities for their equipment, and this type of foam breaks down quickly.

At Bel-Air, we craft custom foam interiors using the highest quality foam available. Each foam interior is built around your equipment, adding a crucial extra layer of protection. We are experts at crafting complex interior designs for just about any type of equipment, including lighting equipment, diagnostic equipment, audio-visual equipment, military and aerospace equipment and much more. Our padded equipment cases provide the ultimate level of protection for your gear.

3. Secure Latching & Locking Systems

Quality transit cases should stay closed no matter what. Look for heavy-duty latches that won’t pop open in transit and optional lockable designs for added security—especially important if you’re transporting high-value gear in shared or unsecured environments. We have a huge selection of quality latches and locks, including TSA-approved locks that keep items secure while still complying with TSA regulations.

4. Mobility Features

Lighting gear can be heavy and bulky, so cases should be easy to move. Smooth-rolling wheels, telescoping handles, and stackable designs all make loading in and out of venues or studios far less of a hassle. If your case is large, built-in tilt-and-roll features are a must. Need a hard case with wheels? We have a myriad of wheel and handle options to make transport as easy as possible.

5. Weather & Dust Resistance

Your lighting cases should stand up to more than just physical impact. If you’re working outdoors or in unpredictable conditions, weather resistance is key. Look for cases with gasket-sealed lids, pressure relief valves, and moisture-resistant materials to keep your lighting components safe from rain, humidity, or dust. We can design durable cases that can handle just about any extreme conditions.

Beyond Protection: Personalized Design Options

While durability is the most important aspect of our lighting cases, your gear deserves more than just protection – it deserves presentation. At Bel Air, we offer custom features that ensure your cases don’t just perform, but also represent your brand.

We can build cases with a molded-in logo or add engraved plates or custom decals, which can be a great way to promote your company. We also offer a myriad of case color options. You can opt for our sleek standard colors – black or silver, or perhaps select from one of our additional stock colors. These include white, red, blue, green, olive, yellow and orange. With larger orders, we may be able to provide color matching or even create a custom color.

Bel-Air Cases: Quality Since 1967

For more than 50 years, we have been the trusted provider of quality custom plastic cases, including shipping cases, carrying cases and trade show cases. Our heavy duty shipping cases are the ideal option for all types of lighting equipment, as well as camera equipment and audio-visual equipment.

To start an order for custom lighting cases, simply head to the Contact Bel-Air Cases tab at the top of our homepage. Provide us with a few details about your case project and a member of our sales team will be in touch with you as quickly as possible. Whether you need just one custom case or a fleet of cases, we will provide you with a top-quality case as well as top-notch customer service.