Name: HARDCASE HROCKFUS3 Drum Case Set
Brand: HARDCASE HROCKFUS3 Drum Case Set

Prime Sound is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here

As a drummer, nothing can beat the feeling of playing music on your drums and giving your best effort into it. If you want to keep your precious drums safe on a daily basis or when you are touring, you will have to invest in quality drum cases and bags that will protect your equipment against impact and the weather. You simply cannot go without these when you want to store your drums safely or transport them from one place to another.

Finding the best drum cases on the market can be an ordeal because of the endless choices. To make your work easier, we have narrowed down the list to five products and reviewed them for your benefit. All these products impressed us, but our favorite has to be the HARDCASE HROCKFUS3 Drum Case Set. Made with medium-density polyethylene, these cases are sturdy and durable. They can withstand high impact and are waterproof. You will be able to use these cases irrespective of the weather. The high-density foam grip pads keep your drums safe. Check out this set and four other great picks in our review.

While reviewing the products, we took some important features into consideration. You need to understand whether you want soft or hard-shell cases, depending on your needs. The size of your drum case will determine the equipment you will be able to fit into it. A drum case also has to be durable in order to be effective. We have condensed our research into a table listing the items followed by the in-detail reviews and a buying guide.

Quick Summary

Editor’s Choice: HARDCASE HROCKFUS3 Drum Case Set

"A 5-item set of hard-shell cases that are waterproof, stackable for easier transportation and storage, as well as durable, reliable, and stylish."
Best Soft Drum Cases: Gator Cases GP-STANDARD-100

"A set of five collapsible soft bags weighing about 2 pounds and made of 600-denier nylon and foam padding."
Most User-Friendly Drum Cases: Ahead Armor 4 Pack Bundle

"Another great set of four soft bags made of 600-denier polyester and foam padding, which are water-proof and highly durable."
Best Flight Drum Cases: SKB 1SKB-DRP2 Roto-Molded Drum Case Package

"A three-piece set of stackable hard-shell drum cases, which is slightly lighter than our top pick."
Budget Pick: Multi-Tom Drum Bag with Wheels by Protec, Model CP200WL

"A large soft bag which is able to accommodate three toms and hardware, with top straps to adjust the width."

Top 5 Drum Cases Review 2024

HARDCASE HROCKFUS3 Drum Case Set – Editor’s Choice

Features

Type: hard-shell cases
Suitable for: 14″ snare, 12″ and 13″ toms, 16″ floor tom and 22″ bass drum
Material: medium-density polyethylene
Weight: 54.2 lbs

More features: high-impact and waterproof, stackable, curved base, high-density foam grip pads, overlapping compression design

Price on Amazon

9.8

When it comes to touring cases, Hardcase is a brand that has established a solid reputation. This Hardcase set comes with strong and robust high-impact cases. They are completely waterproof, which means that they will be able to protect your drums at all times.

While the price tag is on the expensive side, this set is worth your money, and you can try investing in it. Not only are the cases durable and sturdy, but they are also very stylish. You will find that the portability factor is an added benefit because the 5-piece set comes with hard-cases that have a stackable design. You will find it easier to store them in the back of your car. This will also ensure greater safety.

All the pieces of the set come with grip pads that have high-density foam that provides extra support and better protection. You can rely on these cases to be unbreakable. They will be able to bear all kinds of physical impact without a scratch.

The overlapping compression design of this set allows you to fit drums of any depth in the cases as long as they are of the correct diameter. There are buckles to secure the case of the lid so that the drum is kept in place tightly and securely. The greater level of protection offered by these resilient cases will help you when you are on the road. HardCase has some of the best snare drum cases.

What are our favorite features?

Reliable brand
Waterproof and unbreakable cases
Compatible with all sizes of shell depths
Come with supportive grip pads
Durable
Easy to pack and unpack
Adjustable for width
Stack snugly on top of each other, and the largest has wheels
Cool-looking

What could be better?

On the more expensive side

Gator Cases GP-STANDARD-100 – Best Soft Drum Cases

Features

Type: soft bags
Suitable for: 22″ x 18″ kick drum, 12″ x 10″ tom, 13″ x 11″ tom, 16″ x 16″ floor tom, 14″ x 5.5″ snare drum
Material: 600-denier nylon and foam padding
Weight: 2.2 lbs

More features: 0.4-inch padding, collapsible design, padded and lined interior, carrying straps

Price on Sweetwater

Price on Amazon

9.7

Gator is a brand that is extremely popular in this industry, and you can trust them to give you the best soft drum cases that are of very high quality. You will hear drummers recommend Gator all the time because the brand offers different kinds of cases and bags to suit your requirements. This set is no exception and meets the high standards of the company. It has a strong construction and is highly durable. The 5-piece set will accommodate all standard drum kits.

The bags are constructed with 600-denier nylon that is known to be very long-lasting. You will find that the insides of the bags are lined which provides added protection to the instruments. The 0.4-inch padding keeps your drums safe from heavy impact. If you have a space limitation, you will find the compact and collapsible design of the bagы to be very helpful. The bags come with handles so that you can carry them easily. Moreover, the handles are sturdy, and they will not break down easily.

This Gator Cases drum bag set is an excellent choice for beginners who want to keep their drum kits safe. Even professionals will be able to use this set on a day to day basis. These cases protect the drum set from the effects of heat, weather changes, and moisture. These are some of the best padded drum cases you can get your hands on.

Why is it special?

10mm padding and lining in the interior
Durable nylon exterior
Comes with carrying straps
Collapsible design

What are the flaws?

Might not hold up against rain

Ahead Armor 4 Pack Bundle – Most User-Friendly Drum Cases

Features

Type: soft bags
Suitable for: 13″ tom, 14″ floor tom, 20″ bass drum, hardware
Material: 600-denier polyester and foam padding
Weight: not specified

More features: weather-resistant, water-proof, double-stitched, patented DynaZip zipping system

Price on Amazon

9.5

Ahead is one of the frontline companies to make drum bags and cases that will protect your instruments. The Ahead Armor Cases are known for their unique shape, and this model is no different. Featuring four cases, this set has every chance to meet all your requirements.

Equipped with Revolution’s patented TruForm™ design, these cases are meant to fit your drums like gloves. The shape of each case is similar to the “true” shape of the drum piece and its mounting hardware. Since the cases have a universal teardrop design, it becomes much easier for you to achieve a snug drum fit. This is also helpful for dealers because they do not have the need to double-stock separate bags. You will find this feature very useful if you have an expensive drum set.

These cases also come with the patented DynaZip™ zipping system. You will be able to take the drums in and out of the bags without much hassle. There is a unique cutaway design accompanied by a zipper in place to make your job easier. The zipper runs down the diameter of the case and even down both sides of the cutout.

The Armor Cases also have AHEAD’s exclusive DX-Core which provides two layers of security because of the high-impact foam padding and the premium-grade Sherpa Fleece lining. The bags can absorb shock easily and protect your drums. The interior is plush and secure while the exterior is sturdy and weather-resistant. These are some of the best affordable drum cases available on the market.

Why are we impressed?

Water-proof polyester exterior
Shock-absorbent padding
Comes with the DynaZip zipping system
Unique shape allows a better fit

What negatives must you be aware of?

Not a stackable design, so may not be easy to store

SKB 1SKB-DRP2 Roto-Molded Drum Case Package – Best Flight Drum Cases

Features

Type: hard-shell cases
Suitable for: 09 x 12 Tom, 16 x 16 Floor Tom and the 18 x 22 Bass
Material: not specified
Weight: 40.5 lbs

More features: Roto molded drum case design, stackable cases, padded interiors, sure grip handles with a 90° stop

Price on Sweetwater

Price on Amazon

9.4

SKB is known for making the best hard-shell drum cases that will protect your drums under all circumstances. The cases have the revolutionary roto-molded “D” design, which makes them easier to work with. They also end up giving more protection to your drums when you are traveling on the road. If you know that you are going to travel on rough terrain, you need to give your drums that extra bit of protection. These cases are designed to do just that.

Since the cases are stackable, you will find them easy to store in the back of your car. They also come with pedestal feet. While these cases are tough on the exterior, their interior is plush and well-protected. The layer of padding provides additional protection to your drums. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, you will enjoy these tremendously hard plastic cases from SKB. These are perfect for someone who does not want to make any compromises when it comes to their drum set. You can rely on these cases to protect your drum set completely even when you face adverse weather. They can withstand the roughness of the road, and you will not have to worry about them falling apart.

This set includes three cases, but there are sets with a cymbal available as well. The cases come with straps and handle so that you can carry them without any difficulty. One thing that you need to remember when it comes to these cases is that you should not take them by the straps. It is better to use the handles. These make for the best flight cases for drum machines.

Why are we impressed?

Sturdy and durable
Padded interiors
Comes with handles and straps
Stackable design

What negatives must you be aware of?

Design is not compact
Not adjustable width

Multi-Tom Drum Bag with Wheels by Protec, Model CP200WL – Budget Pick

Features

Type: soft bag
Suitable for: 2 toms, floor tom, and percussion accessories
Material: not specified
Weight: 8.2 lbs

More features: large exterior pocket to store drum legs and hardware, top straps to adjust the width, two adjustable and removable padded dividers, oversized wheels and feet

Price on Amazon

9.2

This Multi-Tom Drum Bag with Wheels by Protec is an excellent option if you are looking for a durable case for your drums. If you want to go the extra mile and ensure that your drums are well-protected even when you are on the road, you need to opt for a sturdy model like this bag. You will find yourself getting used to the convenience of this bag over time.

They come with padded dividers that you can attach with the interior wall that lies between each drum. You can use secure straps that have hook and loop fasteners to make sure that the drums are secure in their place and do not budge. You will be able to store the drum legs inside the large exterior pocket, which means that there will be no forced cramping inside the bag. You can clinch the top straps if you want a snug fit for your drums. The top pull handles and the oversized wheels allow you to carry the bag easily when you are moving.

You will be able to carry two tom drums and one floor tom with the help of this bag. Transportation is a breeze, and the portability factor is one of the reasons why customers love this bag so much. There is a plastic running board at the bottom for support. The cinching straps make sure that the drums do not move around. This is definitely one of the best cheap drum cases you can get.

What do we love it for?

Functional
Easy to use
High-quality construction
Portable

What were we disappointed with?

Outside pockets are small

Things to Consider

If you love your drum set, you should take precautions to protect it from accidents. You cannot make any compromises when it comes to the safety of a drum set because it will cost you a lot of money to replace a set. A drum case or bag will solve all your problems. As long as you find a model that fits your drums perfectly, you will not have any problem.
There are certain things you should take into consideration when you are trying to choose a drum case or bag.

Hard-shell cases or soft bags: Which do you need?

You will have to figure out whether you want to go for a hard-shelled case or a soft-cased bag based on your requirements. Drum bags are fairly common, and they also happen to be the least expensive. You will find that drum bags are usually made with thick fabrics like nylon. They zip around the drum securing it in place. Since the weight of drum bags tend to be lesser, you will find it easier to carry them.

However, although drum bags are convenient to carry and store, they do not offer the best protection.

On the other hand, hard cases are designed to offer you better protection. They are made either with fiber or plastic. Good hard cases tend to have lined interiors so that the drum is safe and secure. The plastic outer shell is responsible for making the structure of the case rigid, but you should make sure that the interiors have sufficient padding or lining. However, hard cases tend to be bulky and are difficult to store when they are not in use.

If you do not want to take any risk, you can go for a road case or a hardware case. These cases are tough and come with wheels to increase the portability of the drums. You will be able to keep your drums safe at all times because these cases are made with extra-tough materials. They are great if you travel long distances frequently or if you have an expensive drum set.

Case or bag dimensions: consider the size of your drums

You must take the size of the drum case or bag as a deciding factor because your drums should be able to fit into the case that you buy. The fit of the drums inside the bag should be snug and secure, but not overly so. The drums should not be cramped for space, as that will increase the risk of them breaking. Some cases are designed to fit the shape of your drums. They can prevent the instrument from moving around when you are carrying the case. If you prioritize portability, you should ensure that the size of the case or the bag is manageable and practical for you to carry.

Durable materials that will protect your drums

The ultimate purpose served by a drum case or bag is to offer protection to your drums. It should be made with a strong and durable material that will be able to bear the brunt of the impact and adverse weather conditions. A hard case is a better option if you want to carry the drums around as you are walking on the road. Hard cases are made of strong outer materials that are complemented by plush interior padding. The common materials used to make hard cases are fiber or plastic.

Most popular models have exteriors made with either polyethylene plastic or hardened fiberboard. Soft cases made with nylon can also offer a significant amount of protection.

Is case or bag weight important?

The weight of the case or the bag is not the ultimate deciding factor. While that is true, you also have considered the role played by weight when it comes to portability. You will also have to carry the bag or case manually at some point, and you would not want to easily get tired then. If the bag/case is very heavy, your arms will tire out soon, and you might not even feel like playing and practicing after that. You should ideally invest in a case/bag that is light and manageable. However, if you want something heavier and sturdier, then you should go for a hard-shell model that has integrated wheels.

Where do you keep the hardware and accessories?

In order to be a good drummer, you need to have all your accessories and hardware in order. You cannot afford to lose them when you are traveling or returning from practice. Some drummers invest in an extra drum case where they store all their drumming accessories. However, you can go the extra mile and opt for drum hardware cases like the Gator Cases Protechtor Series Cart for Drum Hardware or the Ahead Armor Drum Set Case where you will be able to fit everything you need in an organized manner. Some drum cases and bags also come with several exterior accessory pockets, each designed to hold certain things. You will be able to store everything neatly so that nothing is lost. The Multi-Tom Drum Bag with Wheels by Protec comes with many such pockets, making it easier for you to keep track of all your drumming accessories.

Tips and tricks

There are certain tips and tricks that will make it easier for you to keep your drum case or bag in good shape.

Make sure that you deep clean the case/bag once a month. Dust accumulation can be terrible for your drums, so it is necessary that you clean the insides of the case to prevent any contamination.
Use the drum case/bag to carry extra and spare accessories that you might need at any point when you are touring.
Take care of your electronics. Do not just rely on the bag/case to provide protection.
Store the drum bag/case in a cool, dark, and clean place when it is not in use. This way, it will retain all its features.

FAQ

How do I know what size cases do I need for my drums?

You need to measure your drums in order to figure out which bag size will work out the best. However, make sure that you are measuring the diameter of the shell properly. The diameter of the drum stands for the distance between the inside of the hop and the opposite side. You do not need to measure the total width of the drumware. On the other hand, you should measure the depth of the drums by taking the hardware into consideration. Drum bags have some extra space so that the drums can fit in snugly but without cramping.

Can I take my drums in soft cases on a plane?

It is not advisable to carry your drums in a soft case when you are traveling by plane. Soft-shell bags are not designed to resist impact and withstand pressure which is why there is a chance that they can fall apart in the luggage cabin of the plane. Tough hardware cases are your best bet when you are traveling by air.

Do drum cases and bags protect my drums from the elements?

Most hard cases and hardware cases are designed to be waterproof and weatherproof. They are able to protect the drums from the harmful effects of the Sun and the rain. However, soft cases are not consistent in providing protection against the elements.

Our Verdict

All the drum cases and bags covered in this article are excellent. However, we do have our favorites, and we will like to share the information with you.

The HARDCASE HROCKFUS3 Drum Case Set is our unbeatable favorite. Not only are these cases durable, but they also look super cool. They are resistant to high impact and water, which makes them perfect for traveling. Since they are stackable, you can store them in your car easily. The interiors are padded to keep your drums safe.

The Gator Cases GP-STANDARD-100 Drum Kit Bag Set is perfect if you are looking for soft but strong bags. They have foam padding which protects the drums when you are on rough terrain. The collapsible design makes these bags easy to store and the carrying straps add to its portability.

The Ahead Armor 4 Pack Bundle is made with 600-denier polyester and foam padding. The cases are weather-resistant and water-proof. The patented DynaZip zipping system makes them easy to use.