My ol' reliable target flightbag is dying...
 

Finally, after many years of valued service, the 20 dollar canvas briefcase that I used as flight bag is giving up the ghost. I've been thinking of splurging and getting an aluminum flight case (I have seen them around occasionally), but I can't find a vendor in the US... Any help?

thanks

Try an office-supply store, Staples, etc.

I remember how I buried my first one "at sea" by putting an expidite tag to Hawaii on it. :)

Harbor Freight Tools has an aluminum toolbox that works PERFECTLY. $35.

Zero Halliburton makes some nifty aluminum stuff. If you decide to stick with the traditional leather kit route, buy one of the Scott bag models which have the handles encircling the bag. They are the best leather flight kits made and look better every year as they age.

Hi!

I just got a new bag today. The duct tape was starting to come off the old one (I am a mostly cargo guy so far!).

I have EXCELLENT service from the Stopover Store!

cliff
GRB

Nothing like going from a $20 Target bag to a $300+ Scott Leather

I have a Scott Leather case. After my name on the top and a velcro holder inside, plus tax it is closer to $400. Does it do a better job than a $59 us luggage case? No. Do you look like mr. mainline cool pilot guy. Maybe. If I had to have a nice leather one, I think I would get the coyote works one with the aluminum skid plates on the bottom. The scott leather co offers 'wear leathers' on the bottom. I wish I would have got those, cuz my case is only 2 years old and the corners are worn through. I never drag it, and have always been really careful with it. I now have duct tape on the corners to keep it together. If I would have got the coyote works one with skid plates, I think it would last forever. I think another great option for $200 is the luggage works flight case:

LuggageWorks - Luggage, Duffels, Flight Kits, Rolling Bags, Airline Discounts - browser

I think this is the harbor freight, $35 one that looks like it could work well:

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

Scott is great (that's what I have), but Zero Halliburton, provided it holds what you need it to, is beyond compare. They last a life time. I use them for my camera equipment (mine is going on 40 years). Not so sure I would use one for a chart case, but for clothing and such they are a tank. They took a Halliburton to the moon to bring the Moon rocks back in.

The coyote bag is cool but after you add the aluminum plate and the side pockets it's almost $500 after tax and shipping! It had better last forever.

Indeed
 

They do have a life time warrantee. You can find them at many stores I bought mine here:

FlyByStore.com - Flight Cases

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The aluminum tool box will make you look like just that. I would avoid the Scott Bags. I had the expensive one with the saddle straps and it drove me insane for almost 3 years before I bought a standard leather Korchmar for under $300.00. The snaps on the handle never aligned and it used to be difficult to snap close, I'd have to squeeze and jiggle to get it to fit in the bag hook (maybe just mine was defective), and they have these annoying, thick side flaps that get in the way when you're trying to get your jepps in and out.

My Staples $30 sp

I've had this bag for about 5 years now. Other than having to put a new handle on, get a garage door handle, it hold up great. Can't beat the price.