What are the important issues in selecting a pipe case?

With a little stretch, a pipe case can be viewed as a maintenance issue because if protects your pipes and allows you to carry the stuff you need.

I don't have the same strong opinions on this topic that I do have on the bagpipe itself. I've owned several different types of cases and they all have their pro's and con's.

I think that if I were a beginner, I'd like to have the options outlined for me. Each individual needs to place a weight on each category and come to their own overall conclusion. I think that the issues look something like this...

Description	Cost (approx. USD)	Physical impact resistance (Protection from being stepped on)	Rattling about (drone on drone chipping and varnish chips)	Internal storage space (for practice chanter, maintenance, music)	Weight/Carry-ability	Will a Ross Bag Fit?
Cardboard Box	0	not good	not good	none	light, but awkward to carry	probably not
Deluxe Padded Nylon bag/case	32	better than cardboard	ok if pipes are tightly held	very little	light, strap and handle make it easy to carry	no
Suitcase	free (old) to $150 for roller	varies	depends on size and what's in the case	depends on size, but could be great!	varies with material	maybe
Plastic Toolbox	25	pretty good	not good	generally poor	light, decent to carry	generally no
Homemade Wooden Case	60	light ones may be fragile, while heavy ones are "tanks"	could be very good if there are drone holders built in	could be good	could range from a bit heavy to something suitable for the Farmer's Walk, handles are often uncomfortable and clumsy. Those with storage in lid tend to fall over w/o pipes in bottom!	depends on design
Pipe Major's fiberboard case	70	pretty good	not good	adequate	medium weight, ok to carry	generally no
Piper's Grip	80	better than cardboard	very good	very little	light, strap and handle make it easy to carry	maybe
Pro Pack	90	pretty good	ok	very little	light, strap and handle make it easy to carry	no
"Foam" shell case	130	pretty good	good, and could be excellent in large case with extra drone holders	roomy outboard storage pouches	light, strap and handle make it easy to carry	yes in large size
Aluminum under seat flight case (check pro-camera supply houses)	150	excellent	excellent	minimal	medium weight, ok to carry	no
Pipe Major's aluminum case w/ inserts	150	excellent	excellent	adequate	medium weight, ok to carry	generally no

Here's a link to a few examples of commercial cases and a homemade case plan.