Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Hello Community! I've been toting my minis about in a foam-lined cardboard box for about a year, but its gotten to the point where I just can't carry everything.
Ideally, I'd have a medium, to large carry case fora single army, for a single game, but there are so many choices out there, and the prices vary so much! I need some experienced advice!

The Privateer Battlefoam bag is the flagship option, but at $150 shipped, it's really kind of ridiculous for something that's a hobby accessory.

Next up is the Sabol army transport mark 2, ships with foam for 65+ shipping
http://www.frpgames.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=7604

It's probably large enough, but then again, I might fill it up with what i've got.

Next bet is the Sabol motorpool, $65+ shipping
http://www.frpgames.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=14201

This thing seems huge, but cost effective. I really like the 4" trays for my gragile harbinger model, and custom avatar.

Anyone experience thins thing? is there room to pack it into a trunk? Keep it at your side at the game shop?

Any better options I've missed?

In my opion Battlefoam is the best on the market, Sabol is an inferior product but works OK for people on a budget.

Lots of other manufactuers out there, I would also recommend looking into KR Multicase.

Also, this is the wrong part of the forum.

My KR Multicase has worked out really well for me. I can fit 3000+ points of Daemons all in one little box (including ~20 oversized, delicate pieces). Solid box (with locks!), customizable trays made of quality foam, all reasonably priced with fast/free shipping. Probably one of the best values I've got in 10+ years of wargaming.

Moved to the appropriate forum.

I presume you're talking about Privateer Press miniatures.

While Sabol is not as nice as Battlefoam, if you're going to store your miniatures "standing" it's a perfectly acceptable. If you're going to lay them down, I would look for a sturdier option.

As for the Harbinger...I've always carried her, simply because she's such a delicate model.

edit: In the Army Transport bag, I can carry 1 tray of Zealots + MB + Choir, 1 tray of warjacks (3 light, 2 heavy) and 2 warcasters, and 2 trays of other infantry (usually TFG and Choir #2 and 2 units of KE). Which is usually plenty for a game.

I've got a small Menoth army (43 points) and a Small Mercs army (48 points, Ebay Lot). I really want to play with more mercs in my army, just for fun, so I want to be able to take all that with me when I go play.

Do you think that would all fit in a single army transport case, or a single KR multicase?

the KRs I like for low end... the cardbaord and foam has a pretty good price for a very comperable performance, but once you throw a bag in there, it's as expensive as the battlefoam.

Did you look at the metal cases from KR? They are slightly more expensive that the card case, handsome and tough as a gundar.

Not sure if the single one suits you purpose but it should not be anything like as expensive as a Battlefiam one of comparable size.

Also take a look at Fieldherr, very nice and kind to the wallet.

Sp4m wrote:I've got a small Menoth army (43 points) and a Small Mercs army (48 points, Ebay Lot). I really want to play with more mercs in my army, just for fun, so I want to be able to take all that with me when I go play.

Do you think that would all fit in a single army transport case, or a single KR multicase?

the KRs I like for low end... the cardbaord and foam has a pretty good price for a very comperable performance, but once you throw a bag in there, it's as expensive as the battlefoam.

You mentioned having a Merc force, hearing this I would no longer recommend KR. IMO their foam just isnt dense enough to support alot of metal.

I own both the large and the small GW cases and they suck compared to my KR multicase. I have the Aluminium Double case about GBP60.00 and worth every penny. You can get a huge amount in it, it lightweight durable and has a combination lock.

I've heard a lot of good things about battlefoam but to be honest I don't know any one who has one, GW or KR where I game.

Straight up. Battlefoam. No competition.

You're paying good money for your miniatures. Just shell out a little bit more for permanent protection. Literally, you will never need another case again.

Kouzuki wrote:Straight up. Battlefoam. No competition.

You're paying good money for your miniatures. Just shell out a little bit more for permanent protection. Literally, you will never need another case again.

not true. Once you buy too many models, you need another case.

I would lean towards battle foam as well. I like their podcast

In all seriousness though, they seem to have exceptional quality and durability standards...

I'm interested in this as I am also on the look out for a carrying solution for my armies. I have perused both KR and Battlefoam, and I think I like KR better. Their prices aren't as steep, and they seem to give you more value. This is what I have gathered from their websites.

One problem I am having is fitting my army in. Both companies produce trays for bunches of 25mm figures, trays for special units, and trays for vehicles. However, it seems like you can't mix them together. What I mean is that you can't fit all of your vehicles and all your units in the same bag. Like one tray holds a couple rhinos, but takes up so much room that you can't accommodate all the units that would occupy said rhinos. I'm speaking about middle range bags here, not the gargantuan ones.

Battlefoam does allow custom foam, however this seems prohibitively expensive. Both companies also like to put together awkward combinations of units, just to fill room. I guess I'm just a little overwhelmed with the whole thing. I sorta wish they had stores I could go to and handle the product, as I can't seem to get a good sense of scale on their websites.

PraetorDave wrote:However, it seems like you can't mix them together. What I mean is that you can't fit all of your vehicles and all your units in the same bag.

I was able to mix and match when I ordered from KR. I got the "double"-sized aluminum case ($125) and picked several different sized trays to fit it (they have a flash plugin that allows you to drag and drop foam to see what trays will fit). I have 1 shallow 25mm model tray, 2 deep 25 model trays (for larger, delicate 25mm models, e.g. Bloodletters), 1 medium-thickness tray (fits Bloodcrushers like a charm...would likely fit Rhinos/Razorbacks as well) and one deep tray (fits about 8 Greater Daemons/Daemon Princes...could probably accommodate 2-4 Landraiders). All of this gives enough space to fit 3000+ points of my army in one case, all models greatly varying in size and shape. If you're wondering which trays to go for, they have a breakdown for every model in every 40k army. Not sure if they give as detailed info on other model lines, but I think I recall seeing something like that.

I have just got cardboard KR case for my Ogres at £23GBP . Holds 36 Ogres so that is a 2.4k army for me . Though cardboard the price was reasonable and the service was good . The foam is fine and KR do provide a good service for the price .

Sp4m wrote:I've got a small Menoth army (43 points) and a Small Mercs army (48 points, Ebay Lot). I really want to play with more mercs in my army, just for fun, so I want to be able to take all that with me when I go play.

Do you think that would all fit in a single army transport case, or a single KR multicase?

Depends, really. In a batallion case (the big one, I think)? Yes. Army case would depend on what models you're including.

I think I was able to fit about 18 small-based models in a single layer of Army Transport foam. The bottom foam is 1/4" and the Army Transport is 13" deep.

Most of my infantry that I like to use (KE, Choir) is in 2.5" foam (2.75" with bottom). I can include 3 of these (8.25") and a 4" foam tray (12.25) for my taller and more awkwardly positioned warjacks.

Or I can take two 2.5" trays (infantry) a 4" tray (warjacks) and a 3" tray (more warjacks).

In order of my preference, based on quality, cost, and my experience with the brand

1. Battlefoam - priciest option, but most durable, and customizeable. If you have the cash, get it.

2. Sabol - I've had these longer than anything else. Durable softcase and flexible foam options. Foam does seem to break down faster.
Especially if exposed to direct sun, it dries and crumbles. It is the oldest company I am aware of.

3. KR - been hearing about them for years from those outside the U.S. Seems like a good product, and now available in the states easier.

4. Portable Warfare - A friend who doesn't play outside his house often got one for tournaments. Works well. Seems like a cheaper version of Sabol.
So if you don't use a case often, may be a good option.

5. Games Workshop - Low cost/use value. Cases cost way too much compared to what you can fit in them. No extra pockets/sleeves to hold other game gear.

There are a ton of others. I suggest exploring webstores, such as the Warstore, and Miniature Market. They have many options to choose from, and range in cost.

I have almost the same amount of points for the same armies you stated. I just switched them over to the Motor pool from Sabol. I needed the added strength of its design because all of my models are metal so the weight is a factor. I prefer Sabol to Battlefoam for Warmachine stuff because if you take the time you can really get your guys to have a perfect fit and so they won't move around at all and break.

If not for the fact that I already have Sabol for all of my GW stuff I would start useing battlefoam for them as the plastic models don't suffer breakage the same way as the metals.

skrulnik wrote:5. Games Workshop - Low cost/use value. Cases cost way too much compared to what you can fit in them. No extra pockets/sleeves to hold other game gear.

At the very least, if you feel you must get a GW case, replace the foam with Battlefoam trays. They're the same size, but fit almost twice the models.

vhwolf wrote:I have almost the same amount of points for the same armies you stated. I just switched them over to the Motor pool from Sabol. I needed the added strength of its design because all of my models are metal so the weight is a factor. I prefer Sabol to Battlefoam for Warmachine stuff because if you take the time you can really get your guys to have a perfect fit and so they won't move around at all and break.

If not for the fact that I already have Sabol for all of my GW stuff I would start useing battlefoam for them as the plastic models don't suffer breakage the same way as the metals.

Have you actually tried Battle Foam? I can not see what you can do to Sabol, that would get them a fit that is more perfect than what you could do with Battle Foam.

Just to keep echoing it, BF really is the "Cadillac" of mini bags. I've owned one since they started dropping the PACK system, and have been impressed (the only minor hiccup was the backpack straps on the old 1520 came loose easily, but carrying around an entirely metal and VERY large Cryx force does that.) The PP BF bags are astounding, and are likely the last bag I'll ever need. There are some models with trouble in their pre-made cells, but there are custom trays and specific trays they've made to counter that.

There is nothing wrong with Sabol or PW, but they are not nearly as protective, as they're more or less like coolers or lunchboxes you see nowadays.

Have a friend who uses Battlefoam. Top quality.

Speaking of carry cases, has anyone had any experience with these cases? http://www.thecombatcompany.com.au/cases-and-card-storage/transport-cases.asp

Skits wrote:Speaking of carry cases, has anyone had any experience with these cases? http://www.thecombatcompany.com.au/cases-and-card-storage/transport-cases.asp

Thats a pretty hard-core battlefoam knock off, they barely even changed the symbol lol.

Interesting. The appear to be a BF knockoff, but the foam size is different.

"At 13.5 inches by 10.5 inches, they even have a larger area than BattleFoam trays!"

Which is false as BF are 15.5 x12. Unless they're referring to the BF trays that are Sabol-sized or the half size trays BF makes for the PP games.

Horst wrote:

Kouzuki wrote:Straight up. Battlefoam. No competition.

You're paying good money for your miniatures. Just shell out a little bit more for permanent protection. Literally, you will never need another case again.

not true. Once you buy too many models, you need another case.

Nope. You just need more trays.

PraetorDave wrote:Battlefoam does allow custom foam, however this seems prohibitively expensive. Both companies also like to put together awkward combinations of units, just to fill room. I guess I'm just a little overwhelmed with the whole thing. I sorta wish they had stores I could go to and handle the product, as I can't seem to get a good sense of scale on their websites.

No worries on the expensive custom foam.
You're right, of course. Their custom cut foam *is* very expensive. If you're getting a case with foam, however, you can get the custom foam without any additional charge.

If your army doesn't fit in the case you're looking at, then you're looking at the wrong sized case. That's no fault of theirs.
A 720 will hold a reasonably sized army and, if you're using their custom foam creator, you can put together the trays however you want. Just do so intelligently. No use in putting CSM and Rhinos in the same trays if you can avoid it. Take advantage of the taller foam to put in taller models (Demon Princes, bikers, etc).

Some stores do carry the product. Miniature Market here in St. Louis used to carry it, and you could handle it in person. They only carried the pluck foam, though, of course.

Have you tried contacting Battlefoam? I'm certain they have tons of foam pieces lying around (cut outs from trays). Maybe they'll send you a cut out for free or for just the cost of shipping? Heck, I've got a bunch extra that I'd send pieces to people if they paid shipping.

Eric

Battlefoam DOES have some retailers... I know my local game store carries a huge array of battlefoam products.

Call them and ask for a local distributer. Maybe you have to drive an hour or so, but I'd rather take a bit of a car trip than buy something I'm not sure of.

Trust me, once you see a battlefoam case, your mind is made up.

xcarbonx wrote:

vhwolf wrote:I have almost the same amount of points for the same armies you stated. I just switched them over to the Motor pool from Sabol. I needed the added strength of its design because all of my models are metal so the weight is a factor. I prefer Sabol to Battlefoam for Warmachine stuff because if you take the time you can really get your guys to have a perfect fit and so they won't move around at all and break.

If not for the fact that I already have Sabol for all of my GW stuff I would start useing battlefoam for them as the plastic models don't suffer breakage the same way as the metals.

Have you actually tried Battle Foam? I can not see what you can do to Sabol, that would get them a fit that is more perfect than what you could do with Battle Foam.

Yes I have tried Battle foam and some of my game group uses them for their 40k stuff. It is a great product but short of sending them my exact poses of models (I have many conversions and custom pieces) I can't get as good a fit for my minis as with the sabol pluck foam. Battlefoam has a slightly large pattern to their pluck pieces so they don't fit as tight, also the cost of the battlefoam pluck foam is a higher than the Sabol stuff and even though it is large I cant really fit many more minis in it with the support I want for my Warmachine stuff. I could go with custom fit foam but some of my stuff is hard to trace that tight and the cost gets high quick.

vhwolf wrote:

xcarbonx wrote:

vhwolf wrote:I have almost the same amount of points for the same armies you stated. I just switched them over to the Motor pool from Sabol. I needed the added strength of its design because all of my models are metal so the weight is a factor. I prefer Sabol to Battlefoam for Warmachine stuff because if you take the time you can really get your guys to have a perfect fit and so they won't move around at all and break.

If not for the fact that I already have Sabol for all of my GW stuff I would start useing battlefoam for them as the plastic models don't suffer breakage the same way as the metals.

Have you actually tried Battle Foam? I can not see what you can do to Sabol, that would get them a fit that is more perfect than what you could do with Battle Foam.

Yes I have tried Battle foam and some of my game group uses them for their 40k stuff. It is a great product but short of sending them my exact poses of models (I have many conversions and custom pieces) I can't get as good a fit for my minis as with the sabol pluck foam. Battlefoam has a slightly large pattern to their pluck pieces so they don't fit as tight, also the cost of the battlefoam pluck foam is a higher than the Sabol stuff and even though it is large I cant really fit many more minis in it with the support I want for my Warmachine stuff. I could go with custom fit foam but some of my stuff is hard to trace that tight and the cost gets high quick.

I think that's what you are supposed to do for custom cut foam, insofar as you can forward the shapes you trace on paper to the and they do the rest.

I beleive that KR will do this too.

Anyway i thought that they didn't allow conversions in WM/H, why would you need something so custom?

It's not a bag and it's on the hi end of the market, but for a different solution try:
Tablewar.com
These are becoming popular in the southwest and really get the job done.
Space for all your minis already on a display board, held down with magnets so the mini does not leave its spot.
The trays are adjustable in height to match your model sizes. It comes with a removable drawer for dice, codeci, pens, M&Ms. etc.