An ETX Hardcase Alternative

Posted by Don Carner   08/24/2004 07:00AM

An ETX Hardcase Alternative
[ARTICLEIMGR="2"]The EXT 90RA I recently purchased came in it's original shipping box. Naturally, I wanted something weatherproof and secure to transport my new scope. I began looking online, at auctions and classifieds. Nothing I saw was much under $100 while most were well beyond that price. I scrounged hardware superstores and gunshops, measuring pistol cases and the like. All to no avail, (while fantastic cases, they were too small).

Then in desperation, I plugged "molded hardcases" into Google. I got a hit. The Plastic Forming Company, Inc. Based in Woodbridge, CT, their website offered a toll free phone number. I called and spoke to a delightful lady by the name of Dorothy Far. We discussed what I was looking for and she offered solutions to my dilemma. The result was a fantastic blow-molded black hardcase, 45% less than the Meade branded model. Next, I inquired about the foam inserts. The basic model has a solid foam block. Now I know I could have soaked the foam, placed it in the freezer overnight and then sawed it to shape the next day. However, I opted for the step-up model and bought the diced inserts which brought the price up $5.

With shipping from their Ohio warehouse, my total bill was $67.02. I bought direct. 1 piece not 50, although the level of customer service I received would have reflected that bulk order. Here's their web address:

http://www.pfccases.com
The Plastic Forming Company, Inc.
20 South Bradley Road
Woodbridge, CT 06525
203.397.1338
203.389.0420 fax
800.732.2060 toll free

(ps, my OTA is in the capable hands of Rolando Chavez, having the secondary mirror baffle re-centered.)