As of November 2007, there are 22 different models of various sized Storm Cases. Through constant innovation and market analysis, we continuously add new models and/or options.

Standard colors for most of the stock Storm Case models are black, gray, yellow, olive drab, and orange. The iM3100, iM3200, & iM3300 are only available in black and olive drab. In addition to the above standard colors, the iM2400, iM2950, iM3100, iM3200, iM3300 are also available in coyote tan. There are several custom colors you can get for your Storm Case as well, depending on the quantity you’ll be purchasing. For more information on custom and stock colors, please contact us.

The Storm Case model for your application depends on the size of the contents and sensitivity of the equipment. Generally, it is recommended that you add an additional 1-inch around the content's perimeter dimensions for non-sensitive equipment, and 2 inches for sensitive equipment. This additional space allows for the interior foam to aid in cushioning, protecting, and securing the equipment.

Storm Cases are injection-molded from a new HPX® high performance resin. During internal testing the impact resistance of Storm Case HPX® resin consistently outperforms the competition. Some competitors use a blowing agent in the shell molding process, which aids in reducing material shrinkage in thicker sections. However, the downside is that bubbles and small voids form in the part, which can cause failures when the case suffers impact. Besides offering better impact resistance, Storm Cases are, on average, 12% lighter than the competition in an apples-to-apples full product line comparison.

The Press & Pull latch designed for the Storm Case is very different and very easy to use. It is a mechanical latch that allows for a strong, snap fit, and an easy release with the press of a button. Initial internal tests on pull strength alone show a significant performance benefit for this latch: The Storm Case latch performed admirably to 900 pounds of pressure, while the competitor latch failed at only 450 pounds of pressure. Additionally, competitor case latches generally use one-piece or complicated multi-piece ABS plastic latches that rely on a pure compression fit to close the case. Problems arise in re-opening these cases: The fit is so tight that releasing the latches is not only difficult, but so much pressure is accumulated that when they do release they spring up at great speed and often impact the users hand. The market name for these latches is very descriptive of the issue: "Knuckle Busters."

The Vortex® Valve is an automatic pressure relief valve that regulates air with changing altitude and temperature, while keeping water out. Storm Case pressure equalization vents (Vortex® valves) are the result of a unique molded housing and a special "Gortex" gas-permeable micro-porous membrane that can repel liquids and micro-particles while allowing gas (air) molecules to pass right through the membrane. Liquids, dust and dirt particles are repelled while pressure differentials are automatically equalized by the exchange of air through the membrane. The self-regulating Vortex® valve is completely automatic, so there are no push buttons or moving valve parts.

When an airtight, (non-breathing) Storm Case is needed, use Storm Cases' manual pressure relief valve. The valve is closed for shipment and storage but may be opened to relieve pressure differentials before opening the catches. The manual valves of the competitors offer no quick visual indication as to whether the valve is open or shut. They also have no locking function, so the valve can potentially be screwed completely out of the case. The Storm Case system is different and demonstrably superior. The manual valve is designed to turn 180 degrees to either purge or seal the case, and the knob acts as a pointing device to allow the operator a very easy view as to the position of the valve, open or closed.

A main feature that distinguishes the Storm Case handle from the competition is the comfort grip. We use an over-molding process that places a softer, durable cushioning layer on top of an ultra-stiff, ultra-strong core to provide a comfortable grip without compromising strength. The competitors only offer one piece fixed or folding handles, usually made of ABS plastic—which is functional but hard on the hand and will lead to early fatigue if carried for any length of time with sufficient load. Also, cosmetically the Storm Case handle presents a finished, high-tech appearance.

To enable ease of transport, some of the cases—known as the Storm Trak® Series— feature in-line wheels and extended handles. The extended telescoping handle simply extends or locks away with the simple push of a button. Storm Case extended handles are a wide-tubular design, sleek and exceptionally strong. Our competition either offers big and bulky or thin-rod designs. Also, our in-line wheels are rugged urethane wheels with shielded bearings, offering a long life of smooth operation. The core of the wheel is made from nylon and the outer tread or tire is made from polyurethane, which provides a smoother, quieter rolling action than hard plastic. Shielded ball bearing wheels are also low-friction, which means rolling the case for long distances is easier because there is less drag than in a similar wheel with plain bearings.

The Storm Case employs a unique hinge configuration consisting of a three-point hinge that uses two pins. The pins are inserted from opposing sides of the case and extend within a channel through the first two hinges into the middle one. This results in a significantly stronger structure than the two-point hinge, and is also stronger and more attractive than a standard "piano hinge." Also, the entire backside of the case is designed to further protect the hinges and provide a stable flat base on which to stand the case upright.

The hinge pins are press-fitted into the case while the case is hot; as the case material cools, it compresses around the pins. Since the pins are bigger than the slot, they cannot fall out or be pulled out. Additionally, the hinge pins have a center block stop to prevent the pins from being pushed out by force once they are installed. This added security feature of the hinge pins removes any possibility of the hinge coming loose or the case falling apart.

There is a small area inside the case under each latch that has been engineered to aid in anti-shear movement. As the case closes and is latched shut, these small teeth molded into the case interlock and provide a further level of protection, avoiding any potential for the case to separate horizontally if it was dropped on its edge.

All Storm Case products are offered in foam or no foam configurations. Our standard foam is 2lb polyurethane, multi-layered for easy customization. The iM2050-3075 models consist of multilayer cubed foam, which allows the user to effortlessly customize the fit by pulling out cubes as needed. The iM3100-3300 models offer solid foam layers, which can easily be customized with a blade.

Storm Case offers a range of interior foam cushion options to meet unique applications. For complex designs, Hardigg's water jet foam-cutting system uses a computer-controlled motion system for precise handling of complex, curved and detailed shapes. If you have a custom- or OEM-fit application that requires a specific configuration, please contact us.
Pre-configured PWC (Personal Weapon Cases) foam is also available.

There are multiple types of foam materials available for the Storm Case line, the most common of which are Polyurethane (PU) and Polyethylene (PE). The standard foam provided with the Storm Case line in multi-layer format is Polyurethane (1.6-2.0 lbs. per cubic ft). Polyurethane is soft, open cell foam. Polyethylene, available as a custom insert, is a firm closed-cell foam. Polyethylene and polyurethane are also available in custom antistatic forms for those applications that require the foam to inhibit the build up of static electricity and help dissipate any static charge.

All Storm Cases come with a lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship and breakage under normal use, and are guaranteed to be watertight. Please see the full Storm Case Lifetime Warranty—included with each case—for complete details.

The lid depth for the Storm Case line varies. The majority of cases have a 2" lid depth.
The iM2050 and iM2075 sizes have a 1.5" lid depth, the iM2370 a 1.7" depth, and the iM3075 a 4" depth. All other case sizes have a 2.0" lid depth.

The silicone gasket material for the Storm Case line does not take as much compression to set at low temperatures as compared to the neoprene foam rubber used by the competitors. This means leaks are less likely to develop with the silicone gasket.

The Storm Case bezel kit is an aluminum rectangular frame system designed for mounting equipment into the case's base or lid at various heights. Bezel and panel mounts are used for a variety of applications. A standard function is to contain and mount electronic, test, and measurement equipment within the case, to be used as a control device or data collection unit.

The Storm Case bezel/panel mount incorporates molded corner pieces that will fit at any depth within the case, and uses extruded aluminum for the bezel sides. These aluminum sides screw directly to the side of the case (rubber "o"-rings are used to keep the unit water tight). The panel is screwed directly to the bezel, which offers greater flexibility for placement in the case, and much better durability in case of impact. Some competitors offer plastic rectangular or metal triangular bezels with threaded screw provisions screwed or welded to the interior that will only fit at one specific depth within the compatible case.

For stenciling on the case surface, we recommend that a 2-part epoxy ink be utilized. Flame treating should be done prior to application.

For bonding foam-to-foam, use a 3M Spray 90 adhesive (a contact type adhesive). For bonding foam-to-shell, use a 3M Spray 90 adhesive. We recommend flame-treating the shell prior to application of adhesive. Do not flame treat foam.

Today, customers worldwide are using Storm Cases in various salt-water applications. A highly corrosion-resistant stainless steel material is used for the latch spring and will not rust.

Hardigg sells through a network of factory-trained authorized Dealers who cover every geographic location around the world. More than just salespeople, our Dealers are case specialists who can help you select the perfect case for any application. Each is a close member of the Hardigg team, and has access to the latest technical and product information, including pricing and delivery details. Your local authorized Dealer will visit you on-site, and communicate directly with the Hardigg factory to ensure that your cases are properly sized and expertly cushioned.

Please contact us to be put in touch with an authorized Hardigg Dealer in your region.