I decided on soft cases (Gator) because I'm only playing very small time local these days. No need to spend a bomb. Nothing could possibly happen, right?
So, just weeks after buying my new kit I'm carrying them down the stairs from my block of flats - just six steps. Well, old clumsy here decides to lose her balance and the kick drum falls and hits the brick fence. Now I have a mark on the side of my shiny new bass drum.
The irony is that I decided to do things more properly this time. It's a big step up from my "serious" gigging days - old blankets held in place with masking tape. I was a bit feral back then and didn't care, but I never marked my old kit as badly ... at least until I crashed the car on a wet night driving to a gig.
Maybe Caddy's friend is on to something? It's like not insuring your car; that sure makes you stay vigilant. Terrible risk management but I guess some people prefer to ride their luck - and their nerves.
DMC, even your cases look wonderful! Still, your lovely kit deserves to be protected.