Kit test: LOMO dry boxes ‘DB’ and ‘Centurion’ series

Dave Barham reveals an extensive range of LOMO waterproof hard cases to keep your air rifles protected from knocks and rain

There are no fewer than 19 dry boxes in the LOMO range, but I’m just going to concentrate on a couple here that I think are perfect for us pistol enthusiasts. With varying sizes, features and grades of quality, there’s something in these ranges for everyone, to suit all pockets.

DB SERIES
The DB series features four different boxes. I’ve picked the DB1 here for review. These ‘budget’ dry boxes are made using hard-wearing ABS plastic and are held closed by two strong front clips. This protective case has an ‘O’ ring seal to keep water and dust out. They are watertight in most situations so can cope with rain, spray, being dropped into the water and can even handle brief immersions. They also have sufficient buoyancy to float with the contents inside.

These hard carry cases feature removable ‘pick and pluck’ cubed foam inserts which make it easy to create the perfect shaped recess to protect your equipment.

The lid of the box has egg-box-shaped foam for giving downward force and protection to your items inside. This foam panel in the lid and the cube foam sections are completely removable from the box for those who want to take the foam out and have the flat ABS box walls instead.

The LOMO DB1 dry box has a durable ABS plastic carry handle and features padlock loopholes if you want to padlock the lid closed when travelling. There is also a pressure release valve that can be opened when the case is being taken on a plane and used at high altitude.

SPECS
External Measurements: 280mm x 230mm x 98mm
Internal Measurements: 255mm x 185mm x 83mm
Lid depth: 25.5mm / Base depth: 57.5mm
Empty weight: 0.86kg
Weight with foam: 0.97kg
Buoyancy: 3.9 kg
Price: £23.00

THE CENTURION RANGE
The Medium Centurion dry box is ideal for carrying two pistols, as well as spare mag’s, pellets and even CO2 cylinders. As the name suggests, the Centurion range is extremely tough. Made from durable polypropylene, they are the toughest in the LOMO range and will take more abuse than most other cases of a similar type.

The cases are designed to keep rain and dust from getting to your equipment whilst protecting them from bumps and scrapes that they might encounter along the way. The polypropylene material is more durable and less likely to shatter than most other dry-box materials.

These waterproof boxes can withstand heavy rain and will even keep your gear dry during brief immersions in water. The watertightness of these boxes comes from a full silicone gasket that goes around the full opening of the box. They also feature an air pressure release valve that can be opened if going on board a plane, to help equalise the pressure inside and outside the box because without this, it can make a dry box almost impossible to open again after landing. This range also comes with ‘pick and pluck’ cubed foam as standard.

Centurion Dry Boxes feature a comfortable, over-moulded handle that has a solid polypropylene core covered by a softer rubber grip sleeve. This makes the handle both strong and comfortable to use. The main strength comes from an externally braced construction that makes each panel more rigid than it would be normally, whilst keeping the weight to a minimum. The reinforced hinges help keep the box securely closed and the double step latches keep the box lid closed tight whilst making opening easy.
Each Centurion Dry Box features retro reflective panels on the outside which helps to keep you visible if carrying them at night, or if they are strapped to the back of a bike or motorcycle.

SPECS
Outside Dimensions: 332 x 283 x 148mm
Inside Dimensions: 291 x 219 x 132mm
Capacity: 8.5l
Weight With Foam: 2.1kg
Buoyancy: 7.5kg
Price: £54.00

INFO
For more details on these and all the other dry boxes in the LOMO range, visit: www.lomo.co.uk