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[Debbie Dunkley]

It's not just the fact that they are 4" that will be "better" for you.  It is the width of the wheel providing more surface area, the effectiveness and ease of use of the "all lock" brake, and the quality of the wheel and plate bearings.  Penn-Elcom wheels are great in all these areas.  There are many inferior casters that have less surface area, use crappy and inconvenient brakes, and don't roll quite as nicely when weighted down.  Just about everything from any large retail store will be cheaper than the Penn's but fall into the crappy category.


If it is often the case that only one person is moving the subs, you might consider getting 2 of the 4 casters in a "fixed" configuration.  Others can chime in on this and opinions may vary but I have a couple of 4'x2'x2' lighting boxes that are not quite as heavy as those subs.  One box has two fixed wheels and one has all 4 able to rotate freely.  The one with 2 fixed wheels is somewhat less maneuverable and you have to plan ahead which end goes first in tight spaces.  But it tracks straight when there is any kind of off camber slope such as a trailer ramp that has a tilt to it or a van parked on an angle, or across uneven ground.  With two fixed wheels and the two plate casters locked, it seems to stay in place and not slide better also.


The other light box with all 4 plate casters, two of which lock, is very difficult to manage with one person when there is a double slope.  You can only control one end by yourself and the other end can get away from you pretty easily.


I am curious to see what others might say about this idea.

You brought out the pros and cons of both really. I find the same thing.
My '2 swivel /2 fixed' boxes can be awkward to maneuver but do stay put better on a slope.

Good point on quality of wheels - not just size. My 3" wheels all have full brakes and are good quality so no issues there with mine but with the 4" wheels comes more surface area as you pointed out.
Considering the huge benefits wheels bring to what we do, spending the extra on 4" higher quality wheels is a no-brainer !!

[Mike Santarelli]

Thanks everyone! 

Went with the 4". 

The logic and wisdom here is much appreciated. 

Love this board!

[Robert Piascik]

you might consider getting 2 of the 4 casters in a "fixed" configuration

+1 for all the reasons stated
I am a proponent of this as well

[Steve Loewenthal]

GO BIG
My perception is that also reduces vibration to the equipment. (My custom built mixing table has 8 inch castors)

[Debbie Dunkley]

GO BIG
My perception is that also reduces vibration to the equipment. (My custom built mixing table has 8 inch castors)

I said this in my earlier post - very true and most important for racks with more delicate equipment in them.

[Steve Loewenthal]

I said this in my earlier post

I thought so, but looked, didn't see it so thought I should chime in.
I see it now. Plain as day. Glad it wasn't something waiting to bite me. 

[ProSoundWeb Community]