Gator GP-0808 - 8" x 8" Tom Case "Gator Nylon" Padded Protechtor Series
The Gator GP-0808 is a padded 8" x 8" tom case from the Protechtor Standard series , known in many catalogs as the "Gator Nylon" range. It is designed to protect small rack toms during transport and storage, combining a durable nylon exterior with a padded and lined interior that keeps the shell safe from bumps, scratches, and the daily wear and tear of touring, rehearsals, and classes.
Although designed for 8" x 8" nominal size toms, the case offers approximate interior dimensions of 25.4 x 25.4 x 22.9 cm (length x width x height), allowing the drum to fit snugly and be surrounded by 10 mm foam and soft fabric. The exterior dimensions are approximately 26.7 x 26.7 x 24.1 cm , with a weight of approximately 0.45 kg , making it a lightweight solution that is easy to handle and stack with other drum cases.
The exterior is made of 600 denier nylon , a fabric widely used in drum cases due to its resistance to abrasion and heavy use. Inside, a 10mm foam padding layer, fully lined , protects the tom's shell, hoops, and hardware from bumps and minor drops. The case closes with a heavy-duty zipper and features comfortable carrying straps that allow for effortless one- or two-handed transport.
Another practical feature is its foldable and compact design : when empty, the case collapses to take up significantly less space in the rehearsal room, car trunk, or storage, unlike traditional hard cases. For all these reasons, the Gator GP-0808 is a well-rounded option for drummers who need to protect their 8" x 8" toms without the burden of a heavy hard case.
Main features
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Padded case for 8" x 8" tom , Protechtor Standard series “Gator Nylon”.
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Durable nylon exterior (approx. 600D) , ready for intensive use on tours and rehearsals.
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Padded interior lined with 10mm foam to absorb impacts.
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Approximate interior dimensions (L x W x H): 25.4 x 25.4 x 22.9 cm.
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Approximate external dimensions (L x W x H): 26.7 x 26.7 x 24.1 cm.
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Approximate weight: 0.45 kg.
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Transport system using comfortable and durable straps/handles .
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Robust top-opening zipper for easy insertion and removal of the tom.
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Foldable and compact design when empty, ideal for saving space.
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Color: black.
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Category: Soft padded case for tom.
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Compatibility: 8" x 8" rack toms (nominal shell size).
Product benefits
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Effective protection with low weight: the 10mm padding and lined interior provide a very noticeable level of protection against impacts, keeping the case at approximately 0.45kg.
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Protect the drum's finish: the lined interior prevents scratches on lacquered shells or vinyl finishes, as well as on metal hoops.
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Convenient transport: the carrying straps allow you to carry the tom in one or both hands, making it easy to load and unload at gigs and rehearsals.
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Space saving: the foldable design allows the cover to be stored collapsed when not in use, which is very useful in small premises or storage rooms.
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An economical alternative to a rigid case: it offers good protection for everyday use without the weight or bulk of a plastic or fiber case.
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Set organization: Using Gator sleeves of the same type for the entire kit helps to keep each tom identified and protected, speeding up assembly and disassembly.
Use cases
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Drummers who bring their own kit to rehearsals, gigs, and recording sessions and want to protect their 8" x 8" tom.
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Music schools and academies that share drum kits between several classrooms and need to protect the headphones during internal transfers.
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Shared rehearsal spaces , where the set is frequently disassembled and the pieces must be stored safely.
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Rental and backline companies looking for lightweight and affordable cases for small toms.
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Domestic use to store the tom protected from dust and accidental bumps when it is not mounted on the kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this case fit any 8" x 8" tom?
Yes, it's designed for toms with a nominal shell size of 8" x 8" . The actual interior dimensions (approximately 25.4 x 25.4 x 22.9 cm) allow for a small margin of safety for standard hardware and hoops. If your tom has very bulky hardware, you should compare its dimensions to the interior dimensions.
What's the difference between this case and Gator's ICON series?
The GP-0808 belongs to the Protechtor Standard series , featuring 10mm padding and a durable nylon exterior, designed for solid protection and frequent use. The ICON series adds thicker padding, reinforced construction, and more features, placing it a step above in terms of protection and price.
Is it a hard case?
No, it's a soft, padded case . It protects very well against moderate bumps and drops, but it doesn't offer the same level of rigidity as a hard plastic or fiber case for extreme situations (hard falls, heavy loads, etc.).
Can it be folded completely?
Yes. One of the advantages of the GP-0808 is its collapsible design : since it has no internal rigid structure, it can be folded and stored taking up very little space when there is no drum inside.
Is the inside of the case waterproof?
The interior is padded and lined , designed for the physical protection of the drum. The nylon exterior withstands light rain and splashes well, but it is not a waterproof cover; for prolonged exposure to heavy rain, additional protection is recommended.
Does the GP-0808 include an accessory pocket?
This model is designed as a simple and compact case for a single drum and, according to the usual specifications, focuses on protecting the tom without bulky additional pockets, while maintaining a lightweight and easy-to-stack format.
Design and materials
The Gator GP-0808 uses a durable nylon exterior (approximately 600D) , similar to many professional drum cases, which withstands frequent scratches and scuffs. Inside, a fully lined 10mm foam layer creates a cushioned "nest" for the tom, protecting the shell and hoops from impacts during transport.
Reinforced carrying straps allow for a comfortable grip, while the zipper system offers a secure closure and quick access. The set is optimized to be compact, lightweight, and foldable —key features for drummers who travel frequently and want their kit to travel protected without adding too much bulk to their gear.
Project description
Padded case for 8" x 8" tom, Gator GP-0808 model (Protechtor Standard “Gator Nylon” series), with durable nylon exterior (approx. 600D), padded interior lined with 10mm foam, comfortable carrying straps, robust zipper and foldable design; approximate interior dimensions 254 x 254 x 229 mm (length x width x height) and approximate exterior dimensions 267 x 267 x 241 mm, approximate weight 0.45 kg, black color.
