Generally fender guitar cases come in three different varieties: soft shell cases, gig bags, and hard shell cases.
Here's a breakdown of what each one entails, and tips on how to find a Fender guitar case that'll keep your strat or telly good as new.
Case No.1: Going Soft
It used to be gig bags wouldn't protect a tank let alone a nice guitar. But fender guitar cases today are made of much better material and can really keep your guitar safe in transport.
Though your modern gig bag is light years away from the cheap crap of the past, it's still important to look at the gig bag seams. Make sure they are double-stitched, and possibly rolled. This will keep moisture out-and go a long way toward indicating durability.
Another thing to consider when buying a guitar gig bag is the amount of storage. Sure, you'll have room for picks and capos and strings...but if you like to carry sheet music and notebooks be sure to find a gig bag that can accomodate.
Case No.2: Middle Road
When you need slightly more padding and proctection than a gig bag can give you then a fender soft shell case will probably the one you need.
Gig bags are great, but the padding inside them just doesn't stack up to soft shell case, which is generally made from plastic molds. (Perfect for keeping dings and scratches away.)
But their biggest advantage is their foam interior which protects the most expensive part of the guitar...the neck. Everything else can get repaired, but screw up the neck and you're screwed.
Case No.3: Go Hard or Go Home
If you're gonna be on the road alot then you'll definitely want to look into a hard shell case.
One good guideline is: if you're not able to see your guitar while you're traveling--like on a plan--then you NEED a hard shell case.
It's true that hard shell cases are a bit on the heavy side. But that bulk is protection--and is key to protecting the guitar that you want to keep safe.