Learning the Difference Between Pelican™ Cases
Pelican™ offers four different lines of high-quality cases. Let's explore the difference in each one!
The original Protector Case™; was followed up by the Storm Case™; in 2009, which was inherited with the acquisition of Hardigg Industries. In 2017, Pelican™ launched a new line of lighter-weight cases to compliment the Protector and Storm case lines, called Pelican™ AIR;. Most recently, in 2018 continued expanding its offerings with the more budget friendly VAULT by Pelican™ case line.
The below table breaks down each Pelican™ case line in various categories along with their final ranking. When purchasing a Pelican™ case, it is important to think about what your specific needs are and pick the case that aligns the most.
See below for a breakdown of each category.
Strength
Although Protector cases, Air cases, Storm cases and VAULT cases are all strong, there are subtle differences in each case line.
The Protector cases have two-step open and close latches, also known as double-throw latches, which creates a stronger seal. Protector is the only line that offers this form of latch. However, all Pelican™ cases are all IP67 certified. This means all three are both dustproof and waterproof in depths of up to one meter for longer than 30 minutes. That’s all the waterproof protection you’ll need considering the cases have a very high buoyancy threshold, i.e. they won’t be able to be submerged in water for long without being forced to the surface.
Materials
The Protector case is made with copolymer polypropylene, which is a durable plastic. Our proprietary polypropylene formula provides the maximum possible strength due to a special foaming process during production. However, this strength comes at the cost of a much heavier case.
The Storm and Air cases are made with HPX and HPX2 resin; a proprietary formula that allows for the plastic to bend and rebound without breaking. These cases are slightly less strong than the Protector at high temperatures but are also lighter.
Finally, the more recent VAULT case line is constructed from a durable polyethylene material. This material is plenty strong for most consumer use applications, however, in more extreme conditions the polypropylene is more stable.
VERDICT
Although each case line is strong, due to different materials and case designs there are different levels of strength at various temperatures.
Protector: ★★★★★
Storm: ★★★★☆
Air: ★★★★☆
Vault: ★★★☆☆
Latches
Pelican™ latches are designed to protect your valuable items within the case, however some lines are more focused on ease of opening, while others focused on security.
The difference between the two-step double-throw latches of the Protector case versus the press and pull latches of the Storm, Air and Vault cases is the closure pressure generated by each latch type. The double-throw latches generate a greater pressure seal than the press and pull latches.
The press and pull latches are often cited as a deciding factor for many case users. The Storm, Air and Vault cases’ press and pull latches are almost effortless to open and close as opposed to the double-throw latches.
VERDICT
The one thing that latches must do on a protective case is keep the case closed. Thus, impact resistance is of utmost importance in this regard. When cases are dropped from great heights, the impact can send shock waves through the case, which can cause the latches of some cases to pop up.
Pelican™ Protector cases with the double-throw latches have been dropped from heights of more than 1.8 meters in military tests (DEF-STAN 81-41) and have proven to stay closed. What this results in is very high level of protection; however, this is also at the expense of comfort and convenience; these cases are harder to open and close.
“Press and pull” is a clever latch system that Hardigg Industries developed for the Storm and has been applied to Air and Vault case models because of their popularity among users. It provides enough closure pressure to meet all the important standards such as IP67 and MIL STD 810G (Storm & Air) while also providing ease of use. The result being a much more user-friendly latch system. They are also quieter in operation, which is a very important feature on-set for broadcasting and photography professionals!
Latch Strength
Protector: ★★★★★
Storm: ★★★★☆
Air: ★★★★☆
Vault: ★★★★☆
Latch Comfort
Protector: ★★★☆☆
Storm: ★★★★★
Air: ★★★★★
Vault: ★★★★☆
Weight
Size and weight have become important factors for cases so airline carry-on and checked bag requirements can be met. For more travel information, please read our Destination Drama Free: How your luggage can simplify travel and Traveling with firearms? Here’s what you need to know!
The Storm and Vault cases are made with a lighter material than the Polypropylene body of the Protector case, however the case line designed to be the lightest is Pelican ™ Air.
Pelican ™ Air achieved its light yet durable features through the development of its materials. Not only was a newer version of the HPX resin developed (HPX2™), but Pelican engineers also revolutionized the Protector case by reducing structural material while preserving their legendary standards of strength. The case is designed with honeycomb structural elements that reduce the amount of structural plastic and are stronger than solid polymer material. It is also designed with super-stiff “full-box” sections, which are engineered to create hollow parts, again, reducing structural plastic and thus cutting weight.
VERDICT
Pelican ™ Air is the lightest option of Pelican’s case lines, with Pelican ™ Vault and Pelican Storm ™ as runners up. Pelican ™ Protector, although the strongest, is the heaviest of the lines.
Protector: ★★★☆☆
Storm: ★★★★☆
Air: ★★★★★
Vault: ★★★★☆
Mobility
The ability to move Pelican™ cases around with ease is one of the most important characteristics of the cases. To help with this, many of the Protector, Storm, Air and Vault case models come with both wheels and a retractable extension trolley handle to allow you to pull the case as it rolls along the ground. This makes it ideal for travelling and transportation.
The retractable handle is largely the same in every case line as are the wheels. However, it must be noted that the Protector case line includes several Mobility cases, which utilize much larger, stronger wheels, suitable for rough terrain.
VERDICT
With all of that said, the Pelican™ Protector and Air cases are quite similar in this category. The Protector comes out on top with the Mobility cases, but the Pelican Air’s lightweight design is also a plus.
Protector: ★★★★★
Storm: ★★★★☆
Air: ★★★★☆
Vault: ★★★☆☆
Price
Price is likely to be the deciding factor for a lot of prospective buyers out there. However, the differences in price between the four case lines is minimal. Due to the demand of the newly launched Air cases and the revolutionary HPX2™ resin engineering, the Air case is slightly more expensive than the rest. The Vault case line was designed with the price-conscious consumer in mind, and shines in this category. Manufactured in Mexico using a more common polymer, the Vault case line offers affordable protection to the masses who do not require the extreme performance offered by the other 3 “flagship” lines.
The most important thing to remember here is a Pelican™ case, whether it be Protector, Storm, Air or Vault, is a high-quality product backed by years of knowhow as a pioneer in the industry. The prices can sometimes seem a bit steep, but Pelican cases are a lifetime investment. They’re engineered for life.
Protector: ★★★★☆
Storm: ★★★★☆
Air: ★★★★☆
Vault: ★★★★★
If you’d like to discuss which Pelican™ line is perfect for your case needs, please call 1-888-489-1766 or email contactus@thecasestore.com.