Condition 1 vs Pelican:
Which Hard Case Is Right for You?

Water and dust

Both our cases and Pelican’s are IP67 rated. This means they keep out dust and water, even when briefly submerged. Both have automatic pressure valves, so the lids still open easily after pressure changes from flights or temperature swings.

Strength and testing

We both build crushproof shells: ours from CN-1 resin, Pelican’s from HPX polypropylene. Credit where it’s due: Pelican has achieved US, UK and NATO military certifications on some of its cases. We haven’t been through that certification process yet, but we test our cases through independent third-party labs and are working toward additional certifications.

Foam

Our pluckable foam is the same polyurethane foam as Pelican’s. For lid foam, we use convoluted egg-crate foam, while Pelican’s varies by model. The difference is pre-cut foam, where we take the lead. Pelican’s pre-cut interiors use polyethylene foam. We used it too, before upgrading to CNC-cut, closed cell EVA polyethylene, for a smoother feel and look.

Firearms

We both make firearm cases with pre-cut interiors, but our range is wider: pistols, revolvers, rifles and shotguns, including AR-specific cases. We also pioneered lid organizers in firearm cases, and our pouches are removable. Add our CNC-cut foam, and this is the category we’ve built around.

Cameras

Evenly matched on protection and fit. We both make camera cases with pluckable foam or padded dividers, including carry-on sizes, and our #300 is almost identical to Pelican’s 1510. The differences are style and status. Pelican has been the name in camera cases for decades, and owning one carries a status we can’t match yet.

Specialist cases

Pelican wins here, with purpose-built cases for far more uses, from laptop and medical cases to wine and cigar setups.

Prices vary case by case. Some of our most popular models are priced the same as Pelican equivalents, others come in lower, and a handful cost more.

When you’re comparing specific models, check where each is made, since both brands have USA-made and overseas ranges. Make sure you’re comparing like-for-like sizes and protection. Pelican’s Vault series, for example, is weather resistant rather than waterproof and has a 3-year warranty, so our pistol cases compare more directly with their Protector cases.

And check what’s included: padded dividers, pre-cut foam and lid organizers can come with the case or be sold separately, and that changes the real price.

Latches

Pelican’s Protector cases use double-throw latches, a proven design that pulls the lid tight against the seal. Ours are a patented design that opens and closes smoothly and quietly.

Padlocks

Our cases and Pelican’s are padlock ready and accept TSA-approved locks. Pelican reinforces their padlock points with stainless steel protectors on some models. They’re mainly there to prevent friction wear, not to stop a determined thief with heavy tools. We don’t add them, but if a padlock point ever wears through, our warranty covers it.

Sizes

Pelican wins on range, with cases from micro to extra-large in more size increments than ours. Apart from their smallest cases, which we don’t match, our sizes line up closely across the common range, so you’ll find a like-for-like option from either brand.

Weight

Model for model, Pelican cases tend to be slightly lighter. Our #300 weighs 12.4 lbs empty against 11.99 lbs for Pelican’s 1510. Your gear makes up most of the weight, but if every pound counts, Pelican’s Air line is built specifically to be lighter. Expect to pay a premium, well above both our cases and Pelican’s own Protector line.

Customization

We both offer cases in multiple colors. Through ColorCase (a Pelican authorized distributor), you can build select Pelican models with your own choice of shell color, handles, latches and wheels. We only offer custom colors on business, agency and bulk orders.

The company

Pelican is a large global company, owned by private equity. We’re owned and operated by our founders in Sherman, Texas. Both brands make their core hard cases in the USA and some products overseas.

Support

You can reach both of us by phone. Online, our website has live chat that answers questions instantly and connects you to our US-based support team when you need a person. Pelican uses a contact form and will email you a response.

Warranty and returns

Both brands offer a lifetime warranty on their core hard cases. Pelican’s Vault series, which they position as a more affordable line, has a 3-year warranty. Our economy line has a 1-year warranty. We give you 60 days to return a case. Pelican gives you 30.