Pelican 1650 Hard Case mini review

Good day folks. I have been reading this forum for quite some time, but haven't participated much. I want to share as I found this web site indispensable for case reviews.

I bought a Pelican 1650 hard case to supplement my Tamrac pro 12 soft case. My thought was to use the soft case in the field, but have the better protection of a hard case at home.

I didn't get the divider lining, figuring I would try the pick and pluck interior that came with this case (bought it at a local photo store and that is what they had currently in stock).

This model also seems to be the older version, as it does not have the sliding handle but a folding handle to pull it around on its wheels. The pick and pluck foam is rather interesting. This case came with 2 sheets of the scored foam, with an egg crate upper lining and a bottom lining. It was real easy to rip this stuff up along the score lines. I just took my time to do a good job.

This case has the large handle, 1 smaller pull out handle found on each end, and a larger folding handle to drag it around on one end with 2 wheels found on the opposite end.

Here is the front showing the case open.

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That is nice...but I'm curious why do you need such a hard case at home?

So that I can keep all current and future gear in one box. More for convenience sake. Also, it is easier to transport around if need be.

Thanks for the review. I was going to get one of these too, but was afraid it would be too big/heavy. I checked one out a local store and after realizing I could actually fit my tripod in it, I was sold on it. Couple of questions:
- Did you consider standing the lenses up instead of lying them down flat?
- Did you consider other sizes and if so, what made you decide on this one?

I don't think any of us really need a case this sturdy at home either, but I'm probably going to get one too for storage (beats putting it all in a cardboard box) because it looks cool and I kind of figured I can lock it up and chain it to a stud in the house. It's not going to stop a thief totally, but it will slow them down, I figure.

Oh...would you mind taking some pics of the handle and the case standing up? I think you are right about the case being a bit older because from what I understand, the newer ones have metal around the lock holders.

I own this case and have a more densely packed setup. I have considered the divider kit. Might do that one day.

I've taken mine on small skiffs across shark infested waters, it's been through a multitude of airports, banging around the rear of a 4x4 at the edge of the world, it's been in helicopters, it's held my lights, it's been a good place to sit on the racetrack, it's been good "luggage", it's been.....

....it's been very good to me. Love mine. It's surpisingly light.

I love picking it up at the airport and depressurising it. People look at me like I'm setting off a bomb or something. And always a polite TSA slip inside. I lock mine with TSA locks and some airports don't have TSA keys, I've seen the baggage handling areas of some pretty sketchy airports.

Thanks for the review, Chako.

Jason, just curious. Does the 1D II Fit there? I tried one of these cases (probably a smaller model??) and the 1D would barely fit,the base of the camera and the top touched both polymer ends.

I tend to favor hard cases as well. Most of the time, I travel with gear in the car, then assemble what I need, and pack it back up when I am done. My Expedition 7/8 bag is taking a beating, and slowly, so do the items inside.

This is not a 'take to the zoo or bungee jumping' cases, but definitely a safe way to transport your gear.

SunTsu:
Yes I did consider standing the lenses up instead of on their side. All would have fit this way except for the Sigma 50-500. I placed them in this case as I only see two more lenses in my future, a dedicated macro lens and a fisheye. This case is so roomy that I could do it this way and still have room for everything.

As for your second question, I decided on this one as it was the largest the local photo store had in stock on the shelf. I really wanted something that would give me room to breath when I get future gear. Mind you, I do not plan on traveling by plane with it. If I was, a 1510 or something of that size that can be used as carry on would be a better decision.

Yes, the case is definitely the older model.
1. Two sliders that you pinch to release the spring loaded handle.
2. The smaller folded handle. There is one on each end of the case.
The newer case has a metal padlock section, has a folding pull out handle on the underside of the case instead of the one shown below.

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Here is the case standing up. That long handle on the left can fold away for easier handling when it is not needed. It is the same size as my portable AC unit in the background.

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[drool] oghoghohhohohggggg.... me wants it.