rating the hard cases

I've only had experience with Hardigg Storm and Pelican. Pelican cases are heavier and feel thicker than the Storms do, so some point to this as a higher quality. The Storms use a proprietary HPX resin in their construction that allows them to be lighter but incredibly strong. The Storm case features an improved design over the Pelis in several areas:
  • Thicker hinge rod
  • More hinge material which provides more purchase
  • Press and Pull latches for easy, positive locking (no bloody knuckles)
  • Captive Vortex pressure equalization valve (Pelican has now copied this, abandoning their own screw-type)
Both Pelican and Hardigg Storm feature a lifetime guarantee on their cases. I've never had to collect on either after about 15 years of use - both represent the best way to protect your gear under any and all conditions.

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I use pelican. It's not the most attractive case material in the world (we have the black) but it's very very sturdy. It's also not too heavy to carry (and I'm a weakling!). I think the storm cases are a bit more attractive and from what I can tell they're a bit lighter but I reckon either one is good. It's nice to know your equipment is being so well protected.
 
i love my pelican case, have it all custom for my cam, matte box and batteries...
i find them to be very reasonably priced too. as for the storms, no comment, never dealt with em. and porta brace are just damn expensive...
 
Actually, I'm finding that comparable wheeled cases from the 3 mfrs are just about the same in price. All make the same basic claims about protection and indestructability.

I've used a Pelican 1550 for quite a while, but I don't like the latches. For me, they're difficult/painful to open and close. PB and Storm have different designs....maybe more user friendly.
 
The PortaBrace is the same price as our rack rate on the im2720 - with very close to the same measurement spec. Curious that PortaBrace has chosen to model their model numbers so closely to Hardigg's.

I'm going to make a phone call on this...

Odd.
 
Odd in that the model numbers match, but don't match by size spec. I've got an email into our contact at Hardigg. I'm a Storm Case full-line dealer, I'd like to know if they're mfg. for PortaBrace by Hardigg.

If not, Hardigg should know that PortaBrace is using trademarked terms like "Press and Pull" and "Vortex" to describe their own line of products.

It won't be odd when I'm done with it.


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I love my Stormcase. im2950. Latches are fantastic -- easy on and off. Can't comment on other brands, but I haven't regretted getting this case one bit.
 
powerdog said:
but I don't like the latches. For me, they're difficult/painful to open and close.
Click to expand...

Yes, I agree. I've always hated those latches! I ould be wrong, but I think the newest models have a less painful design. I have a big ol Pelican that came with my used DVX, and I was able to fit all my gear inside (Letus adapter, lenses, batteries, chargers, light, etc. I can still lift it, but it has wheels and a handle, so it actually works really well as a complete kit. I might get a nice over the shoulder bag for run and gun jobs. The latches on mine seem less shark-like then older ones. But, unless you're traveling a lot, why not try the other brands? I'd like to. I'm sure they're pretty good.
 
I don't know if Pelican's latches have changed, but I do know they sell (separately) a prying tool to help you open them. I guess you're supposed to keep it in your pocket, or in a more easily opened case, cause it doesn't attach to the outside of the Pelican case in any way.

Since they're all basically the same price and specs, I probably will try one of the other 2 brands. Not much to lose.
 
I don't know anything about the other 2 brands but my Pelican has been a real champion for me.
 
The Storm definitely has better latches, handle and hinge---hands down. The plastic material actually seems a bit more resilient and looks nicer. My only gripe is that the lid doesnt seem to impress the gasket uniformly. The impression is much deeper at the corners, front and back and not as much on the sides. My first one had almost no impression on one side. The retailer RMAd it. The new one is better but not by much. I think its just the nature of the material. No worries though, its still a solid case, I like it and I dont plan on diving with it.
 
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