New Pelican Air Cases Are Up to 40% Lighter, But Just As Tough

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Published on April 18, 2016
Adorama Learning Center Editors
Adorama ALC

Weighing in at as much as 40% lighter than their predecessors, a revamped lineup of Polymer Protector Cases, dubbed the Pelican Air, was announced today by Pelican. Designed to cut weight without compromising durability, the new cases are guaranteed for life while saving money for travelers by reducing over-weight baggage fees.

Key features in all Pelican Air Cases:

  • Light proprietary HPX Polymer
  • Tough Double-Throw Latches
  • Automatic Purge Valve balances air pressure in flight
  • Watertight O-ring gasket
  • New Conic Curve lid shape
  • Crushproof, Dustproof
  • Stainless steel Hasp protectors
  • Rubber overmolded handles
  • New removable polycarbonate card holder

The new lineup consists of six new cases, ranging in size from 19.2×12.8×6.9 inches to 32.6×18.4×11 inches, includes both carry-on and check-in options, as well as versions with and without wheels.

Optimized for air travel, the cases have been re-engineered and built by reducing structural waste. The cases are molded from the next generation of Pelican’s lightweight HPX resin, a proprietary formula that rebounds without breaking. The material has honeycomb structural elements that are stronger than solid polymers.

Pelican has built a reputation for creating ultra-durable protective cases, and the Pelican Air series is no exception. The Air case has been drop-tested on concrete with loads from six feet, and have been submerged for 30 minutes at a depth of one meter. Other tests include roll-testing the wheels over 1,000 yards with full loads at 5mph, and having 28-lb steel darts dropped on all sides from 3 feet.

The Pelican Air was built with air travelers in mind. The 1535 Air is a wheeled 8.7-lb  bag that is sized just right for carry-on overhead bin storage at 21.96×11.97×8.98 inches. The 1615 Air is a wheeled bag that, at 14 lbs and 32.58×18.40×11.02 inches is the maximum size for checked airline baggage without oversize charges. Both cases are designed with extendable handles that keep the case clear of your heels when walking through the airport.

Pelican is offering several options for the inside of the cases, including a new bright yellow divider system with adjustable velcro nylon dividers. The TrekPak system uses pre-installed wall sections and a cutting tool so you can customize the layout to fit your needs. Shock-absorbent Pick N Pluck foam which is pre-scored in tiny cubes is the most protective option. Cases are also available without foam.

Five of the six new Pelican Air cases will be available in black, brown, yellow and grey. The 1615 Air is only available in Black. All are sized to be smaller than the maximum carry-on size before oversized charges.

The Pelican Air line of cases will be available from Adorama at a price range of $161.25 to $427.50, depending on size and interior configuration.