Case Torture Test - Pelican vs SKB vs Monoprice vs Amazon Basics vs Nanuk vs Harbor Freight Apache

Pelican 1300 Case:
amzn.to/2WrliLP
Nanuk Case:
amzn.to/2UntsSC
SKB I Series Case:
amzn.to/33uP43T
Amazon Basics Small Case:
amzn.to/33trXXq
Monoprice Weatherproof Case:
amzn.to/3dgr6h0
Apache (Harbor Freight) 2800:
amzn.to/3a3eaJr
Check out our course on how to start and grow your video production business on Udemy here:
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[@tomkruger3496]

Main takeaway: the Apache case is 95% as good as any of the others for a fraction of the cost.

[@jeffreydahmer3995]

Same thing for a lot of harbor freight products

[@MP-qn1jw]

@@jeffreydahmer3995 Too bad HF does not sell cars. 😂😂😂

[@Nos2113]

If only they made a 6800

[@DenyTheZeitgeist]

Never had a problem with my Apache. Years on it and it’s still in great shape.

[@oblivian1308]

Prove it

[@blackhillsfilms1332]

I love how your biases outweighed the actual results of your “tests”

[@commiekazeproject]

For real. The Amazon passed all the tests, too, but didn't have any sign on the inside that it had been hit with a shotgun. That says winner to me.

[@MP-qn1jw]

@@commiekazeproject Nice to hear a real decision, not just oh they are all the same so Apache wins because I am a cheap skate. When I spend thousands of dollars on a product, I don't worry about $50 savings when it comes to protection for that expensive product.

[@gregzarkodimos9711]

Ebay listing: 'Pelican case, slight signs of use...', condition: good

[@dan_s_higginson]

It's only A+, not A++

[@makaitate6463]

Sorry to be so off topic but does any of you know a tool to get back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly forgot the account password. I would love any assistance you can offer me

[@marcoesteban1324]

@Makai Tate instablaster =)

[@makaitate6463]

@Marco Esteban I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm trying it out atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@makaitate6463]

@Marco Esteban It worked and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thank you so much you saved my ass :D

[@SobImIn]

I bought an Apache today. Yours is definitely missing a layer.

[@ScottofOakland]

Missing foam.

[@McFlysGarage]

Now did it come that way or did he fake it?

[@DetectIQsmarter]

Mine has all the foam inserts and that test was inconclusive you must do it again

[@jbphotomain]

Yeah he probably rigged this video so he can say that the HF case is bad.

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

@@jbphotomain Then why did he go to the lengths of pointing it out?

[@henrycruz45cal]

After all that and you're still worried about the latches. For the price and results, the apache is the clear winner

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

It's kinda important that the case remains shut. Not much use to have a case that can withstand an atomic blast, but spills its contents when you sneeze on it.

[@skuttsupreme8351]

Dude I’ve owned 25 or more Apache cases. They do not come open. lol. Never seen one even close to swinging open. And the bigger Apache cases (he’s testing one of the smaller), have 4 latches on all 4 sides. The apache is the clear choice for durability and price. It’s not a close call. I’ve sold all of my pelican cases and only buy Apache now. And I can double the amount of cases and still save money. People jeez, it’s not hard to understand this. Buy the apache.

[@craigieb]

@@skuttsupreme8351 I could not agree with you more. For the average "oops, I hit a doorway on the way into the room" or "I had to toss it into the truck to get out of the way of a car that was coming right for me," any case will do just fine. These torture tests are ridiculous. As you said, the Apaches perform flawlessly for a fraction of the price. I, too, have more than 20 of these cases, from tiny to huge. I will *never* buy a Pelican case. They're great, but vastly overpriced.

[@MP-qn1jw]

When I spend thousands of dollars on a product, I don't worry about $50 savings when it comes to protection for that expensive product. Stepping over a dollar to pick up a dime. wow. 😂🤣🤣😂🤣

[@GingerAttack666]

@@skuttsupreme8351 We have apaches at work and we have to use locks on them as the latches absolutely do not hold. Maybe if you're putting lighter stuff in them, but the apaches are too soft and when we load one of those cases with 50lbs of copper the latches will absolutely pop if you drop it.

[@matthew.tamasco]

People steal the foam at HF all the time. Be careful to check first.

[@rangersmith4652]

I've seen that. I'd call 99% odds that is what happened here.

[@juliandrake3159]

A friend of mine actually drove over an SKB rifle case with his truck, he had placed it near his truck and then moved the truck forgetting it was there. The case was fine and the rifles inside suffered no damage.

[@puttputt524]

You are missing a piece of foam in the Apache.

[@caffein8ed24]

Just bought a Nanuk case right before watching this video. Thank you for this torture test.

[@glennt939]

So,did I .ha ha ha kind of did this backwards.

[@Pablo1on1]

Me too! 😃

[@andre1987eph]

Me three 🙂 Lime green 910

[@wavelengthdesigns]

I'm unimpressed by your lack of initiative in confirming that the Apache case was indeed missing a layer of foam. Having several of these myself the latches work much better when the foam provides tension for them. That said they are the cheapest case by far, but when used for lighter duty and with all of the intended foam layers I think they're an acceptable cost compromise. For valuables many times the cost of the case I would spend more for a case with better protection and a warranty for contents, just for peace of mind.

[@markoda2120]

Very nice job on the tests and ranking. Eye opening results. Thank you.

[@ramonbannister9498]

So now I know if I have my Nanuk case and a guy comes around firing a gun, I'll hide behind the case.

[@craigcalderon6835]

Your video made me glad I had already purchased the Nanuk👍🏼

[@elongatuspiranha]

Just the video I was looking for. Thanks!

[@slavicprincess]

The test wasn't fair at all since one was missing foam and the pelican was so much deeper than the others.

[@mrwashur1991]

I definitely agree on the foam but if a case is designed better then it’s a fair comparison. Deeper is an option. There’s a ton of videos where the egg and wine glasses don’t break and they have all the foam in there. It wouldn’t have failed the egg test if he had all the foam.

[@southernyankee2167]

Regardless of the missing foam on the Apache, the latch also failed on the egg-drop test. The Apache is not comparable to Pelican, SKB or Nanuk.

[@ruthlessrog1]

​@@southernyankee2167 but the pelican had a signifigant stress on the drive over... and all the birdshot that penetrated?! Pelican...not better

[@skuttsupreme8351]

False. I own 25 Apache cases and have used them all at one time or another. When all things are considered, Apache is the best to own. The bigger Apache cases have 4 latches, it’s not coming open. I’ve never once had an Apache case open without me doing it.

[@skuttsupreme8351]

Exactly. How anyone could come away thinking the pelican is better is hilarious. It’s the worst case you can buy pragmatically. The guy you commented to probably got hosed down by pelican over the name and doesn’t want to admit his cases are a stupid investment and don’t protect his shit any better than Apache.

[@j.p.6228]

10:15 the Everything Money music! 😂 awesome video man!!

[@honza4062]

Great video! One thing I would love to see however would have been a high drop test on solid ground, 2-3rd story window (or higher;P) drop onto concrete floor.

[@andrewhuerta7028]

Thank you so much for this video, I'm looking to buy the DJI Mini 2, and was looking for the best case I rely on to keep it safe no matter what it would go through. Without a doubt, the Nanuk is my next purchase!

[@danielbrunner7730]

I just picked up an Apache 2800 today for my mini. I had a 20% coupon at harbor freight so I kinda was just killing time. I bought my DJI Mini 2 last week at Sam's club. Came with drone, remote, extra props, battery, mini screw driver and some USB cables. Being it was a special combo it also had 4 extra sets of props, an extra battery, and a dual multi charger. I saw it a few weeks ago for $379 and thought I'd wait till the day I was getting my tires put on and after payday. My luck the 2 days later I went to pick it up and they were completely gone! I searched every Sam's club in basically a 60 mile radius it said one and for away had it. Me not wanting to miss it I drove there after I couldn't get them on the phone and not only was it now $450 there inventory was wrong and they didn't have! I was finally able to find a few at another one so I didn't let it slip even though it was $450. I had it in a hard egg foam pistol case but it was just squeezed in there and I thought this was perfect! Especially for the price. This guy's was definitely missing a layer of foam because they're are 2 layers of foam! The Apache is perfect for this! My drone and supplies fit in there like it was custom made and it's some kind of high tech military drone!

[@davidelzinga9757]

I’ve watched two other case testing videos, and you’re the first guy to use the front axle of a truck (diesel no less) to weight test the boxes. You’re also the only one with the guts to actually damage the pelican. You’ve yearned the like from me

[@RustyCurtis]

Great job, Josh!

[@bennieCTR]

Saved me the research 😉 Made me laugh a few times!

[@yvonnemgroen2306]

Wow, this is informative and surprising. I am glad I saw this.

[@sabotai1]

Great video! Thank you for doing this.

[@The-Silent-One]

I use an SKB case for my Roland AX-Edge. This video makes me glad that I do.

[@rbs-wood6241]

Thank you for the helpful comparison video. I would be very interested about the heat resistance comparison as exposed to strong sunshine in desert conditions!

[@REBELSCL]

Thanks much for this review. I’m looking to purchase a gun case and was close to picking a Pelican. I actually have several Nanuk Cases that I use for other items cameras etc but hadn’t even thought about looking at them for a gun case.. off to search now.

[@bouncehere9887]

Love the video!! Thanks so much!

[@PeteEdmunds]

Great test. Thanks. My Lewitt High end microphone came inside a case that looks identical to the monoprice. It’s a great case and says a lot that Lewitt trust their best mics in them.

[@joyoffilming9500]

Thanks so much for this truly enlighting case review. Just in seek for one of these solid boxes for air transport of my camera gear.

[@NRTWraith]

4:22 you are correct in thinking the apache was missing a foam layer. i own many of these cases and they have top to bottom. one for the lid, 2 mid section pieces, and then a final 1 inch layer at the bottom. seem like another customer may have taken a piece out of that case or just a QC fault before shipping and it ended up with 1 less layer of foam and never got noticed til you bought it

[@cj64films]

Well I was already planning on buying some Nanuk cases and this sold me even more lol

[@noneya135]

I can't believe this video only has 411 likes. This is probably one of the best real world test videos on all of the brands.

[@Tiebox]

The tests are weak. Some of these cases are supposedly 'waterproof'. That said, submerge them in the water for 48 hrs. and pull them out every 4-8 hrs. checking them. The drop tests were weak asf. Dropping them on grass... I want to see one dropped from at least 50' on hard surfice to see what happens. Or hit them with a sledgehammer. The tests were weak.

[@camarogs1]

This would be a whole lot more believable if you used all the same size cases. You can get each in fairly close dimensions. Also you need to take into consideration prices Also your drop test is faulty because you used a faulty Apache case to begin with. You can also throw the Apache around with the best of them and it is not going to come unlatched. In the end it is obvious you were prejudiced against the cheaper Apache case from the start.

[@6denashi608]

Thank you, Mr. Hall, this was a helpful comparison. I was considering purchasing a Monoprice case (12139), but eventually went with the Nanuk 935, partially due to the information in this video. I have a few of the Apache cases shown here and I have been happy, but agree with your assessment that they are perhaps not the best for cherished equipment due to the latching mechanism. But it was good to see the Apache perform as well as it did.

[@1madmaxx80]

Nanuk cases are amazing quality IMO. Plus they are one of the only, if not the only, manufacturers to make a case that will fit a 52" long gun

[@maul9815]

Awesome job, dude. Thank you!

[@josephs8829]

Too bad you didn't insert the egg in the Apache case like you did in every other one. Your dislike for the Apache is apparent right from the beginning. Yes there are better case choices but without the layer of foam you essentially skewed the results.

[@andrewzappa3318]

I’m so glad Nanuk won. I just ordered 2 more to making my collection 4 nanuk cases

[@ardo111]

I'm chillin at like 13 or 14 of these things. From 903 to 940!

[@mandychan3281]

Thank you Mr. Hall. This video is very helpful. Would you do with with aluminum luggages?

[@andre1987eph]

Just before watching this video, I purchased a Nanuk 910 for my DJI mini 2. Glad to see I made good choice.

[@ucitymetalhead]

I need me a nanuk case they seem really good and fairly cheap.

[@randallglueck]

Very thorough test, awesome! Have you considered how a GPC case would compare to the Nanuk?

[@PTBOTHUNDERU15RED]

GPC is not a case mfg - those are SKB Cases.

[@danwatts4939]

@Joshua If you fail to check to make sure all the foam is in a product, that is not a product failure, it is a careless consumer failure. I use Apache cases, and have never had a failure or damage so far. Are they the most asthetic looking cases, no, but for the price you cant beat them.

[@miltonwelch8619]

Great job, and a bit hilarious!

[@theaznbboi]

Damn a little dissappinted in pelican with that shotgun test.....

[@evanwindom]

I have several Pelicans for camera and rifles. The latches are secure, but sometimes absolutely painful to open. They're older cases, though, so they might have a better latching system now.

[@MaxRovensky]

This guy looks like the unhinged assassin husband from The Blacklist

[@yta6765]

1. What was the corner weight (roughly) of your truck? Some of us are in parts of the world where we don't see US trucks. Where I am we see Japanese stuff like the Hilux but from TV footage I think it is a smaller version than used in N America. 2. I would like to have seen assessment of ease of use too - like what it is like using the catches. I have experience with Pelican and hate the catches for not being user friendly, though I recognise they are secure. I recently encountered SKB and really like their catches. Also, I believe the cases are significantly lighter than the standard range of Pelican, but I don't know about Pelican's Lightweight range. I don't have experience with the others you tested, so this was a great intro to them. 3. A proper price comparison would have been good too. How much cheaper is cheaper? I know this would vary market to market but knowing whether we are looking at a few percent or made 20% plus or more would be useful. For me the waterproof test and the vehicle test were to key ones. When stuff goes by freight sometimes it can end up with massive weights stacked on top, so knowing it is at least truck weight proof is good (though refer #1 above on that). Thanks for the video - and for reading this comment.

[@TheiDentityCorp]

Awesome Comparison!!

[@pitspeedtv]

Thank you for mentioning the weight. Obviously they all hold up, so the only real tipping point for my decision was the weight. Nanuk ordered

[@YvonnenRon]

Thanks! I would have just gone for the lowest price.

[@guarddogfoaminserts777]

Love the video! let us know if you ever need some foam inserts!

[@BlufftonMicrocosmicExperiment]

The Apache has padlock holes to ensure it never opens. Coat the foam with Flex Seal and you are happy at a very low price, especially considering Harbor Freight always seems to have sales on them.

[@raventorenx4791]

FANTASTIC REVIEW. Definitely surprised by the low likes and views.

[@rec10media93]

So im looking commercials and between your video thx man

[@rodrrico]

I find stacking Pelican cases is easier than Nanuk, but they are both great brands.

[@paulshoots7621]

The Apache was missing a layer of foam compared to the one I bought. If you bought it in store someone may have stolen it.

[@ethanfailes7908]

Is the shotgun test really fair, why keep the foam in some and not the others.

[@redplanet76]

To be fair the pelican has a higher wall than the others... at least it appears so. So tests like that the truck running over it will cause more damage. That being said I’m really impressed with nanuk.

[@DK-jd8bj]

I only use nanuk cases now. Previously all I had was pelican. Nanuk is just a much higher quality product than pelican which hasn't really changed anything in 30 years. A big factor for me is also where they're made. Likely the other cases are all made in China. I assume pelican is still made in the US and Nanuk is made in Canada. That's going to cost a bit more but I'll pay a little bit more for quality and supporting the local economy.

[@chrollo7102]

pelican is made in Atlantis it's so good

[@cuua360]

I recently bought an expensive pelican case and I was hoping to get another one, damn it! I watched the video too late

[@rangersmith4652]

The key is not whether the case survives to be used again; it's whether whatever you have inside the case survives. It's like a crash helmet; you don't expect it to circumvent two catastrophes, just one. An you DO NOT want the best possible case. That would be enormous and would weigh more than you can carry. You want a case that is reasonably protective while providing the portability you require and a good insurance policy -- a real one, not an analogous one. Don't rely on any case's warranty; company lawyers are smarter than you are in that regard, and they will nearly always win.

[@darrellsmith4463]

I agree the nanuk is great, the latches are unmatched and this is the most important in my opinion.

[@chrisw443]

You didn't throw it down a flight of stairs, and thats my defacto test. this video gets a 4 outta 5 destruction points.

[@ardo111]

Amazing, thanks!

[@nsnl_]

the shotgun shooting test wasnt really scientific. Firstly the spread is pure luck and based of the wind and aim of the shooter. Secondly the cases were slightly different in size facing the shooter. Hence some received sligthly more pellets. but really point one destroys the test. If you had used a slug, .22. 9mm idk it would be measurable as its not a random spread.

[@automaticenforcer9051]

Pelican all the way it’s worth paying that bit more. Great video really enjoyed it. it’s crazy how you haven’t got more views on this video and subscribers. Iv subscribed and I look forward to watching more of your videos. - stay safe stay free

[@matoflynn]

Great video

[@VallhallaNet]

would like to see the same tests for the HPRC case

[@StardustLegacyFighter]

This video definitely discouraged me from buying a Pelican case, even though I would never subject it this level of abuse. I think the general consensus finds the HF Apache cases to be the best value, and the Nanuk cases to be the best quality for the price. The Amazon case definitely performed much better than expected, especially since it's probably made in China like all other Basics products. The SKB and Monoprice cases did pretty well, despite not getting much attention in the comments section.

[@DS-182]

I've never had a problem with any of my apache 1800 or 2800 cases i use the for camera equipment (film and digital), musical equipment and as my main gun cases.. when they go on sale, i try to buy as many as i can... you just have to see if it's complete and check the seals.. amd yes ppl do steal the foam, i actually called out a guy for taking foam from one and putting in the one he was going to buy

[@idiotburns]

Which ones are made in the USA, please include in the videos?!?!

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

How does the customer service compare. I know Pelican offers a lifetime warranty. How about the others?

[@isaaclandau5751]

Thanks!

[@akhilnair6705]

love from india loved your video 💙

[@wildchild795]

Maybe try testing on concrete instead of grass and gravel?

[@jacobstout9769]

Yeah the Apache should definitely have the extra foam. I'm surprised the Apache took as much as it did. I use a Apache 3800 for my knives. Not really concerned about it surviving a drop from a 2 story building or being submerged in water for several hours. If I had cameras I might up my case game. But the Apache is plenty reliable for what I use/need it for. Walking with it in the rain is about as much as it is going to get.

[@meatbyproducts]

I own many Pelican and a few Apache cases and your Apache is missing foam. That is on you if you bought it in store and did not look inside.

[@corail53]

Pretty sure that amazon gets their cases private labeled from the same factory as monoprice. They are most likely the exact same case.

[@mtminded4498]

Would have been nice to show and rank them by price. Having suspected that the Apache was missing a foam layer, you could have looked at an official product picture to see if you were testing a complete product and not one lacking a critical component.

[@wildfireman13]

The difference, Pelican paid me $1500 for my camera that broke when the case failed at normal conditions.

[@Sylverminx]

Wow really?! Is that their policy?

[@wildfireman13]

Rowan Not sure, but it was a defective case and I put up a big stink about it. $5000 camera and a $800 lense.

[@Sylverminx]

@@wildfireman13 good for you! As they should btw. They probably changed their policy after that because their website now says they absolutely will not under any circumstances replace contents ;)

[@wildfireman13]

@@Sylverminx It was in 2010, I don't even own a camera anymore except for the one on my phone. But now that I know that probably won't buy a Pelican case again, I still have a small 1150 but it's for a first aid kit on a boat.

[@StephenGu-vz1bk]

I like all of them

[@pasists]

You shuld tested how good they burn ! 🔥

[@PowderMill]

I USED to like Pelican. Not so much nowadays. I have 12 of the Pelican “Elite” cases for my rescue and fire training equipment and communications gear. It’s just for ground travel and I haven’t even flown in 20+ years. They were $720@ ! but looked to be perfect for my application. Not so much ! The wheels bind up all the time / the locks have literally fallen off on 3 of the cases AND I now use hand carts to move them as the wheels are just horrible and unusable. Pelican’s answer? We discontinued the line, our “lifetime” warranty does not cover the product. I have moved to Nanuk. The quality seems much better than most Pelican cases and the color selection is a lot nicer. The only dilemma… nothing great in a wheeled case. (I have Ankylosing Spondylitis and have trouble walking, let alone carrying a heavy case. There are times where I have to travel with some of the cases without help. Wheels are important) Thanks for your video!

[@andre-le-bone-aparte]

🤔Fire Test? - Figured most people would want to deal for fire and flood.

[@Greenmachine305]

If you are a reporter in a war zone, as this test suggests the usage case to be, protecting your gear is secondary to protecting yourself. Will be buying the HF cases.

[@ClarsonCarson]

You used different shells for the shotgun test. I'd say that's unfair.

[@georgistefanov5166]

Great Job!! Thank you for putting the effort to make this video! However, I am more confused than ever... The thing is that there are a few other videos here on youtube where you can see the Apache and Nanuk getting totally smashed buy a truck driving over, while I have never seen this happen to a pelican case. My main dilemma is between Pelican and Nanuk. Imo the shooting test can not really be accurate measurement unless you always shoot from the exact distance at the exact point. I also wished you ran over them completely, not with the help of a ramp. Do you think it would have made a difference? Pelican feels and looks stronger but Nanuk has better wheels and latches system. At the end of the day if you had to bet your life on one of them, which one would you pick and also I was curious if you travel with them as a checked-in or always carry on? Thank you one more time for this awesome comparison!

[@thezyreick4289]

I mean honestly in this review you can't compare that pelican to the nanuk on the crush test. That's a much larger pelican case than the nanuk, meaning the nanuk will be much stronger, because the larger surface area you have, the more it needs to be reinforced to brace a certain amount of force, and that increases exponentially not additively. For it to be a fair comparison they'd have to be nearly identical sizes. Within half an inch or so. Even just a case 16inch case compared to a 17inch case made identical in every other way, the 17inch case would need to have around 20-30% extra reinforcement to withstand the same amount of force as the 16 inch case

[@cheesefries7436]

You should have retuned the Apache to get one with the right amount of foam, you obviously know it's missing. That's on you. If you picked up a Pelican and it was missing a layer of foam there's no way you would have tested it.

[@Robert-ug5hx]

I like condition1 and pelican, I do buy skb think tank deviders, pelican padded deviders are terrible way over priced

[@jamescampbell4334]

Why not include Explorer cases? Best cases I've used by far.

[@TexZenMaster]

Why would you buy an Apache case missing a layer of foam? Didn't you inspect it?

[@thezyreick4289]

Harbor freight is an online store that ships merchandise, you don't get to inspect the item in person before buying

[@TexZenMaster]

@@thezyreick4289 That is untrue. They are a large chain of retail establishments with over 1,000 locations nationwide. I didn't even know they had a website until a few years ago.

[@jasonlindquistmedia]

glad I got nanuk , $400 but worth for protecting over 8$k in gear.

[@arowefilms]

There was a clear bias here... The apache holds up well but pelican just lost alot of value against price.

[@TheeManWIthNoLife]

Excellent video! Great job! Now to remove the Pelican case from my Amazon wish list because fuck those prices!

[@AssassinoGioco]

Nanuk #1!

[@sarys73]

Use ith Apache for firearms since you will have it locked anyway. My Apache latches are a bitch to open. However I noticed some of the ones on display at HF weren't as tight. $29.99 for the Apache 3800 vs the pelecan saves youi over $130. The Pelecan double latch isn't worth paying an 400% price increase when you can buy a lock for a couple bucks. A;sp Pelican stopped using metal on their lock loops, whereas Apache still uses the metal.

[@Elienguitar]

All I buy are the harbor freight cases for all of my pewers.

[@evanwindom]

It's an interesting collection of tests. I'd recommend just demonstrating each test with one case, though, and then moving to results. If a case fails, drill in on that. Otherwise, the video gets pretty tedious and repetitive.

[@joseramos-go8qz]

Yes you was missing one foam

[@Indie_Index]

this video deserves more love!