Harbor Freight Apache 1800 vs Pelican Case - Detailed Review and Specifications

Accurate dimensions (unlike the ones provided by Harbor Freight), weight, water-proof/dust-proof rating, and more. I provide a side by side comparison between the Apache 1800 and the Pelican 1120 and 1200 cases. I also talk about the differences between the Apache 1800 and the Pelican 1150, and provide additional specifications (External dimensions, weight with and without the foam, ...) not provided by Harbor Freight. I also talk about the water and dust proof certification, and how it compares with the Pelican certification.
Direct chapter links:
Dimensions, weight, and cost comparison • Harbor Freight Apache ...
Pressure release valve • Harbor Freight Apache ...
Latches • Harbor Freight Apache ...
Water-proof/Dust-proof rating • Harbor Freight Apache ...
Link to the case on the Harbor Freight web site:
www.harborfrei...

[@715vapes6]

Wasn’t expecting too much, but this was actually a really good comparison. Appreciate the review.

[@EclecticSteve]

Thanks, I am glad you found it worth your time.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Really great thorough explanations here Steve. I hope your channel gets a lot more subscribers!

[@jimthvac100]

Nice first time I seen anyone review this case where they actually placed a tape measure to verify inside dimensions. I was most curious about if the rated inside height dimensions included the inside of the lid. Thank you.

[@jcsheng505]

Looking forward to more of your videos. I will have to checkout their cases for my small misc camera/video equipment.

[@r.w.7232]

These Apache boxes are outstanding! Pelican are great, but for the money you simply cannot beat the Apache.

[@MaZEEZaM]

Great comparison, Thanks :-)

[@clint7799]

Apache’s interior dimensions listed on the case are nowhere near your measurements. Where are they coming up with those numbers??

[@escaflowne33055]

eh those IP ratings are just kinda marketing gimmicks. I have submerged the HF plastic ammo boxes with no leakage and those have no rating. unless you REALLY need to keep the boxes submerged for long periods of time and or are use to the automatic valve(it is nice), these knockoffs are the better value.

[@EclecticSteve]

I agree for the most part. For me it depends on the value of the item I am storing in the cases. When I have $1000+ item in the case I favor the Pelican cases just for the added certification and the automatic valve. I have also found that the manual valve on the HF Apache cases are better if you open the case at elevation and then try to open it back up at sea level when it is under vacuum. With the manual valve you can release the vacuum and get back into the case. With the Pelican case it can be a pain to try and release the vacuum and get it open since their automatic valve is a one way valve. I plan on doing another video showing the Apache cases submerged under water to see how they do.

[@danhugelier5161]

Is the foam the same quality?

[@EclecticSteve]

I would rate them about the same. They are made of slightly different foam. The Apache foam is slightly stiffer where as the Pelican case is a bit softer and might mold more to an item. I have no complaints with either of them.

[@royprice7123]

Are these cases TSA approved???

[@EclecticSteve]

I assume you mean for carrying a firearm? As long as you use a non-TSA lock on them then yes.

[@paulesterline5714]

I just checked my Apache with a magnet. The metal is NOT stainless! A magnet will not stick to stainless

[@stevenmartindale937]

That was my understanding when I started in on this, but doing a little research I found that Ferritic, Martensitic, and Duplex stainless steels are magnetic whereas Austenitic Stainless Steel is non-magnetic. Since the metal parts are magnetic, we know that they are not Austenitic Stainless Steel (i.e. grades 304 & 316).

[@llib90630]

use a magnet to test the metal

[@EclecticSteve]

The magnet test only gives part of the information. Some stainless steel is magnetic and some is not. If the metal is magnetic then it is for sure not aluminum or pot metal, but it does not rule out carbon steel. That being said I looked into it with more detail. The metal in the hinges, latches, and handle are magnetic. I was able to remove the metal from these parts out of case and inspect them in more detail and they do in fact seem to be stainless. The metal on the pressure release valve is not though. The screw itself is magnetic, but appears to be high grade carbon steel. The well nut that it screws into is brass, and the E clip that holds the screw into the nut is low grade carbon steel.

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Hmmm...with $8000 in camera gear I think Id rather have the Pelican.

[@jackieeastom8758]

The peoples Republic of China really appreciates the booth in their economy! Buy American

[@skyscratcher8825]

I understand what your saying, but! California is barely America anymore. At least China is honest about being communist!