Pelican Air 1535 Review and 1510 Comparison

UPDATE 1 - Click here to see the 1510 case I ended up buying.
• Yellow Pelican 1510 wi...
UPDATE 2 - The Pelican 1535 I reviewed came from the very first batch of 35's made back in 2016 (I believe). Literally the day it went up on Amazon I bought it. Since then they have made some pretty substantial changes to the 1535 that address a few of my concerns in this video. I would definitely take another look at the 1535 if I were buying a new case today. They also offer it in more colors which I'm a big fan of not sticking to ordinary black. I still think they need to come down on the price of the 1535. It's basically less plastic but $40 more and doesn't make any sense to me. I don't know for sure but I would doubt Pelican had to heavily invest in a lot of new equipment to make the 35 line.
ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION - I was looking for a new case for my camera gear and knew I wanted a Pelican. The day I went to buy just happened to be the day the new Air series was announced so I decided to wait a month and get one. This is my review and comparison of the new Pelican Air 1535 compared to the older (and cheaper, yet heavier) Pelican 1510.

[@scottmattila8318]

They sell both for a reason. If you need the strength buy the 1510. If you need the lighter weight buy the 1535. They were never intended to replace each other. Great comparison tho. Thanks for posting!

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

^^ This. They're made for different use cases. If you travel, you want something that will keep your stuff safe, but also allow you to pack a lot in there, and still be under the weight limit for carry-on. That's where the 1535 AIR comes in. If you've got fragile, expensive equipment that you want to pack in as much foam as possible, you get the 1510. Weight is not a factor in that case.

[@Toki1908]

Right on time, I was wondering if theres any comparison of these two. Great review.

[@tonda_turnov]

Thank you, Brad. I haven't seen 1535 yet, but I have some small old Peli cases and after your review I am sure that old system is more suitable for me :) Thanks!

[@andrewplant9478]

Good review. The 1535 flexes so much that when you pick up a loaded case by the main handle it pulls the lid away from the case. 1510 all day

[@masterb162006]

The Air series was designed for checked in baggage. They changed the construction from solid to a honeycomb construction. I've watched videos of the Air cases travel across the world with no issues. I carry tools to and from jobs by Air all the time. Dont let the flexibility fool you! Great video.

[@theishkid]

Yea I think after having the 1510 all this time I would like to try one of the air's to give it a better long term comparison. I don't know if it's light enough to make that much of a difference after you have 20 pounds of gear in either case but I would be interested to try.

[@Gladtobemom]

My husband's 1510 ,is 20 years old, he sits on it (straddling it with the extendable handle down). He installed magnets in the lid to hold up his foam, btw. It may not look all that spiffy but it's held up amazingly well. Also, that "plate" for engraving can be replaced with an engraved plate of equal size. He ordered one with his name and phone number.

[@christopherodeamfa1942]

I can't thank you enough for this. I've been needing to buy one of these cases asap, and this was the single best, most comprehensive review/testing that i needed. Thanks so much for taking the time and doing the necessary detailed work. I'm going w/ the 1510 too.

[@JimboP-Outside]

Awesome comparison, thank you. I went with the 1510

[@alanread6596]

Excellent video comparing the two cases. I have the 1510 and think it is a lot better than the 35 the 1510 is stronger and keeps your gear safer. Also why worry about weight it has wheels. Alan in the UK.

[@icopal]

Hi Brad thank you for the comparison The flex is not necessairely à bad thing for a case. In case of fall or crash, it dissipates better the force. Whereas on a strong one you better have a excellent cushioning inside. Cheers

[@miodios]

Thanks for the review, Brad. I just bought a 1510 because I hadn't heard about the Pelican Air series. Then all the popups online became Pelican Air ads. After seeing your video, I'm happy with my decision. I'm interested in the upgrades you will be making. The wheels on my 1510 seem pretty cheap. Cheers

[@theishkid]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJXNnJJ7mK9pqrM

[@maxheadroom7687]

Hi all I used small round Velcro pads to secure the lid foam. Great review Brad!

[@MrJesustrance]

Nice review I’ve been looking for a good carry on since I will be traveling with tools to work on machinery. Just precision tools but expensive.I’ll be carrying backpack with clothes and laptop in it. Thanks for this vid.

[@PresentingReality]

Great Review. I want to do one too when I get the Air, but you make such a valid point about that handle on the 1510, I use it more often than the other handle. It's a shame to loose that- all though I'm sure it helps with reducing the weight. I forgot to say I wish the Peli Air had more colours.

[@joonkwon7021]

Great review Brad! Was thinking of getting 1535, but i guess 1510 would protect the gears better. totally agree with ya on pelicans gotta be sturdy enough to protect 5k worth of gear lol. if its too heavy, then i’ll just hit the gym lol

[@theishkid]

This review was done a couple of years ago and since then the 1535 went through a little overhaul. I'd probably bee more willing to try it out again today.

[@gaelc13]

Nice and complete review - thanks. The 1510 definitely seems a better choice if you can live with the 2 pounds difference...

[@EthanIngle]

great review. I definitely agree, removing the top handle is pretty dumb. That's usually the quickest and most convenient way to grab the case, from airplanes, or carousels, or just a car trunk.

[@zdfsbnsdfn]

they are basically updated pelican storm cases, even the storm bends 10x more then the standard.. thanks for the video! i wonder how the air cases would hold up under a truck... might totally cave in!

[@MrWATM]

Excellent video. Thank you. I'm going to stick with my trusty tried-and-true 1510. With the 1519 Lid Organizer, it does a great job. (Side note: I'm a baggage guy for a major airline, I cannot overemphasize how CRITICAL good nametags are on your bag. Now you've met a guy with the custom nameplate from Pelican. I also have custom-engraved aluminum ones from Amazon attached with steel cables. I know what I'm doing...)

[@cosmonaut1961]

Thank you for the video! Are the inside measurements of the cases the same? Or is 1535 smaller than 1510? The most important question is whether dividers for 1510 will fit 1535 and vice versa?

[@callemdavies7942]

Thanks muchly for the comparison. Really undecided thus far. I like the idea of up to 40% weight saving. But I really DONT like the potential risk from a flimsy shell. If you're carrying over a thousand pounds/dollars worth of equipment, thats gotta be a major concern. My gut still says 1510. I can add a lid organiser to it (freeing up space in the main body of the case). And finally - the 1535 - in the UK - adds an extra £45. At the end of the day, spending that sort of money on luggage - you want it to last. Conclusion? Going with my first choice of the 1510. How did you choose in the end?

[@skribull-realestatephotogr3524]

Velcro is what I used in the 1510 lid foam. Works like a champ

[@peter_smyth]

I was going to suggest double-sided tape, but Velcro is better, good idea.

[@michaelsellers1510]

For the issue with the foam on the top lid section easy fix! Home Depot or any arts and crafts department store you have in your area what you're looking for is adhesive spray you'll never have that problem again! you're welcome!

[@riccardor1060]

Finally a really in-depth comparison review of those. As I expected, lighter weight does not come with all pros, but it leads to minuses. Must save for future purchase. Thank you a lot man!

[@zdfsbnsdfn]

and little circle Velcro pads will hold the lid foam in place, the rough plastic side on the lid, it just sticks to the foam!

[@bbdean6306]

Thank you so much for your great review. I've just bought it 1510 from ebay.

[@theishkid]

Did you get a color? Or just the standard black? Be sure to check out my other video of upgrades I made to mine.

[@swampgumpharpy7977]

I would suspect that if the Air had been Pelicans first offering, years ago, then they wouldn't have enjoyed the massive following that they've had. I don't spend the ungodly money on Pelican boxes because they're so light. I spend the money on them because they can handle anything that I can put them through on the job. If I just need a light box to tote some things around, them I have plenty of cheap options for that at any hardware store. How funny is it when these companies figure out a way to cut costs, then market these cuts to their consumers as new cutting edge weight savings?

[@timdauwen1078]

Nice video, thanks for posting. But where did you get the awesome sticker on the 1510? Greetings from Belgium ;)

[@theishkid]

Hi Tim, thanks for the reply. I make the vinyl decals myself with my side business. vinylmill.com

[@smusicm]

If you have used a variety of brands of hard cases, you understand that the amount of flex in the case, especially the lid, is a differentiating feature. One downside that is also an upside is the added flex this case has in relation to the previous model. My instinct says that the more-rigid case is stronger and offers better protection and a longer life. Reality is that modern construction materials (especially those used in this case) are extremely resilient and while a rigid case seems more durable (and better invites standing and sitting on), a case that has some flex does not transfer impact as harshly to the contents, buffering the blows.

[@theishkid]

I completely understand the logic behind what you are saying. I think the problem is that if you wanted a case that didn't need to be as solid as the original pelican... you could probably find a few other brands for much cheaper, not more expensive like the new Air series is compared to the original. Everything is going to depend on user needs. There is a guy that posted recently a durability video of the AIR series that might change some minds. Unfortunately I don't have the kind of cash to risk blowing up a case or driving over it with my car so my review was simply impressions and no real world testing but anyone wondering about durability should check this out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3m0p56oo6d4sMk

[@phillipnunya6793]

I'm surprised you didn't slap some double sided tape in there within the first couple of hours to keep that foam in.

[@laughwhilstraping]

The foam falling out issue is more likely to be the cut of the foam than the case

[@thebuzzmeade]

Thank you

[@fvahamonde]

I really can't decide. I guess I need them both in hand. 1. 1510 cost less 2. 1535 looks cooler 3. They're both tough, I've seen videos where they're used and abused, but I don't think a grown man could stand on the 1535 without risking damage to interior items. 4. Why'd they remove the top handle? It was literally handy

[@jwestpro]

Francisco Vahamonde you should compare/consider the Stormcase version. I’ve used mine for 8 yrs or so. The latches are easier to use. I see no use for the air 1535. It’s also international carry on sized.

[@bilalahmedkhan9278]

are they both equal in capacity?

[@TheBacontarian]

I shoot runway and stand on my case alot, once the pressure valve releases the air the 1510 lid flexes quite a bit as well. The Air has slightly more flex but its barely noticeable. The nice thing about the lack of top handle is you can sit on it comfortably which i often do for sports or when i'm just waiting around or on the subway. The price difference for the Air does seem excessive and hopefully it comes down (I got it with an adorama discount promo). But for guys that have to run around alot the Air is great, it feels like it rolls better and I transition to go up stairs faster

[@theishkid]

I'm glad your liking the 35. I know pelican would not release a product that can't stand up to their specs.

[@bilalahmedkhan9278]

hi can you tell me which box do you use for shooting sports, I also need the box for 3 pistols air, free pistol and rapid

[@TheForge10]

Seems to me that the air have been designed as carry on for air travel which is why they are lighter,. Im going to get the Pelican 1525 with yellow dividers for my camera gear , should be sturdy enough for checked luggage,

[@mugshock1234]

I know its been a while since you posted this but to fix your lid foam problem just put a few peices of velcro inside the lid.

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

Less weight means less material, which automatically makes it less sturdy. That's the trade off when you go with the AIR 1535 instead of the 1510. The AIR 1535 is made for air travel with weight restrictions. The AIR 1535 is almost 4lbs lighter than the 1510, that's almost 4lbs more you can put in the AIR 1535. So the choice is up to you: Do you want to be able to carry more weight, or do you want a more resilient case?

[@FreezingFaces]

This 👆🏼 it’s totally wrong to compare the two, It’s for 2 completely different uses. “Air” is exactly what it’s for, Air travel. It 1510 is meant for throwing in the back of the truck. The 1535 is meant for going in the cargo-hold to save weight for airlines.

[@SStanton803]

Thanks for the awesome and thorough review. If you were using one of these models as a carryon suitcase for normal luggage (clothing primary), which would you go with? My normal carryon choices simply aren't holding up long term and I can't decide between these two options form pelican. The weight isn't a big deal to me, however overall storage, handle convenience, etc are. Thanks so much!

[@theishkid]

It's a tough question to answer... The problem with the 1510 is that it's so thick and heavy which is extremely important when holding 5 grand of gear and glass. I'll put up with a few shortcomings of a pelican to have all this protection. But if I were holding clothes, toiletries, and maybe an iPad I probably wouldn't worry as much about the perceived protection level and would be fine with the 35 if the price comes down or if they finally come out with some cool colors or something to differentiate yourself from all of the other black suitcases and carryons at the airport.

[@ratnashakya3178]

Stephen, I think the 1535 (without foam) is the smarter choice, given your needs. The significant weight difference matters; and your getting plenty of protection for ordinary use. I've been perfectly happy with my 1535. From time to time you 'll need to grab the top handle (i.e., the slide out handle) to negotiate stairs. It's plenty strong enough for that. Baggage handlers grab it all the time. On several occasions this summer I had to "gate check" the 1535. You can do that with no anxiety.

[@SStanton803]

No issues with my 1510 so far, but thank you for the feedback!

[@peter_smyth]

There's the iM2500 as well, the cheapest of the carry-on size cases. Not as heavy as the 1510, nor as strong.

[@stevewood1838]

Double sided velcro works to hold the foam in place on the 1510.

[@zanedzikonski4234]

Thanks for the great review. Have a Larger pelican regular case that i fly with for my tools that is absolutely amazing. I do struggle with how heavy it when airlines limit me to 50lbs. My Regular luggage that i usually check recently got damaged and i was considering of getting a carry on instead, -specifically the pelican air carry on. After the video the standard seems to be much better, and i realized the weight savings does not really apply if its a carry on. Main selling points for me was better interior and handle setup, and also strength, as well as the top handle. Reduced price is a nice bonus. :) Its probably overkill to use for my cloths and daily essentials and since im used to checking a slightly larger bag im hoping i can fit everything i need for typical 3-4 days trips...Thanks again for helping me make my decision..

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

I'd love my 1510 case and Like the quality but my wheel finally broke with the bearing and waiting for my replacements still from pelican but I don't like the Air because is seems so consumer and not so tough.

[@TheForge10]

I think the air is designed for air travel more than anything else. You can get the 1525 and 1535 into carry on luggage. I have an older Pelican 1600 wheeled I got from work as it wasn't being used anymore,. It weighs a ton and I'm going ti use it to store my phantom drone. Too heavy and big for carry on.

[@CVX1000]

Would you possibly know how to secure the top foam? Having the same problem with my 1560

[@JacobAllison]

3M Adhesive spray works fine

[@kwilso]

Thanks for the review, Brad! So helpful. The only question I can't seem to answer is will the MacPro can fit in the 1535 safely like the 1510? I hear there's a little less space in the bottom. That's the main equipment I need the case for, very curious!

[@theishkid]

I would think it would fit. My problem wasn't that the case was smaller. In fact if I was to carry the Mac in my own case I would reconsider the 1535 because it really loads down our 1510 case and because the contents aren't as delicate as all of my camera gear. Take a look at the 9:45 mark in the video and you can see the slot cut out for the Mac in the left case and you can see the Air open on the right. Worse case scenario is you might have to rotate the Mac from how we did it to fit the Air.

[@ChessBoxin]

Are both systems allowed as a carry on?

[@michaelsellers1510]

Yes

[@schemesof40k]

A much better case for $105 to $140 is the Seahorse SE920 Protective Case, found on Amazon.

[@LilKevo303]

thanks

[@Replay3784]

Can you check? I think the external dimensions are the same WITH THE HANDLE ON THE 1510. This probably means that the internal dimensions are bigger on the 1535? I have not checked the specs.

[@theishkid]

Sorry, I sent the 35 back a long time ago.

[@nikfizri]

why did you sent it back?

[@theishkid]

because the 10 was better for me.

[@jeremyeagles3237]

Id chose the 1510 anyday. I prefer strength over caring about weight.

[@astcell]

The newer case has the top handle added back on. Plus B&H has a $50 rebate on it. Tempting.

[@theishkid]

Thanks for the heads up. I'm wondering what other changes they made based on user feedback. I wish I was in the market for another case... I'd love to give the 35 another try, especially with the TrekPak system.

[@astcell]

I just got another 1610 with $75 off.

[@GarryBurgess]

The newer 1535 actually has that handle on the top. There is a video of someone driving a British Army vehicle over a 1535 putting at least 3000 lbs of weight on it, and it didn't crush so it might be stronger than it looks.

[@theishkid]

I saw that the other day... unfortunately I got one of the very first models off the shelf of the first version. I'd love to try a 1535 after a few of the changes they made.

[@GarryBurgess]

@@theishkid After researching it, I discovered a much better case which is the Nanuk 935. It has wonderful latches that open easily and smoothly without snapping your fingers, but won't accidentally open. And their wheels are made like rollerblade wheels so they roll smoothly and quietly. Lots of people try to upgrade the Pelican wheels themselves because they are made of hard plastic and don't roll very well. The top handle of the Nanuk is also made to spring back smoothly when not in use. I also like their double stage sliding handle for tall people.

[@theishkid]

@@GarryBurgess I know all too well about replacing the wheels!

[@jefflevenhagen]

They do have a handle on the top of the case now, like the 1510..... you probably already know that.

[@theishkid]

Yea they made a revision about a year after this video was made I think. I'd like to try it out to give it a long term review but I just don't have the extra cash lying around for something like that.

[@mahmoudhobbian5801]

Best in the world

[@bilalahmedkhan9278]

can somebody tell me the dimensions of 1535 and 1510?

[@USFreedom]

Is your google broken or are you just lazy?

[@tertel85]

Strong enough to bend. Lighter doesn't make it un-sturdy

[@GwinnerStudios]

Oh dear.

[@califmike2003]

They had to cut the weight somehow they had the thin things out to conserve the weight instead of a 2-ton truck running over it and smashing your gear now a one ton truck will do it big deal.

[@jort93z]

Well, Most people buy pelican cases for the durability, thats the thing. If you don't need the durability, might as well not buy a pelican. Durability is probably the main selling point of the pelican cases.

[@talonranch]

my 35 has both handles like your 10, i got the 35 cause it was free

[@theishkid]

This review was done a couple of years ago and I got the first model from amazon the day it came out. Since then the 1535 went through a little overhaul. I'd probably bee more willing to try it out again today since they fixed a few of the issues like the handle.

[@apennameandthata2017]

The idea is same external size so carry on.

[@Helloworldwrjfjrjrj]

Which did you end up keeping. Thanks.

[@theishkid]

I literally just finished my new case. I sent the 35 back and found someone selling yellow 1510's (the tan 10 was my works). I did the wheel upgrade and replaced the yellow handles with black ones and added a handle extender. I'll do a video of it in a couple of days.

[@Helloworldwrjfjrjrj]

Thanks. Have you tried using 1510 to store camera/lense in Fstop ICUs

[@theishkid]

I actually hadn't even heard of those before but they look pretty cool.

[@theishkid]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJXNnJJ7mK9pqrM

[@jakem9524]

try 3m double sided tape, works like a charm to keep the foam in place. put it up on the 6 things on the top of the case, lasts for years. Amazon link: www.amazon.com/3M-4910-General-Purpose-Diameter/dp/B00GTA96LO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500019499&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=3m+double+sided+tape&psc=1

[@bigluda232323]

In the air versions defence, they're luggage.

[@theishkid]

What do you mean by luggage?

[@bigluda232323]

@@theishkid Do you not know what luggage is? Luggage man.

[@theishkid]

@@bigluda232323 Of course... but they are both "luggage" which is why i'm questioning your comment.

[@bigluda232323]

@@theishkid no regular pelicans are not marketed as luggage. these are specifically marketed for luggage, that's why they're thinner and lighter.

[@theishkid]

@@bigluda232323 Must be something new in their marketing that I haven't kept up with... The 1510 was marketed as the perfect size for carryon but that was 5 years ago.

[@tertel85]

Try double sided tape for your foam issue……

[@MrWhitenoise404]

on this kind of foam hardly anything can stick.. the only things i know could work are hotglue and sprayglue.. even gaffer tape is usualy just falling off foam after a bit..

[@lbeetech]

You don't get the same depth in the 1535 vs the 1510...

[@yeulakho6574]

too much flexing on the AIR.. might crush items inside it.

[@michaelthompson7570]

Went with condition1 case,,,,,jus sayin…

[@victorlolo2008]

Removing the top handle is so dumb

[@jort93z]

Thats why they added it back.

[@kchoudri]

that was more than a SECOND

[@1stRanger]

Can't see a single redeeming quality about 1535. Yes, it's lighter, but it's also less sturdy meaning less protection, which is what you're probably buying the damn thing for. At the end of the day few pounds won't save the day, but more protection 1510 gives just might.

[@mahmoudhobbian5801]

حرف نداره

[@ryanphototech]

Nanuk cases are better period.

[@shahriar1159]

what a boring review

[@theishkid]

What a asshole

[@timeltdme4355]

I think it was a great review, showed me all I needed to know :)