Apache vs Pelican Case

Before the accident on my Tacoma a few weeks, I had been running a Pelican case for about 3 years. I refurbished the case, meaning I cleaned it up, plasti-dipped the entire exterior re-did the pins on the latches, new pelican rope gasket to help seal the case. It has been fantastic, survived 3 years of the extreme weather patterns here in Ohio. Now to my questions...

Since I am doing a new build, I was thinking I might put a new case on the roof.

I was wondering if an Apache case holds the same standard as Pelican or not? Apache is nice on my bank account and if others are running them, might just go this route.

Edit: current case is a Pelican 1720 and looking to do the same again. Water tight is my biggest concern.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eib4zRu8m0s

 

I have a few pelicans in different sizes that I use for firearms transporting. I don’t have them mounted to my vehicle, but they’ve spent time outside in different conditions. I’ve also seen lots of pelicans getting beat up overseas.

The only experience I have with the Apache cases is a pistol case I bought because I needed one at the last minute for a flight. It’s only sat in my closet.

I know the pelicans are built well and can handle a lot of abuse. From just handling the Apache I can definitely notice the difference in build quality (one of the latches is crooked, and one of the metal tabs with the hole for a lock is also off center).

I’m sure the Apache does well, especially for the price. My concern is that I don’t know if I’d trust my sample of one to take an impact if it fell off the truck. I obviously haven’t tested it, but that’s my take.

For what it’s worth, I haven’t heard much complaints about Apache cases. I just think if you’re buying one thinking it will be indistinguishable from a Pelican then you’ll be let down. If you buy it knowing it’s a Chinese case made to a certain price point, then it should be ok.

Another company I looked at that is cheaper than pelican, but still US made is Condition One. I have no experience with them, so I can’t say how they compare, but they appear to be well made.

 

I've had the Apache on top of my 4Runner for almost a year now. Holding up fantastic. No issues. Love it for the price.

 

I’ve had an Apache case on my rooftop for a couple of years now and it’s made two cross country trips with recovery gear inside. No complaints as it’s holding up with no issues. I do park in a covered garage when not traveling so exposure to elements is not 24/7….

Cheers,
Bob

 

I've also used both and Apache is acceptable but the Pelican is just better. It feels quality, if that makes sense.

If money is your motivator look for used models on FB or CL; I got my last one for $100 basically new. There is also an alt version made by Pelican with slightly different (better, IMO) latches which is the Storm iM 3200 and those are frequently cheaper.