Pelican / Peli 1535 Air review

For any photographer or videographer seeking pro-grade protection for their equipment when in transit, Peli is the go-to brand, with its robust cases very much the top tier of what’s currently available. Having taken delivery of its 1535 Air rolling case, my first thought was ‘haven’t I seen this one before?’

Turns out the answer is yes. Sort of. Having recently looked at its 1510 rolling case for this site in an attractive shocking pink, sure to be the talking point at any airport carousel, its identically sized 1535 now arrives in a more sober silver/grey colour. Other shades are available, just not pink this time.

While the 1510 claims to be crushproof, providing peace of mind should we need to check it in, the 1535 is almost as tough as its sibling yet a good deal lighter in weight. When empty this one’s just under 4Kg, as opposed to its near twin’s 6.2Kg. It retains the same dimensions too, so we’ll be able to squeeze in a similarly significant amount of gear. Plus in undergoing my own unscientific tests, it does appear almost as robust, with very little give or flex to its solid-feel construction. Even when standing on it.

Luckily, should we be in any doubt as to whether it will stand up to as much rough treatment as its maker’s 1510 alternative, the 1535 model should meet the carry-on requirements for most airlines. And there are carry handles at the top and the side for hefting it into an overhead locker too, as well as an extendable trolley-style handle at the back and a pair of wheels at the base for pushing or pulling it across the tarmac.

So, is the 1535 a just-as-good option for anyone considering the heftier 1510 for kit protection, but who doesn’t want the added weight or to spend quite as much? Read on to find out…

Pelican 1535 Air: Specifications

Pelican 1535 Air: Price

Widely available at the time of writing, the VAT inclusive UK price as well as the US price given above is taken straight from Peli’s own website. And that’s for the case when empty. US buyers get a better deal, as the cost in sterling and dollars is pretty much the same. Bear in mind too that the price will vary depending on which optional insert you go for, with foam, soft Velcro-like dividers and its maker’s layered foam and plastic TrekPak choices all incrementally pushing up the cost. For example, the case with the top tier TrekPak divider option I found retailing for as much as $422.95 or £449, which makes the Peli 1535 Air seem much less like the budget option it at first seems in comparison with the 1510.

Pelican 1535 Air: Build

As indicated above, at a weight just shy of 4Kg when empty, Peli’s 1535 Air is close to rivals from Think Tank and Vanguard in terms of heft. Though for our money the Peli Air feels a tad tougher. It’s also more manageable than the Peli 1510, the latter, at 6.2Kg, being weightier than these already weighty examples.

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In terms of removable innards for this particular case to provide a snug and safe fit for whatever photo gear we pack into it, there are several options. These include a choice of foam, which can be picked at and plucked to provide bespoke accommodation for our camera kit when in transit, or we can go for a toughened TrekPak divider option. This top-end alternative provides a bit more flexibility in terms of accommodating different configurations of gear, as it comes with a cutter tool and set of pins, as per the review sample I was sent. Alternatively, as I had with the 1510 option previously tested, my personal preference would be for the bright yellow divider set with Velcro-like rip-off and adjustable panels. Either way, these different interior materials can be lifted in and out of the hard plastic case as desired. So we could in theory choose one at the time of purchase and go for another down the line if preferences change.

As well as the industrial-looking silver/grey example showcased here, the Peli 1535 Air case is available in bog standard black, plus orange, yellow, white, an attractive sounding French Blue or a limited edition ‘Wrapped’ version at the time of writing. Practical clearly doesn’t have to mean perfunctory.

That said, practicality is delivered in spades, with protection not only provided via the rigidity of the case’s construction, but also via snap-shut locks activated with a button press for further security. There are also a couple of metal reinforced holes for threading through a couple of padlocks if I want to make doubly sure nobody can get into the 1535 when my attention’s elsewhere. And, to prove it’s mine if ever challenged, a business card holder is provided on the exterior.

Pelican 1535 Air: Performance

I was sent an example of the Peli 1525 Air with its maker’s TrekPak interior and various shaping tools, which pushes the overall weight to just under 5 kg, before I’ve loaded any equipment. This is as heavy a case as I want to be using, given that camera bodies can themselves weigh around 1 kg as we get towards the semi-pro/pro examples. I reckon I could fit a good three or four mirrorless or consumer DSLR grade bodies into the interior space available here and still have room for a further three or four lenses to go with them. There is plenty of room for a ‘main’ camera and backup, along with several lenses and a flashgun, which will suit professionals heading off on a job.

As with the Peli 1510 and competitors, there are different ways to transport the 1535 case, via side and top carry handles plus a wide, retractable trolley handle. To release this handle, we first must flex and gently bend a plastic flap that keeps it rigidly in place and then pull upwards. Without a button built into the handle to quickly release it, as common on regular consumer travel cases, I needed to bend down to release it. Also, with two wheels at the base rather than four, I cannot quickly spin the case through 360 degrees on the spot. I find that’s useful if changing direction quickly, as when hurrying to get to check-in or through flight security at the airport. Still, these are very minor gripes and the wheels certainly take some effort out of transporting what’s still a fairly heavy case.

Pelican 1535 Air: Verdict

The silver / grey exterior of our Peli 1535 Air case reinforces its industrial look and feel, suggesting this case means business rather than pleasure. While frill-free, it is at least practical, and in my opinion, is more comfortable to use than the heavier 1510 model, if you don’t need that extra degree of protection. Especially if you’re not going to be regularly checking it in and risking the airplane’s hold. Incidentally, in this respect, the built-in pressure gauge does provide an extra degree of peace of mind on those occasions where hold storage might be unavoidable. With the Peli 1535 Air Case, its maker continues to lead the pack when it comes to near-indestructible cases for protecting our precious kit when on the go.

Alternatives

As noted in the main body of the review, the closest alternative option to the Peli 1535 Air is the heavier-weight, more robust, and inevitably more expensive Peli / Pelican 1510 Protector Case. For us, it’s a bit off-putting that it weighs 6.2 kg, even if it does claim to be crushproof with it. Like the 1535, the 1510 starts off as an empty shell, as its most basic purchase option, which can then be personalised with the addition of foam or adjustable padding interior.

Coming with a foam interior as standard, and weighing 4.4 kg with it fitted, is a budget-friendly alternative in the Vanguard Supreme 40F. The only downside is its lack of wheels, which could be an issue if transporting heavy gear. Still, it can withstand being dunked in water to five metres in depth.

For those with much more gear to transport at once, there’s the bigger, more roomy option in the Vanguard Supreme 53D. Heavier as well as bigger, it’s a back-breaking 11.2 kg with a padded divider insert. A 53F model alternatively serves up a foam interior.

Halfway between a rolling bag and a hard case is the Tenba Roadie Air Case Roller 21, which less obviously resembles a camera case. This one ramps up the robustness for when we might be forced to check it in, rather than carry it on board as hand luggage. Read our standalone review of the Tenba for a more detailed comparison.

For further options still, do visit our buyers’ guides to the best hard case for cameras, best roller bags, and best camera backpacks elsewhere on this site.