For those in the market for a tough-as-nails rolling carry-on, Pelican is the market leader, in terms of both reputation and brand awareness. If I needed one and had the money, I’d pony up for their 1535 Air Carry-on Case without thinking twice.

There are, however, alternatives. Texas-based Condition 1, who like Pelican manufactures in the U.S., offers this competing Large Case #300. Both the #300 and the 1535 have nearly identical dimensions, which is the maximum carry-on size, 22″ x 14″ x 9″, minus a couple hundredths of an inch. Both are waterproof, dustproof and feature air pressure release valves.

So what’s the difference between the two? Price is the first thing to jump out. Here’s how they stack up:

Without foam:

Pelican – $255

Condition 1 – $150

With foam:

Pelican – $300

Condition 1 – $190

With padded dividers:

Pelican – $390 to $423

Condition 1 – $220

The level of protection each offers is difficult to quantify—but one sharp difference, and what you’re really paying for with the Pelican, is a weight savings:

Empty / With Foam:

Pelican – 8.69 lbs (3.9kg) / 9.98 lbs (4.5kg)

Condition 1 – 12.4 lbs (5.6kg) / 14.5 lbs (6.6kg)

Both offerings come in multiple colors; for ease of distinction, I selected images with the Pelican case in black and the Condition 1 case in orange.

Lastly I’ll say, Pelican can perhaps rest on their laurels a bit, in the Marketing department; their website features not a single photo of the 1535 in the rolling position. While this should hardly be the metric by which you decide to purchase something, Condition 1 has put more money into the “lifestyle” photos.

Source: core77