Pelican 1620 Case
Exterior Information | Case Review

Pelican 1620 Case Material

The Pelican 1620 case is made from polypropylene copolymer which is a light weight material considering how strong it is. The material has a temperature range from- 40° F to 210° F at which time polypropylene copolymer will start to become brittle or soft. The material is made to withstand the most abusive environments and harshest weather conditions. The 1620 is made through a process called injection molding.

Black and Desert Tan. Black is standard for the Pelican 1620 case and is stocked by most distributors. Desert tan, inspired by the United States military fulfills the demand for a desert warfare shipping  case. Desert tan is usually stocked by larger distributors.

As a larger Pelican case the 1620 has 4 latches. The normal two in the front secure the case and since the case's width is longer than most, a latch is also added on each side. This setup keeps pressure on the o-ring at all points of the case to assure water cannot penetrate. Each latch is made in two pieces hence the name "double throw latches." One piece of the latch pry's against the other piece prying against itself allowing the case to be opened easier. With tight loads pushing against the interior lid, opening the case without a double throw latch could be difficult.

There are a total of 3 handles built into the Pelican 1620. 1 handle is located on the front of the case for "briefcase" like carrying and measures 9.75" wide. Located on each side of the case is another handle. These handles which measure 5.75" each offer 2 person carry for heavier loads. (One person on each handle). All the handles fold down when not in use so that hard hits while in transit do not touch the handles. Lastly each handle has built in rubber on the inside which gives a "no-slip" grip to the user.

When extended the the extension handle measures 37.50" from the ground to the tip of the handle. Taller users will have no problem wheeling around a Pelican 1620 case. The extension handle is made out of the same material as the case itself and does not contain molded in rubber like the handles. There are a total of 2 wheels on the case which contain stainless steel bearing that will not rust.

Case Exterior: 24.81"L x 19.38"W x 13.88"D
Cardboard Box Exterior (Shipping Dimensions): 24.81"L x 19.38"W x 14.00"D

Located directly in the middle on the front of the 1620 case is an automatic purge valve. Requiring no user input the purge valve works by itself. It allows air to move in and out of the case while blocking water and other contaminants. This eliminates a vacuum from forming in the case at high altitudes and allows the case to be opened more easily.

2 reinforced padlock holes on the front of the case fit standard size locks. The metal plated holes deter thieves from cutting the case rather than the lock. When locking the Pelican 1620 case be sure to lock both holes otherwise the lid can be bent open exposing the case's contents.

Located directly in the center of the front of the case (above the purge valve) is a blank nameplate. The nameplate can be taken out when the case is opened by sliding it upward. Nameplates can be customized by the consumer using their own methods or can be sent into Pelican to be engraved. All Pelican cases have the same sized nameplates which can be switched from case to case. At the time of this article if the nameplate is sent into Pelican you will be allowed 19 characters on 3 different lines. It costs $9.95 each and is shipped within 2-3 days from arrival.

Often overlooked the Pelican 1620 case has unique hinges that should be considered. First the hinges have built in stoppers which prevent the lid from swinging all the way down. The lid is stopped at roughly 110°. There are a total of 2 hinges both of which only allow the retaining pin to slide in one way. The other side of the hinge is closed off which means the pin cannot be tapped out by a dishonest user. Both hinges also have built in ribs which add structural support and absorb hard hits in transit diverting energy away from the hinge.

The bottom of the 1620 cases are nothing special. There are a total of 12 screws which hold the extension handle to the bottom of the case. Each screw head is flush with the bottom of the case to prevent them from being cut off or damaged during heavy shipping. There are 4 bumpers at the bottom, one at each corner which the case rests on when sitting flat.