Pelican Case soft wheel upgrade modification

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Pelican Case Wheel Replacement

If you watched video #56 where we compared the SKB iSeries cases to the classic and industry-standard Pelican brand cases, you might remember my pointing out the difference in wheel technology being employed by the two manufacturers. While the Pelican case wheels are incredibly hard-wearing and can clearly stand up to extreme use over prolonged periods of time, they’re just a bit noisy for everyday travel.

There are a number of other blog posts and videos that cover this topic, and this seems to be a somewhat common modification done in the photography industry. I’ve read one report of a photographer suspecting that their camera lenses falling out of alignment and needing factory service to focus correctly again, was due at least in some part to the shock they received while traveling in a standard Pelican case.

Hard vs. Soft

Here are some other reported benefits of soft luggage wheels compared to hard ones:

Quieter operation: Soft luggage wheels tend to be much quieter when rolling across surfaces compared to hard wheels. This can be particularly important in quiet environments such as hotels or when traveling with sleeping children.
More shock absorption: Soft wheels can also absorb more shock when traveling over rough or uneven surfaces. This can help protect your luggage and its contents from damage.
Better traction: Soft wheels typically have better traction on smooth surfaces such as airport floors, which can make it easier to maneuver your luggage around.
Lighter weight: Soft luggage wheels are usually lighter in weight than hard wheels, which can help keep the overall weight of your luggage down. This can be important if you’re trying to avoid airline weight limits or if you have a lot of other items to carry.
More flexibility: Soft wheels are typically more flexible than hard wheels, which can make it easier to navigate tight spaces or narrow aisles.

That being said, hard luggage wheels do have some benefits as well. They tend to be more durable and can withstand rougher treatment, making them a good choice for frequent travelers or those who pack heavy items. Additionally, hard wheels are often smoother and easier to roll over longer distances. Ultimately, the choice between soft and hard luggage wheels comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your gear.

You don’t have to buy the same set of wheels used in the video. In fact, it would be great to get feedback from anyone who tries a different brand or style. Popular Pelican case models like the 1510 & 1560 shown in the video take a 64 x 18 mm wheel. It can be slightly smaller than 64mm in diameter & 18mm in width but not much bigger. You could possibly go one or two millimeters larger in either dimension, but it’s a tight fit.