So, I had over a dozen lights on my desk… I could not fit them into my only storage case.
I though I had too many lights and would need to sell some, but decided to buy another storage case in the meantime.
before (lights on the lid need a new home):
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I went to harbor freight and picked up an Apache 1800 for $14… it has room for about 30 lights, of the size I use, AAA, AA, and 18350.
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So now I have room to buy more lights… LOL
Hi Jon! I just wanted to say “hello,” and also that you found a really nice value there. It’s good to know where I can get a good-sized case with customizable foam for a good price. They are handy for storage of a variety of items that need protection.
I’ve made some smaller storage cases for individual lights and a battery or two, using Otterbox cases I found at a great price years ago, but the cost of those adds up quickly, even on sale. More recently, I found a retailer that had some cases by S3 on clearance. I bought several at that price for storage of items larger than flashlights, then found when they arrived that they were a larger size item than had been advertised. They will work fine, but it is clear that some retailers don’t really know what they have.
good to see you here, I hope you and yours continue in good health and spirits 
the S-3 T 5000 is a nice case for about $35 retail… the Apache 1800 is a similar size. I did not realize I had accumulated so many lights… ;-)…
The Apache cases use the cheap soft spongy foam that some people like to spray with plasti dip…
The foam material in my Pelican 1075 is much sturdier.
Do the S3 cases use the soft spongy foam, or the denser type that is not soft like a sponge?
I thought I was buying T5000 cases, but they turned out to be the slightly thicker model that I believe was discontinued by S3. The foam seems to be pretty hefty on the bottom, and less dense on the cover. That’s my impression, anyway.
Cheers,
Jeff
jon_slider…
Thanks for the awesome tip. I’ve debated a hard case but always cringed at the prices. This is a steal at $15-$20 depending on sales / coupons. Thanks for noting the foam is less dense. I’ll check their sizes and maybe try one out.
I’ll check their sizes and maybe try one out.
I hope you find one that works well for you. I continue to be very happy with the Harborfreight Apache 1800 case… definitely recommended.