When it comes to customising your Peli case for maximum protection and organisation, choosing between Pick N Pluck foam and Padded Dividers is a key decision. Both options offer unique benefits for safely storing film cameras, lenses, accessories, and delicate gear - but which one is right for you? Let us break it down for you...
When it comes to customising your Peli case for maximum protection and organisation, choosing between Pick N Pluck foam and Padded Dividers is a key decision. Both options offer unique benefits for safely storing film cameras, lenses, accessories, and delicate gear - but which one is right for you? Let us break it down for you...
Pick and Pluck Foam
Pictured: Peli 1535 Pick N Pluck foam set
What is it?: Pick N Pluck foam is a pre-scored foam insert that lets you remove sections to create custom shapes tailored to your gear.
Key Features:
- Customisable: Create a custom fit by tearing away small cubes to create exact cut-outs for your items.
- Superior protection: Cradles your equipment on all sides with dense foam.
- DIY-friendly: Easy to shape at home - no special tools required.
- Cost-effective: Can be included with many of our Peli cases or is available as a budget-friendly upgrade to your existing kit.
Best For: Delicate items like cameras, lenses, and mics and situations where maximum cushioning is needed.
Considerations: Once shaped, it’s not adjustable and may degrade faster with regular reshaping or heavy gear rotation.
Padded Dividers
Pictured: Peli 1535 Padded Divider Set
What are they?: Padded dividers are soft, movable compartments made from durable nylon with foam padding, secured by Velcro strips.
Key Features:
- Modular and adjustable: Easily reposition or resize compartments.
- Reusable: Ideal for users who regularly switch out gear.
- Great visibility: Often comes with high-vis linings for easy gear ID.
- Quick access: Less restrictive than foam for regular use in fast-paced environments.
Best For: Multi-use setups with changing equipment, organising multiple small items like filters, chargers, batteries, and cables and for professionals who need flexibility on-set or on-the-go.
Considerations: Slightly less protective than fully enclosed foam. Also, may not provide the same snug fit for extremely fragile items.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Pick N Pluck Foam | Padded Dividers |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Fit | Yes | Adjustable only |
| Gear Protection | Maximum cushioning | Moderate cushioning |
| Reusability | Single layout only | Fully reusable |
| Flexibility | Fixed setup | Easily reconfigurable |
| Best Use Case | Fragile, static gear | Modular, changing kits |
Which is Right For You?
Choose Pick and Pluck Foam if you want maximum protection for expensive or fragile gear like film cameras or lenses and don’t plan to change your setup often.
Go with Padded Dividers if your kit changes frequently, your kit has to handle quick changes on-the-job, or you need to organise lots of small items efficiently.
Still unsure? Some professionals even combine foam bases with divider inserts or lid organisers for the best of both worlds - total protection and adaptable storage!
Need help choosing the right insert for your Peli case? Drop us an email or explore the full Peli range for your exact case model.