Zarges: It’s a Game-Changing Solution for Heavy-Duty Drone Cases

I was packing my gear for a recent drone job in California’s Mojave Desert. There was a large parcel of land I was getting paid to survey and photograph for a real estate transaction. As I was charging batteries, updating firmware, and cleaning my drones, it occurred to me how many cases I bring on a typical job.

No one should ever take a drone gig without backups, so I had hard and soft cases for my two drones, two DSLR cameras, chargers and extra batteries, and a case for accessories (handheld GPS, flight log, tablet, laptop, ND filters, landing pad, etc.). That's a lot of cases, and they quickly fill the back of my Jeep. I realized there had to be a better way.

Luckily, I had recently learned about an industry leader in case manufacturing, Zarges. Since 1933, the company has made some of the best aluminum cases in the world. Its cases have been used by professionals in numerous industries for work and exploration. They have even spent time in the spotlight, appearing in movies such as the James Bond films Casino Royale and Die Another Day.

Let's take a deeper look at the cases made by Zarges so you can see why they’re a good fit for drone professionals.

Regardless of whether you are using your drone in urban areas for real estate photography or trekking through the extreme cold of Antarctica, Zarges cases are built to endure. Its cases are designed to withstand temperatures from minus-228 degrees Fahrenheit to 302 F. That's way beyond anything you'll get from plastic or fabric cases. I've had a few times where my plastic cases didn't come anywhere near protecting my gear from the heat of the deserts of the Southwest U.S., causing damage to my tablet and drone batteries. You won't have that problem with this robust temperature range.

In addition to protecting your drone, camera, and accessories from the heat, hobbyists and Part 107 drone pilots will love the other protective features. Zarges cases are UV, water, weather, and corrosion resistant. Wherever you find yourself on your next gig or assignment, your drone is safe from the elements when in a Zarges case. 

Another attribute I like is the fact that the case is made out of aircraft-grade aluminum. As you probably know, aluminum doesn't warp, crack, or degrade like other materials. It is reliable and perfect for long-term protection of your equipment. The case even provides EMI/RF protection, which is perfect for government and law enforcement agencies. For an additional cost, you can upgrade the case to IP65, MIL-STD-285, MIL-STD-810, and other ratings.

Drones come in all shapes and sizes, with each drone pilot (over 977,000 TRUST certificates issued in the United States) having a personal preference for the accessories they need to carry. For this reason, customization options are important when selecting a case. I have purchased many cases, from backpacks to hard cases, over the years, and without customization, the case holds me back.

Zarges offers numerous customizations, including size, color, security, tops, and more. The quality advantages of the company’s cases are already impressive before customization, and they include the following:

For inserts, they have a wide selection of divider sets and Pick N Pluck Foam (polyurethane), perfect for DIY setups. If you are looking for more tailor-made inserts, you can order custom foam inserts. Zarges' CNC foam insert fabrication offers the following options:

There are many other additional features, from inserts for tools to adding hardtops (perfect for drone takeoffs and landings), KOR VRS technology (inflatable protection within the case), and even offroad wheels for adventures off the beaten path.

I selected a case that would allow me to carry two drones (DJI Air 2S and DJI Air 3), two Canon DSLR Cameras, extra batteries for all four, landing pad, hand-held GPS, flight log, ND filters, and all my other accessories. The Zarges K470 in black was ideally suited for my needs. This single case replaced two hard plastic drone cases, two fabric camera cases, and two fabric accessory cases.

The Zarges K470 ($613) is the perfect size for carrying all this gear (in inches):

For inserts, I debated between the Pick N Pluck Foam and the KOR system, ultimately going with the KOR system, and I am glad I did. KOR VRS technology is easy to use and is like creating a custom mold for your equipment every time you put it in the case. As you change or upgrade equipment, there is no need to buy another case since the KOR system molds around whatever you place on it. This eliminates my usual practice of having to buy another hard plastic case with custom inserts every time I get a new drone.

I also added the Goose Gear K470 Top Plate Kit. This plate is made of aluminum alloy with heat tempering. This makes it stronger and more corrosion-resistant than industry standards. It also makes a great landing pad or hard surface to write on when filling out your flight log.

The Zarges K470 case is a significant investment, but in the long run, it will save you money. After using the case for about a month, I can't go back to what I was using before. When I think of the amount of room all my other cases were taking up, the Zarges K470 is much more efficient. 

Because of the size, durability, and the KOR system allowing every load to change and be protected, I won't have to buy another case again. When I add the cost of buying hard plastic cases and fabric carriers for my gear, it really starts to add up. Especially since these cases all wear out much faster than a Zarges case, and I need to buy new cases every time I upgrade my drones, the initial cost of the Zarges case isn't a concern. And I’ll have the peace of mind that the thousands of dollars in drone and camera equipment I carry for my work are protected better than ever before.

Professional drone pilots take care of their gear. After all, it's pretty challenging to make money as a drone pilot without a working drone. You invest in your UAV and should do the same when protecting it. The Zarges K470 is the perfect case for me and the only one I'll ever need. The company has many cases worth exploring, and if you are a drone pilot, I’m sure it has the perfect case for you.

Can I take a Zarges case as carry-on luggage when flying?

It depends on the size. Smaller models may fit airline carry-on restrictions, but larger ones will need to be checked.

How secure is the Zarges case against theft?

Zarges cases can be fitted with padlocks or security seals to prevent unauthorized access.

Does the aluminum material affect drone signal transmission?

No, while the case provides EMI/RF shielding, it does not interfere with your drone’s signal when the case is open.