Zarges and KOR Technik Provide Ultimate Protection for Your Drones and Gear
Solving the drone case dilemma is easy with customizable protection for evolving gear.
Any pilot looking for a single case that will last them for as long as they want to fly drones should look no further than Zarges and KOR. [Courtesy: Zarges]
The drone industry is rapidly growing, with manufacturers cranking out new drones at a cyclic rate. If you are one of the almost 500,000 commercial drone pilots or the almost 1 million hobbyists in the United States, seeing new drones come to market is exciting. I love learning about the latest features and probably upgrade my drones at least once a year. That being said, there are some downsides to getting new drones.
For starters, new drones require you to learn how to use them and invest in the initial purchase. That doesn't frustrate me so much. What does upset me is all the other costs needed to keep new purchases safe, particularly the investment in new cases.
If you don't purchase cases for your drones, you are making a mistake. Drones are a big investment for most people, and even with insurance, the cost of repairing or replacing a drone isn't worth the headache. Most manufacturers provide "cases" that are flimsy and hardly going to protect your drone from more than a little dust. You need customized cases built specifically for the drone you fly.
But therein lies the problem. You spend money on a customized case for superior protection, and once you buy a new drone, the case is often worthless to you. Thankfully, there is a solution to this problem. A company called Zarges, which has been around since 1933 and manufactures some of the best drone cases in the world, partnered up with an Arizona-based company called KOR Technik to solve this problem.
Why Zarges and KOR Technik?
Before jumping into why Zarges and KOR Technik offer the best protection for your drone and related equipment, let's talk a little more about Zarges cases and the KOR VRS (Vacuum Rigidizing Structure) technology.
Zarges cases are designed for ultimate protection even in extreme environments. In addition to operating as intended in temperatures ranging from minus-228 degrees Fahrenheit to 302 F, its cases are UV, water, weather, and corrosion resistant. The standard features of each case read like a wishlist for the other cases on the market. They include:
- Edge, face, and lid profile frame
- Stacking corners
- All riveted joints, except for the spot-welded seam
- Load-bearing lid strap
- Durable C fasteners for at least 20,000 operating cycles
- High-strength, smooth welding points with a gap-free, load-bearing overlap joint
- Continuous foam lid seal
- Stainless steel hinges
- Continuous beading and corner beading, depending on size
- Ergonomic comfort-sprung drop handle
- Additional bracing on some larger units
- High-performance flash butt welding process
The KOR VRS is a cutting-edge inflatable protection system designed to mold around your equipment, offering a custom, secure fit without the need for pre-cut foam. Traditional inserts are either cut to match the exact setup you have at the time or you need to pluck foam and hope you don't pluck too many in the wrong spot. Even if you get a foam setup that works, once you purchase a new drone, nothing fits. The KOR system is meant to address that, all while providing even better protection.
What Is the KOR System and How Does It Work?
The KOR system utilizes a vacuum-sealed structure to protect your drone and other gear. The packs look like pillows with an air valve and feel like a bean bag. When air is removed from the bag, it stiffens around your gear and locks it into place. The process immobilizes your gear and creates a medium for shock absorption, preventing damage from sudden impacts, vibrations, or rough handling during transport.
In testing, I decided to see how the KOR system worked in a Zarges K470 case. Here are the steps I took to set it up:
- Base vacuum structure: I placed one vacuum pack at the bottom of the Zarges case, making sure the air valve was open. I then pushed the filling around so it was nice and evenly spread.
- Add in my gear: Since this layer was for my backup gear, I put my older drone (DJI Air 2S) and an older Canon DSLR camera, along with their accessories, on top of the KOR structure. By lightly pressing on each item, they sank into the bag with ease.
- Remove the air: Next, I closed the air valve. The system comes with a hand-operated pump and tube that connect to the air valve. After a few easy pumps, you can see the vacuum bad shrink and hug around all the items.
- Adding layers: I then placed a second KOR bag on top and lightly pressed it into the gear. With the air valve still in the open position, I placed my second layer of gear, another drone (DJI Air 3), a better Canon DSLR camera, and associated accessories on top. After sealing the air valve and pumping out the air, I created a perfect mold for both the gear on the bottom layer and the gear on the second layer. I added one more bag on top of the second layer and repeated the process.
These simple steps created a perfect and incredibly secure mold around all of my gear.
My Review After a Few Weeks of Use
After having the Zarges K470 with the KOR system for a few weeks, it has quickly become the only drone case I'll ever need. Here's why:
- Customization: The KOR system is instantly adaptable. Regardless of what gear I put in my case, KOR forms perfectly around it. Traditional methods would either require me to cut an insert myself or buy a custom insert that would only last as long as I don't change any of the gear I am using.
- Longevity: Foam inserts and pluck and pull foam degrade over time. I've had several inserts that started out protecting my drone but, after a few months of use, become compressed and less likely to keep my equipment safe. The KOR system doesn't degrade over time.
- Shock protection: Just like I mentioned in the longevity section, over time, the foam loses its ability to absorb shock. The KOR system offers superior protection every time.
- Multiuse cases: The KOR system can work with just about any drone. Pilots can choose to place the KOR system in a wide range of cases and for virtually limitless setups. Other protection methods require you to purchase new inserts each time you want to change up your gear or upgrade to the latest drone.
- Environmental resistance: Most of my work is in the Mojave Desert, where temperatures often exceed 110 F. The KOR system operates perfectly in these conditions, where other systems can break down in extreme heat and cold.
Overall, I can’t say enough good things about the Zarges K470 case and the KOR VRS. I’ve been flying drones professionally for about a decade and have seen and used many different types of cases over the years. After testing these products, I can say with confidence that any pilot looking for a single case that will last them for as long as they want to fly drones should look no further than Zarges and KOR.
Drones are an investment. Protect your investment with the best case and protection system I have ever had the pleasure of using.
FAQ
How do I release the vacuum seal if I need to adjust my gear?
Simply open the air valve, reposition your equipment, and pump out the air again for a new custom fit.
Does the KOR system add significant weight to my drone case?
No, KOR is lightweight and adds minimal extra weight compared to traditional foam inserts.
Can the KOR system be used for fragile items other than drones?
Yes, it works for cameras, lenses, tools, and other sensitive electronics requiring impact protection.
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