My review of the Pelican iM2875 case for the Inspire 1, sold by Aerial Media Pros.
Desription: This case uses the Pelican Storm iM2875 with custom foam cutouts for the Inspire. It has a recessing handle and in-line rollers for towing behind you. It has 3 cushioned handles and 6 clasps. Both the handles and clasps snap/lock into place and will not come undone under normal circumstances. It is crush proof, waterproof, dust proof, and has a relief valve to prevent pressurization problems.
I went with this one as it's a bit smaller than the current GoPro cases, although they are making one that will be this size.
The case is shipped with all of the foam intact, but has been custom cut for the Inspire aircraft and components. This is excellent, as you can decide how deep you want to store your components. Example: I chose to remove all but the bottom layer for the controllers, which gave me room for the harnesses in the bottom and the controllers are now recessed below the top of the case for better protection. However, you could leave them sticking up a bit and this would allow for the foam in lid to make contact and hold the controllers in place with no movement. Your choice.
I had previously use the DJI supplied case as a carry on, but it won't last and could easily be damaged by rough bagage handlers.
For those that are still carrying on the supplied case, you are taking a huge risk IMO, that you might be stopped at the gate and will need to check. Besides the pain of having to removes all of the batteries on the spot, you now have little protection for your expensive gear. It's only a matter of time before we are reading of damage with these cases being checked. (just my opinion)
Bottom Line: Rugged, looks good, excellent fit for Inspire and components, will never worry about rough handling. I highly recommend and would buy again.
Design Flaws: One noted problem was in the upper/left slot for one of the tablets, there isn't room to slide theSamsung 8.5 all the way in unless you remove all of the foam. When you do that, the tablet hits the recessed wheel well and could cause damage. I simply used a piece of a foam cutout to place in the bottom of the slot. The result is a protected tablet, but it sticks out above the other. Not a major concern, but should be changed in design.
Other Nitpick: The Aerial media Pros website has a very basic description and limited (non zoomable) photos of this product. There are no reviews, no specs, and it's very difficult to make a reasonable comparison or decision with their info. If I had only used their website to make a decision, I would have opted out, as there isn't enough to go on, especially for this kind of money. C'mon guys, you can do better.
Cons: Expensive! Heavy, bulky, too big for carry on, design flaw listed above, the controller cutouts are too tight IMO, and drag on the control levers when inserting and removing from the case. However, they won't bump around when in transit.
Pros: Excellent case. Tough and will hold up for years. Will not worry about rough handling or the elements. Almost perfect cutouts. Room for most casual/semi-pro needs. Hinges, clasps, hande, wheels are all high quality and will definitely last. Seller: | AerialMedia Pros (link) | Manufacturer: | PelicanStorm iM2875 (link) | Price: | $487 | Shipping: | $28 (2 day FedEx to Houston, Texas | Outer Dimensions: | 23.5" w x 25" h x 13" d, (58.7w x 63.5h x 33d cm) | Interior Dimensions: | 22.50" x 21.10" x 11.40" (57.1 x 53.6 x28.9 cm) | Loaded Weight: | 43lbs, 19.5 kilos | Carries: | Inspire Aircraft, 2 controllers, 5+ batteries, 2 small tablets (Samsung Galaxy 8.5), 6+ prop sets, camera/gimbal in case, controller straps/harness, 2 chargers and cords, space for extras like cards & filters | Can Use as Carry On: | No | Safe as Checked Baggage: | Yes | Can carry in Flight Mode: | No |
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Photos: Sorry, I can't upload photos for some reason. I'm getting the error message: "The server limit can't upload large attach.". The images are JPEG, less than 200kb in size. I'll try later.
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