I'd actually suggest a different approach—hard shells are overkill and bulky. The STARTRC Air 3 Carrying Case is way cheaper, fits the RC 2 and 3 batteries perfectly, and travels much easier, tbh.

Sooo, I'm a bit late to the party, but honestly, I've had a different experience when it comes to saving money on bags. Respectfully, I'd consider another option besides the soft cases mentioned earlier because I'm basically a professional at accidentally breaking stuff... lol. I bought a cheap soft bag once and my drone ended up with a cracked gimbal housing just from being in the backseat of my car. It was sooo disappointing and I dont want that happening to you.

Even though that STARTRC Air 3 Carrying Case is popular for being light, I highkey think it's too risky for a $1,000+ setup. I'm still kinda new to this too, and being cautious has saved me so much stress lately. Here is why I think you should stick with a hardcore shell from a safety-first perspective:

1. The RC 2 Screen: Seriously, those screens are magnets for pressure damage. If anything heavy leans against a soft bag in your trunk, youre looking at a dead controller.
2. Stick Drift: I've heard that if the joysticks are constantly pressed down in a tight soft bag, it can lead to drift issues later. Idk for sure, but why even risk it??
3. Actual Waterproofing: Even if it's not submerged, a hard shell keeps out that weird morning dampness or a random coffee spill in the car. Soft bags soak that stuff right up.

I ended up getting the Lykus Titan MA310 Waterproof Hard Case for DJI Air 3 and it's been a total lifesaver. It fits the RC 2 and three batteries perfectly, and the foam is super thick and dense. It's not as bulky as the GPC ones but way more solid than any sling bag I've seen. Anyway, better safe than sorry, right? good luck with the new drone!! 👍

Totally agree with the above! From a technical standpoint, the RC 2's components are super sensitive to pressure, so a hard shell is basically essential. I think any waterproof case from GPC or Nanuk works best. Their closed-cell foam is amazing for dampening vibrations and probably prevents stick drift too. Seriously, its actually a must-have for protecting your investment!! gl

Yeah I totally agree with the hard shell crowd on this one because after a year or two of ownership you start to worry about more than just a big drop. Honestly its the small constant pressure from a soft bag that eventually messes up the gimbal calibration or bends the props just enough to cause vibrations and you dont even notice until the footage looks shaky... If youre planning on keeping the Air 3 for a long time here is what I look for:
- A case with a dedicated pressure valve because if you take it on a plane the pressure changes can actually crush the case inward or make it impossible to open when you land which is super annoying... I'm not totally sure how the physics works but it basically keeps the internal pressure steady.
- Molded inserts that specifically support the drone’s arms so there is zero weight on the motors. - Space for some desiccant packs to handle moisture during long-term storage because I'm always worried about the electronics corroding. I’ve been using the Symik A3-DL Professional Case for a while now and it’s held up great for my RC 2 and three batteries without the foam getting all flaky and weird like the cheap ones do. Tbh I’m always nervous about the hinges breaking too so definitely check those before you buy.

No way, I literally just dealt with this yesterday. Small world.

In my experience, unfortunately soft bags lack impact protection. I've had issues with pressure damage.

- use waterproof hard shells
- GPC or Nanuk

basically you cant go wrong!!

I've been thinking about your dilemma and honestly, it really depends on what "traveling" means for you? Like, are you doing a lot of heavy hiking or is this mostly just for road trips and the occasional flight? Before you pull the trigger on a pro-grade case, just a heads up about the DIY route. I’ve seen some guys try to save money by modifying old camera bags or using generic pluck-foam cases from hardware stores. It's cool to customize the layout yourself, but you have to be really careful about how the gimbal sits. If the foam is too tight or doesn't support the neck just right, you might actually cause more stress on the motors than if you just had a loose bag, you know? I’m still figuring out the best DIY layout for my own gear, but I'd definitely be wary of anything that doesn't let the drone "breathe" a bit while still being snug. Basically, if you go the self-service route, just make sure you aren't putting weird pressure on the sensors or the RC sticks. It's a bit of a balancing act, right?