I’ve been in need of a transmitter case for some time. In fact I’ve been without a transmitter case since before I got my DX7, so it was about time I got one. Being I have both the DX8 and my original DX7, I went ahead and ordered the Spektrum Heavy Duty Aluminum Transmitter case.

My initial impression upon un-boxing the case is how cleanly finished it is. It’s a nice clean grey with the Spektrum logo printed on it. Only the corners and latches are chromed. All the edges are rounded, nothing looks jagged or sharp.  It’s very simply, just a nice looking case.

Opening the case up for the first time, revealed ample room for the transmitter. There are several cutouts in the foam that can be removed to store batteries, the charger, and whatever else you might want to keep with it. In fact if you wanted to take the time to cut out the profile, you could keep and mcpx in with the transmitter. There are also cutouts in the top foam for the transmitter’s sticks to rest in. There is a black backing glued to the inside of the case, underneath the foam. This adds a nice touch to the finish.

Happy with the looks of it, I started inspecting it closer. On the exterior, you have rubber feet on the bottom and back of the case, so you’re never setting the case directly on a surface.  Moving around the exterior you’ll see everything is riveted together. All the rivets do seem nice and tight. The latches seem a bit light duty, but are more than enough to secure the lid shut. The latches do lock, I think more to prevent accidental opening than anything else.  Along with the latches you have the handle, which is an overly soft rubber grip. It reminds me a lot of the handle bar grips I had on my huffy bike when I was a kid. The handle does move around a lot in it mounts, but it is not easily removed, so there is no fear of it dislodging while carrying the case. On the opposite side of the case you have the lid hinges, which like the latches, seem a bit light but adequate for the job. The hinges have stops so the lid can only be opened 90 degrees.

Although it may look it, the case it not entirely aluminum. The edges are certainly aluminum, the chrome corners however are plastic, worse yet the sides of the case are some form of particle board. This case is certainly not meant to be “Heavy-Duty” as the box says it is. It would be fine for tossing in the car to head to field, or to use as carry-on for a plane ride. I certainly wouldn’t trust it to be checked in luggage.

To further worsen my opinion of the case, there is not nearly enough foam in the top of the case. Immediately, I noticed that my transmitter was clunking around in there. It wasn’t just my DX8, both my DX7 and DX8 would clunk around when closed them up in the case. To remedy this, I added nearly an inch of foam to the top of the case. In adding foam I also cut deeper recesses for the gimbals and a few recesses for the switches. Now my transmitter fits snuggly and I’m confident that it will not move at all.

Over all, it is not a bad case and I will continue to use it. In terms of getting what you pay for, I don’t feel that you’re actually getting that with this case. Especially when they advertise it as “Heavy-Duty” and specifically for the Spektrum transmitters. You’re not really getting either of these. I’m extremely disappointed that the case needs additional work to properly protect my transmitter. What you are getting is nice looking case with the Spektrum logo, which will protect you transmitter from typical bumps and bangs during transport to the field.