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OT: Recreational Drone Recommendations

Ya I know it's a bbq forum. But we have a diverse group of folks on here. I'm looking at getting a small drone for fun. Definitely want to keep it under the 250gram FAA registration requirement as this is just going to be for taking on vacations and messing around with it around town. Looking at the DJI Mavic Mini or the DJI mini 2. Any of you fine upstanding citizens have experience with either of these or perhaps something else to check out? I don't want a cheap $80-$100 drone that's going to break on me after a month so I'm willing to spend up to $1,000. And go......


Rockwall, Tx    LBGE, Minimax, 22" Blackstone, Pizza Party Bollore. Cast Iron Hoarder.

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Comments

  • buzd504
    buzd504 Posts: 3,824
    Ya I know it's a bbq forum. But we have a diverse group of folks on here. I'm looking at getting a small drone for fun. Definitely want to keep it under the 250gram FAA registration requirement as this is just going to be for taking on vacations and messing around with it around town. Looking at the DJI Mavic Mini or the DJI mini 2. Any of you fine upstanding citizens have experience with either of these or perhaps something else to check out? I don't want a cheap $80-$100 drone that's going to break on me after a month so I'm willing to spend up to $1,000. And go......

    You can't go wrong with either of the DJI options, IMO.
    NOLA
  • Langner91
    Langner91 Posts: 2,120
    I agree.  Both very solid drones.  I have the (discontinued) Spark, and it is fun.  The two you mention are light years ahead of that one.

    Also, don't forget the extra batteries.  By the time you get where you are going, let it get a GPS lock, get everything set, the first battery is already partially drained.  I have two batteries and if I could justify more, I would have them.  Buy as many batteries as you can.
    Clinton, Iowa
  • BigreenGreg
    BigreenGreg Posts: 581
    DJI Phantom 4 Pro, has a mile range, excellent camera and stability.
    LBGE, 36" Blackstone, Anova Pro
    Charleston, SC
  • ChrisSonn23
    ChrisSonn23 Posts: 280
    I have had a DJI Phantom 3 Pro and recently upgraded to the Mavic 2. Anything DJI is top notch
    BGE Dealer and EggHead since 2013. Find our company on Facebook
    Large BGE
    Waterloo, IL
  • stlcharcoal
    stlcharcoal Posts: 4,684
    I have had a DJI Phantom 3 Pro and recently upgraded to the Mavic 2. Anything DJI is top notch
    I have the Phantom Pro 3 too.......works great for real estate photos.  Gotta have a big Pelican case to transport it though.  The mavics are cool since you can throw them in a suitcase or backpack.
  • nolaegghead
    nolaegghead Posts: 42,102
    Those are both good choices.
    ______________________________________________
    I love lamp..
  • PigBeanUs
    PigBeanUs Posts: 932
    Got my 80yo father a drone for father’s day, and he loves it. 

    I don’t know anything about these things, so I went on reddit and asked for recs, mentioning he (and I too) was a beginner. 

    I wanted:

    -One that would come back when out of range or battery power

    -decent camera

    -easy control 

    -easy “tech” (connectivity etc. bc he’s 80 and although he can manage his iphone, and conputer, he still hates them)

    -small, not expensive (he’d feel bad if it tanked in the pond)

    Got numerous suggestions for the Holystone 720/720e


    he loves it. 

    I am sure many others come with these options. But he was happy that it:


    Comes with two batteries which run about a half hour each. 

    Has one-button take off and landing. Return-to-home (and lands) when out of range or battery, or when you push the return button).

    Has a 4k camera

    Is totally friggin stable. All gps, so no drifting in the cross wind or anything. 

    Has easy control. When he lets off the stick, it hovers in spot. 

    Will follow his cellphone.

    Allows him to mount the cellphone to the controller and “drive” the drone by watching the drone camera

    Allows him to control the drone both by reference to its own left/right (i.e. when it is coming back to you, your right stick makes it go to your left (its right), as well as always moving relative to him, regardless of how it is facing. So, moving to or away from him, right stick means the drone moves to his right. (Good for newbies).

    Folds up to fit in your hand. 

    Comes with extra propellers, charger, two batteries. 

    Is VERY quiet at short distances. I have heard some a hundred feet up that sound like a garbage disposal. This thing just hums. 

    It was $289, and falls under the FAA weight requirements. 



  • nolaegghead
    nolaegghead Posts: 42,102
    PigBeanUs said:
    Got my 80yo father a drone for father’s day, and he loves it. 

    I don’t know anything about these things, so I went on reddit and asked for recs, mentioning he (and I too) was a beginner. 

    I wanted:

    -One that would come back when out of range or battery power

    -decent camera

    -easy control 

    -easy “tech” (connectivity etc. bc he’s 80 and although he can manage his iphone, and conputer, he still hates them)

    -small, not expensive (he’d feel bad if it tanked in the pond)

    Got numerous suggestions for the Holystone 720/720e


    he loves it. 

    I am sure many others come with these options. But he was happy that it:


    Comes with two batteries which run about a half hour each. 

    Has one-button take off and landing. Return-to-home (and lands) when out of range or battery, or when you push the return button).

    Has a 4k camera

    Is totally friggin stable. All gps, so no drifting in the cross wind or anything. 

    Has easy control. When he lets off the stick, it hovers in spot. 

    Will follow his cellphone.

    Allows him to mount the cellphone to the controller and “drive” the drone by watching the drone camera

    Allows him to control the drone both by reference to its own left/right (i.e. when it is coming back to you, your right stick makes it go to your left (its right), as well as always moving relative to him, regardless of how it is facing. So, moving to or away from him, right stick means the drone moves to his right. (Good for newbies).

    Folds up to fit in your hand. 

    Comes with extra propellers, charger, two batteries. 

    Is VERY quiet at short distances. I have heard some a hundred feet up that sound like a garbage disposal. This thing just hums. 

    It was $289, and falls under the FAA weight requirements. 



    That's a Mavic clone.  Has great reviews on Amazon, good choice.
    ______________________________________________
    I love lamp..
  • TEXASBGE2018
    TEXASBGE2018 Posts: 3,831
    Pulled the trigger on a dji mini 2 from Costco. Came with an extra battery, carrying case and 32gb sd card for around $430. I figure I'll buy a couple more batteries and maybe propeller guards and be set for awhile.


    Rockwall, Tx    LBGE, Minimax, 22" Blackstone, Pizza Party Bollore. Cast Iron Hoarder.

  • alaskanassasin
    alaskanassasin Posts: 7,597
    Check your HOA bylaws before flying the hood, I’d hate for some 
     1. Vag

    2. Vajayjay

    3. Box

    4. Nether regions

    5. Lady business

    6. Lady V

    7. Hoo-haw

    8. Cha-cha

    9. Lady bits

    10. Crotch

    11. Muff

    12. Kitty

    13. Cooch

    14. Cooter

    15. Snatch

    16. Snapper

    17. Beaver

    18. Cookie

    19. Cupcake

    20. Coin purse

    21. Lady flower

    22. Honey pot

    23. Poon

    24. Punani

    25. Twat

    To call the police or hoa on you.

    South of Columbus, Ohio.


  • fishlessman
    fishlessman Posts: 32,671
    theres a bass rod on my boat now loaded with spiderwire to take out the drone that was harrassing me last year. 3-4 miles out and this thing was ten feet from the boat. one cast and bye bye drone. im not sure this was a new tactic by the men in green or just some joker but if it was an officer that drone should be marked
    fukahwee maine

    you can lead a fish to water but you can not make him drink it
  • RyanStl
    RyanStl Posts: 1,050
    It was the Taliban.
  • alaskanassasin
    alaskanassasin Posts: 7,597
    I just got the DJI FPV Combo, and it is awesome, absolutely having a ball with this thing.
    South of Columbus, Ohio.


  • Langner91
    Langner91 Posts: 2,120

    Are those the propeller tips in the shot?  I don't think I have ever seen that.
    Clinton, Iowa
  • nolaegghead
    nolaegghead Posts: 42,102
    I just got the DJI FPV Combo, and it is awesome, absolutely having a ball with this thing.
    Those are bad-ass.  And they haul ass.  Makes them kick-ass.

    Since they will do 70-80 mph and weigh over a pound, they have almost the same kinetic energy as, like a 9 mm at 40 yards.  Be careful you don't plow into any loved ones.  Ones you don't love, that's ok.

    ______________________________________________
    I love lamp..
  • lkapigian
    lkapigian Posts: 10,708
    I just got the DJI FPV Combo, and it is awesome, absolutely having a ball with this thing.
    Those are bad-ass.  And they haul ass.  Makes them kick-ass.

    Since they will do 70-80 mph and weigh over a pound, they have almost the same kinetic energy as, like a 9 mm at 40 yards.  Be careful you don't plow into any loved ones.  Ones you don't love, that's ok.

    totally curious and now want something I really never though of wanting, how foolproof are these , do they fly themselves for the most part and you just point them?? I tried many years ago flying a gas helicopter and destroyed it right away 
    Visalia, Ca @lkapigian
  • alaskanassasin
    alaskanassasin Posts: 7,597
    @Langner91 yep those are the props, I know I can crop them out but I haven’t figured it out yet. I have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to photography but I was able to Brighten the shot by adjusting something ;-) ev or something 
    South of Columbus, Ohio.


  • alaskanassasin
    alaskanassasin Posts: 7,597
    I just got the DJI FPV Combo, and it is awesome, absolutely having a ball with this thing.
    Those are bad-ass.  And they haul ass.  Makes them kick-ass.

    Since they will do 70-80 mph and weigh over a pound, they have almost the same kinetic energy as, like a 9 mm at 40 yards.  Be careful you don't plow into any loved ones.  Ones you don't love, that's ok.

     When it comes to safety I’m your guy, everything I touch could mangle me. That said I haven’t flown it in badass mode yet
    South of Columbus, Ohio.


  • nolaegghead
    nolaegghead Posts: 42,102
    I just got the DJI FPV Combo, and it is awesome, absolutely having a ball with this thing.
    Those are bad-ass.  And they haul ass.  Makes them kick-ass.

    Since they will do 70-80 mph and weigh over a pound, they have almost the same kinetic energy as, like a 9 mm at 40 yards.  Be careful you don't plow into any loved ones.  Ones you don't love, that's ok.

     When it comes to safety I’m your guy, everything I touch could mangle me. That said I haven’t flown it in badass mode yet
    Good to know.  I lost control of an RC car at around 60 mph and it skipped across the road into my buddy's foot.  He had a couple bloody toes from it.  I felt terrible.  It was one of those 1:10 scale nitro cars made for the track.

    ______________________________________________
    I love lamp..
  • Langner91
    Langner91 Posts: 2,120
    lkapigian said:
    I just got the DJI FPV Combo, and it is awesome, absolutely having a ball with this thing.
    Those are bad-ass.  And they haul ass.  Makes them kick-ass.

    Since they will do 70-80 mph and weigh over a pound, they have almost the same kinetic energy as, like a 9 mm at 40 yards.  Be careful you don't plow into any loved ones.  Ones you don't love, that's ok.

    totally curious and now want something I really never though of wanting, how foolproof are these , do they fly themselves for the most part and you just point them?? I tried many years ago flying a gas helicopter and destroyed it right away 
    Not completely fool proof.  But, if you have a GPS lock (outside) and you let off the sticks, it should hover.  It might drift a bit in the wind, but it should maintain position.

    Most are smart enough to come home if the batteries are low or if they lose signal.  However, they all have quirks about what they will avoid.  For instance, mine can't see in reverse, so if you back away from an object, you can collide with something behind you.

    I practiced by just lifting off, going straight up, coming straight down, etc.  If you can see the bird, you should be fine.  When you get them out of line of sight, you are flying by whatever you see on your phone.  That's a little scary (and can be illegal).

    If you live near an airport or attempt to fly near an airport (or the Whitehouse), you won't be able to take off.  I lived near a hospital heli-pad, so I got a warning each time I flew.  But, I couldn't fly it at my buddy's house because he was closer to the small airport in town.
    Clinton, Iowa
  • stlcharcoal
    stlcharcoal Posts: 4,684
    lkapigian said:
    I just got the DJI FPV Combo, and it is awesome, absolutely having a ball with this thing.
    Those are bad-ass.  And they haul ass.  Makes them kick-ass.

    Since they will do 70-80 mph and weigh over a pound, they have almost the same kinetic energy as, like a 9 mm at 40 yards.  Be careful you don't plow into any loved ones.  Ones you don't love, that's ok.

    totally curious and now want something I really never though of wanting, how foolproof are these , do they fly themselves for the most part and you just point them?? I tried many years ago flying a gas helicopter and destroyed it right away 
    Those were harder to fly than the real ones.....I was a career pilot and never could get the RC's down.

    And yes, the new drones hold themselves stable, you just point where to go.  Think of it as directing an autopilot vs. actually flying them.
  • alaskanassasin
    alaskanassasin Posts: 7,597
    edited July 2021
    @lkapigian it is a piece of cake to fly, really cool tooling around with the goggles, its like your in the cockpit. Like what was mentioned before if you just let go of the sticks it will sit and hover, there is a brake button that locks it in place if you panic, and also a home button and you can preset the approach altitude to avoid trees and power line.
     I flew it in some rowdy gusty winds yesterday and it handled it no problem, with the gimbal you really have no idea how bad its getting tossed around.
     Also I can fly it around the barn lot and in between buildings with out losing signal
    South of Columbus, Ohio.


  • nolaegghead
    nolaegghead Posts: 42,102
    Watch out for birds!

    Hawk takes down drone - GIF on Imgur
    the gif animation thread - QBNBird Attack GIFs  Tenor



    ______________________________________________
    I love lamp..
  • lkapigian
    lkapigian Posts: 10,708
    @lkapigian it is a piece of cake to fly, really cool tooling around with the goggles, its like your in the cockpit. Like what was mentioned before if you just let go of the sticks it will sit and hover, there is a brake button that locks it in place if you panic, and also a home button and you can preset the approach altitude to avoid trees and power line.
     I flew it in some rowdy gusty winds yesterday and it handled it no problem, with the gimbal you really have no idea how bad its getting tossed around.
     Also I can fly it around the barn lot and in between buildings with out losing signal
    Thank you, just spoke with Carey , ordering one tomorrow....damn this place
    Visalia, Ca @lkapigian
  • alaskanassasin
    alaskanassasin Posts: 7,597
    lkapigian said:
    @lkapigian it is a piece of cake to fly, really cool tooling around with the goggles, its like your in the cockpit. Like what was mentioned before if you just let go of the sticks it will sit and hover, there is a brake button that locks it in place if you panic, and also a home button and you can preset the approach altitude to avoid trees and power line.
     I flew it in some rowdy gusty winds yesterday and it handled it no problem, with the gimbal you really have no idea how bad its getting tossed around.
     Also I can fly it around the barn lot and in between buildings with out losing signal
    Thank you, just spoke with Carey , ordering one tomorrow....damn this place
    more fun than a barrel of titties

    South of Columbus, Ohio.


  • Botch
    Botch Posts: 15,432
    lkapigian said:
    @lkapigian it is a piece of cake to fly, really cool tooling around with the goggles, its like your in the cockpit. Like what was mentioned before if you just let go of the sticks it will sit and hover, there is a brake button that locks it in place if you panic, and also a home button and you can preset the approach altitude to avoid trees and power line.
     I flew it in some rowdy gusty winds yesterday and it handled it no problem, with the gimbal you really have no idea how bad its getting tossed around.
     Also I can fly it around the barn lot and in between buildings with out losing signal
    Thank you, just spoke with Carey , ordering one tomorrow....damn this place
    What he said.  
    _____________

    "I mean, I don't just kill guys, I'm notorious for doing in houseplants."  - Maggie, Northern Exposure


  • alaskanassasin
    alaskanassasin Posts: 7,597
    Make sure you get at least one extra battery @lkapigian
    South of Columbus, Ohio.


  • WeberWho
    WeberWho Posts: 11,008
    lkapigian said:
    @lkapigian it is a piece of cake to fly, really cool tooling around with the goggles, its like your in the cockpit. Like what was mentioned before if you just let go of the sticks it will sit and hover, there is a brake button that locks it in place if you panic, and also a home button and you can preset the approach altitude to avoid trees and power line.
     I flew it in some rowdy gusty winds yesterday and it handled it no problem, with the gimbal you really have no idea how bad its getting tossed around.
     Also I can fly it around the barn lot and in between buildings with out losing signal
    Thank you, just spoke with Carey , ordering one tomorrow....damn this place
    Double check you aviation restrictions on where you plan to fly it. My parents live within 3 miles of a smaller airport and my dad has to call in each time he plans on flying it. (He knew this prior) Just a heads up on that. 
    "The pig is an amazing animal. You feed a pig an apple and it makes bacon. Let's see Michael Phelps do that" - Jim Gaffigan

    Minnesota
  • lkapigian
    lkapigian Posts: 10,708
    edited July 2021
    Getting the extra battery and props for sure...should be interesting 
    Visalia, Ca @lkapigian