Top 5 Hobby & 5 Professional Drones For Adults

Today, ladies and gentlemen, we are going to venture into the depths of drone world seeking the best drone for adults! Obviously, these drones are not meant for kids (perhaps a few from the hobby lineup below would do fine, I guess) since they are powerful… and, well – expensive! So yeah, I really doubt many of you would let your kids play around with a drone that costs more than $1,000. As a matter of fact, we already have Drones for Kids article so feel free to take a peek if you’re interested in buying a toy for your children.

Table of contents

Back to the topic! If you scroll below you will find 2 separate lists. That’s because I went ahead and divided them into 2 different segments – drones for hobby use and drones for professionals. While both of these segments offer good learning curves for beginners (in completely different ways though, but more on that later on), the separation still needed to be done. Apart from the learning curve, hobby and professional models don’t have a lot in common… but I’ll let you be the judge of that once you’re done with this article.

For now, let’s start off with the Help Desk that will answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the most popular drones primarily targeted at adults:

 

Scroll down to :

hobby grade drones for adults
professional grade drones for adults

 

5 Best Hobby Drones for Adults :

ImageNameCameraTimeRangeBest Price
5. UDI U818 PlusHD15 min150mSee price now
4. MJX Bugs 2WFHD18 min500mSee price now
3. DJI SparkFHD16 min2000mSee price now
hubsan-zino-table2. Hubsan Zino4K22 min4000mSee price now
DJI-Mavic-Mini-table1. DJI Mavic Mini2.7K30 min4000mSee price now

udi-u818plus-drone-for-kids_web

5. UDI U818 Plus

Starting off with drones suitable for casual users, first in line we have Drocon UDI U818 Plus. The first thing you will notice is that it has a gigantic camera that kind of resembles the size of DJI Phantom 4 Pro’s solution.

However, we are talking about a miniature camera with an oversized casing – a mere gimmick. But, don’t write off this birdie so quickly. Besides the oversized camera, Drocon UDI U818 Plus actually performs surprisingly well. Here’s what you need to know about it:

Camera and Features

We already started talking about the camera so we might as well continue. As I have stated above, we are not talking about a state of the art one… but it doesn’t mean it’s outright shit. You see, Drocon UDI U818 Plus sports a 2MP camera that’s capable of recording 720p videos. There is no stabilization present, but considering the sheer stability of the drone itself (yes, it’s surprisingly stable) the footage has barely noticeable vibrations. At least during calm weather. Features, on the other hand, kick things up a notch. This birdie sports WiFi FPV, altitude hold, and headless mode, among others.

Specifications

As far as the specifications are concerned, Drocon UDI U818 Plus doesn’t fail to deliver. The specifications state the flight time to go all the way up to 15 minutes. That might be the case if the drone is simply hovering at a constant altitude for the entire duration. However, in realistic usage scenarios, you will be getting approximately 12 minutes. Despite lower numbers, this birdie’s flight time is definitely above average for the price it goes for. The operating range is no slack either – you will be getting from 100 to 150 meters. WiFi FPV, unfortunately, goes only to around 50m.

 

 

mjx bugs 2w review

4. MJX Bugs 2W

The 4th place among hobby drones goes to MJX Bugs 2W. For those of you unfamiliar with MJX’s models, Bugs 2W is one of 2 successors to their massively successful Bugs 3. With the addition of a built-in camera and well-appreciated cuts in the weight department, Bugs 2W and 2C seem like they will make quite the name for themselves.

Keep in mind though, we will only be focusing on B2W since it is the superior model. So, without much further adue, let’s kick things off with camera and features!

Camera and Features

MJX Bugs 2W sports a gorgeous design but keeps the bug-like eyes that run the show right above the built-in camera. It is a lot smaller than its predecessor which grants slightly improved performance… but more on that later. For now, I’d like to mention that this tiny built-in camera records in 1080p. The quality is actually quite good, especially considering there is no stabilization onboard. However, the camera is not the brightest point of this build. That’s because features are where MJX Bugs 2W shines the most.

First of all, it needs to be said that this birdie is a GPS-powered drone which means that several supporting are present. They include the likes of one key return, altitude hold, and FPV. To conclude this section – MJX Bugs 2W is one of the cheapest GPS-powered drones available on the market. That plus an FHD camera is what makes it a great training drone for future aerial photographers.

Specifications

But, don’t worry guys – things will not go downhill all of a sudden. In fact, MJX Bugs 2W’s specifications are on point with its features and camera. Take the battery for example – a 2S 1800mAh LiPo proprietary pack effectively delivers 15 to 18 minutes of flight time. The operating range is good too, standing tall at roughly 500 meters. Supposedly even 800, but I haven’t gone that far out yet. WiFi FPV will grant you approximately 200 meters, which is not bad by any means…

 

 

DJI Spark Novi

3. DJI Spark

The gold is always hidden right there in the middle… or something like that. Well, however it goes, it’s is definitely true for DJI Spark – a drone that simply breathes quality from the moment you get your hands on it.

This miniature little devil has provoked quite the stir on the market right after its release. Needless to say, it swept the competitors away and brought in huge money to DJI. But, is it really that good or are people just buying a brand name? Let’s take a closer look and find out!

Camera and Features

First, let’s shed some light on the key trait of this little fella – the camera! You’ll notice right away that it is connected to a tiny little gimbal (2-axis gimbal, if we are to be more precise) that ensures optimal image stability. Furthermore, the mechanism itself is a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor with 12MPX and 81.9-degree FOV. It records videos in Full HD (no 4K unfortunately) and fully stabilizes them. The quality is unparalleled, but that’s to be expected to come out from DJI’s labs.

Features are exceptional, as usual, I’ll dare to say. With full support to an array of features available through the DJI GO app, DJI Spark can also brag about facial recognition and gesture controls which are bound to amaze you.

Specifications

Last but not least, specifications. Of course, knowing the numbers behind Mavic Pro and Phantom 4 Pro, DJI Spark cannot fail even if it wanted to. And it’s true – this little birdie possesses approximately 15 minutes of airtime which is not bad by any means. Operating range is outstanding though – 2 kilometers if you’re using the dedicated controller from Fly More Combo. All things considered, if you are looking for a tiny but capable drone, DJI Spark is all for you.

 

 

Hubsan Zino with Transmitter

2. Hubsan Zino

Hubsan Zino is an interesting little bugger! It’s the newest model by Hubsan, packing both standard and Pro model with intricate differences. Today, we’re going to be focusing on the Pro version which is, truth be told, the only version of Hubsan Zino worth buying. So, with that said, let’s take a closer look and see what makes this little bugger that special!

Camera and Features

Hubsan Zino’s Pro version comes with stuff like extra transmission distance and ND filters, both of which ought to come in handy for casual and commercial scenarios. Especially the latter as it gives you more versatility in terms of aperture and shutter speed. You’ll have all the creative control you can wish for from this little bugger!

The folks over at Hubsan went out of their way to provide their Zino platform with an exceptional number of high-quality features. These include failsafe, return to home and several smart flight modes that’ll create the perfect aerial footage and images for your social media campaigns. Best of all, this fellas camera can shoot in 4K which will ensure your footage stands the test of time thanks to high-resolution imagery.

Specifications

Specs-wise, Hubsan Zino ought to sweep you off your feet with impressive transmission distance that’s capable of reaching 4 kilometers. Combine that with roughly 20ish (max 22) minutes of flight time and you got yourself a very capable drone with an even more capable camera. At roughly $400, Hubsan Zino Pro is a steal in every sense of that word!

 

 

DJI Mavic Mini with Transmitter

1. DJI Mavic Mini

Let’s finish off with the first portion of these drones for adults buying guides. As you can see, the best drone on this list is the Mavic Mini by DJI. It is, by far, the best choice at this price point and for this particular usage scenario. Alongside Hubsan Zino, of course. Both are not only viable for casual but commercial purposes too, which makes them an irreplaceable part of every proper business.

Camera and Features

DJI Mavic Mini’s camera can go toe to toe with the best of them, there’s no doubt about that. It’s one of the world’s best drone cameras despite not having 4K resolution. Yes, I know that some people swear by those darn extra pixels brought forth by 4K, but it’s not really that much of a difference in contrast to 1080p, at least for the most part. What matters more is the color fidelity, stabilization (both hardware and software), HDR, etc. All these factors work together to create amazing videos/images, and DJI Mavic Mini has them all!

Features are not to be taken for granted either. They are what makes your drone smart, allow it to return to your location or do all sorts of advanced mid-air movements. In terms of DJI Mavic Mini, you’re getting all the love DJI has to offer. Autonomous flight modes, camera-based extras, failsafe, and auto return to home, you’re getting all that and more with this little bugger…

Specifications

DJI Mavic Mini is an absolute champ as far as the specifications go. Starting off with the range, you won’t believe this 249g bugger can go as far as 4 kilometers. Yep, that’s roughly the same distance as its brother DJI Mavic Air. In terms of battery life, Mavic Mini is far better than the older Mavic Air model. Thanks to hardware optimization and insanely low weight, this little bugger can handle close to half an hour of flying per charge.

 

 

5 Best Professional Drones for Adults :

ImageNameCameraTimeRangeBest Price
5. UpAir Two4K22 min1km
Parrot Anafi Table4. Parrot Anafi4K25 min4kmSee price now
autel-robotics-evo-table3. Autel EVO4K30 min7kmSee price now
dji-mavic-2-pro-table2. DJI Mavic 2 Pro4K30 min8kmSee price now
dji-phantom-4-pro-table-new1. DJI Phantom 4 Pro4K26 min8kmSee price now

 

upair-two_with_transmitter

5. Upair Two

Upair Two is the first drone for adults that want to do some professional work. It’s massive and looks a lot like DJI’s Phantom lineup, but with a giant twist in its tail. Upair Two is the spritiaul successor of the original Upair One, a drone that was a fine player in market heavily dominated by DJI’s technological marvels. How does the second-generation fair against the big guns? Let’s find out!

Camera and Features

The most interesting thing about this drone is the fact it possesses not one but three cameras mounted on a 3-axis gimbal for ultimate stabilization. These cameras give a better 3D depth perspective and and allow for up to 4K at 30fps footage. All in all, the footage looks crystal clear and butter smooth, everything we’ve come to expect from Upair at this point. The features are solid too, bringing forth all the basics we expect at this price point, but chipping in with a few extras that’ll make you a proper social media influencer.

Specifications

Specs-wise, Upair Two won’t sweep you off your feet with its transmission distance. Even though we’re talking about a massive drone here, it can only fly to around one kilometer. It’s not the greatest distance we’ve seen, but it’s still much longer than your typical casual drone. In other words, Upair Two’s transmission distance won’t stop it from doing any sort of commercial work.

As for the flight time, Upair Two sports a hefty 5100mAh battery, which isn’t that surprising considering the sheer size and weight of this drone. This battery allows for approximately 22 to 24 minutes of flight time, which is just about right considering the overall pricing and the power of other onboard hardware.

 

 

parrot-anafi-with-transmitter

4. Parrot Anafi

Parrot Anafi is the next drone on the line here. It’s among the best drones for adults you can buy right now, featuring a stellar array of options that will make you feel special. The price tag is pretty high, though, so we hope to find out whether or not it can live up to the expectations, which are quite high.

Camera and Features

Parrot Anafi’s camera is absolutely outstanding! Not only is it able to shoot HDR 4K footage but also take gorgeous images with up to 2.8 times lossless zoom. Plus – the camera’s motorized mount allows it to pan 180 degrees vertically, allowing for smooth movement both directly up and down. That’s something you can’t do with any other mainstream drone out there, keep that in mind!

When it comes to the features, Parrot Anafi doesn’t have any groundbreaking systems that make it a level above the rest of the competition. It has all the basics such as altitude hold, GPS, failsafe and stuff like that. Additionally, the dedicated FreeFlight 6 application supports stuff like geofencing, find my drone and smart return to home which brings forth an extra level of security.

Specifications

When it comes to raw performance, they don’t come as superb as Parrot Anafi. Even though the exterior doesn’t breathe in too much confidence performance-wise, Parrot Anafi is still a very capable machine that can endure around 25 minutes in the air. In addition to that, it can also fly for up to 4 kilometers away from its dedicated transmitter, which is sort of the standard number these days.

 

 

Autel Robotics EVO with Transmitter

3. Autel Robotics EVO

The original Autel Robotics EVO is still a highly popular drone for both adults and teenagers, despite the fact it’s been replaced by not one, not two, but three brand-new models from the Autel Robotics EVO 2 lineup. What makes the original a solid option despite new models, you may wonder… Well, we’re here to find out!

Camera and Features

Let’s start with the camera. As you’d come to expect from a drone that costs roughly a $1000, this bad boy features an amazing 4K camera that’s capable of shooting professional aerial footage in virtually all weather conditions. Needless to say, the stabilization is of utmost perfection, featuring buttery smooth transitions and constant framerates without any drops.

There’s nothing much to be said about the features department. Everything you’d expect from a top-tier drone is present here. The built-in OLED monitor on the transmitter can be considered as an added extra alongside autonomous flight features such as dynamic tracking, viewpoint, orbit, and even waypoints. Last but not least, Autel Robotics EVO has support for VR headset meaning you can use it to go on a wide variety of commercial missions that require pinpoint precision and lag-free video transmission.

Specifications

The performance numbers perfectly round off EVO’s brilliance. You see, this bad boy can reach an astonishing 7 kilometers which is roughly the same distance as some of DJI’s best models. On top of that, the original Evo goes rather close to the 30-minute mark, which is also on par (if not even better) than certain DJI models (read older Mavic models). All in all, if you’re looking for great quadcopters for adults and you’re a big fan of the color orange, Autel Robotics EVO is the drone for you!

 

 

dji-mavic-2-pro-with-transmitter

2. DJI Mavic 2 Pro

Slowly but surely, we are approaching the best 2 professional-oriented drones for grown ups. As I have already mentioned above, the top 2 spots are reserved for DJI drones, both of which are outright amazing in their own right.

The first one on the line is DJI Mavic 2 Pro, a rather aggressive drone that agrees to no compromises as far as performance is concerned. So, if you are looking for the ultimate performance but in a portable package, then DJI Mavic 2 Pro should be your number one choice.

Camera and Features

DJI Mavic 2 Pro comes with a tiny 12MPX camera that’s mounted on a dedicated (and apparently the world’s smallest) 3-axis gimbal. The level of tech on display here is absolutely amazing. Considering that, it is no wonder this birdie can record aerial footage in crisp 4K resolution at 30fps. Furthermore, it’s also important to add that it has max 8 seconds of exposure and is capable of capturing in Adobe DNG RAW format. For advanced users, this enables easier image post-processing which is one of the key selling points of DJI Mavic 2 Pro.

Features-wise, DJI GO app brings a wide variety of smart flight modes as well as an intuitive user interface. There are also obstacle avoidance sensors and facial recognition software onboard too. Gesture control works like a charm and allows you to control Mavic Pro with the flick of your wrists.

Specifications

Let’s get one thing out of the way before taking a closer look at the specifications – THEY WILL AMAZE YOU! Considering the fact DJI Mavic 2 Pro is a fully foldable drone that can easily fit into your backpack (which is obviously not the case with full-sized models) it is amazing to see that it has no performance downsides. An operating range stands extremely long at 7 kilometers which is not surprising considering it relies on OcuSync technology.

Airtime, however, goes from 25 to 27 minutes which is, to put it simply – BREATHTAKING! So yeah, as I have already exclaimed above – if you are looking for a sophisticated aerial photography platform but can’t be bothered with carrying an extra case wherever you go, DJI Mavic Pro is the answer. It’s sleek, compact… and best of all – provides performance worthy of full-sides drones.

 

 

dji-phantom-4-pro-with-transmitter_new

1. DJI Phantom 4 Pro

Finally, we have reached the best drone for adults that is currently available on the market. As if there was any question on which drone would take the top spot – it is, of course, DJI Phantom 4 Pro.

A mainstream drone that is accepted by both beginners and advanced users due to its ease of use and comprehensive settings that make up for professional-grade results. However, the price justifies its performance… but if you end up buying this gorgeous-looking drone, you can rest assured your money was well spent. Here’s why…

Camera and Features

DJI Phantom 4 Pro has received a massive upgrade in terms of the camera. Now, it sports a magnificent 1-inch CMOS sensor with 20MPX and a fully-fledged mechanical shutter that will do you a world of good for sure. Needless to say, it is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal for optimal image stability no matter the ongoing weather conditions.

In terms of features, I believe most of you can already guess that this birdie has them all. ActiveTrack, TapFly, GPS and a whole bunch of smart flight modes that take the word autonomous to a whole another level. Perhaps I should also mention 5-directional obstacle sensing which takes collision avoidance to the extreme. Flight stability is unbelievable too, but I suppose DJI already got us used to that with pretty much all previous models.

Specifications

In terms of specifications, DJI Phantom 4 Pro and DJI Mavic Pro essentially share (roughly) the same numbers. Operating range is capped at 7 kilometers due to OcuSync technology. On the other hand, flight times are a bit shorter than what you’d expect on DJI Mavic Pro… but that still depends on weather conditions and usage type. In most cases, you will be getting anywhere from 25 to 27 minutes.

 

I’m an adult but don’t have experience with drones. What should I pay attention to?

First of all, there is no need to be ashamed for not having any experience with drones. Realistically speaking, they have gained a lot of popularity very recently and are slowly making their move onto the mainstream market, making themselves accessible to a wider audience. As a matter of fact, that is probably how you ended up here in the first place.

So, what should you pay attention to? Well, for starters, you should know the difference between toy-grade models and mid to high-end ones. Trust me, the difference might seem neglectable at first (at least to a beginner’s eye), but once you start exploring you will realize just how different drones can be.

Mid to high-end drones offer a whole plethora of features as well as superior performance in comparison to their toy-grade counterparts. Needless to say, the price tags imply this too. For instance, the average price of a toy drone is, let’s say, under $100… On the other hand, a mere battery (or a controller) for a high-end drone will set you back for the same amount of money. It’s crazy, huh?

 

What are the differences between drones for kids and drones for adults?

Let’s divide the question at hand into 3 categories:

Camera

First things first – the camera! If you are looking to get a drone with great aerial photography capabilities, the camera is, obviously, the primary concern. With that said, don’t expect anything good from children’s drones as they are equipped with either VGA or HD cameras. Instead, you should be targeting mid to high-end markets and aim for FHD and 4K cameras with hardware stabilization.

Hardware

In terms of hardware, the difference is significant, to say the least. Drones for kids, in most cases, are equipped with tiny brushed motors that aren’t capable of seriously injuring someone (unless it strikes an eye or someone’s manly parts). Well I’m sure you can guess on your own – are equipped with powerful brushless motors and bigger (also more powerful) batteries allowing them to perform on an entirely different level.

Features

These drones offer a lot of features, most of which are brought to life by GPS. Take Altitude Hold as an example – it stabilizes your drone and lets it hover at a constant height without you doing anything. Obviously, this makes for a beginner-friendly experience and provides a much easier learning curve.

On the other hand, drones for kids offer little to no traits as far as features are concerned. So, even though they can be seen as cheap learning platforms, they’re much more difficult to control than more expensive models. With that said, if you’re a beginner but plan on investing a lot of time (and money) into drones, I strongly suggest going for a fully stabilized model straight away.

 

FAQ: Drones For Adults

Which drone for adults has the longest flight time?

Hobby

Out of these 5 drones, Parrot Bebop 2 Adventurer has the best flight time thanks to a powerful 3S battery and lightweight design. In normal usage and while recording in 4K, this drone is still good for 20 to 25 minutes which is not to be taken for granted. The runner-up is GoPro Karma that can fly for approximately 20 minutes thanks to its 5100mAh 4S LiPo battery. So, if your primary goal is to have long flight times with your hobby drones, then picking one of these 2 will surely do the trick.

Professional

Picking the longest flying drone out of the professional list can get a bit tricky since all 5 models brag about having 25 to 27 minutes of airtime. However, it needs to be said that DJI Mavic Pro probably does it better than all others due to a lightweight design which makes a huge difference. If you are looking for more precise numbers, it can fly for up to 27 minutes. However, in realistic usage scenarios (with cca 10% battery left at landing) you can get around 25 minutes of pure flight.

 

Which drone for adults has the best operating range?

Hobby

For hobbyists wanting the best exploration drone from the ones featured above, I strongly recommend going for GoPro Karma. Not only does it have brilliant camera options (Hero 5 and Hero 6) but it’s also pretty good when it comes to operating range. If you want a more precise approach to the matter – GoPro Karma can reach amazing 3 kilometers and advertises that on all bells. Slap an FPV system onboard and you can explore a huge area around you for roughly 20 minutes per session.

Professional

As far as professional models are concerned, going with DJI seems like a no-brainer since their models sweep the floor with the competition. In other words, any of the drones from DJI’s newest lineup does the trick for you since they are all equipped with OcuSync technology. By effectively scanning (throughout the flight) for the best bands to work with, this technology allows an unparalleled range of up to 7 kilometers on the 2 first-placed drones.

 

Which drone for adults has the best camera?

Hobby

For people looking to get their hands on a drone from the hobby list above, I’m happy to announce a magnificent drone. Of course, just by taking a peek at the list everything becomes clear instantaneously. Of course, I am referring to GoPro Karma. Thanks to its 3-axis gimbal this drone not only supports GoPro Hero 5 Black but GoPro Hero 6 as well. No doubt about it – if you’re looking for top-flight aerial photography, it doesn’t get any better than GoPro Karma at the moment!

Professional

Obviously, the winner among these 5 drones is DJI Phantom 4 Pro. As if there was any question about that. For those of you unfamiliar with the matter at hand, DJI Phantom 4 Pro comes equipped with an upgraded 20MPX camera. More precisely, we are talking about a 1-inch CMOS sensor that delivers unparalleled aerial footage. Needless to say, this monstrous camera is mounted on a specialized 3-axis gimbal that ensures optimal image stability and full control over the camera’s focus.

 

Can I fly FPV with any of these drones?

If you are looking for FPV flying, I’m happy to tell you that each and every single one of the drones listed above support FPV flight. Of course, some to it better than the others due to different technologies in play:

5.8G FPV

Mostly used for professional FPV racing as it delivers a smooth experience with no noticeable input lag. Unfortunately, it is not that common with mainstream drones. However, it’s easy to set it up on virtually any drone – simply buy a cheap set of 5.8G FPV goggles and an all in one FPV system (such as Eachine TX02) and you are good to go.

WiFi FPV

This type of FPV covers the majority of the mainstream drone market. It is characterized by great video quality (HD and even Full HD on some models) but suffers from relatively short operating range. On the bright side, FPV range varies greatly from model to model so you might want to check the specifications of your potential purchase just to be sure.

 

Which of these drones offers the best out of the box VR experience?

Hobby

As far as hobby drones are concerned, only one of them provides a true out of the box VR experience. Some support it but require you to purchase FPV goggles separately. The mode that actually delivers real VR straight out of the box is none other than Parrot Bebop 2 Adventurer. Yes! In addition to the marvelous SkyController 2 which boosts the range of this little birdie up to 2 kilometers, the Adventurer package brings Cockpitglasses as well as a specialized backpack that will have just enough space to fit all accessories inside.

Professional

Unfortunately, the standard packages of those 5 drones above don’t offer any sort of VR experience. Still, it doesn’t mean neither of them supports it. On the contrary – with the help of DJI Goggles, picking any of their models from the list above will provide you with an excellent VR experience unlike any other. Take DJI Phantom 4 Pro as the perfect example. Pair it up with DJI Goggles (make sure all firmware is up to date) and you will be able to enjoy a plethora of features including Head Tracking Flight and Head Tracking Gimbal.

 

Is gimbal a must for decent aerial videos?

Well, honestly I would be lying if I told you that gimbals are an absolute must. For casual aerial videos, a decent EIS (electronic image stabilization) software is able to produce more than decent video quality. The shakiness is going to be removed but you will most likely be forced to record at a lower resolution than the native one of your drone’s camera. In other words, if your camera sports a 4K EIS sensor, you will have to record in FHD if you want all the glorious benefits of EIS.

However, if you are looking for a professional or semi-professional aerial imaging output (perhaps for commercial use), then I am afraid you will have to dash out extra money for a proper 3-axis gimbal. Needless to say, a hardware stabilization system (AKA a gimbal) will allow you to control the camera’s focus mid-flight while at the same time effectively reducing all shakiness and vibration. The result – buttery smooth image quality with pinpoint accuracy on the desired subject.

 

Tips for first-time flyers

Note – these tips are mainly targeted at first-time flyers who opt for the cheapest (read toy-grade) drones available. As I have stated above, these cheap drones don’t come with GPS or sophisticated ultrasonic sensors that ensure their stability without the user’s direct input. In layman’s terms, they’re a lot more difficult to control which might (and probably will) result in a couple of crashes… until you get comfortable flying an actual drone, of course.

So, with all that in mind, here’s what I have in store for you:

 

5. Read the manual

Read the manual

If you have never touched a drone in your life then I strongly suggest you inspect the manual in a thorough manner. In most cases, drone manuals will tell you a lot of the basics about your particular drone. Needless to say, they are of the utmost importance to everyone and even more so for first-time users. This info includes the basic characteristics of your drone as well as the control button layout. The latter is really important (I cannot stress this enough) so you might want to memorize it or even make cheat sheets and stick them to the controller until you get used to them.

 

4. Pay attention to charging times

LiPo ChargingLiPo ChargingHave you ever used LiPo batteries before? Have you heard they can be dangerous and explode if overcharged? Look, I’m not trying to scare you or anything like that, I just want to prevent a terrible accident happening. So, with that being said, I strongly advise you learn the charging time of your drone’s LiPo battery. Even though high-end models come with intelligent batteries that stop charging once they’re full, it’s still good practice to know the exact charge time and keep one eye out on the battery while it’s charging. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

 

3. Take it easy on the transmitter

No Full Throttle

Now some tips related to actually flying a drone. First off, I reckon most of you will do the good old full-throttle mistake – You will turn your drone on and arm the motors… and follow up with a massive push on the throttle stick. This will result in your drone punching out into the air at high speeds and will give you a headache at the very start. That’s why I strongly recommend going very easy on the transmitter at least for the first couple of flying sessions (and I don’t mean only during the takeoff but the entire flight as well). Staying in lower speed modes helps too…

 

2. Practice S-curves

S-Curve Practice

Once you’ve gotten accustomed to the throttle ratio of your drone, you might want to try flying your drone in curves. More precisely, I suggest you fly it in S-curve patterns which will do you a ton of good in terms of improving your muscle memory for controlling the drone. Kind of like when you practice changing gears in a car… kind of. One thing is for sure though, you will learn the basics of controlling your drone’s rotation in real-time which is the biggest problem for first-time flyers. Keep in mind though, it might feel tricky at first but don’t give up… and for crying out loud don’t go into that damn headless mode. I am strongly against it since it will ruin your learning curve and the adaptability to standard controls. In other words, you will have a hard time learning the proper controls and waste precious time handling your drone in headless mode. Trust me, avoid it simply because you are better off without it.

 

1. Keep trying

Practice Makes PerfectAnd finally… the key is in not giving up and keeping a positive spirit despite everything that might happen. Do not be discouraged if you happen to crash a lot during your first few flight sessions. It is normal – we’ve all been through that… or should I just speak for myself’ here? Anyway, what I am basically trying to say here is that crashes happen… broken parts too. But it is really nothing to worry about… In order to easily fix the mess at hand, simply stock up on spare parts and determination. Believe it or not, those 2 are the only 2 weapons you’ll need to successfully learn flying drones.

 

Conclusion

I guess I should say a couple of concluding words at the end of all these drones and supporting information. But, if you’ve expected something smart in the end… something game-changing… I’m afraid you’ll be left disappointed. You see, everything that’s needed explaining was already explained above. That’s why I’ll have to cut this article here by saying thank you for reading this article. I sincerely hope I delivered useful insight and helped you with making your decision… at least to some extent.

Until next time – happy flying!

DronesGlobe

Larry Haller