Drift Innovation Ghost XL - Review

[@jeffdavies688]

I need an action camera....don't like the GoPro bricks....the drift XL looks the part.....now you have had it a while, can you still recommend it? And what microphone do you use?

[@baconbiketours9166]

Hi, i think its a great camera provided you don't want 4k. Key is keeping the firm wear up to date.. I find the official drift mic the best as some other mics have too high a sensitivity.

[@Motourev]

Nice vid pal - did a review ourselves. I’m impressed with camera. We all use Drifts in our Motovlogs 👊🏻👍🏻

[@baconbiketours9166]

Cheers mate. It's nice to have a viable alternative to go pro. Ride safe

[@cyko6123]

Is the microphone issue resolved with a new firmware? It seems like there are many complaints about the mic quality and that’s the only thing holding me back.

[@baconbiketours9166]

Hi. I can't speak for everyone, but for me, since the new firmware and the new mic lead mines been fine. The audio I now have is what you can hear on the video.

[@mototakahe836]

Barney is or was a good contact at Drift as well, very very helpful. He said if you do not have a reply always go back and repeat your query.

[@reubenmarcellus3353]

A trick : watch movies at Flixzone. Been using them for watching loads of movies during the lockdown.

[@langstonmarcos6668]

@Reuben Marcellus yea, I've been using Flixzone for since november myself =)

[@calebluis2910]

@Reuben Marcellus Yea, have been using Flixzone for since november myself :D

[@allangosling6134]

Thank you very much for the video.I am in the process of of researching setting up a blue tooth helmet. this is the first review of the XL. I am liking the X for the extra features and batteries and the (Sena 20s or 30s?) have not made up my mind yet on this. Do you have videos for communications systems. I have Andriod phone, ghost and Zumo XT. I am not doing doing anything end, I have dslr cameras and drone.

[@baconbiketours9166]

Hi, no videos on these other items yet, but we use Cardo Packtalk systems and they work great with our phones and gps. they are the only systems we have used that have worked properly.

[@sw01ller]

I was a bit concerned about this, decided to buy off the back of this review. Thank you.

[@baconbiketours9166]

We hope you have the success we've had with it so you don't get cross with us :) We look forward to seeing your footage

[@sw01ller]

Yeah, me too. I really wanted one with all the cool stuff you get with a car dash cam. Easy interface and loop recording with g force. One with speed, time and gps. But can be helmet mounted. Only ones I’ve seen have to be installed on the bike. But this looks like a good option.

[@zorrotreps]

Very helpful review, thanks. How are you finding image stabilisation, or lack of it?

[@baconbiketours9166]

Hi Thanks for watching. To be honest the video quality is food enough for me. But then, I'm not trying to make cinematic quality :) I think it would be an issue if you wanted to bike mount!!!

[@BikingAdventuresandRoutesNI]

Hi ya just got an XL and love the review, cheers

[@baconbiketours9166]

Thank you very much. Heres hoping for a better 2021 so we can use them :)

[@gordonjenkins8171]

Enjoyed your review of the Ghost though a little mor info on type of helmet it will fit on would be useful as I have a Shark Evo and an Ls2 399 both have full swing on the chin gard

[@baconbiketours9166]

Hi, thanks for watching. If we can get hold of one of those types or helmet thats a great idea but none of us own one, we'll see what we can do :)

[@davidp9280]

Thanks for the great video. Question: is there some knack or technique for rotating the lens? I just bought a Ghost xl but I can't budge the lens. I want to be able to rotate it 90 degrees, as I'll probably mount it on top of my helmet, rather than the side. Thanks.

[@baconbiketours9166]

Honestly, ours are stiff. They get looser over time.

[@davidp9280]

@@baconbiketours9166 thanks, I managed to turn it by getting a better grip by putting on my leather riding gloves!

[@DjSkipAlexander]

Nice review it’s one system that I’m considering. The disadvantages don’t bother me but do u still love it or is their another camera u would prefer

[@baconbiketours9166]

Hi, for our use it's the best of the current cameras. Some of the other cameras have slightly better pictures or audio, but they are a faff to mount, and the XL has proved waterproof. Good price too. Work has got in the way the last few months, but hopefully we'll have some more videos out with it soon. Thanks - Jay

[@rockjock1965]

can you please show where you mounted on your shoei neotec2 as i have one and the clip showing your lid isn't long enough lol thanks guys

[@baconbiketours9166]

Hi Thats the Neotec 1 in the video, but I now have it on the neotec 2. Fire me an email at [e-mail] and I'll send a picture :)

[@rockjock1965]

@@baconbiketours9166 I have the 2 can you show the mounting place as it was brief in the video mate Thank you

[@rockjock1965]

@@baconbiketours9166 email send buddy thanks

[@EdwardLively]

I need to get a good bike helmet. I was referred to this one. Is this good or not?

[@baconbiketours9166]

You asking about helmet or helmet camera?

[@EdwardLively]

@@baconbiketours9166 the helmet camera sir. I also need to know if the adhesive will hold well when I am riding.

[@baconbiketours9166]

@@EdwardLively well, we like the camera. Sure, it's not 4k or bang up to date like go pro, but it's waterproof and has a great battery. All the footage on out recent mini tour was taken on one so you can watch that and be the judge of if you like the quality :)

[@baconbiketours9166]

Also, we have had zero issue withe the mounts over the 3 years we have been using them, but we don't ride ultra fast.

[@EdwardLively]

@@baconbiketours9166 yeah the quality looks pretty good. I don't go very fast where I live. I don't ride faster than 40 so that's why I was wondering about the adhesive. I have your video favorited so I can see more videos.Thank you for the quick replies sir.

[@LucWijdeveld]

So, what is next? More info about this Ghost XL?

[@baconbiketours9166]

Hi. Work has got in the way and haven't used it much. Plenty more in the new year. Thanks for posting :)

[@674henk]

Hello you might want to explain how to update it. Good review thank you. greetings from the Netherlands

[@baconbiketours9166]

Good idea for a video :)

[@674henk]

@@baconbiketours9166 i'm going to subscribe then i'm going to watch👍🏻

[@baconbiketours9166]

@@674henk I will make it when I have time :)

[@everybodymenk]

Great video. Are you able to charge the battery (With a portable battery pack) while you are using it?

[@baconbiketours9166]

As far as I am aware yes but 2 things. You either have to open the door to use the ish to charge, in which case it isn't waterproof, or use the waterproof charge socket, in which case you can't use the Mic.

[@markchester6591]

Enjoyed the review. Been looking to buy a video camera for my motorbike trips and will definitely look at this one in more detail. It would be useful to learn how you edit your videos, maybe a feature on this in the future. Also, I notice we can hear your Dad clearly while you are riding. Is that simply that you edited his video/audio into your film? Also, you mention the microphone attachment but do you need a seperate mic for this as well as the one for speaking to other riders or are they both merged into one? Enjoying your videos and hoping to see some more now we can all get out and about on our bikes more. Cheers. Mark.

[@baconbiketours9166]

Thanks for watching, and thanks for the idea. I'll be honest, I'm an editing novice but when I get some quiet time I'll knock something up about the basics I do know :) Movavi is a very easy and basic editing tool to get your head around. Having the 2 audios together is done in editing, we have yet to find a way to record all the sound together. We talk to eachother on Cardo Pack talks but you do need to have a seperate microphone to record audio to the camera. The drift ones are pricy, but give us by far the best sound quality :) Hope this helps and thanks again for watching - we do have some more videos on the way.

[@davidjones9636]

Good review, interested as to why you chose this over the Ghost X?

[@baconbiketours9166]

Waterproofing and battery life. The x dies in the rain after not very long at all, as does the 4k. From experience lol

[@vainparasite]

Hi, do you need the adaptor for the mic or can you just plug a mic directly into the unit, it just seems a bit funny having an extension 👍👍

[@baconbiketours9166]

Hi, sorry, this comment only just came through. Yes you need to use the screw in adapter.

[@ilcorvo980]

Whats the differenze between this and the XL?

[@baconbiketours9166]

Hi, this is the xl?

[@TheMetalmechanic]

I liked the S,, but difficult going through settings, I u didnt use it often

[@baconbiketours9166]

I have to admit, I tend to just find a setting I like and stick with it for the same reason.

[@mattjohn7700]

I've just purchased the drift ghost 4K plus and at first set up, it says, you have to have a three pin security number to get it to work. I've also got a Sony action camera and that, to set it all up is in the box. It was easy set up with the Sony, but I need advice in relation to the Drift XL Any ideas where the pin is or how to proceed successfully.

[@baconbiketours9166]

Hi Matt. Are you asking about a Drift 4K or an XL?

[@mattjohn7700]

@@baconbiketours9166 4k plus

[@baconbiketours9166]

I think the standard code is set to 000. If not email drift and mark it fao Ollie. He knows his stuff and will usually sort you quite quickly :)

[@roadwarrior8560]

great little camera if the mic worked, sound is terrible even with the new mic lead, software has been updated, how did you speak to the guys at Drift? they have no phone number now.

[@baconbiketours9166]

Hi, I used the email (I've included on our video), and Mark FAO Ollie

[@baconbiketours9166]

Forgot to mention, we found if you run the microphone sensitivity at level 3 it works best.

[@mickemmett6828]

Not a lover of the new Ghost cameras now they have brought the mic leads out facing down, OK if you have a normal helmet but if like mine that is a flip up; it means you have to fit the camera low down on the side of the helmet and that means the mic lead continually catches your shoulder. They clearly knew this would be a problem hence the 90 degree adaptor, they couldn't come up with it because they had trouble with the thread? What a load of rubbish, they released them anyway and subsequently lots of people are finding the mic sockets especially on the Ghost X which is a flimsy mini usb are packing up after just a couple of ride outs. I've had 2 and both have gone back because of this problem and even with the latest firmware and fast cards they both locked up on a regular basis. I've bought a SENA C10 pro now and couldn't be happier with it, but it's early days, I've got it on an external power pack so the poor 2 hour battery life isn't a problem. You can get a lead for the Ghost X that allows you to charge and use the mic while using the camera, I'm sure it could be adapted for the Ghost XL.

[@baconbiketours9166]

Thanks for your input. I agree with the flipfront comment, luckily I can mount mine slightly higher. Seems you either get a good xl or not. Let's hope drift listen and get their consistency in order. Thanks for watching and commenting. Safe riding :)

[@dennismurphy3301]

I'm pleased i read your comment Mick,as i would have same problem on my shark reverse flip helmet.PS good review on xl.

[@grossi46]

Great review buddy. Can you tell me how long a 64gb card will last for filming in 1080p 30fps also what format do the files save as as in mp4 etc ? Also can you film in intervals like 5/10 mins rather than have 1 file lasting 8 hours ? Thanks in advance 👍👍

[@baconbiketours9166]

Hi sorry, I have no idea why this comment only just came through to us!! In our ghost XL, a 64 gig lasts about 6 hours comfortably. We have the files set to save at 30 mins but you can do it shorter if you want smaller files :)

[@grossi46]

Thanks for the response. How is the quality of the footage ?

[@baconbiketours9166]

@@grossi46 Hi, if you want to see detailed footage, watch our Somerset mini tour series on the channel. All my helmet cam footage is off the XL and it will give you a great mix of footage in different light conditions :)

[@davidparkins1808]

If you were riding really out in the wild with no mains electricity the dead battery after the first day would be a pain as it is not replaceable. Is there any possibility of recharging while it is actually in use? For example solar power, a high capacity "power bank", the bike's electrics, etc?

[@baconbiketours9166]

We are chatting to the guys at Drift and we have some ideas. Watch this space :)

[@dillonthestaffy511]

just use a slim power bank in your top pocket connected to the camera, it will run for days.

[@baconbiketours9166]

Agreed, but then the door is open and not waterproof

[@peterhession5143]

@@baconbiketours9166 it charges via the waterproof mic port so the door stays closed

[@baconbiketours9166]

Great idea. I'm assuming all the functions still work? Thanks for the input

[@NorthernBiker-t9h]

This is my first helmet cam and I have no experience of how well the mounts stick to the helmets. Mine has come with some flat and curved mounts with 3M sticky tape--Is this stuff really strong enough to keep the camera on the helmet at high speed?

[@baconbiketours9166]

Hi, if you watch our videos they all use cameras mounted this way. While I can't guarantee they work in every case, we have never had a drift sticky mount come loose. But, we have never used them above 80mph so it depends what you mean by high speed.

[@NorthernBiker-t9h]

@@baconbiketours9166 that's good to know. I wont be going over 80mph so should be ok

[@bikershikers155]

Can i mount the camera with a Ram Mount B 309 - 7u, on my motorbike handlebar?

[@baconbiketours9166]

I have not tried this, but to do it you would need something with a thread to screw into the camera.

[@trevorshields7347]

Talking about cameras and you have the video camera pointing at the window!

[@baconbiketours9166]

I'm no expert that's for sure, learning as I go. Plus, was the only room I had available at the time. Thanks for the feedback, will bear it in mind. Stay safe and Merry Christmas:)

[@trevorshields7347]

@@baconbiketours9166 thanks for taking time to reply. But still enjoyed your informative content all the same. A merry xmas to you to

[@pelvishakerg271]

Sounds like the older camera is better. Damn!

[@fr4413]

Enjoyed, cheers.

[@baconbiketours9166]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@matrixpierce5990]

Do you need a pc to see the recorded video from a ride out?

[@baconbiketours9166]

I believe there is an app but I haven't tried it, so yes, I normally just put my sd card into my laptop.

[@matrixpierce5990]

@@baconbiketours9166 I've tried the app. Maybe I just can't figure it out. Thx

[@baconbiketours9166]

If you email drift and Mark it fao Ollie he can advise if the app works for the xl :)

[@TheMetalmechanic]

I had ths S, it got ran over... I will thing that without the Side Video screen. The batt life will be better

[@baconbiketours9166]

About 8 hours consistantly :)

[@Frostytravels]

Great video man. Gave you a sub and thumbs up.

[@baconbiketours9166]

Cheers Mate. Just enjoyed your Ghost 4k video. Safe travels man :)

[@Frostytravels]

@@baconbiketours9166 Hey thanks. Just having a little prob getting it to connect to my phone app. Will not connect.

[@baconbiketours9166]

@@Frostytravels I'd email Drift FAO Ollie and he'll help you out :)

[@Frostytravels]

@@baconbiketours9166 yep. Ask for more info. Gave it to him and nothing back yet. But its the weekend so I will wait. Thanks mate

[@alan461]

10:23 what was the curry like?

[@baconbiketours9166]

Amazing. Mogul e Azam in Nottingham. Its our regular when in Notts!!!

[@alan461]

Haha, I’ll give them a try if we ever get out of lockdown. Thanks for the review (curry & camera😉)

[@btcbiker]

Great Video

[@baconbiketours9166]

Cheers. We've been enjoying yours to :)

[@eduardorocha3263]

Tive uma Ghost X e duas Ghost XL, todas tiveram o mesmo problema, entrou água de chuva, não presta..

[@baconbiketours9166]

Hi Eduardo, can't comment on the X, but we've used our XL's in some real downpours and no issues so far.

[@eduardorocha3263]

@@baconbiketours9166 é eu devo estar com muito azar, por estar tendo esse problema recorrente. Eu uso a filmadora por baixo da pala do capacete na posição horizontal

[@baconbiketours9166]

@@eduardorocha3263 Well I wish you better luck and lots of dry riding in the future :)

[@dillonthestaffy511]

Nothing worse than half the helmet in the shot prefer the view on the top of the lid, ghost S had a massive problem and that was the fact you cant charge on the go as it still runs flat. leave the XL 30 secs to warm up makes one touch record pointless, they only freeze if ur using a slow card.

[@baconbiketours9166]

It's all preference, I never really mind the helmet shot. As for the card, I've tried the fastest cards I can and it still seems an issue. I would try top mount though if it wasn't for the flip. Ride safe :)

[@freeman5867]

You’re producing a video about cameras and your positioning/lighting is awful. Useful content, though. Thanks 😊

[@baconbiketours9166]

It was filmed with the only facilities I had available to me at the time. Thanks for watching.

[@smithers139]

Don't buy drift customer service is appalling used6 time now scrap

[@baconbiketours9166]

Sorry to hear that. Sounds like you've been unlucky - no real problems for us using Drift for 4 years.

[@smithers139]

Bacon Bike Tours finally got Drift to replace new one seems fine let's hope so