DroneMask2 vs DJI Avata: Easy FPV For Your Mini 2 or Air2S - Full Review & Test

[@IaninLondon]

All good fun..... Bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. If it was rubbish, I wouldn't do the video.... Here's the link:. dronemask.com/products/dronemask2?aff=11

[@SimplyScotlandPhotography]

Now Did you buy these or did you get a lucky send? Moan now Tell the truth 🤔

[@IaninLondon]

I got sent this to test, but as I've said before, if it's crap, I'll say so, or just refuse to do a video. You wouldn't believe the number of cheap drones I'm asked to review.......

[@SimplyScotlandPhotography]

@@IaninLondon Well with you a spade is a spade that's why We all stick around I suppose. It's better than EastEnders 🤣

[@gmivisualsjason3729]

Watched in full..... I agree completely with your comments

[@testtube1020]

Great review Ian! Many thanks!👍😀

[@pplusbthrust]

I had no idea. This is cool, or brilliant, to put it in the British vernacular. Another gadget to consider. Thank you.

[@NotRiansLuke]

Great review, thanks. A lot of people are looking at this as only an FPV thing, but for me, it's the fact that I'll be able to see details that I can't see on my little Galaxy! I often use my Mini II for whale watching and it's insanely hard to even locate the whales on that tiny phone screen. There have been several times I've shot footage, only to realize what I missed once I watch it on my computer screen. I just ordered a Drone Mask 2, so I'm hoping it's a game changer.

[@vincegp]

Thanks Ian!! Bought my first version DroneMask when I saw your review, and loved it!! Pre-ordered this one as soon as I received their email, but haven’t received the delivery yet. But after this review, I can’t wait. The finger holes now makes this perfect. As for the comment posted here about the latency… while it is true, one must just account for it. The fact is, the same latency exist when flying using just your phone, so not sure how the drone mask is impacted any different? Aside from seeing better with the mask on, and no glare, direct sun light or dimming iPhone screens… ps. On pre order I received some discount, and ended up paying $167 I believe.

[@IaninLondon]

Exactly. There's no electronics here. You get the same latency you'd get anyway. I guess it's more important if you're flying low and close to objects tho! 🤠👍🏻

[@karenmouselady]

Good review as ever Ian, it looks really good fun and a great way to add a different view if you fancy a change from normal drone flying with out getting a dedicated fpv.

[@IaninLondon]

Thanks Karen. Yep, it's genuinely good fun and all immersive. 👍🏻

[@the_bloke_that_cuts_the_grass]

Great review, what interests me is-1: dabble your feet into fpv without having to get all new kit and 2: can be used with glasses without the need for additional prescription lens to be purchased. Seems like a good idea for adding to my Christmas list 🎅

[@SpeedsterIG]

The FPV gimbal mode of the Mini drones (tested with my M3P) are less "organic", some kind of artificial, edgy. Together with the relatively small FOV and the slow speed it does not tick any boxes for me, flying the Avata is very different experience. But may be if someone never flew FPV of any kind he might be very pleased by this solution. For me the DroneMask2 could be interesting to make "normal" drone flying more immersive to get a better impression of the shots you get than just looking at a screen of the RC. Below the DJI RC PRO the remotes lack the HDMI interface one could use feed some goggles. This Mask seems a good workaround solving this lack of possibilities.

[@seb-depp]

I'm with you 100% - completely jerky, even worse than the N and S modes on the DJI fpv. But if you don't call it flying fpv...

[@IaninLondon]

Spot on. The jerkiness and speed of the non-fpv drones is there to see; that's why I wanted to do a side by side (ish) comparison so you can see for yourself what the end result will be. But despite that, it's genuinely a lovely, huge, immersive experience, with no glare and everything looks crisp and bright. If you want genuine fast acrobatic flying, you =defo have to go down the full fpv route....

[@jaco_oosthuizen]

Good to see the Air 2S in a new video...

[@DanielCosta-zp6jl]

I havê been using the fist version and its amazing very good quality whit my mini2 even my 7 year old use it and loves it.

[@RW12345]

The lag of the video signal to the Fly App on your phone is very large. So large it’s possible you will crash your drone a split second before you see it on your phone. Not saying it’s impossible to fly FPV with the Drone Mask, but you need to mind the latency issue.

[@IaninLondon]

The latency is purely down to your phone and the standard remote of course, but yes, you can't be going crazy through tiny gaps 🤠

[@londenard]

Umm... the lag is the same goggles or no.

[@SimplyScotlandPhotography]

If your getting lag it's your phone mate and has absolutely nothing to do with it being in a mask. It's what your seeing on your screen at the time lol

[@Rafale11]

Can you it as a VR watching KZbin videos

[@zeejimi4044]

This is exactly the video that I was hoping for because I want to buy a foldable drone under 250g, but my fpv-experienced friend advised me to buy the DJI Avata (ca 400g, not foldable, and noisy) instead, because of high latency when using a phone for an fpv experience. In the comments some viewers say that this depends on the capabilities of the phone that is being used. Can anyone shine some more light on this issue ? Thank you ! Great video !!! 👍👍👍

[@IaninLondon]

This is because true FPV drones rely on the goggles, which relay the images to you with minimal lag. If your phone is a low end phone, it won't have the processing power to relay the images in near real-time and you could end up crashing because you can't see where you're going...

[@zeejimi4044]

@@IaninLondon OK, thanks - I have an iphone se which is about 4 years old. How do I know e.g. by way of the description of the processor of any phone how short or long the latency could be ? Thank you for your response ! 👍👍👍

[@IaninLondon]

You should be fine. very little latency on a phone like that.

[@thomascrowne1458]

Thanks for the excellent review, Ian. On many days, it is very sunny in my neck of the woods here in the Tropics and I have been struggling to read the data on my phone during bright conditions with the problem made worse by the limited size of the screen on a typical smartphone. DJI's sun visor for smartphones mitigates the issue somewhat but does not completely eliminate the problem. I have been waiting for DroneMask to fix the problems on their version 1 and I'm glad you took the effort to give us a detailed review on whether they succeeded in making improvements for their second rendition. I will shortly be making a purchase for the DroneMask2. Again, many thanks for this review. Subscribed & Liked

[@IaninLondon]

Great stuff! And on this cold late autumn day, I wish you well with your struggles in the tropical sun..... 😉🤠🤠☀️

[@thomascrowne1458]

@@IaninLondon Thanks again 😄

[@gangleweed]

Good video......having just bought the Drone mask 2 as well I'm waiting for my SJRC F22s drone to arrive and then it's off to see the wild west show..........BTW.....wouldn't it be a cool experience to allow your dog to go off on his own in the hills and track him with the drone so you'd know where he was.,,,,,freedom is a very precious thing.

[@YachtBuoy]

I am a huge fan of drone mask. I tried the Avata for FPV but did not like the goggles and split screen. The Avata goggles need too much adjusting and you cannot see all of the info in all parts of the screen because of the blurring. There are also too many batteries to worry about with the Avata (Goggles/drone/controller) The big plus with the DJI goggles was obviously the fact that you can change the drone settings in flight. But now that the Drone Mask 2 has the 'finger flap' things, it makes it much easier to fly the drone with the mask when you need to change the settings. I have now sold my Avata. My Done Mask 2 is on its way and I am looking forward to flying my Mini 2 and Mavic 3 Classic with them, with my spotter by my side!

[@IaninLondon]

Glad you like it 👍🏻👍🏻

[@highflyingscotland]

Good review Ian, is the DroneMask2 less forward heavy than the original? I've got the original but only used it a couple of times because I found it pretty uncomfortable, as if it wanted to pull my head down.

[@IaninLondon]

It's the same .... So if you didn't like the weight and feel of 1, you won't like 2...👍🏻

[@highflyingscotland]

@@IaninLondon thanks for the heads up! I know some people love it. Perhaps I should just persevere with it. I like the idea of access to the touchscreen without having to unzip it, that was a major drawback with the original.

[@lynsmith1096]

Good review Ian. There's a leak out that the Mini 3 Pro and Mavic 3 will be compartable with the Goggles 2.

[@IaninLondon]

That would be fun!!!

[@ptaylor5014]

WOW $179 for that! i thought it would cost around £50-£70 tops.

[@deanwidd4043]

Fun experience and a lot cheaper than the full Avata package. Think these would prove beneficial in non fpv mode to help screen glare etc. I've got the Avata and M3pro, but I don't have your awesome jacket! 😂

[@EyeInTheSky-DroneFootage-gw2te]

Hello there :) Thanks a lot for the videos. Recently got my Mini 3 and your content has been very useful. Also got teary eyed with your volcano video lol. Quick question: i have the DJI RC controller with the screen. Can i use it with the DroneMask 2 as well?

[@IaninLondon]

Not really.... There's no easy output to a secondary screen on the RC remote. 👍🏻

[@EyeInTheSky-DroneFootage-gw2te]

@@IaninLondon Thanks for the reply, i appreciate the help!

[@Bobbybbops]

What are some alternatives?

[@eyeup]

Small technicality (because that's what I do). FPV spotter rule is not for the UA Observer to be "nearby", but to be "alongside". There can be a significant difference between the two and it's unnecessary to confuse with a word change.

[@MassiveBenny]

Bet you're fun at parties.

[@eyeup]

@@MassiveBenny yep. Mind you, I do go to parties with grown-ups.

[@75echo]

Just my luck i just ordered a Drone mask last weekend, now they come out with a Version 2.

[@IaninLondon]

See if it's not yet been dispatched and swap if you can.. They've been advertising DM2 for a few weeks now 👍🏻

[@TheMrkav1]

Hi great review can I ask inside the goggles on the fpv is the screen alot smaller like on fatshark. Compared to the phone screen

[@mcleonardcrouise6803]

Please is there a way that my RC2 controller can project display on my samsung phone?

[@YourreelmemoriesAu]

I wouldn’t mind one of these just to see the screen properly in bright sunlight. Looking at my footage on a monitor later, I’m always regretting missing things that I should have captured at the time of filming. Would be great to see more detail at the time to compose my shots.

[@IaninLondon]

This works fine for that too....

[@tommyslavic898]

Other than the stereo lens VR box head sets (which require a 3rd party app) this is the only single lens offering out there that displays DJI Fly. Believe me I've looked!

[@gmivisualsjason3729]

I use the original drone mask with my mini 3 Pro..... 1080p back to the phone looks lovely especially when combined with the new wide angle lens

[@julien.did68]

The mask seems very good ! How about the dimensions of the mask ? Can you tell me his dimensions ?

[@popitastic]

Hi Ian - any idea if or when DJI will make their FPV goggles or Avata goggles compatible to Mavic 3 and similar? Thanks

[@IaninLondon]

I've heard it's being developed.... So I'd hope in the next 2-3 months but I have no extra knowledge 😐

[@hawkeye19531]

Hi Ian, the only problem with this is if you have sight in only one eye, like I do, you only see half the screen.

[@zpinkLondonBelow]

Cheers for yet another interesting video. One question about the mask though, would you dare using it to FPV in some woods for instance? I can't remember if it was my mini2 or the old Spark, but I've crashed when trying to rely on the somewhat delayed image on the phone when navigating amongst the trees.

[@IaninLondon]

I flew close to the moorland heath... Wouldn't fly through trees very fast tho!

[@SM-yr9kb]

Does the screen in the dronemask2 give a bigger screen than the DJI goggle?

[@IaninLondon]

Well, the dronemask uses your own phone, with a single large lens, so it looks enormous....

[@Seghillian1]

Does anyone know if it will take an iPhone 14 Pro Max? Great review btw, as always. Hoping for an early Christmas present😊

[@boatingsibbingandwandering3262]

Is there a UK Site that you can buy this from rather than have the global shipping and risking all sorts of Taxes etc when it comes into the Uk it is already quite expensive and would not want to get caught with these potential added costs....... Whoops I see you covered that at the end of the video

[@IaninLondon]

Yep; they're based in Norway although the product is shipped from Hong King; they have specifically confirmed there will be no taxes or import duties for UK customers.

[@deepsilent.521]

Sir, do you have a gaveaway drone for viewers?

[@aspectabove]

What's the difference between this and any other non-OEM google card box plastic manufactured type headset?

[@GBJOINER]

Thought I recognised the scenery it’s 10 minutes drive from me 👍

[@bashy2.0]

Hi Ian, which phone did you use for this review, please?

[@IaninLondon]

LG V50

[@El_Smeghead]

Or you could just go to TK Maxx and get one for £20 in the gadget section by the tills nearer Christmas. I did exactly that about 5 years ago until I eventually got the DJI goggles V1. Now I use those with every drone. I honestly can't see how the price of these Dronemasks can be justified though.

[@IaninLondon]

I make that point twice..... 👍🏻

[@El_Smeghead]

@@IaninLondon I know, I'm backing you up in the comments section for the people who didn't watch the entire video 🤜🤛

[@IaninLondon]

Cheers guvnor 😉

[@El_Smeghead]

@@IaninLondon You're welcome me ol' mucka! (American viewers now very confused lol)

[@IaninLondon]

Guilty as charged m'lud 😉

[@rayhart7753]

Can you get them in the UK.

[@IaninLondon]

Absolutely 👍🏻

[@pete2109]

Can you wear reading glasses with the Drone mask? 🤔🤓 Great comparison between the 2 Ian 👍 thank you

[@IaninLondon]

Yes, absolutely, unless they're Dame Edna Everage style 🤠😎

[@Solley2010]

What's the latency like ?

[@IaninLondon]

Whatever your phone is. It's just viewing that. So if you've got a high end phone, it should be fine....

[@Solley2010]

@Ian in London Cool, thanks for the reply ..I've just ordered a pair, with free shipping etc .. I hope my Samsung S22 Ultra will fit them

[@IaninLondon]

From their FAQS: The DroneMask is compatible with most phones that are not wider than 78,1 mm and no longer than 170 mm. This includes, but are not limited to, all models of iPhone, Samsung S6, S7, S8 and S8 edge. However, some phones has a button on the side, that will interfere with our mount (like Sony Xperia and some models of HTC). The DroneMask works with Samsung Galaxy S21.

[@Solley2010]

@Ian in London .. Excellent thanks for the info

[@johnwalker1]

I Ian I fly mini 2 with I pad mini I find wat spoils the experience is in daylight I cannot see screen good I tried making a hood that goes around the screen like the ones you can buy But still not happy with glare etc and I also find the icons on screen two small to alter your camera settings eV or other commands without touching the one next to it . Best soution I had was a black bin bag over my head and controller to see but can imagine any one seeing you screen but was a bit crap in rality I am not bothered about the fpv side of flying so would the mask 2 help in helping me overcome the problems I am having after your experience testing Also would it help trying to do a roof inspection or that kind of close up stuff so your not guessing as much with glare on your normal set up screen Thanks john

[@IaninLondon]

Fully understand the issues and it's an emphatic yes. There is no glare whatsoever and the lenses make the phone screen look huge and crisp and clear; and will work with glasses if you have to wear them too. I absolutely recommend you do not put a plastic bin liner on your head. Ian

[@davidkitching3478]

I’ve got the mini 2 but looked can’t seem to buy the drone mask 2 anywhere in the uk can you let me know where I can buy this from?

[@IaninLondon]

Link in video notes. It's not in UK but they've guaranteed no import duties or fees. dronemask.com/products/dronemask2

[@PePaskari]

Ian - Thanks for another super interesting test/review. My old school mate has a Phantom 3 standard and having used our eyes for 70 years, using a mobile screen in daylight is not easy. As you have (/have had) a Phantom 3, can you verify that it would work with Dronemask 2? - Supplier’s web site is not clear about it, and neither is our foremost Drone shop in Denmark. thanks.

[@andywills7568]

Hi, is it possible to use the dronemask 2 with the dji mini pro 3? It has a the separate controller, if so, do you know how to connect it to iPhone? Cheers

[@marianp5884]

Użytkuję tą maskę z mini 2. Jeżeli twój telefon obsługuje danego drona to maska jest do umieszczenia tego telefonu .

[@pierresakr1811]

Well explained , as Usual , Thank You . Question : Is there any problem if i prefer using " Follow mode " instead of " FPV modes " in the App with this drone mask 2 ?

[@IaninLondon]

Not at all; the horizon will stay horizontal but you still get a full immersive experience and no sun glare....

[@pierresakr1811]

@@IaninLondon Thank you

[@martinsmith4330]

Another good video Ian. I don’t know how he did it but dronexfactor managed to link his with the rc pro and his phone so he was using the goggles with the rc.

[@IaninLondon]

The RC Pro has HDMI-out to allow for this. The RC remote doesn't...

[@MichaelMaduske]

Concerned I may suffer from motion sickness flying a TRUE FPV drone, this is an affordable option to try with my Air 2 before dropping $$$ on the Avata. Thanks!

[@IaninLondon]

I felt a bit light headed the very first time I flew. Goes very quickly; as you say, a good way of finding out :)

[@redzeppelinuk]

Intrigued by this, but wouldn't want to go back to my phone after a few months with the RC Pro and the functionality that means I don't have to touch the screen once airborne. Found an app called ApowerMirror (Android in my case) that can cast the RC Pro screen to my phone when the phone is set as a hotspot and RC Pro connected to it. Obviously, the potential for lag and poor mobile signal might be an issue, but I'd only want the DroneMask for a more immersive Air 2S experience - framing of video and images etc - than replicating an FPV experience. I've tried the mirroring without the mask and it seems smooth enough. If you get the chance to experiment Ian, that would be grand 👍

[@IaninLondon]

I don't have the RC Pro, just the RC, but your method would be a great way to use of your phone alongside the RC Pro.

[@redzeppelinuk]

@@IaninLondon Gotcha. Didn't realise you were still resisting the RC Pro 😉 I was pleased with my Tripltek 8 until I was loaned an RC Pro in the Summer. Sooooo much more convenient, but if you're happy with the RC I can see why you have no need for the Pro 👍

[@IaninLondon]

The RC Pro is more than a drone! 🤠. Can't justify it compared to the standard RC 👍🏻

[@TheCivildecay]

The price of the dronemask is quite insane since you can get FPV goggles for less

[@DannyCallaby]

Avata £1000? Jeez.. I wish I knew, I paid 1300 pound a few days ago! 😁

[@simonsmith2969]

You seemed to be struggling with real genuine plus comments for this product. Other than poke holes in the side. If you want real fpv, buy the avata I'd say, not that I've got one. Seems a lot of faff otherwise tbh. And that normally results in disappointment. I've got m3p and happy. If you want fpv, get one that's built for it in my view.

[@IaninLondon]

Not really. I just didn't want to gush over what's fundamentally a phone holding mask. It's genuinely very comfortable and well made. As you say, if you want genuine fpv, get a genuine full fov kit. 👍🏻

[@boatingsibbingandwandering3262]

@@IaninLondon But the Avata with all its leads and Batteries etc is plenty of faff. Even more than the Dronemask I think

[@RickaB]

Another nice video Ian, pleased to see you visiting my home turf! Hope you enjoyed it? It's a beautiful part of the world and steeped in history. Not sure if you explored it much but here's some of my videos from around the area and beyond. Cheers Ian! kzbin.info/door/8cs1O7t6OOteU0fHuf5wSAvideos

[@erik.nederstigt]

Ian, be honest..... It sucks!

[@IaninLondon]

If you're used to proper FPV, then yeah, it will suck, but if you want to get an intro into fpv without shelling out for decent goggles and an fpv model, then this is a great mask. As I say, cheaper options out there but this defo doesn't suck imho 👍🏻

[@varph_]

This is a Mobile phone VR mask with a absolutely ridiculous pricetag of 180$ on it. To promote it and not put it down just hits a bit wrong to me, it's a google cardboard targeted at drone owners so they go ok lets make it 5-6x the price those suckers will buy it lmao.

[@IaninLondon]

I kind of cover that more than once. Just like all the cheaper drones out there... Your choice.

[@simonwood8685]

Well I've just bought the drone mask 2.. Second hand..at a very reasonable price. No long wait for shipping and I think it is a quality product being able to adjust the focal length is a bonus... Great for really sunny days when you struggle to see your phone screen

[@pauleuc2212]

Looks jerky, mini 2

[@IaninLondon]

Yes; there's no way it's as smooth as the Avata....