Hover Air - An Honest Review After 6 Months

[@falloutdjsteve]

A few corrections: 1. There are several external controllers available to manually control the Hover (all made by 8BitDo). 2. Batteries last for 12 minutes max under ideal conditions. It is impossible to get up to 20. 3. Regardless of time setting, the proper technique for ending a follow shot is to stop and remain still for 3 seconds. It will then immediately end recording and allow for a palm landing. 4. The V-Coptr (mentioned in comments) does have selectable obstacle avoidance.

[@shep64]

I’ve had several drones but I love my Hover Air because it’s so small and simple to use. Obviously can’t fly as far or high as regular drones. Unable to fly over water. So simple my grandkids can use it. Don’t underestimate manual control with just your phone which is a terrific option too. No obstacle avoidance. I’ve run mine into a tree, RV and brick chimney and unbelievably it’s still flying like new.

[@paulthomas3302]

What An Amazing and Exciting Flying Camera. Thanks, Rick. Happy Flying!

[@Macros1971]

Rick, you're right that the device is amazing, but I was a little sticker shocked. That's pretty pricey for a single feature item. I'm not sure it's something is invest in.

[@lynsmith1096]

Good review Rick but this 1 is a bit to expensive.

[@Hcwolohon]

Will it follow you from the outside in,, and thru an open doorway?

[@Dronevalley]

Yep, it doesn't have any obstacle avoidance but I've had it follow me from inside the house to my outside deck with no issues.

[@Hcwolohon]

@@Dronevalleyahh okay! I would love to see some of that type video where you pushing it’s limits in that way? The skydio enterprise version , is capable of doing some of that,, but doesn’t do follow mode in an up close over the shoulder follow mode like I would want. I was hoping this could do like over the shoulder tight follow mode, since it’s smaller safer with its cage. Etc. Than the skydio “up-close”

[@markmiskill6635]

Is this legal to fly over people?

[@Dronevalley]

Yep, the lightweight frame and fan cage make it totally safe in the air. I've flown it indoors and at a ton of outdoor venues and never had a complaint. Everyone want to know what it is and where to get one.

[@BigFireDave]

Interesting device,,, but kind of pricy

[@dennisbrooks240]

Sure dumped the bi-copter Falcon! Hope they provide better support for the hover.

[@Dronevalley]

I thought the V-Copter was an interesting project and I enjoyed flying it but it was a little late technologically (small sensor, no obstacle avoidance). The Hover Air is more of a mainstream product and has a much wider appeal so I'm sure the support is better. I've really enjoyed mine and find myself using it a lot more than I thought I would.

[@dennisbrooks240]

@@Dronevalley The VCOPTR is fun to fly and robust. It certainly looks cool, but Zero-Zero did not bring it out as specified, would never reply to queries and dumped it without warning. I agree poor camera, but tracks my cart great. Quiet with those big rotors and only two sets, but once the battery dies lt is an expensive shelf brick for display only.

[@GSI230]

Most overpriced "drone" I have ever seen...hope they sent it to you free.

[@Dronevalley]

I agree that the price is probably $100 higher than it should be but it's an awesome piece of tech. It's really less like a drone and more like a flying camera that's the perfect tool for vacations and capturing short videos. You can even record audio using your phone. I did purchase it and am happy with the value for the money. Thanks for the post!