HOVER Air X1 REVIEW | Best drone for MTB riding. A game changer?

[@510BIGD]

After watching 2 dozen videos on this drone, yours is the first honest review. Even though I'd already figured out that the contrast was going to be a problem, I still ordered it. And yes I think they can fine tune it through some firmware updates. I'd sacrifice a couple minutes of flight time for a sports mode. Thanks. Great video

[@MTBs]

Big thanks mate! Glad my message came through.

[@ColinsCapers]

How did it dodge the trees 😮mine could not

[@MTBs]

It doesn’t. Just pure luck. Until it eventually hits a tree 🌴

[@TubePlanet]

This is the best X1 review I’ve come across. And I’ve seen way too many.😅

[@BSmallssalonfindermagazine]

I just purchased this drone, and I like it! But there are pros and cons. On the positive side, it does most of what it says it does; on the negative side, there is only a 10 or 12-minute battery life, even though it comes with two batteries, and it takes up to 4 hours to charge 1 battery. I see the advertising showing people getting followed on their bikes; I guess the bike ride is less than 10 minutes long. There is minimal instruction on how to really use it; also, when sharing the video or picture, it's not as clear as the original. I had to research KZbin to find how to work things; with that being said, I give it a 7.5 out of 10 rating.

[@TWM12]

tbh my batteries charge in around 30mins for the hover x1

[@MTBs]

I guess the first thing is to ensure you have a decent charge brick.

[@weekendbikingwarrior360]

I've bveen using this same drone for MTB for a little while. Very good review, thank you. The new firmware has lowered the drone height at fsat follow speeds, but it could still do with keeping lower, like you, I've high few high tree branches. The Mic on the phone / rotor noise cancllation is also pretty great, so u can commentate whilst riding. I very much look forward to the further firmware / next gen of this product.

[@MTBs]

Thanks! I usually have a gopro which I take the audio from. Great feature to be able to record audio from the app, but I just don't want to fiddle with any phones when I ride bikes.

[@Alyssasun353]

This is a really great review!

[@mike.thomas]

As a user of this drone, mostly for MTB, I agree 100% with your points and suggested improvements. At this point, I think the Hover Cam is a very successful and useful proof-of-concept, and if they can amp it up a little on a few fronts it will be unbeatable for its intended use. I must have crashed mine 20 times by now. One time cracked the frame open,but it was easy enough to snap it closed again. We have much denser woods than you appear to have, and in some places the trees aren’t much wider than the bars. If I get any speed at all (and I’m not fast 😅) it easily goes wide and crashes. Over and over. So my footage turns out not that exciting due to being slow and without many turns , though it probably wouldn’t be exciting anyway. As I’m sure you’ve found, it can sometimes get itself out of trouble, but I did learn to listen very carefully and as soon as it sounds as though the Hover Cam is struggling, I pull over, stop and look back at it. I almost lost it a couple of times in dense forest before I learned that lesson! One time I looked for probably 30 minutes and almost gave up 🤷🏻‍♂️. I’m personally glad I went with white, for exactly this reason. I keep meaning to do a video showing what it takes to get a two minute riding video in the can when using this little guy on our trails 😆. I still love it, though!

[@MTBs]

It's a tough little thing! 😅 One thing that I would like to have is a find me function. I want it to beep after a crash or when it's stationary.

[@mike.thomas]

@@MTBs Yes, I've had that thought myself. It seems as though it would probably only require a firmware change since it obviously already has a speaker, and at least part of the time seems to know that it has crashed.

[@swMotobiker]

The Information about the Speed was very helpful. I thought about using it with my motorcycle, baut this would Not habe worked out! So thanks for that!! ✌️

[@stefangroenveld]

This is an excellent review of this mini drone. Your video is also a pleasure to watch. Thank you for creating this content and your effort in putting these things together.

[@MTBs]

Thank you, mate!

[@MarriedToTheKGB]

the best review of this drone i have seen. Too many limitations I think to buy until the next model but very good review

[@gobikeyourself]

Awesome review and a very hones take on the hover air x1. It'S not yet there, but I fully on board with your wishlist. If those boxes are checked, I'm in!

[@MTBs]

Thank you! Yes, it's getting there. There is a new firmware out now with a side track function that I'm keen to try. But it needs to be a bit faster to keep up with bikes I think. Let's hope a future X2 will bring some speed!

[@MilindaHeist]

I’m definitely in agreement about sports mode! I would also like to see a side dolly track mode for open spaces to video me riding my horse in a field or while jumping. Thanks for your review it really helped me so the potential for horseback riding.

[@MTBs]

Cool!

[@MrAjayz]

Hi, they have released a new version called Hover X1 Smart but it’s only in Japan. However, on Monday 8th July 24 they did an international release and I ordered one, which arrived today. One main difference is the done no longer folds up. It’s still charging and hope to give it a go later on this weekend.

[@MTBs]

Cool! I guess it’s a lightweight version?

[@MrAjayz]

@@MTBs Yes, it’s only 99grams, smaller and it DOES NOT fold up. (Which I thought was strange, since that’s was one of its beast features) I think it’s because it’s meant to be stronger.

[@growingupisatrap6688]

I have this drone & would highly recommend the Peli 1040 case. The drone fits perfectly & tightly with up to 4 spare batteries

[@MTBs]

Great tip there! I would like the case even a bit smaller though, so that I can easily fit the case/drone in a smallish pocket. I can keep the spare battery in another pocket somewhere.

[@Hawaaaiii]

Nice review , thanks !

[@JohanMolleborn]

Thanks for a great review!

[@CactusJackSlade]

Great review, thanks! The Skydio is/was the undisputed follow me drone campion with incredible obstacle avoidance.... but they just stopped making it last year and this little drone will most likely fill that void. If they make one with obstacle avoidance it WILL take over the follow me drone market! Good stuff 🙂

[@MTBs]

Thank you! I didn't know the Skydio 2 was discountinued. Wonder why (honestly)? I think the Skydio 2 is a much more competent drone, but it's nothing you can put in your pocket.

[@TW-rr6qb]

cool review! this helps a lot!

[@cadilacdesert]

if drone loses you it stops and hovers. you turn around and pick it will pick you back up again. Very clever devise!!

[@Bobbie_Lee84]

4:02 it looks like it about to hit those branches until cut into other scene...

[@MTBs]

Oh yes, it certainly did. It must have crashed more like 15-20 times during these test days. So open areas or places with less branches are better places to fly.

[@bertschuh5720]

Thank you for one of the best reviews I have seen on this. Im pretty sure I want this to supplement my Instra 360x3 footage of trail riding. Also think this would work well for some video of xc-skiing, which would be awkward or impossible to get with my Insta 360. Just waiting to see if they offer a Black Friday discount!

[@MTBs]

Thank you! :) Zero Zero Robotics told me that there will be a 15% discount on this drone during the Black Friday period.

[@bertschuh5720]

I wonder when that starts? Currently $399 USD on their web site

[@MTBs]

"We will be having a 15% off Black Friday sale from 11/20 to 11/28."

[@seahog32]

I'm thinking about this for skiing (backcountry so not too fast) as well but I wonder how well would the bottom sensors (the ones that are keeping the drone at a defined height above the ground) work above the white surface.

[@MTBs]

@@seahog32 I'll get out in the snow later today to test. Stay tuned!

[@chblancoj]

Great review!

[@Adreno23421]

Shooting looks amazing. Wrong color, soft, not the best contrast. But is quite amazing at being an immersive action shot.

[@briansadler5225]

Great review!

[@MTBs]

Thanks mate!

[@SFBenjaminK]

I'm getting ProMax model it's going to released next month or two Can't wait is HUUUGE upgrade

[@MTBs]

Yes, it looks promising and pretty much addresses the issues I have with the Air X1.

[@grayart_production]

Hej! Bra production! Vart ifrån beställde du Hover x1 drönaren? /Magnus🤙

[@MTBs]

Hallåj o tack! Jag fick drönaren av Zero Zero Robotics. Vet inte var man köper den bäst men jag fick en länk av dom som även står i beskrivningen om man vill köpa den direkt av dom. Sista dagen med rea idag förresten (möjligen imorgon oxå). bit.ly/3Pnoa68

[@grayart_production]

@@MTBs tack!

[@510BIGD]

Is this drone capable of shooting a scenic shot without the operator in it. ie, fly up and take a shot of a lake or mountain, or pan around.

[@MTBs]

It has a few automated modes, but the drone basically only faces the user who started the drone. You can fly it manually with your phone as a controller too, in a pinch. It can only fly like 20-30 meters away from you before losing the signal.

[@mike.thomas]

Agreed, if you want to do anything like landscape or architecture higher than 50ft and with really nice quality, you will want a DJI or other dedicated drone with a better camera and controls. I think of this drone as being good for quick and dirty selfie videos. The app is not comfortable to fly with IMO, and range is very limited.

[@grahamjones7070]

Could you put a link on for the hard case you were using to store the HoverAir in please.👍

[@MTBs]

I think I have this one: gopro.com/en/us/shop/mounts-accessories/replacement-hard-shell-camera-case/ABMIN-001.html I got it with my Gopro 9.

[@grahamjones7070]

@@MTBs Thanks very much👍

[@markroberts7866]

Sometimes it’s hard to setup an iPhone on a small tripod next to a jump having something hovering next to a jump while you session it might be cool

[@MTBs]

Yep, I sometimes do that with my Mavic Mini. It's great to be able to put it anywhere in the 3D space. It might even work using hover mode where it tracks you at the same time. Have to try...

[@mike.thomas]

@@MTBsHover mode does work quite well, plus it keeps the drone out of trouble!

[@SimonHollandfilms]

radio microphone for audio noise cancellation direct to the drone. no phone please.

[@MTBs]

A tall order. I’m thinking of using an external wireless mic 🎤 instead that can connect to the phone/app.

[@coleycole2nite]

Does anyone know if using it in forward face mode will work If you are wearing any type of mask since it uses facial recognition?

[@MTBs]

There is a segment in the video covering that. It’s called Dolly track. Works with a mask but you can’t ride fast.

[@coleycole2nite]

@@MTBsok thank you! I need it for a music video where masks will be worn, and Dolly Track mode is what I would need for the shots. However if it has trouble in Dolly track with masks due to facial recognition scanning then it would be a waste of money for me to purchase it. So thanks again for your response!

[@zenarc2588]

Awesome, thinking of getting this for my electric skateboard videos 😁 now i own fpv drone, but i cant shoot myself hahaha. Also we have the same helmet 👍

[@MTBs]

Cool! Yep, that's my biggest challenge. How do I film myself (with any action camera), since no one else wants to film me. :)

[@Bruno-pq6yk]

How long it takes to charge the battery? How long a full charge last?

[@MTBs]

It takes between 30-60 minutes to charge 1 battery depending on method. Flight time is around 10 minutes.

[@fishingwithbarrett4505]

what kind power bank for drones? i need to get that.

[@MTBs]

Any old power bank will do. Mine is a generic 10 000 mAh. Charge speed matters though (amp output). It takes 1 hour to charge 1 battery from zero with my basic power bank. 🔋

[@cadilacdesert]

You guys take a lift up the hill?

[@MTBs]

In the bike park, yes! 👍

[@jimallen8238]

I wonder if this could be used indoors for real estate promo videos. Would it steer clear of walls if I had it follow me around the house?

[@MTBs]

There are no collision sensors, but since you are walking at a slow pace it will follow your path. Even if it should bump into a wall, nothing would happen. There is a cage around the propellers.

[@on-Moo]

Hello, if you look at the official site or other people's boxes, it's "hover air x1." What's different from "hover camera x1"?

[@MTBs]

Hi! Where do you see “hover camera x1”? Anyway, there is only one drone available from zero zero robotics currently.

[@on-Moo]

​@@MTBs Thank you for your reply 😊 Have a great day sir.

[@bulletproof9836]

So speed 30km/h the drone cant keep the records?

[@MTBs]

Top speed is 25 km/h.

[@jacquesraymond6892]

It would need an obstacles avoidance system like the DJI. This way it wouldn't run into the trees in forest conditions.

[@MTBs]

Yes, it would be great with at least a front facing sensor!

[@mahidbenito8228]

Would it be avail on lazada?

[@MTBs]

Sorry, don’t know what lazada is. I have a link in the description though which is international.

[@ZeroZeroRobotics]

Hello！Could we have your permission to repost and use it on our official website, social media, and other platforms, either permanently or for one year?

[@MTBs]

Hi! Absolutely! 👍

[@luizadolphs6084]

Uhmm… I’m planning to buy this one to record me while sandboard… the speed shouldn’t be a issue (maybe acceleration)

[@MTBs]

Sandboard?? What’s that? 25 kph is the top speed, but I don’t think acceleration is an issue.

[@NicholasZak]

In order for this company or anyone to make “action” footage worthy drone. A stronger signal that’s attached to the user should be implemented…like an all on the “IPhone” while the drone harnesses that signal. Something along that nature…then you can go faster doing whatever you do. I would use this for my car videos and snowboarding.

[@MTBs]

I think the tracking is the strong point with this drone. It doesn't need a beacon like the Skydio 2. Some software tweaks would go a long way.

[@edwardlin2941]

Thanks

[@cadilacdesert]

This thing is fun but limitations. Especially if you hammer your bike. won't keep up! well worth it

[@mahidbenito8228]

How to buy this drone?

[@MTBs]

Link in the description.

[@marbasfpv4639]

It needs a tad larger propellers. Its too noisy with those tiny propellers it comes with.

[@MTBs]

It is a bit noisy, but I actually prefer that - to be able to hear that it still follows me when i bike. So in this case it's a positive.

[@YaThinKnow]

Anybody try a Go3 35gram camera on top yet?

[@MTBs]

Why would you want to do that?

[@MichaelRelevant]

Don’t you have to have a drone pilots license to legally use that footage in a monetized video?

[@MTBs]

Yes, that's correct that you need a license! I already have a license since I own a DJI Mini and that license covers the Hover as well. I don't know where you live, but if you live in the US you need a license for montizing drone videos. Not the same laws here in Europe. You simply need the license to fly.

[@MotoTrail]

Thank you for the review. Is it a sponsorship or not ? We are into adventure Bike Riding .. Do u think a drone can follow at 50km/h, as u say than it need more speed ?

[@MTBs]

Not sponsored, but I got the drone for free. Zero Zero Robotics didn't have a say of the contents in my video, but they were actually quite cool with my more "negative" comments and passed them through to their development team. Max speed is 25 km/h which is too slow for motorbikes.

[@Shuttterbugg]

How is this not a game changer brotha

[@MTBs]

It kind of is. It will most certainly steal sales from DJI. But the camera is like 5 years old.

[@MYnextDIYbikePROJECT]

Nice! 👌 I’ve been looking for a drone but never found the useful due to the time of setup and to steer them when I ride. This is a different thing. To bad on the speed and camera.

[@MTBs]

Your dirty arse will not be prettier just because you film it with a better camera. 😜

[@MYnextDIYbikePROJECT]

Haha, true, but my bike is the star of the show, not my dirty ass! 🤪

[@letsgoletsgoletsgoletsgoletsgo]

to all the cons you listed , the makers know ....they are creating demand for the next version .... they think of upgrades 3-4 versions ahead before they launch the first one

[@MTBs]

Yes, of course they're developing the next Hover as we speak. But they actually released a new update last week which makes the turns tighter in the follow me mode. So maybe there will be something else coming for this drone too.

[@Ipsissimus]

Nah that's kinda crap.

[@quazar912]

this can`t match Skydio 2...infact no drone can

[@MTBs]

Agreed, but you cannot really buy the Skydio 2 anymore and it doesn’t sit well in your pocket.

[@quazar912]

@@MTBs true, but my point was on reliabilty for accurate footage. still, second hande drone are available. Don't get me wrong, I'm abot to buy one for myself, I need something small and lightweight, my mavic 2 pro is way to big and heavy to carry sometimes

[@MTBs]

I’m thinking that when/if DJI enters this market segment, we will see some interesting stuff. Right now Zerozero robotics owns this market and maybe a bit of competition can be healthy.

[@ragon747]

This is not you want? go and do better if you can! 😂😂

[@remmett1088]

Bro thinks he can blackmail HOVER

[@MTBs]

I'll let you know if it worked! ;)

[@AnotherCG]

Carefull with such dumb terms as game changer. The difference between 1 and 1.00001 falls under "change". I have no idea which unit of measure or superlative "game" falls under. So the term is meaningless.

[@billsanders4]

I've have this and make mtb videos. It's got a few limitations but overall I've gotten some good content. You know there are plenty of other higher end drones out there will follow you as well.

[@MTBs]

I think Skydio 2 is the best drone for tracking fast moving objects, but that drone is too big to bring on every bike ride. I wouldn't want to use DJI Mini 3 o 4 in a dense forest though, tracking is not good enough in my opinion and the consequenses with crashes are too high.