HoverAir X1 Definitive Review: Tool, Toy, or Trash?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Dear Hover: I cut this part from the review, since it was getting absurdly long, and I needed to shave down the time a bit. However, on the off-chance you see this, here's my request for a Hover X2. But, I’d caveat that by giving a warning here: Don’t raise the price. The reason you’re successful, is because this is relatively cheap. If you raise the price even a little bit, it gets right into the DJI Mini 3 Pro on sale prices, and you'll instantly lose every time. You can't compete there without a massive increase in features/functionality (without impacting weight). Nonetheless, the four things I'd ask for are: 1. Slightly faster top speed. If you can get to 25MPH/40KPH here, that’d be massive for cyclists and a lot of other sports. I don’t need 50-60KPH or something crazy. Just 40KPH would really be huge, even if in bursts. 2. Slightly better image quality: I’d like to say 4K, but really I just want a bit more quality out of the 2.7K image, especially a reduction in artifacts you’ll see on bigger screens or some lower light conditions. I'd be easy for you to get all crazy with a log mode or such, but that'd be getting distracted in my opinion. Focus those efforts on other flight modes/customization instead. 3. A little bit longer flight time: But please, *NOT* at the sacrifice of the size of the batteries. Again, like the warning I gave up above on price, the 125g weight right now makes it feel like nothing in my pocket. I don’t want a much heavier drone. That’s why people like this thing, don’t ruin it trying to be a larger DJI. 4. A few more custom buttons (or, re-labeling some of the existing buttons to be custom): I virtually never use the Orbit, Hover, or Birdseye functions, but I use Dolly and Side Track a ton. Heck, you can do this in software now, since it audibly announces which mode it's in anyway. Just give me an advanced mode in the app that let's me re-use those existing buttons as something else. Speaking of which, can you add it audibly saying 'Vertical' if it's in vertical mode (when it's listing off the parameters)? Sometimes I forget to switch back, and then regret my life choices later on. Thanks! -Me Update 1 (May 1, 2024): Great to see Hover has added the repair kits in the last two weeks, and very reasonably priced at $20/20EUR. Awesome to be able to buy one ahead of time, just in case. Much appreciated. Additionally, in the latest firmware update this past week, they added the button to cycle through the custom modes by holding the small button down, once having selected the custom modes. This removes the requirement to use your phone to go from Dolly Track to Side Track and largely solves my #4 above. Much appreciated on both!

[@SingaporeUntold]

Agree on the price. For me i need this to be a disposable 200 dollar drone. Not sure if it’s possible. Even a used mavic mini is better than this. For example you could run a litchi app with track function The major attraction is the quick to setup for a short social media shot. Sometimes that’s all you need.

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@SingaporeUntold I think the ~$350 pricing is fine (Also Hover: The silly $80-$90 'coupon code' checkbox on Amazon for months is only hurting you - the number of people today that have said in comments they didn't buy it because it was $80-$100 more than they wanted to spend, and didn't see the $80-$90 coupon code option loses a lot of sales. I understand technically why you do that on Amazon, but just lower your MSRP price and be done with it. I promise you'll get more sales that way than hidden coupon code checkboxes.) Anyways, as for your Mavic Mini comment - the thing is, this isn't that drone. It's very different. The Mavic Mini requires a controller to operate. It'll break after a few crashes into trees at these speeds, let alone 30-40. The Mavic Mini is amazing for lots of other things. But this is sorta like comparing a Mountain Bike to a Road Bike. Sure, they're both bikes, and they have overlap in certain scenarios - but you don't always use them in the same scenarios.

[@jc171177]

I'd say it would be worth them splitting the difference . An X1 (version 2) to improve the 2.7k image (point 2) and software tweaks (point 4) and maybe an X1 PRO to also add a bit of speed (point 1) and battery (point 3). I think the X1 (V2) would be great for fun & runners and hikers, while the PRO would be more suitable for cyclists (and skiers if he tweak the decent issue) and other more advanced users.

[@DavideTravelli]

It's an interesting product but curious to see the version 2 or 3. Buying a first generation product feels like paying to beta test the product. DJI got the Mini to maturity with the 4th iteration, the Mini 3 was somewhat mature enough though.

[@Vibemaker68]

25p would be useful

[@TheIObook2024]

I have a Hover X1 and it does everything I need it to do. Definitely happy with it.

[@me.in.berlin]

How's it going? I want to buy one, but I'm worried because there are some really bad reviews about it.

[@TheIObook2024]

@@me.in.berlin it’s an amazing flying camera. It literally flies itself back to you. 2.7K is good enough resolution for what I need.

[@SFBenjaminK]

ya definitely getting this in NEW ProMax model as gonna release tomorrow, would be a HUUGE upgrade to this from head to toe ..but lovin the feathers easy to use & carry, hard to get damaged in falls because is guarded , very cheap in parts to buy if needed it. no needs backpack & extra crap & bags to carry it around , just fold it & put it in ur pocket go to ur next shoot ..u cant f*n beat that with other Drones 😘👌👍definitely getting that ProMax Bundel tomorrow launch, no brainier🥂

[@bl1nd-]

I bought 1 minute after watching your video i have a DJI mini 3 and this is EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED a no fuss drone that can take great beach shots and other activities

[@me.in.berlin]

How's it going? I want to buy one, but I'm worried because there are some really bad reviews about it.

[@bl1nd-]

@@me.in.berlin i have nothing bad to say about it, it is amazing, does what you expect from it, it is like having a robot flying cameraman. I can take awesome videos without any setup just take it out and record. The only con i can think of is not being able to use it on water.

[@жълтоухаводназмия]

Hey I am interested in this reply too 😂 cheers!

[@AlvaroQF]

That beach shot with the sun, oh man… IT’S AMAZING! Your reviews never fail, trustful source, as always.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@ResistanceIsUsefull]

Your review of this HoverAir X1 drone has been the BEST review out of all the reviews that I've seen on YT! You showed so many cool features about this drone that the other reviewers either don't know about, or didn't bother to show. Truly in-depth! Thank you for posting such a thorough review and demonstration of all of it's current features.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thank, much appreciated!

[@jameseastwood402]

Great to see this! This drone has been an absolute game changer for me. So easy to take on rides and runs and actually use it... mainly for social media. Unlike other drones where the idea seems great but the practicalities mean they spend most of their time in the box.

[@tibi1groufka]

hi, I want to ask if it is possible to stream live on Facebook or KZbin

[@jameseastwood402]

@@tibi1groufka from a drone? No.

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@tibi1groufka Not any way that I'm aware of.

[@tibi1groufka]

​@@Dcrainmaker Thanks anyway

[@jorgkorte7334]

Best review I have seen so far. I own a Hover X1 since August and can confirm everything mentioned in the review. The software has constantly improved and new really useful features have been added, I even did not know that there is a side tracking mode mode. Love to test it the next days. Thanks for pointing me to this. The main issue with this drone is in my opinion the video quality and I am not talking about 4k. The footage from the drone is heavily oversharpened , has a lot of artifacts and has a poor color range making it hardly impossible to color grade the footage. The 1080p footage of my DJI Cameras (Action2 and Mini2) is way better. Besides that ,it is a great and easy to use drone.

[@GravelHerault]

THis is exactly the information I was after: sharpening and color grading. From what I understand, that's basically unfixable in post so this is not for me then. Thanks!

[@ZeroZeroRobotics]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@WanderInTheDolomites-le7ke]

Glad to have come across this comment. This is a deal breaker for me. I hope the upcoming promax version will fix that.

[@kevinfrikitona]

Wow! I always thought this drone was trash with a lot of marketing but this review really blowed my mind, I really wanted it to be trash but now I even want one Jajaj I could come in handy for certain situations

[@JakeMay]

Very tempted to get one of these to make my cycling, hiking and bikepacking videos more dynamic. Don't think I can justify the cost or size of taking a "proper" drone, and don't think I'd make the most of them. This might be the sweet spot.

[@davidhorne8677]

I’ve seen all the influencer’s reviews of this drone and was very intrigued, but thought I’d wait until I saw a DC rainmaker review 😂 Great info as always.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@m.l.9191]

I totally agree. It's kind of "if it's not on Strava...". If it's not tested by DCrainmaker there is for me still an asterisk on the review.

[@jdcg20mda1]

This is one of the best reviews for this device I have seen on KZbin! Thank you for a great, helpful review!

[@patrickjreid]

I have always wanted something like this. Which means in a few years it is going to be perfection.

[@m00st]

Used it for a few months last year and certainly bringing it out for my runs now the weather is getting better again. Great for Strava posts!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Exactly!

[@lonewolfhamradio]

I’m a runner, this would be really useful for analysis of running style, gait analysis etc.

[@thegreatoutthere]

Excellent, comprehensive overview! This is the No-brainer, follow me drone i have been waiting for. The other stock modes are a plus. It is also the perfect size for my bike and motorcycle front bag or hydration pack.

[@sierralisse8897]

Thank you for such an amazing review. I find myself gravitating towards easy to use things, even at the cost of more advanced features. Easy to use = frequent usage.

[@thewrightgaming9686]

I didn’t know there would be jump scare in this video 😂. I flinched for all the crashes

[@NightOwlsMedia]

Loved and subbed. The review was absolutely perfect. I like that you didn't go into too many technical specs because I tend to stop paying attention, and I love that the review was long. Nothing will turn me off faster than a review that is too quick. I don't feel like we get enough information. I am about 95% of the way there is to pulling the trigger to buy this because of you

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - appreciate it!

[@ImpactWench]

"the light in the front of the drone changes from green to RED" is not a scary sentence at all.

[@Dcrainmaker]

🤣

[@SlowtwitchDe]

Would not care My WiFI has been called Skynet for decades now- I! am ready !

[@Zwiesel66]

It reminded me of 2001: A Space Odyssey and the "friendly" HAL 9000 😅 - Hey Dave, I will track you now....

[@jonr6680]

Oh this made my day, the tree crashing compilation, gold! Thanks for the LOLs!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@ProfSimonHolland]

i like my hover x1 your review was excellent. 2 wish list items .. removable sd card. wireless noise cancelling microphone direct to the drone no phone app.

[@Dan-cd6hm]

The palm landing makes me nostalgic for the DJI Spark!

[@alantay9409]

Outstanding review. I had been checking on the Hover since its inception. Now that it tracks to and from the side and “virtually”crash resistant, I am sold by your review.

[@yenkofarm7440]

I just got mine- Really fun! Your review is helpful to a new user- Thank you!

[@ArminHirmer]

I love this little thing, gets me some different shots for my videos and is dead simple to use. I just wish they would give us an option to tone down sharpness and saturation

[@WanderInTheDolomites-le7ke]

I hope this can be tweaked in the upcoming pro max version.

[@Notchedto11]

This is the “go to” review for this drone. Perfect! I’m buying one for my metal detecting exploits as the audio feature also works for my lone digging shots. Thanks, Marcus

[@pmollbrink]

Perfect review, just the info I needed! Keep up the great work 🥳👍

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@Notagain640]

I have one. Great for family holidays.

[@chrisdornerrespecter8884]

I go hiking a lot and this thing sounds like a dream. Youve sold me on it, getting one now.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yeah, it's excellent for hiking. More to come on that topic!

[@Marvin-fn7ks]

Very well rounded video. I have a Hover and a DJI M3 pro . Both have their place . Thank you !

[@North_Lights]

Last 8 years I bought over 10 drones, mostly DJI, also Skydio, also custom built FPVs. And my main focus and aim was to track my running. And only HoverAir X1 solved my problem that none of these drones able to provide me. I wouldn't have wasted so much money being so much drone if X1 came out early. Glad I have it now. This is what I have been waiting for so long in a drone. Feels like it solved all my problems.

[@alejandrobautista5134]

Great review. Ended up getting because you weren’t sponsored and could give a true and solid review. Thank you ❤

[@brookegravitt4117]

"it's nearly impossible for her to hide from it" thats cool! wait, no, that's terrifying. we have to stop the rise of the machines, Ray!!!

[@Dcrainmaker]

😂

[@williamcooper9753]

Resistance is futile.

[@ardeshir1912]

The best review as usual, thank you. you are my first go to

[@danisantana6989]

I just bought one and this was the most helpful video so i can have an idea of what to look out for. It's my first drone and am so excited to use it!

[@LearningandTechnology]

Thank you for this review - I really did appreciate it. You also reminding me of when my own daughter was younger - so much fun to share wonderment with kids.

[@The-skillschool]

That looks great, I can see many uses for my metal detecting and e bike reviews here in the UK. A massive thanks from the skill school.

[@canadiangemstones7636]

We need metal detecting drones!

[@weekendbikingwarrior360]

I was an early adopter of this drone. As usual DC completely nails the review, absolutely on point. my use case is B roll / transition frames on MTB YT films... and it's perfect for that. Would I use it it at 25 kph through the trees... no. I use onboard 360 cams for that part of my filming. I also have hit 40+ trees with my Hover. To have an easy online prop and cage purchase after sale function would be my top ask from Hover. Having said that... i havent needed any replacement parts.. yet.

[@TNrick]

Thanks for a great review: direct, to the point, easy to understand, and with pertinent examples. Very well done and greatly appreciated!

[@bieganieigory]

You can reduce startup time by about 10 seconds turning the thing on while running :) It still needs to calibrate gimbal, so I guess startup time cant be any shorter. It is also possible to keep Hoover on, it slowly consumes battery (before it turns automatically off), but it will fly almost instantly when needed - its useful when doing bunch of shots.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Agree, it’s much more tolerable to all the gimbal bounces when turning on than most other drones.

[@eateatseesee5793]

Love your video review . Very professional and details and easy to understand . ❤ from Singapore 🇸🇬

[@thenaturalorigins9691]

Thank you for the valuable information. I will order one for my runs.

[@me.in.berlin]

Did you buy it? I want to buy one, but I'm worried because there are some really bad reviews about it.

[@thenaturalorigins9691]

@@me.in.berlin I did. It’s perfect for the type of usage I need from a drone.

[@iamnotapoet]

Mr. Rainmaker, thanks SOOOO much for this amazing review. Sweetie (my Beer 🍺 Vlogs co-star) & I love ALL your videos. But, we comment here because we own 3 DJI drones that we do NOT use and this drone that we use EVERY WEEK. It in our top 3 video products including Insta360 x2(now4) and DJI pocket 3. And, the AMAZING thing is that , as you mentioned there are no obstacle avoidance sensors but it still does an ABSOLUTELY AMAZING job of VISUALLY avoiding objects with its camera. It weaves in, and around everything as long as it is flying forward. This blows our BeerVloggjng brains. And, since we got this at its launch we have used it to shoot an opening dronie shot for the last 50 of our 107 Beer 🍺 Vlogs and it only crashed once in high winds without a scratch to itself or the car it hit! We recommend this all the time. And we can’t wait to buy the next version (or a $600 PRO) version. Thanks again for ALL your videos. - Eric ZORK Alan & Sweetie [ 🤣Professional🤣Poets & Bed 🛏️ & Beer🍺 Vloggers ]

[@0Regie]

I had one, but returned it. I had a lot of issues with mine.. there were times where even the smallest of winds would had to make this drone really fight, and thus in turn, kill the battery quicker. I traded it in for a Dji mini 4 because if I'm going to spend hundreds of dollars on a drone, might as well get a decent one that can fulfill multiple needs

[@m00st]

That sucks. Mine is not a fan of wind (recognize the fighting). But my biggest gripe is the amount of daylight it needs. Sunrise or sunset it won’t go up in the air. Logical: it needs to see you and the ground to be able to navigate, but still..

[@Dcrainmaker]

Interesting, I really haven't had any major issues with normal winds except the really heavy winds. As noted, I live constantly in the wind, and there's some very windy shots in there. Just like DJI, it'll burn the battery faster (typically a Mini 3/4 would burn at roughly double the battery rate in higher winds (above 30-35kph). Of course, with a Mini 3/4, you probably don't notice it as much, given the longer overall flight time.

[@SingaporeUntold]

I feel you. It’s been very windy for me recently and Ive been using a full size drone let alone a mavic mini cannot handle

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@SingaporeUntold Mavic Mini has entered the chat: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aH6qZ6t8gJyZpsk

[@SingaporeUntold]

@@Dcrainmaker lol man you’re nuts. Sport mode and not making forward progress but the zig zag technique is nice. A few week back I took it to the mountain when snowboarding and I was getting not only strong wind warning, I was getting low voltage warning despite the battery was full. -8c is no joke . Not sure if the wind also added a wind chill factor for the battery chemistry to struggle. My second flight, I sat in the cafe with the drone on and letting the drone battery get really warm before taking it out. It’s actually amazing how far the mavic mini has evolved. I’m sure the newest one can handle all of that much better.

[@BestSideCycling]

Yeah this drone has definitely added so many options for me! Love it for solo content creators.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Indeed, they've done a great job of adding new features!

[@BestSideCycling]

@@Dcrainmaker quick question: I'm visiting Amsterdam / EU from the US and hoping to do some bike vlogging. Are there any issues using the hover in urban areas? Would I get reported or in trouble?

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@BestSideCycling The areas in/around Amsterdam are entirely no-fly zones, due to Amsterdam Airport. And it's a big no-fly zone, and they do state they track drone flights. The best phone app to quickly check is one called 'GoDrone' (orange icon when looking for it). That said, if you're doing cycling, I've got a ton of drone-friendly routes that I use constantly for all my videos, and happy to give some links. Roughly speaking, it takes about 25-30 mins of casual road-bike riding to get out of the Amsterdam no-fly zone. Also note, when looking at the App, there's a few old no-fly zones in there that were temporary one-time restrictions, so do tap on them and check the date/times (the big red one to the east of the airport isn't real, but a phantom one).

[@alhearn3209]

This is the best review and info video for the X1 that I have seen. Since the video was made, Hoverair now sells a repair kit with spare 4 propellers and 2 cage pieces for $20, in black or white color.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, great to see - and reasonable too!

[@mlegrand]

Crash montage was fan-freaking-tastic. This thing kind of looks awesome. I just don’t want to pay a lot for it. I’m so impressed at how fast you can get it up in the air.

[@Dcrainmaker]

For $350, it seems very reasonable to me (assuming the combo pack and using that $80 Amazon coupon), especially for running and trail shots.

[@mrbjorndekker]

@@Dcrainmaker A shame it is 539,- in the EU, that is a bit to expensive for me.

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@mrbjorndekker It's currently 450EUR in the EU. On Amazon.de it's 539EUR for the combo, but there's a coupon code below that which says 'Save 90EUR', bringing it down to 460EUR, or 380EUR if you don't do the battery bundle.

[@cathymagdirila3316]

Wow, that ks a very detailed review! Thank you so much!

[@unclemike1206]

Had mine since the beginning, love mine, does everything that describes

[@ardeshir1912]

As usual awesome reviews

[@TristanManasTeam]

I was hoping to see how the drone works when there's multiple people in the shot. Like how does it know who to track or is if the tracking still works or does it just land when it gets confused?

[@iamJaski]

Great review sir! Thanks for your honesty and in depth review!

[@allthingscycling]

Great thorough review! I was sold until the speed portion of your video. I’m a road cyclist and will look through your other videos for a faster drone with great follow features. 👍

[@sadiefitton7837]

Thanks very for the review, I bought one of these a few weeks ago after watching this review. Not sure if you know but they have just recently released a spare/replacement parts kit. And also, not sure if it is a recent update, but I accidentally discovered that you can change the distance setting for each mode (eg for orbit, follow etc) by holding down the small button for that mode - it cycles through the different distances (eg 1.5m, 3m etc). Similarly, you can also cycle through the different custom mode modes by holding down that button - so you don't need to pull out the app to change these things. Super useful!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Indeed, really good to see on the bike replacement parts (and being totally reasonable too!). That custom mode change must be in the new firmware that came in the last few days, that's great to know!

[@stevenflier]

Thank you for this review. You answered all the questions I had. Seems like a ‘drone’ for me!

[@shawngrignon4020]

I'm glad you included the skiing section. I was considering this drone to get some snowboarding footage, but it looks like the insta360 is still the way to go. Might still be useful in the terrain parks though

[@kenspaceman3938]

Really good review and I love that it’s European., from the Netherlands. Only this drone is very expensive in my opinion. I happen to have a Spark, never used it with its hand guidance only before, but now feel inspired to try that feature out just for fun. Greetings from Finland!

[@jmallit]

For the most part been really happy with mine as well. 2 catches I had. 1. Used it out on a bike ride and I could not get it to come back to me when I was done having it record it just kept running away. 2. My 3 year old does the same thing. Usually yes it bounces off, but of course the one time mom was around it did manage to catch in her hair.

[@Dcrainmaker]

You were just helping with a hair cut, keeping things budget friendly…right? 🤣

[@artbleaugarciachan2783]

Love your reviews! Very detailed and honest, wish you could do one for the Potensic Atom 3-axis gimbal 4k drone! 🙌🏽🙏🏽

[@pmclellan123]

Wow. What an amazing review! Thanks foe posting.

[@wearesleepingsoundly]

Wow Ray… you just sold that drone! I’ve had a Phantom Pro, a Spark, and a Mavic (my current work drone). Recreationally this drone seems like it fits what I want better than any of my other drones for what I want to do!

[@mitchlewis535]

I've always wanted to buy a Skydio and this looks like a more convenient alternative.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Can you imagine Skydio brains, with the size of this? 🤯

[@sibertiger17]

​@@Dcrainmakersince Skydio is no more, does this suffice compared to that one? Or would a used Skydio be a good idea?

[@lonceysbusiness333]

Cheers so much 😊 It works better if you use the app and adjust all the parameters and save them I got the 190 dollar Aliexpress deal lol ❤

[@HerbertKrabel]

That was awesome. A very simple fun gadget

[@joelolonan7520]

Spare parts are actually easy to get. Their customer support is beyond excellent. Crashed my drone on a Saturday.. Messaged them that a propeller broke. The replacement arrived Wednesday.. This considering im based in UAE.

[@Woodlud]

Great review … thank you … helping me make a decision. This seems exactly what I want.

[@joelmulder]

It’s absolutely hilarious to me this thing doesn’t have any obstacle avoidance. I love that it doesn’t care about running into stuff.

[@bramzwingli]

I occasionally make some very low budget films and I can definitely see some applications for this drone.

[@drugsl]

Это лучше обзор x1 который я видел. очень качественно, спасибо! Дрон заказал)) На Ali за 28 500 руб.

[@JohanMolleborn]

Thanks for another great review. Now I'm hovering over the buy button like a small human drone. Hopefully I'll land on it soon.

[@scotthenson5874]

I had to double check the date because this sure seems like an April Fools video. What a cool product.

[@dirkwitkowski7881]

Thanks a lot for the video. Very informative and really good way how you describe it 👍

[@neilbreakwell4500]

Great video and looks like the perfect product for me, especially as it seems that it is completely usable without a smartphone, as i don't own one. Thanks for the info.

[@outdoorswannabe]

Great video all the info I need just bought it and for the content I make I think is what I need

[@FreshandFelicia]

Crashed ours only once in over 80 flights. The footage has been impressive. Only complaint is dolly track isn’t quite far enough away.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Only once?!?! You need to try harder! 😂

[@sgirard1984]

Compact, self flying and super fast to launch without controller. It would be perfect for taking videos when I'm kayaking alone or with my kids. But unfortunately it can't fly over water or other high reflective ground like snow. I'd like to see big brands like DJI or Autel releasing something that compete directly to this.

[@seanpeine9258]

Thank you for covering usage over water!!!

[@jayteaman]

That shot at 8:59 where it hesitates before flying into the tree. The X1 is like: "C'mon man... fine..." whomp

[@sibertiger17]

In Canada on Amazon its on sale for $509 right now... their store site its $540 Canadian. Both for the combo with extra battery

[@jonathanf8662]

Thank you for the comprehensive video. A few questions: 1. What file format & color profile does it shoot in? 2. Is 24fps possible with this drone? 3. Does the user have any control over exposure settings? Thanks

[@GideonUK]

Best review of the X1 I have seen. I have one of these but haven't used it nearly as much as you, so there's lots of great tips I will use. I did unfortunately discover the skiing challenge and almost died yomping uphill to save it. Wondering if a side track might work better?

[@JoleneLin78]

Great review! Am thinking of getting this as my first drone just mostly for outdoor walking/ travel follow-me videos. Was thinking of this versus the DJI mini 4 pro drone but from this video, this appears to be more suitable recreational users like myself. Might I check when will the comparison video versus the DJI mini drone be up? Cheers! 👍🏻

[@tabadrone]

Very nice video. Congrats. Liked. Have a happy time.

[@TheSubaruStu]

That is a cool device and I would love one, but sadly like all things in Canada, expensive because of our crappy exchange rate, taxes, and the “it’s Canada so we can charge more” (that is a real thing). Amazon Canada - $649 + 13% sales tax.

[@davidlynch9049]

Well, no. Our Cdn dollar is pathetic in exchange. That's the major price difference.

[@sibertiger17]

It's $509 on Amazon Canada right now for combo pack. I'm in Calgary.

[@1PercentMethod]

Amazing review!!! Thanks for this!

[@RhodySeth]

Great review. I've wished for a tiny drone that follows you during trail runs. Sounds like this is the one.

[@humbertoMartinez-pm7jy]

Excellent details... thanks for youe video... but would be amazing if you can do a review for the new model 🎉 pro max

[@jonr6680]

21:11 Dutch locale with perfect paved path yet wilderness? Envy!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Indeed!

[@NilsVidstrand]

Cool. Thank you. I still like this HoverAir’

[@GarethDix]

I originally brushed this off as a toy as well… but it looks like what I had hoped the Spark was going to be after I realised the Mavic was too cumbersome to take everywhere. If they could get it to work whilst skiing that would be amazing… but I wonder how the tracking works when there’s more than one person in the frame?

[@natedrake938]

Great detailed review. Thank you. Subscribed!

[@ingoruns]

Curious… technically speaking, without a ‘spotter’ controlling the app and able to kill it/take control of it, this is essentially illegal to fly in Europe/UK unless you are out in the wilderness, right?

[@Dcrainmaker]

I can’t comment on the UK, but the EU actually had a specific carve-out in the EASA rules for follow-me type drones. It’s clever, it basically states that as long as the drone isn’t permitted to go beyond a set distance from the pilot (and this isn’t), then it’s allowed to follow. It’s a Sunday morning and I’m too lazy to find the exact text link again, but you can find it on EASA’s website deep in the rules by searching for ‘follow’.

[@ingoruns]

@@Dcrainmaker ah, that’s interesting. Thanks!

[@sageforce9306]

I think they need to include a primary tether device paired to the drone from the target subject to even prevent theft, someone can simply yank it out of the sky

[@Javiercav]

It seems like a great product. I was really disappointed when skydio exit the market. And even if this one is not near the skydio features. I think that this kind of drones needs to exist and I hope that they can improve it keeping simplicity and durability as key features, but offering some more complex features .

[@BlownMacTruck]

Great review. I can basically put together how this compares to a Skydio. Obviously the Skydio has better obstacle avoidance versus… none (lol) but it’d be great to hear your thoughts on that, mostly around context, ie when you would use over the other.

[@peterz4108]

Well Skydio stopped selling drones for consumers, so kind of moot comparison

[@BlownMacTruck]

@@peterz4108​​⁠Yeah, because the moment they stopped selling them, all Skydio units dropped out of the sky and stopped working. Let’s also ignore the fact that they still fully support them with new replacement parts that you can order and honor all warranties. Or ignore the fact that you can STILL get them with enterprise licenses. Or that there are plenty in the used market. 🙄

[@conconnect.s]

The one thing nobody ever talks about is using this drone with multiple people in the shots. I understand if you're using this as a One-Shot one person sport thing but the people who do social media and actually have other people in there I would like to see what it does with that. I'm getting ready to make my own review on this drone that I just bought this week. So I guess I'll be the only one who's talking about multiple people in the shop and how it tracks. Also I am not an expert at drones at all so I am coming from a complete beginners standpoint. But I would love to see a professional video like this talk about the tracking of multiple people in the shot which I have not seen yet

[@robjanssen1956]

Great review, the best I have seen sofar!.Is there a way to download some of unedited video footage to get a better idea of the video quality? Thanks!

[@itsjustmath]

What’s been your experience with using it around others? I’m a bit self conscious of the sound being to disruptive on an otherwise quiet hike. Also curious if you tried the mic mode out at all and your experience with that. Thanks always for your straightforward and honest reviews!

[@Dcrainmaker]

I'm super self-concious about flying drones with peope around (read: I don't fly with anyone within 50-75m at least). So in that sense, everyone is so far away it doesn't matter. I used the Mic mode a bit (where it pulls in your phone). It's kinda neat, but not something I tend to use the audio from, since most times I'm either putting music over it (short Instagram/etc clips), or, it's part of a larger project with narration/etc being used as b-roll.

[@Master0fHyrule]

Do you have a Part 107 license?

[@tonycruz6762]

Thanks for the review DCrainmaker! I almost pulled the trigger but decided to wait. If you still have the demo model, I'd be curious to see how the X1Pro or X1ProMax works with more than 1 person running. Did you try that with your wife?

[@Dcrainmaker]

It's actually a model I bought, and still alive. No problems with multiple people, it seems to track well. Will cover the X1Pro and X1ProMax soon.

[@lt5550]

You do realize you can record audio on this drone if you connect a mic receiver to the phone and a mike clipped to your shirt. You must keep the app open and have the phone and drone connection active while in flight 👍🏽 Or you can simply use the phones general mic, but it would be a lot better to use a wireless mic.

[@lt5550]

You must enable mic recording within the hover app.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, it's not too bad - but as noted, it requires the phone/etc.