XDynamics Evolve - The beautiful yet FLAWED drone - KEN HERON

Ken and friends offer a pure, unfiltered review of the XDynamics Evolve drone. While beautiful, it does have room for improvement.
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Video Edited with Adobe Premiere Pro CC
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Ken Heron is a holder of an FAA Part 107 Certificate
This flight complies with the rules set forth by the FAA
for UAV flights within The United States.
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Welcome new SCROLLERS!
To win an XDynamics baseball cap, simply copy/paste the sentence below into the comments for this video. (One per person please.) I'll pick a winner from those who commented. Drawing will be during TNL on May 16th.
Ken Heron's channel is SO great, I subscribed TWICE!

[@tumaces.8771]

That’s about as real as it gets. Very well done Ken.

[@3XDRONES]

If this review was not done by Ken, I would have thought the reviewer was the idiot here. No way should a drone with THAT price tag be this flawed. Ken just save a lot of people 2400 bucks. Hopefully the company will see this as constructive criticism and work hard to fix the issues. Thanks Ken!

[@harley62t]

MY

[@fhoneman]

They talk to damn much

[@kamuelalee]

"It does not like being in the air!" -- that's the takeaway line for this product.

[@HauntedXXXPancake]

Well, It has one thing in common with the Inspire 2: For some reason the Engineers thought it was a good idea to NOT make the props lock in the motors spinning direction. I guess you could call that educational, 'cause I only forgot to check the props before take-off once. Fortunately, the Inspire kicked the prop high in the air before ever getting airborne, but needless to say, the Customer standing next to me was not impressed :'D

[@olddroneflyer6554]

On the intro when you hand bumped the propeller off; I just cracked up and had to laugh out loud. You have a 'way' Ken Heron. I love the sight gags.

[@OffTheDomeMediaGroup]

Hey Ken, I'm leaning toward agreeing with you that XDynamics has more work to do. However, I had a theory on the low battery life. You mounted your Hero Session on the quad. Maybe the additional weight of the session caused the battery to drain faster and being mounted on one side causing the motors on the opposite side to work harder to stay level added to the additional battery drain. Maybe try it again without the session mounted. I dunno, just a thought. Great video as always.

[@mariesvilmy5680]

i stay with my mavic mini XD

[@wearechangecthartford]

This isn't the first drone he's mounted a Hero on. Did the battery issue duplicate on the other drones?

[@OffTheDomeMediaGroup]

@@wearechangecthartford True, it isn't. But It was just a theory about that specific drone.

[@ethang105]

Loved it when you knocked the propeller off the the beggining lol. Ken’s channel is SO great I subscribed TWICE

[@D0j0]

Ken Heron's channel is SO great, I subscribed TWICE!

[@readysetdrone]

Great video Ken! I really liked the footage comparison. That drone does have a good camera but definitely some challenges with its flight characteristics.,

[@hedleythorne]

"Some" challenges? At that price and with those range limitations I could purchase a full SLR and have enough left for a stepladder to get the same shots! I am bored of DJI's dominance however even now no other manufacturer has the appetite or resources to rise to the challenge and, as a package, modern DJI drones remain unbeatable. P.S. - Ken, we need to talk about your jokes...

[@toddfoxx6976]

Thank you for posting this review. It's great that you give unbiased truth even though it may hurt getting more T&E's.

[@KenHeron]

Glad you found it helpful, Todd. 👍

[@journeyman4328]

Ken Heron's channel is SO great, I subscribed TWICE! If it's their 1st shot out the gates then hopefully they will allot as much R&D to the software as they did with the design. And come back strong. Until then, tell them I want my Spark Battery back.

[@tattooslm]

Great video Ken, I purchased a mini mavic about 6 months ago and I love it. It does very well and it is very easy to carry because of it’s size.

[@KenHeron]

Great choice Dennis!

[@bencartwright9359]

Ken Heron's channel is SO great, I subscribed TWICE! The problem I think you faced on the first RTH descending vertically is that you can enter a ring vortex situation where the props recirculate the air around the blade tips and it's coming down no matter how much thrust you apply. To get out of it you have to tilt the blades to get into fresh air. Full sized choppers can do it and I encountered it once with my P2. I had to go full forward stick to get out of it as it was coming down and managed to save it in the last few feet.

[@KenHeron]

WOW! Interesting theory.

[@ta1entscout]

You guys were having too much fun on this one! Loved it!

[@KenHeron]

It was a fun and interesting day for sure!

[@joetiger]

Ken Heron's channel is SO great, I subscribed TWICE! LOL

[@johnheitz4427]

Thanks for your honest review, DJI Pro 4 had best pitcher quality. Go ahead and send Evolve to me for further testing!

[@grumpyvlogger]

Great video as usual Ken. You’re the only guy I know that has a State Senator for a Cameraman. Thanks for your honest opinion. But it does look great. Ken Heron’s channel is SO great, I subscribed TWICE!

[@alandower3298]

Great vid Kin. I do love that inspire.

[@JourneyingSoull]

The controller is HUGEEEEE!!!!!that’s so funny! I was laughing so hard ! Thanks for making my day!

[@KenHeron]

🤓👍

[@StefansView]

Ken Heron's channel is SO great, I subscribed TWICE! And each of us two needs a new hat!

[@plasrobin]

Hey Kelly! More kennn awsome duo

[@captraykelly]

Great review, Ken and Kelly. It's the Kelly and Ken Show again. Love this video. Excellent camera work. I'll stick with my P4.

[@davidbosch246]

Great review as always! I always appreciate your honesty in your reviews. What’s better, it’s at my alma mater! Go Racers! Going to take my part 107 test tomorrow in Knoxville. Wish me luck!

[@KenHeron]

Good luck on the test, David!👍

[@drone_video9849]

Ken Heron's channel is SO great, I subscribed TWICE! But then clicked a third time, so I would stay subscribed......

[@qwertyuiop-kd4qq]

lol

[@nintendo-toasteredition]

you can only subscribe 1 time only

[@ek8710]

@@nintendo-toasteredition That's the joke u silly cat

[@NWAdventureRider]

@Kwn Heron what camera did you have on the dji inspire? X4, X5, X7......

[@bigmoike2833]

It was cool to see Kelly out in the field with ya Ken on this one... and loved the peelers! Haha

[@KenHeron]

Peel-tastic fun!

[@irwane1817]

Last Oct i was close to buy this Evolve as they advertised in their Facebook page but they didnt managed to made it, then i bought an Autel Evo apart from my DJI M2P as alternative due to those strict restriction such as NFZ, Gotta admit that nothing can beat DJI now, IMHO second to DJI is Autel Robotics then Parrot followed by Yuneec . Hopefully this year Autel will come out something new as they said in last CES

[@avrahamreiss3258]

Ken said the worst possible thing one could ever say about any drone: "It jut doesn't like being in the air!". Great video ken, please keep 'em coming!

[@Wilhuff_T]

Great editing.

[@Mushroom-Motivation]

Ken that was a very diplomatic video,anything to do with hanging out with a senator for the day 😁

[@KenHeron]

HAA!! --More than likely!

[@basspig]

Glad to see an honest review.

[@KenHeron]

You bet!

[@basspig]

@@KenHeron I think some of the problems with range might have been local interference. I watched another review of this bird which indicated a robust signal range and 21 minute actual flight time on one battery. You may have had a dud bird there. The remote has powerful quad core CPU and a dedicated GPU, which explains the low latency. I wish my CrystalSky Ultrabright had more CPU power.. it struggles.

[@uksewingmachineservice7030]

Great review on it mate nice flying there don 👌👌👌👌👌🤠🇬🇧

[@vantagepointvideotexas]

Ken Heron's channel is SO great, I subscribed TWICE! I'll wear the hat proudly to give XDynamics more exposure (pressure) to give DJI a run for the money.

[@BrantAerials]

That would look wonderful on my shelf!

[@KenHeron]

Indeed it would!

[@SCAerialsSteveCarpenter]

Hey Ken, excellent flight tests/review comparison video of the XDynamics Evolve! Wow, that was scary when the prop flew off, that differently needs further testing. Without a doubt, the DJI aerial footage is much better than the Evolve's, of course, both DJI drones have 20mp cameras not 12mp like the Evolve. I'd like to see further testing and reviews on the drone and to see if XDynamics has released new firm/software to correct the problems that you experienced. I know others have tested this bird and they all end up not testing any further than basic flight test, I say go for it and check this bird to its full extents. Thanks for the helpful review and flights, take care!

[@Droning-ON]

This one is going on my list of videos to watch later, excited to see it! The biggest issue seems to me to be price, but I'll be watching your review for the full scoop!

[@KenHeron]

Thank you Ash!

[@RICKHALBUR]

Thanks Ken great review very well done. Hope XDynamics can make so changes to it before it is for sells to many

[@KenHeron]

Thanks Rick! Yes, I believe it has potential, but desperately needs upgrades.

[@johnscott1956]

Ken Heron's channel is SO great, I subscribed TWICE! Great review Ken, maybe some software updates are needed, along with a tie down strap for the prop.

[@decarli4280]

love your channel ken and as always "KEEP YOUR THUMB ON IT" Ken Heron's channel is SO great, I subscribed TWICE

[@olddroneflyer6554]

One of the most entertaining reviews of a lovely coffee table decoration, I have every seen on the yousetubes. It is truly lovely,,,,,, use a micro cloth to dust it.

[@KenHeron]

It's perfect for holding-down your copy of 'Droner Weekly' in windy living rooms.

[@TheDroneGeek]

Coming back to this video after watching it when you first posted it 4 years ago. After getting a chance to fly the Evolve 2 myself and having a really sketchy interaction with XDynamics, I'm here to say I'm just so disappointed. Legitimately, the camera quality on the Evolve 2 was stellar (and it appears the Evolve 1 had a great camera too). On picture and video alone, it WAS poised to be a drone that could compete with the DJI and Autel drones. But man, the flight experience and sheer unreliability of these drones (and the company) sucks a big one. Thanks again for being an inspiration, Ken. I appreciate what you do for our community.

[@KenHeron]

Thank you drone geek!

[@gd198070]

Thanks for the open and honest evaluation, you call it as you see it and it isn't always very pretty. I was hoping for a good showing because we need more competition. I would like to see any feedback you get from XDynamics on the issues reported, maybe even a rematch once there are able send another for evaluation.

[@stevenlouis1024]

I might sound like a newbie, does the evolve 2 use in body or is it using software to stabilize

[@cnyphotovideo]

You crack me up Ken. I wouldn’t want to get the drone or the hat! Props for doing an honest review. Get it “PROPS“. L-O-L 🥴

[@skycamvideo]

Cool video again Ken.

[@KenHeron]

Thanks bud.

[@josephcross9684]

Ken Heron's channel is SO great, I subscribed TWICE! Great Videos Ken. Love the Humor and is that a triforce tattoo on you forearm. VERY COOL. I also like Baseball caps, WINK WINK.

[@Doggy12375]

Ken Heron Correct me if im wrong i noticed that blue light above the camera turned off when it was in the air or did u find out where to turn it off

[@KenHeron]

It does turn off, yes.

[@etcflyers3760]

Most entertaining review in history

[@agentbertram4769]

This quadcopter looks so bad I'm tempted to send for one. I thought my Fairy was bad but this one takes the cake. Good video Ken. Entertaining as ever.

[@BassManStrikes]

Did it have a beginer mode or something enabled?

[@DevArnold]

Makes sense, years later find these all over marketplace on Facebook for couple hundred bucks all the time. This and the typhoon h 2-400 all the time!

[@glenesis]

What a bummer, Ken. It looks so pretty! Oh, I got it figured out! It stays close to home so we can admire it's pretty finish!

[@repairremedy2454]

I have nothing but trouble with dji phantom 4 pro get one thing fix then something else brakes but i still love it

[@DrivingDrones]

Lovely quality but what frame rate did it record on? when you Yaw it seems very odd experience on my eyes like it felt too blurry...maybe i'm too used to 60fps. Xdynamics seem to have a little way to go before they are serious competition to the imperial DJI! Thanks for a great video Ken!

[@KenHeron]

It records on 30fps. That will tend to make some action look sort of wonky.

[@oje101]

You guys are hilarious.. love your vids

[@KenHeron]

Thanks!

[@HockeyPop29]

Wow, I've been in the same boat, Ken, she's all looks, no content, no RTH! I'm hoping the battery was old (demo?), range and time up are top reasons to buy. They've done great w/color settings. It's out of my budget anyway. I'm happy with my little Mavic Air!

[@KenHeron]

There's not enough in the PLUS column to offset the NEGAVIVE column. --Not yet anyway. Give them time, they could make it right.

[@keithgeisen]

Honestly helps a person sleep better! The other concern is the price point + the accessories haven’t been offered.

[@livefree2x1]

I would come all the way from Australia to have a beer with you... top bloke.

[@KenHeron]

Thanks Andrew! I might be heading your way soon.

[@jhbailey929]

Made my day when you showed the crash filming the combine harvester. When the shot started I yelled "hope he crashes it". I did the exact same thing here in NC, destroying the camera on my trusty old Phantom 3. Replaced the camera and she is still flying.

[@turbo7367]

Ryze Tello With a Wi-Fi repeater can reach a greater distance than that🤣

[@bobsharpie6583]

its so pretty!!!!

[@autobri1]

Did you have ND filters on the DJI?

[@freeminded2456]

Great video

[@KenHeron]

Thank you.

[@BobbyTucker]

Even though the prop came off it still compensates for the loss of lift!? Incredible, is that in the design or just a 'fluke'? Please reply.

[@pwidmayer]

what an absolutely beautiful day to fly the drone. Good honest review. Should have had your slo-mo (Kronos) for the propeller ejection. I am interested in the upgrades in the cameras. Although I may just hold out for when I can get a hold of a Mavis Dual. (Hint hint DJI)

[@Level1Bob]

Ken, thanks. I would think you would be first on the list to get to review any improved model since you have the first hand experience of the flaws in this one. Also, if at that point you state it is well worth the money, that will end up selling a ton of them. I am in full agreement with you, DJI needs some real competition!

[@joeys5429]

all looks good ken but for me i duno maybe getting old the controller weight is an issue

[@michaelrobinson387]

Hey ken it's not bad being a dji fan because I started with yuneec breeze 4k and Q500 4k. Bought the mavic pro love it ready to sale all my yuneec drones and buy all dji products. So I am a believer.

[@drone_video9849]

@Michael Robinson - I also was a huge Yuneec fan, until my Typhoon H. My first DJI was the Inspire, also got a Mavic Pro and an Air. I like all of them better than the Q500+ and Typhoon H Real sense I had. I was lucky and sold my Q500+ early enough to get a good price out it. By the Yuneec I had massive issues over several months before Visa purchase protection refunded my credit card. I really like all my DJI products, much more than any Yuneec I owned.

[@kb9tzq]

I seen another video on these drone and that one worked fine maybe they will send you another one to try out

[@sameakin5557]

HI Ken I talked to Xdynamics at the NAB show in Las Vegas. Liked the look of the drone, but didn't believe all there hype. Guess I was right about it. Xdynamics is working on a fixed wing it is a flying wing design and of course made of carbon fiber. For now it only has a forward facing camera. will have to see, but I sure hope it has better range than the Evolve. I did like the controller. I use a DJI Cendence with the patch antenna so I didn't think Xdynamics controller was to heavy. I liked the duel screens. The batteries on th Evolve reminded me of Walkera batteries just updated with a cool screen that shows battery levels. We all know what junk the Walkera batteries were... Right. Well with all that said. The whole package ie the drone and controller looks cool and everything, but if it doesn't work what good is it. Thanks for the honest review of the craft Ken.

[@Wsmith247]

Grew up in Paducah....Great video.

[@KenHeron]

Thanks. 👍

[@sailcaptain]

Did the Phantom have filters on it? it looked darker.

[@ricksooy1292]

Ken, do you have an update on the Evolve?

[@sc4799]

I wonder if your attaching a camera on the side of the landing gear could have caused balance problems ... and perhaps interfered with the signal / range ? I also think the adjustable mounting arms used to hold the session likely caused even more weight imbalance than the weight of the session camera itself.

[@KenHeron]

No, that wouldn't be enough weight to cause problems. I've used the same setup on many other drones with no issues.

[@thesummitofcourse]

nicely done. I was really wondering how it would perform. I'll keep flying my H until I can get a mavic or phantom.

[@lubecer7415]

H plus?

[@thesummitofcourse]

@@lubecer7415 Standard/Original H

[@CopperStateAerialPhotography]

Ken Heron's channel is SO great, I subscribed TWICE! I would be extremely POd after spending $2500 for that drone. Sad.

[@user-SgtArmoroldtanker]

Didn't the FAA limit the distance for all new drones to 400ft ? I think I remember reading it somewhere.

[@KenHeron]

No. That's the recommended height limit.

[@ocdroneproductions]

Nice review, I notice the blue light above the camera turns off during flight. Also you forgot to mention that Xdynamics doesn't capture your data and they don't geo fence you out of locations like DJI has been been doing with their unlocking process, but the drone definitely needs more improvement and reliability testing and definitely limited with how bulky it is

[@KenHeron]

Thanks! Check out my interview with XDynamics here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4iyq2yviM6mrbc

[@yusglendyroo5279]

Very xdynamics evolve 😀

[@souocara38able]

I had previously seen and admired that farm video but until today I never realized that you sacrifice a drone in the process :-(

[@maxellison55]

Great review, but it’s not totally unthinkable that you might not have the app properly setup. Might want to familiarize yourself for another look after reviewing the settings. Just a thought!

[@kenny2644]

I’m looking for a drone that I can set to track and record a hobby grade rc monster truck. Will the mavic pro 2 track a rc truck with the active track 2.0? If it will im going to buy one. Please let me know or make a video about it if you want?

[@KenHeron]

It will, but only if the truck doesn't go too fast. It's your best option though. 👍

[@kenny2644]

Is there any other drones like a racing drone that can track with speed? Thanks for the reply. Love your channel. I’m getting ready to start a rc channel and I like drones too. I want to do something big like jump a Xmaxx over a huge pile of dirt and I would like the drone to active track and record the arial shot. That would be super epic

[@kenny2644]

We should collaborate? I invite you to come to Texas. I’ll drive the Xmaxx and do some epic stunts high in the air and you chase me with the drone recording? Any interest?

[@Jegerbloggen]

So honest, thank you👏

[@BobCaseyAerial]

Great video ken.....DJI camera quality hands down looks better to me.. That kelly and his funny expressions hahaha...You Two are funny....Hope to see more of these..

[@drone_video9849]

I agree, that Inspire image is very nice... and the Phantom Image is also great. They are also my preference of the samples provided here.

[@sauhingor8077]

Why is the footage from the inspire 2 blurry?

[@KenHeron]

It's manual focus and I had it focused on us before the pullback.

[@pdtech4524]

That looks like a beauty! 👍😎 Shame about the heavy landing popping the prop off😲😮😊 Hopefully just teething problems with a new drone that they can fix?

[@KenHeron]

Yes, I'm sure they will remedy any issues for the next version.

[@RemotePilotsAustralia]

I TOTALLY agree Ken, DJI needs the competition so badly especially here in Australia. The problem is the evolve just does not compete in so many areas. Battery life, camera, range to name a few. Build quality is brilliant, love the motors and the controller is out of this world but for that money it has to slay the Phantom ... and it doesn't. It's "damned by faint praise". After much thought I bought a second P4P V2.0 yesterday before it's too late and I think that sums it up. Edit. I forgot to mention ... it sure is good looking! ;) Regards Ari

[@keithwhisman]

I wonder if all the issues outside the propeller is firmware update fixable?

[@KenHeron]

I'll be chatting with them on TNL, so we will find out.

[@michaels.9153]

stupid question... is the Xdynamics Evolve Geo-Fenced? Love the drawing board bit hahah!

[@KenHeron]

Yes, it has geofencing.

[@MrPlaneTalk]

Hi Ken. Have you ever had a rotor fly off on a DJI? (Other than your crash into the office building window).

[@KenHeron]

No, that's never happened to a DJI product I've owned. Yeah, the props don't stand a chance against huge, static objects!

[@fedzalicious]

Lot's of people seem to like the look of the Evolve, but personally I think the inspire looks better. It's got that futuristic Skynet thing going on.

[@Wayoutthere]

Agreed!

[@PropDusting]

The Karma came back with a new look!

[@davidmiller1995]

Appreciate the review. Hope you give it another chance if xdynamics provides you with some answers or suggestion.

[@KenHeron]

Absolutely will!

[@davidmiller1995]

Somebody out there is saying “we told you evolution wasn’t real”

[@papayenotsTV]

Okay i am here cause i scroll down and i was thinking i will receive a gift from you guys 🤣

[@jackbisson9226]

That camera is pretty darn good.

[@KenHeron]

Totally!

[@TomSpurlock]

I like some of the ideas by XDynamics, but the basics are more critical. RANGE, CAMERA, RELIABILITY. It might fly farther if it had some antennas. So far this isn't much competition, but if DJI came out with a dual display RC like that for my P4P, with 1500nit brightness, I would be stoked. The Xd camera is old school, 1/2" sensor without 4K@60FPS. My old P3P had that, and it's range is 3mi with enough battery to bring it back from that distance. The P3P is 4yr old technology!

[@The_Dirt_Merchant]

FLIR option = possibly saving lives!!!! LIDAR too? Count me in! Amazing! I'm over DJI in general. I have the phantom 3 standard, phantom 4 advanced, and the osmo 2 gimbal. They need more competition and make products more reasonably priced.

[@isaacQuintana-vq2vc]

Que lindo que es ese avion me encanta y el video tambien

[@huh4tofpv384]

Shoot my freestyle kwad has tons more range then that POS.... thank Ken for the great review from a trusted pilot

[@joecullenphotography]

10:44 is there a link to that video somewhere?

[@KenHeron]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKnElpJriciIZ80

[@joecullenphotography]

@@KenHeron thank you Ken :)

[@SakuyasLove]

Thats a shame, but it would be hard to change my mind about getting my first drone as a DJI at this point, way too much time pining over them! Great video as always!