Mini 3 Pro, Air 2S, Mavic 3 and Avata - How Much Weight Can They Lift?

[@MarkHawthorne976]

You saved my marriage. For months now, my wife keeps asking "What can that little drone really do that is practical?" Aside from giving me hours of fun, excitement, and even relaxation, I would patiently explain all the wonderful things these little drones (my Mini 3 Pro) can do. But, since she's never flown one - or been interested in flying one, I would get "The Look". When you explained how you flew toilet paper to your neighbor, during the Pandemic, I knew I finally had an answer she had to accept. I replayed your vid for her and she caved. THANK YOU! LOL!! AND, thank you for those lift specs. I know I was always concerned, when adding an accessory, if the drone could handle it. I'm in a much better position to gauge that now. Great down to earth video from a usually higher presentation. Keep 'em coming!

[@PauIieWalnuts]

Dude, your marriage was at risk over buying a drone? Man up.

[@MarkHawthorne976]

@@PauIieWalnuts I guess you just fail to appreciate the humor.

[@DEREKBSHARP]

I deliver cookies 🍪 and Chick-fil-A with my drone

[@MarkHawthorne976]

@@DEREKBSHARP LOL! Love it.

[@Benjamin-ol4jx]

​@@DEREKBSHARP How do you drop cookies without them crumbling?

[@chefb1461]

I thank you so much for all the information about the mini three pro. I had a little marathon on your channel watched all 13 videos on the mini three Pro that you may appreciate all the information. I’ve had my drone for about three years now and it’s a great drone Thanks again.

[@FusionAiBaits]

This is excellent information for “drone fishing” thank you!

[@DroneUpp]

Interesting test! That Mini 3 Pro continues to impress. Probably foolish to test what the Autel Nano Plus could lift but then again... Lol! You just don't know! Thanks again Russ!

[@JK_cookie00]

Nice content! Those mini drones are definitely more than what meets the eye. The Avata is extremely capable.

[@scottblack2844]

I totally geeked out on this test! Thanks for putting the drones through their paces so I won't have to. I am, however, going to order a Box-O-Keys ASAP. Great prank!

[@caseywalker86]

Interesting test. It would be worth trying again on a hot summer day when you have a much higher density altitude to see the loss of lift generated. Also, let us know any messages you received on the controller as you reached overload limits.

[@51Drones]

No messages this day.

[@pipnmaz]

Great tests Russ thanks for the video. Just wanted to comment to agree regarding the Air 2S being an awesome drone. I have a Mini 3 Pro and an Air 2S (as well as many others) and did an identical flight for pictures and videos within minutes of each other and was blown away by just how good the Air 2S is.

[@51Drones]

Yep. It’s so good

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

11:15 omg, Russ, that's evil 🤣🙈

[@CMBphotography]

Major dejavù, I literally watched the weight lift video from two years ago yesterday! Keep up the good work Russ. 👏🏼

[@51Drones]

Ha!

[@DarionJackman]

I've enjoyed and learned a lot from your vids as a first time drone owner (mini 3 pro). Thanks for posting these.

[@viaswords4888]

i did this test with the Air 3 and it was able to lift 950grams which makes it the strongest power to weight ratio at 1.32

[@gammagonad1657]

Actually the Avata is probably one drone that more people might carry a payload on a regular basis in the form of a GoPro, as so many pros don’t like the color science/quality of the Avata’s on board camera. Lifting stuff with the camera drones is sillier in my opinion, as most of them already have decent cameras

[@bushmanphotos]

who are you to say it is silly? I use DJI camera drones exclusively for fishing lifting heavy weights over and over on a daily basis and it works great so why is it silly? As their camera technology becomes obsolete it makes sense to put them to use in another capacity instead of just hanging them on a wall as a backdrop for podcasts like I see most drone reviewers do. Lately I'm looking more and more at the latest camera drones as fishing platforms simply because they can lift more. Most of the so called "dedicated" fishing drones from other manufacturers have useless GPS systems compared to DJI with way more complicated startup procedures and are overly expensive and heavy. As long as you keep DJI drones out of the ocean they are excellent lifting platforms and the camera systems are perfect for spotting fish schools.

[@edward7282]

@@bushmanphotossalt water kills drones if you don't waterproof it properly so yeah stay out of those waves

[@xLakai.]

​@@bushmanphotosalthough i agree with you .. who are you to say "who are you to say" 😅

[@allanmeineche]

Hi. Love the idea. Did something similar with a $100 drone (Syma FPV) out of curiosity some years ago. My approach: Tied the drone down with someting I knew it couldn't possibly lift. Put that load / weight on a scale and let it calibrate to zero. The particular scale was able to measure 'negative' weight - don't know, if it's unique or not. Then the drone took of and I kept pushing the stick upwards until the scale leveled out - kinda. I guess, you could do the same thing with a newtonmeter. But my logic was, that I wanted to test the 'load capacity', so I needed the result to be in some unit of mass. I'm from Denmark so kg (kilogram / gram) seemed obvious. Been a long time subscriber. Thanks for all your great content 🙂

[@Standing_Wolf]

Funny how you started this. I started it delivering a beer to my neighbor.

[@newamericatowguy3633]

I'd like to see you do another one using fishing weights! Since everything with drones is on a "METRIC LEVEL" it seems only fair that we should stick to grams instead of pounds. This is actually a good video and it shows us our payloads on certain drones so when we have to add lights, registration info, etc. We know our max payload so now we won't exceed the maximum payload of our drone. Thank you for another great video!

[@punapirate]

I agree with the “metric” far more accurate…

[@Swalsh308]

I've always found it curious that Americans fought a major war to kick the British out, but still voluntarily use "Imperial" units of measure. As a Canadian I can't criticize as we like to say we use the metric system, but the truth is we use both metric and imperial.

[@newamericatowguy3633]

@@Swalsh308 As an "AMERICAN" I would prefer that we use the metric system. It's more efficient and more precise. This country is so backwards its ridiculous.

[@Reurbo]

@@Swalsh308 To be fair, Thomas Jefferson wanted the US to switch to the metric system in the 1790's. He had a ship bringing physical official units for him to demonstrate the system to Congress and show the benefits of it, but due to pirates the ship didn't make it to the US for the presentation and the US moved on to using Imperial units. In 1975 President Ford pushed for and signed the "Metric Conversion Act" into law as the preferred system, but everything with it was voluntary... which outside the scientific community most US citizens don't use metric for anything outside of knowing what a liter of coke is

[@STRThermal]

You can convert from lbs/ounces to grams.

[@gavinelliot3564]

I use avata to attach braid line.for tree trimming no climbing or fumes/ noise.choice.T800Aust

[@totoosarts]

The test was cool, the key joke is wicked! cheers mate :)

[@Leonardokite]

I have used my drone to deliver or retrieve depending on needs, a beer. It works great.

[@harrishuntTV]

Glad to know the Mini 3 Pro is strong enough! Impressive mini drone!

[@lukastemberger]

Attaching a phone with a great camera to it should be totally fine... I kinda want to try it now :)

[@josephhoward2971]

You know if you zip-tie a hook to the bottom of all of those drones, and with the use of some string and a trigger-pull tester. I'll bet you could figure out how much each drone could lift pretty easy.

[@synthyawylder3297]

I tested my M3P & confirmed your test on it, except I used an empty aluminum beverage can, & just kept adding water until it started losing altitude. At that point, & poured a tiny amount out & weighed it, & I used a nylon fishing line tied around the center spar underneath the battery, located at the center of gravity (weight) of the bird.

[@RonaldBrown59]

The Mini 3 Pro was surprising robust for its size and weight. Good testing Russ, thanks for sharing.

[@scottg.1764]

I was just wondering if you'd do another one of these videos yesterday! Great Video!

[@00zaee]

51 IF YOURE LOOKING FOR VIDEO IDEAS YOU COULD DO ANOTHER UPDATED LIFT TEST FOR THE NEWER DRONES!

[@joepangit6938]

Very good. I'm looking at getting a drone to drop a bait off shore for surf fishing. I saw an Air 3 was rated to 500 grams which is about 1 pound 1 oz. Your test had the Air 2 at 1 pound 7 ounce of just pure lift. So it looks like flying with say a 6 oz sinker, and 6 oz of bait and such will work fine. Thank you!

[@dougcooper4917]

Excellent Test Video. Thank You Russ.

[@dronebuzz]

Nice work Russ!!! ;-) T (Keys = Practical joke value = Priceless!)

[@northwoodmediaworks]

Good stuff to know, especially if you want to add an additional camera to any of these devices... like a GoPro or Insta variant. I have a MA2 (the original) so assuming the payload is close to that of the S. Thanks Russ.

[@robkloucek6188]

Thank you so much for the key prank idea.....And thanks for the drone lifting weight info...

[@whitetailhabitatandhunting]

Great test! Did you ever do it with the mini 2?

[@KardosoMedia]

Nice Russ! I remember the original video..cool little test

[@vernond3515]

very useful, thanks! But could the drone motor pack in more quickly with routine loading of 10 ounces? Will the product lifespan be affected?

[@fongh4108]

The keys prank idea is amazing AHA

[@scottyzepplin8540]

As an Air 2s owner, I approve this video.

[@lynsmith1096]

Good test and video Russ

[@helichair]

@2:55 You are probably witnessing a phenomena called "settling with power" (at least with the Mini 3, I haven't finished watching whole video yet). Notice it held for a moment but once it started down, it accelerated. This is because it's trying to "climb" through its own rotorwash which has a downward vector. Fun to see the phenomena on a still air day. I know you mentioned all the factors, it would be neat for you to document density altitude and try this on a day with about 5-8mph of wind, as translational lift is a significant addition to total lifting power. A heavy helicopter will accelerate in ground effect (sometimes even riding the skids) until it's able to lift off the ground. Same during landing - it might be a running landing!

[@TropikalSport]

A good video mate and well explained, I subscribe to your channel 😉👍

[@jfunk79]

Great test been wanting to use my mavic 3 to fish off beach

[@logicalmind5624]

Thank you mate.. I wanna do this to know if avata can carry a DJI hero 3 action camera..strapped to its top... This content was great. 👌

[@joeamericauavfordav1096]

Russ, I was also surprised that "g for g" the Mini 3 was actually the strongest of the 4. Id have lost that best. My money would have been on the Mavic 3. However, I see one thing wrong with the test that could show greatly different results. Your test only showed the "hover" weight capabilities and not how much it can actually lift. If someone were on the throttle hitting the up stick I think the results would have been vastly different since the surface area on the Air 2S and the Mavic 3 props is so much bigger. Also take into consideration that the motors on the bigger quads are so much stronger. I have to say a real load test would be with someone on the stick pushing it up until it could not longer rise (lift). Still a very enjoyable video that was fin to watch. We love to see you doing things like this because you look like the happy little kid in the candy store. After all that is why we fly. Pure fun and enjoyment.. Thanks for sharing.

[@cubiq1]

The drones try and hover at a constant height, hence why the motors rev up when weights are added. This is the same as throttling up, the theoretical max is the same.

[@pwidmayer]

Now do the test with the Phantom and the M30T !

[@lucifersfather2306]

How did you attach the cable/wire to the mini 3 pro and did it affect the downward sensors, triggering it to keep trying to go up!?

[@MrEddieNunez]

That’s why Ken was getting calls about lost keys? 😯

[@PnoyAngler]

Thanks I need this for drone fishing I need a heavy sinker

[@SCAerialsSteveCarpenter]

OMG, Russ, putting tags on keys with phone numbers to drop all over town 🤣🤣🤣, what s great idea for all your enemies😱. Your test sure came up with some surprising results! Thank you!

[@thriftysurvivor6117]

Thanks for the video, and thanks for the idea for a practical joke. I might try it on a friend of mine who "deserves it". 😁

[@the_thomss]

Amazing scenery and great footage! I subscribed to see more Videos made by you. Dji Mini 3 is an awesome little drone. I own one myself too und create cinematic Videos. Keep it up bro!

[@ShubhamRawatNK]

You are very humble ❤❤❤

[@JonR35]

Love these

[@Loss8131]

try doing the Avata again but make sure it is hooked on evenly to the drone, so that the weight can be distributed correctly.

[@rjramthun6312]

Russ any access to a M30 to do a weight lifting test

[@Stefan_Boerjesson]

How do You land the Mavic 3 PRO in the hand? I've tried but it doesn't obey the downwards joystick. Obstacle avoidence off?

[@chuckschillingvideos]

What you REALLY need to test is the carrying capacity of the drone over a reasonable course. It's one thing to hover at 15 feet, and quite another to haul a load at 50 feet and carry that load for 500 yards and back, especially if there's wind.

[@Gerald-iz7mv]

hi is there a max range of 30m or 50m restriction when you use a payload > 50g?

[@HamerNaturePhotos]

That was fun, thanks!

[@Goldchucker1]

If not accurate, at least it was entertaining. Thanks Russ. You never fail to entertain. LOO

[@synthyawylder3297]

For the Mini 3 Pro, which battery did you use, the Standard or Plus?

[@Vxvx22]

The next test should be changing the stock propeller to a 3rd party propeller, or a bigger diameter propeller. And see if the lift weight can be increased. For example, maybe the stock Mavic 3 propeller can be installed on the Air 2S and achieve higher lift weight

[@adampost754]

@51drones, have you done a video regarding landing pads? Pros/Cons, recommendations, are they necessary, etc.?

[@bushmanphotos]

yes he did and he said they are necessary which was completely wrong information. I launch various DJI drones almost daily (weather dependent) from beaches, deep in the forest, hilltops, standing in grass up to my waist, in strong winds etc, etc and have never used a landing pad in my life. I hand catch as do most people who use a drone on a regular basis.

[@Steve_Zheng]

nice video!

[@GruffaloDrone]

Hello, I think that this test is very interesting, (as well as the key prank 😂). Here is a question; Can you please determine how much weight the DJI FPV is able to lift? I can't find any serious answer! Thank you.

[@Ghost.uppercut]

Would love to see an old school phantom. Happy that my mavic 2s is amazing

[@Drone-Pilot]

The lifting capacity is a good thing to know, because if you want to put a 360 camera on a drone this is a big deal

[@xXMax2000Xx]

any ideas how to airdrop some lightweight stuff using the avata? ive seen some gadgets with an extra remote, but i dont trust the range and i dont see a way to attach it to the avata

[@IanB1015]

This is a good precursor because of the remote ID module you’ll have to instal in the future and maybe a led spotlight.

[@leadsled213]

These drones are Remote ID compliant...

[@IanB1015]

@@leadsled213 try again. Not all of them are.

[@leadsled213]

@@IanB1015 DJI drones with Remote ID DJI Mavic Pro Platinum. The Mavic Pro Platinum gained a lot of attention for two reasons when it was first unveiled in 2017: increased flight time and reduced noise levels. ... DJI Air 2S. ... DJI Mavic 3. ... DJI Mavic 3 Classic. ... DJI Mavic 3 Cine. ... DJI Avata. ... DJI Mini 3. ... DJI Mini 3 Pro. Please stop embarrassing yourself....

[@DethpickleDave]

Hey... regarding the Avata bumpers, how do you store your Avata? Do you have a case that can accommodate the bumpers on? Or do you take them off every time you're done? If you have a case, can you throw a link or give a brand? Thanks!

[@51Drones]

I use the PGYTECH OneMo Backpack

[@KeyPointProductionsVA]

If you have any enterprise drones, show us those! I have some applications for drones that I want to explore and seeing enterprise drones carry capacity would be great

[@51Drones]

I only have the Mavic 3T, which is the same as the Mavic 3 in power.

[@GastonMaqueda]

No overheat?

[@dmac8207]

Awesome video! I'm still on the fence if I'm getting a Mini 3 pro or a Air2s for my first drone. Well, now I know which one can lify more at least 😅

[@tidepod10yearsago97]

i also had a difficulty choosing these 2 but i picked the Mini 3 pro because of its portability and vertical mode

[@ronaldmodesett8579]

what drone did you use to deliver the TP?

[@51Drones]

M2P

[@imagineengine]

what is that T-shaped thing you have attached to your controller?

[@51Drones]

It’s for a lanyard

[@imagineengine]

@@51Drones oh ok. I thought maybe you had found some sort of range extender antenna. Thanks

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

10:04 I remember that video 😂🧻

[@bluesteeltraining]

I’m curious as to how these new drones compare to their previous models like the original Mavic and the Mavic two pro.

[@51Drones]

If you watch my video from 2 years ago, you can see the results. It’s linked in the description.

[@bluesteeltraining]

@@51Drones Thanks Russ! Great video by the way they are very much appreciated! I learned most of what I know from watching your videos when I first started and had my first drone the Mavic platinum.

[@jetsetjoey]

Can anyone answer the following question: Is it possible to make any DJI drone REMOTELY activate/energize a switch/relay/solenoid/etc.???

[@brucemeyer2481]

got a payload deployment device for m air2. it is activated by the landing light.

[@bushmanphotos]

@@brucemeyer2481 same for Phantom 4 and I think Mini 3 Pro has one... maybe he means AUTOMATICALLY and not REMOTELY? Using something like Litchi?

[@sim2g]

Wow. 10 ounces by Google supposed to be 283.495231 grams. That is a lot a lift on that Mini 3 Pro. Thank you for very good video. Like🙏🏻

[@mike234200]

Now I need you to test FIMI x8 2022 v2. It’s made for it lol

[@StefanMailey]

You can lift a lot more if you actually throttle up the motors. Iv done well over 2 pounds with my old air2s.

[@m118lr]

..yeah, he’s only in hover mode.

[@StefanMailey]

@@m118lr Its not really a "mode" lol. But yes. you can clearly see that he does this test by letting them hover. Cool test. Enjoyed the video.

[@JonR35]

Yep same, I've carried 2lbs plus with my air 2 for fishing in ocean to drop it way out. Haven't used my air 2s for that though. Air 2 is my sacrifice drone

[@Spadle0208]

OMG i was here for the drone but the joke is just another level LOL

[@matrix64]

Interesting test. Thank you.

[@Bigrignohio]

A series of weights, spaced along a long line. As you rise it lifts each weight in series.

[@matrix64]

@@Bigrignohio That’s definitely another way to do it. I was going to suggest using fishing weights

[@Bigrignohio]

@@matrix64 That's because I was responding to another comment about them, not my original idea. That's another time the KZbin app seems to have done this. Strange.

[@independentdronechannel170]

Good test..

[@TroyC68]

test of hold, not a test of what they can lift... the Avata wasn't trying at all, have you heard them on full... much louder To show lift he would have had to LIFT the UP stick on the controller, not just judge by how much they drop with weight...

[@51Drones]

Yes Troy, I know.

[@TheJesus10923]

So Is the so I’m guessing that he meant to put 2.01 for the mavic 3 ?

[@flyzone7441]

Lift one drone with the other drone neodymium magnets grab the propeller housings use a short rope.

[@isaacmitchellofficial7787]

Hi Russ, my mini 3 pro is ascending and descending very slow. My mini 2 never did that, so is there a problem with my mini 3 pro? Have you had this issue?

[@scottg.1764]

did you try recalibrating your IMU and compass? Maybe clean the downward sensors too. I'd start with that.

[@isaacmitchellofficial7787]

@@scottg.1764 I did all of that! Nothing worked! Everything else with the drone is fine, but the max speed I’ll descend as been 3 mph. No wind that day either

[@scottg.1764]

@@isaacmitchellofficial7787 Interesting. I haven't had it on my Mini 3 pro, but I did have that happen a couple of times on my Mini 2 that seemed to clear itself up. Not sure if a firmware update cured it but i'm thinking that's what helped. Maybe you could try rolling back the firmware and see if that helps or wait for the next update? Other than that, you might have to see if DJI can fix it. Care refresh has been worth it for me in the past.

[@51Drones]

Mine does that on occasion. Not sure why it’s happening!

[@isaacmitchellofficial7787]

@@scottg.1764 Yeah care refresh is very good. I just don't want to send it in for that issue because everything else works great... i can definitely live with it, i just don't want it to be part of a bigger issue. According to Russ it happens on occasion though.. maybe a firmware update will help. Thanks for your input!

[@JonR35]

Do throttle up instead of hover

[@baggszilla]

Good test and awesome joke at the end! I'm deff going to do this! Hahaha

[@HrodnandB]

Cool video! Lmao at the joke with keys, sounds like something I'll be trying out with one of my friends :D

[@JPMIIIIIIIII]

Existe um padrão dji ai. Mini3 ganhou provavelmente por causa da possibilidade de bateria plus.

[@mjamesb80]

Thumbs up for the keys around town idea!😂

[@robripingill4897]

Great video Russ with good info, to bad you didn't add the DJI FPV drone to your testing, maybe next time🕹🚁👍

[@TroyC68]

The Avata is the FPV drone....

[@Andyrewk]

@@TroyC68 he is referring to the DJI FPV specifically not the Avata.

[@lafolle1414]

mini 3 pro and plus battery/s ....is using a quick charger going to damage the battey;s.....65w...

[@wreckinball11]

I think sport mode just increases the angle the drone can fly at not a function of power.

[@51Drones]

Nope. Higher rpm.

[@ArkansasRay]

11:15 Omg you had me laughing hard at that one. I’ve gotta try that!

[@DevDodger]

Loved the joke at the end! Great video!

[@troymclean9301]

Fun test! Thanks! LMAO at the key prank. I got just the friend that I would do that to. 😂

[@dundonrl]

Should have used fishing line, much lighter weight than that cable.

[@tonybucca5667]

NOW...try the Mini Pro 3 with the Airscrew propellers!

[@DEREKBSHARP]

I deliver a dozen cookies 🍪 and Chick-fil-A with my Mav 3

[@DA98623]

I'm not getting the point of this. Using the Mavic 3 for example, you loaded it until it started losing altitude, then landed and considered it good. But the load wasn't sustainable. Even if you hadn't lost altitude, you didn't give it any time in the air, or test flight dynamics, flight time, etc.

[@q1o1mancow]

have you ever ? done a dji mavic pro and the dji white goggles test