You Wont BELIEVE What This Drone Can Do - Hover X1 Review

[@BikepackingAdventures]

I bought my own Hover X1 this week and so far it is doing an outstanding job and as you said here - it brings a smile to your face it's so much fun to use! There are definitely things I'd love it to be able to do, and maybe at some point in the future it will. One thing I'd love to see it able to do is orbit around an object, specifically my bicycle. However, I think I might be able to trick it by being in frame at the start and soon as it orbits move out of frame. Will have to test this weekend. Truly an innovative product and at such a great price point. I looked the DJI range and the one that specifically have the follow-mode are super expensive, have a clunky big remote and do not fit in your backpocket. Revolutionary.

[@StusReviewsUK]

You got it! Nothing in this easy to use form factor out there right now!

[@Coleisabagel]

Remarkable how far this sort of sub 500 dollar camera and drone tech has gotten in the last 5 years. The quality and abilities of that little bugger are absurd. Also, as someone who lives in Las Vegas I am quite jealous of wherever you live. Gorgeous environment.

[@Ghryst]

maybe, but the considering the limited flight and range capabilities and low camera quality, this should be a sub $150 drone.

[@sidvanhound]

Had a couple of Drones that wondered off (I'm not a good pilot), think there parked on some office buildings roofs. This one holds your hand and lands on it. Perfecto.

[@StusReviewsUK]

😂 time to get the ladder out? 😂

[@sidvanhound]

Just noticed you on your Bike in their promo' - "Triple Stabilization & Reliability" bit. Well done 🚲

[@StusReviewsUK]

That can’t be me… I’ve only just published this review 👁👄👁

[@GumbyPW]

You can use it as A hand held camera. Use the manual control mode, leave it folded up & just hit the record button in the app. It'll record audio on your phone just as it does when flying it. Nice video, thanks

[@StusReviewsUK]

I wonder if that’s the software update I’ve yet to do - on the software version I was testing for the review it wouldn’t let you record if it hadn’t taken off!

[@vinniekay0967]

Good day! Can you record in the dark? And if so? What is the quality then? How long can you film on the battery?

[@roywhittle1]

@GumbyPW could you be more specific please? I have the latest firmware but don't know how to "just hit the record button in the app."

[@GumbyPW]

I can try, It does require you to use you're phone for the app., (but you need that for the audio function anyway.) turn on the Hover drone, open the app. & tap the "Hover" icon & connect to Hover, then either tap "smart preview" or "manual mode" select photo or video then tap the large black circle to start. You can see what you're recording on top part of the screen After recording, download from the hover gallery to you're phone as usual. What part of the Country are you in? Looks beautiful. @@roywhittle1

[@PhilTParker]

To say it’s “Joyful” is completely accurate! I couldn’t stop grinning when I tried mine with my wife for the first time. The two of us were grinning like school children! :) Also Stu, my screen shows that as of my subscription to your feed, you are now exactly at 100,000 subscribers! I’m happy to help get you there my man. And I also agree that this beautiful floating cameraman is the absolute best! I keep trying to imagine what the possibilities are with it, and I continue to realize there are just too many to enumerate. Thank you for this video, from your 100,000th subscriber!

[@HotshotTek]

Wow the X1 came along way

[@yuidfbse]

Best review on KZbin on this drone!!!.. and I watched a lot of them. Stu rocks as always❤️❤️❤️

[@StusReviewsUK]

Thanks! 🥃

[@TrasteIAm]

Epic Footage.. can almost hear a Welsh version of Toto's Africa.

[@hotchihuahua1546]

I have watched a number of other videos covering this same product . Honestly , you are the most enthusiastic, just as I was the first time I saw this drone . I will subscribe so I can see your impression of the X2 when it comes out . lol

[@DjFuNkysara]

I been using this more than my Dji drone . Due to portability and no hassle to setup. Hopefully they add master shots - one button to take few modes together

[@joesoutdoorplaces]

If you outrun it, what does it do? I assume it goes into hover until you get back to it.

[@cherries250477]

Love this little camera!! It’s 100% on my Christmas wish list. Thank for your amazing review too! It’s the first time I’ve come across you and decided to subscribe. Plus you live in one of my favourite parts of the world 😊

[@StusReviewsUK]

Thanks for the kind words, and wales is indeed a beautiful place! 🥃

[@mark66690]

HI when you was on your bike & the drone was following you what would happen to the drone if you carry on going & the drone ran out of battery would it crash land. Thanks.

[@iZacq]

My real concern is if it would be blown away with high wind I like the new Hover X1, is there something Similar & Better with obstacles avoidance ? Thank You

[@markyxmonleon3353]

thats what i think if .. wifi controlled, no gps lock ..

[@TudorSmithPhotography]

That was a great review Stu (that rhymes) I've watched 4 or 5 review videos on this product and yours is the one that sells it to me. Thanks and...well, subscribed 👍👍

[@erickperdomo277]

I can't wait for V 2.0!I'm sure it will be better...I certainly could use something like this for quick shots or where real drones can't fly. I don't need them to fly too high

[@edluv1226]

Can it follow you on an angle or the side ? 9PM, 10PM, 2PM or 3PM position?

[@SteveDyke_Dykie_Travel]

Is it on board storage only or is there a micro SD slot, if on board only how much video can be stored as thinking of buying one for travelling but don't want to run out of space

[@oreosk8ter]

3rd generation: Obstical avoidance and GPS tracking so that you can get those over the water shots. Great review! 👍

[@MlGHTY1]

If you are riding a motorcycle will it follow you in the city traffic ? If so, will it avoid poles, walls, traffic signs, cables, ... or it will just crash on them ? thanks

[@TechRealityGlasgow]

Not sure if I missed it, but how long does the battery last and how quick to recharge it again?

[@StusReviewsUK]

Based on my tests, flights last about 10 minutes. (5 minutes was the long tracking test and had 50% battery left. If you charge through the drone it’s slower, but I was using the charging dock with a second battery - takes 30 min to charge 2 batteries to full!

[@TechRealityGlasgow]

@@StusReviewsUK so a pocket full of batteries is really needed if you are going into the hills! Even so, it's a pretty neat bit of kit! Good review!

[@StusReviewsUK]

Possibly… although if you had the dock, technically you could just take 2, and have the dock plugged into a large capacity mobile battery, and just swap intermittently… although, 2 batteries and 20 minutes of flight time is probably enough for most people, considering that this really is press a button and it does it. No faffing about with angles or flying around unnecessarily… taking a pano shot for example takes less than 30 seconds of flight time? That’s 20 pano shots per battery!

[@TechRealityGlasgow]

@@StusReviewsUK Very true! More of a case of getting the B roll stuff done, which does not last long, and being prepared for the situation and place you will be filming in. Now.. mufflers... let's see if we can find a way of making all drones become silent! :)

[@StusReviewsUK]

@@TechRealityGlasgow haha, yeah - although saying that the sound function and cancellation of the drones pitch in the app worked really really well!

[@davidkai2694]

Great review thank you so much I want to live where you live what beautiful scenery love the bike and the drone & you're not bad Yourself

[@StusReviewsUK]

Haha, thanks David… it’s not too bad around here that’s for sure! 🗻👌

[@bgaviator]

Can this drone be used in conjunction with a wireless lapel mic system like the DJI lapel microphones?

[@davidaicken4751]

Awesome review ! Made me make my mind up and buy one today 👍

[@fishingwithbarrett4505]

Perfect pocket Hover Air drone for traveling outside United States.

[@FredSchmitthammer]

Great review! Your comments are spot on. I would want 4k and 120fps. 4k especially important. Thanks for the great channel!

[@StusReviewsUK]

Thing is, we are unlikely to get 4k 120fps in this form factor for a good while… we may get 120fps at 1080 tho, which seems to be standard for smaller drones.

[@lightningandcloud]

little do people know its not passport size its notebook sized because stus a giant

[@ddougie]

Excellent review but I have noticed a small blue tooth handset that can fly the x1 manually any chance of a revue using that or the same from the app Cheers

[@davidw717]

This looks amazing. What post editing did you do to the footage? Audio?

[@StusReviewsUK]

Post editing on the shot right at the start, but the full test was out of camera 👌 the audio was coming from the face cam at that point 👍

[@skytechm07]

Is this in 30 fps ? Thanks

[@FQ8]

You sound as gaga as I when I got mine (only a few days ago) it is a brilliant piece of tech indeed!!

[@Killswitch85]

Don’t know why people haven’t yet subbed. Always look forward to a Stu’s reviews vids. There something more raw with the production of these. Yet Another great video!

[@Killswitch85]

Also would be great if the camera was maybe modular with the next version. Companies are now getting more popularity with right to repair. How good would it be if you could buy a 4k cam with inbuilt mic so if you did want to use as a ‘standalone’ cam, you have the opportunity to. Or if you still wanted as a drone, the mic switched off but still had 4k quality.

[@Badonicus]

Thats amazing....price for a bit plastic is big but youre paying for the gubbins....the sound sync is a tiny bit out. Hats off to the panda pjs too...

[@StusReviewsUK]

Mrs Stu’s Reviews really wanted those panda PJs… 👀

[@KallusGarnet]

Does it work in crowds?

[@johnsweekendworkshops4100]

Amazing gadget!! Love the a channel and the enthusiasm you bring to your reviews

[@chargedup8491]

NEED this. Great review Stu.

[@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 very limited instruction on how to really use it, 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

[@joogy5899]

Hi, great review, but have you tried this indoors? It would be great to use at birthday parties, or weddings etc; if the indoor footage was good. Thanks. Joogy

[@DAB247]

Can you fly it manually via the app?

[@StusReviewsUK]

Yes you can - but it’s limited to Wi-Fi connection, so you can’t fly it far away from you. This is primarily an autopilot drone 👍

[@paulwain147]

Great review thank you and mine arrived today, so that my weekend taken care of. One thing I haven't seen anywhere is the CAA requirement for the Hover. I'm thinking you need an operator ID for about £10 per year or so - do you know if that's the case?

[@StusReviewsUK]

I’m not sure one that one - tried to work this out - it’s only able to connect via WiFi, direct to the phone, meaning range is limited to very close around you, (no ability to fly it away), so it may be classed as a ‘toy’ and therefore wouldn’t need any form of operator ID registration. I’m no law expert on this one, but that would be my best guess. Your best bet is if you’re concerned, contact them!

[@paulwain147]

@StusReviewsUK Thanks so much for coming back to me. Seems to be a bit of a grey area. From what I can see is that even if its a toy, which is exempt, it has a camera and the rule changes. I'll have to do some more digging. Thank you again.

[@theoztreecrasher2647]

@@paulwain147 For most countries - if it weighs 250gms or more it MUST have RID AND be registered. (Applies to ALL UAVs.) For the UK - if it has NO camera the 250gm limit applies. If it HAS a camera - NO exemptions at all! Most of these control-by-phone-only gadgets are the pits! Over-priced and under-specced.

[@ADCFproductions]

@@paulwain147 I asked the brand and no registration or anything is required, but don't go breaking any laws with it like flying at airports etc

[@ADCFproductions]

@@theoztreecrasher2647 definitely overpriced!

[@nelnguyen8348]

How long does it film for in a sitting?

[@quartelli]

@Stu's Reviews, Great review. I bought one of these from the indiegogo for my son for christmas and got the combo for about 300 quid......Been itching to take it out since it arrived ages ago but don't want to spoil the magic on christmas day. Good job, subbed. P.S where in Wales were you when you took that video as I live there?

[@fjhaydn6532]

Excellent review! Thanks Stu! Do you think this can be used on a sailboat? Can it come to a stop and land while moving at about 5 knots in steady conditions? Love to hear your opinion!

[@BDF-]

Sorry, but using it on a sailboat (or any other type of boat for that matter) is a *VERY SEVERE* no-no. Not certain about the wind speed, but I *THINK* it'd be kosher with the drone.

[@oldgeezer-dg9lq]

Looks great. Is there an Android app for this. Cannot find one.

[@philliz2629]

Brilliant vid Steve just one question what is the drone like in dark lighting or night time?🤔

[@Droneaway-72]

You can’t see it at night apparently

[@jranbd]

Chrging time?

[@MichaelsTechTalk]

Stu, what is the make of the electric bike?

[@StusReviewsUK]

That one is the engwe m20 - great piece of kit!

[@drlousplace]

I am having trouble with getting audio to work on the different modes...

[@Support-23]

Got one two weeks ago, great stuff!

[@StusReviewsUK]

Great to hear! What do you think of it?

[@Support-23]

Very handy and convenient I take video when I walk my dog. @@StusReviewsUK

[@jk330ci]

Great review stu, what an interesting piece of kit. Where did you film the bike segment? I’d like to go there not being to far from Cardiff myself. Hope you hit you target of over 100k subs.

[@StusReviewsUK]

All up around the gospel pass. Spectacular area 👌

[@tonyarmstrong4843]

Where in Wales are you? I’d love to take my bike on that off-road track. Is it public? Cheers.

[@jasonkelly5955]

What is the bike your riding stu?

[@StusReviewsUK]

It’s the engwe m20 👍

[@illzwillzwatuz963]

Just ordered mine

[@yes9098]

Thanks

[@StusReviewsUK]

Thank you! 🥃

[@prmath]

How high can it fly?

[@papertelevision]

Awesome review! Subscribed!

[@sugargliderdude]

tempted to get one

[@StusReviewsUK]

It’s one of those pieces of tech that you immediately want because it’s so bloody cool 😂👌

[@grandadan]

Very nice!

[@JackRM7]

Brilliant review! What a great bit of kit! And very reasonably priced!

[@StusReviewsUK]

I know right… I actually was gobsmacked at the price!

[@markknight2768]

Where did you shot that video! I want to live there!!!

[@andrewwilson8273]

I noticed some fringing around your head in the shot facing you as you walked forward. Is that a downside of the drone or KZbin processing?

[@StusReviewsUK]

Had a look at my source footage - no fringing. The separation is great so probably KZbin compression 🤦‍♂️

[@andrewwilson8273]

@@StusReviewsUK it's odd. Directly through my Shield, the fringing was visible, but using Chromecast the image was much more clear. No fringing. I'm not a creator, but I can see this being a very useful extension for selfies. I will be placing an order. Thanks for choosing to showcase this product.

[@garyhenderson9303]

It was very hard to watch the video to the end without clicking on the link to buy one, my credit card was on burning after the first 6 mins.

[@StusReviewsUK]

😂😂😂 apologise to your bank account for me.

[@petroflorence7962]

See if it foles you in tunel from out side throug tunel in wooded era

[@frofa2954]

Can the follow-mode follow animals such as my running dog? That would make for some amazing footage.

[@captainjim605]

No, it needs to scan a human face to follow.

[@theoztreecrasher2647]

@@captainjim605 What if your missus is a bit of a dog? 🤔🙄😁

[@captainjim605]

@@theoztreecrasher2647 It is important to choose wisely. Not questioning anyone's taste.

[@markloughtonUK]

Something tells me that Stu really does like this 🤣. How lucky are you to live in a place with scenery like that too !

[@StusReviewsUK]

I really do! The first gen was incredible, but this just takes the technology a massive leap forward, and at that price it’s unreal!

[@SaultiBalldeip]

The video and photo quality appear to be pretty decent

[@Ghryst]

at this price, people expect 4k. the price point at this is on par with a fully fledged semi-pro device with 20minute flight time, 10km range and 4k. the shots this device can take could be reproduced with an extra-long selfie stick and a digital camera from 2010. camera quality might be okay if yr exclusively filming nurse-dancing vids for the teenagers on tiktok

[@neli5p]

Big serious question .... do you think it's worth the money ... buy now or wait?

[@StusReviewsUK]

I think it’s worth it if you want it! It’s a great piece of kit… and it’s just come out. Last one was 5 odd years ago, so I think now is probably a brilliant time to buy it!

[@neli5p]

​​​@StusReviewsUK bloody hell Stu .... you've just pushed me further into debt 😂 JUST purchased it ... seems like something that'll come everywhere with me, unlike my DJI mini 3 ... which is just too much faff! Great review pal 👏👏👏

[@videolan]

My biggest concern would be spending nearly £400 on a device that I can't control at all when in the vicinity of trees and lampposts etc. When it "follows" or tracks a person, how good it it at not "locking on" ro##to the wrong target? Some more real world tests not in an open field with no obstacles/people around would be useful. Many thanks

[@AintBigAintClever]

That could be interesting when someone jogs past and the drone takes off after them like a dog off its leash. :D

[@Droneaway-72]

Nice review subbed

[@robinkesterlives]

The ridiculous level of 'easy' and 'wow' you get for the money these days is mind blowing. I do think this could be a bit cheaper to make it more entry friendly but it does some really neat stuff that hit real "I need that" points. So it should do well. Plus, I need that.

[@StusReviewsUK]

Haha! I know right! Although I think the price isn’t bad at all… standard pricing for things like go pros which this is ideally suited to compliment in my opinion. Obv cheaper would be nicer 😉

[@robinkesterlives]

​@@StusReviewsUK I think the thing that got me most was the look you had as you used it. Surprise and smiles with what appeared to be simple things to get it going. The cage also kind of makes it seem safer, like we'd not worry about landing on our hands.

[@noodlessoul8356]

If the image quality was just a bit better... This thing looks funny! But the DJI Mini 3 is around that price too, so...

[@StusReviewsUK]

Don’t get me wrong, the mini 3 is great! But what this is better at is the autonomous flying at the press of a button. Unlike the mini 3 which needs unfolding, turning on 2 devices, calibrating the compass, taking off and then you can set some of the autonomous flying… but consider that you also then have to carry a big controller with you whilst it tracks you!

[@noodlessoul8356]

@@StusReviewsUK That's true, but doesn't have as good image quality as the DJI does. So yeah, definitely an interesting/innovative product for people who want to shoot scenes of themselves 🙂

[@paddle_hike]

I want one!

[@Metal_Face_Doom]

I'm pretty sure that DJI is scrambling to produce a pocket version to rival this incredible machine!

[@StusReviewsUK]

The passport drone form factor has been around for a while now, im surprised DJI haven't yet done anything like it!

[@Metal_Face_Doom]

@@StusReviewsUK true indeed, but most of the tech hasn’t been as refined as this.

[@artistjoh]

A pity they chose to make it 2.7K instead of going all the way to 4K. 2.7K is way better than 1080P, but a lot of us are used to having 4K resolution for editing purposes, and it has become the standard these days.

[@MichaelsTechTalk]

Great, now I need this drone and an electric bike! 🤣🤣 great video Stu as always!

[@StusReviewsUK]

Both are necessary purchases… I’m sure you can justify it to your Mrs😂👀😅

[@superkaf]

Great video Stu, definitely buying one 👍

[@StusReviewsUK]

👌 let me know what you think when you get it… first time you use it, it’s something special I tell you now!

[@wigglewiggle3789]

It's the work of the Devil, or witchcraft if you prefer. Sweet little thing. The next version will probably be able to fly you to work. Take care man.

[@StusReviewsUK]

We were chatting about this the other day - wouldn’t it be great to have this type of drone built in your car. Imagine getting in a traffic jam, being able to send it up in the air to see what’s going on, or at parking places, you could send your drone up to locate a spot to park. 👀

[@wigglewiggle3789]

@StusReviewsUK My good man, you are a God. I bow before thee and just getting a few things together to sacrifice a virgin in your honour. If it could be made quiet. Whoever cracks that will become very rich. Take care brother.

[@JAllenProductions]

@@StusReviewsUKAs long as nobody gains access to fly it themselves. People are already idiotic and don’t pay attention and crash into people sober and drunk. This would have a flying car crash into your office building killing the whole room.

[@Bluebuthappy182]

That is very impressive indeed. As you say 4K would be the icing on the cake but I'm sure they will get there. But for the price you can complain can you.

[@roguesgallery4228]

I want tha one!

[@Bearviation]

Ohhh… this gives me shades of PTSD of demonstrating Hover 1 at my store in NYC! :-S

[@StusReviewsUK]

Apple? 👀

[@Bearviation]

@@StusReviewsUKYup! I think we chatted briefly, a LONG time ago, from my IG account whilst you were still under the influence. ;-) But yes, technically still as I'm soon to be out on disability.

[@issiewizzie]

XI one is fantastic X2 can only get better

[@andyjenkinson5070]

I think a new category will need to be created for the use of this in automatic modes. There may possibly be additional safety requirements but a PILOT'S License?? Seems a bit like needing a full driving license to ride a bike! If anyone knows what the UK and EU authorities have said about it then please post.

[@GaelyneGasson]

I never thought much about drones... but I want this one! It would be so great to have hovering when I answer my front door ... Oh plus it'd be great for videos. 😁

[@saintuk70]

Cool wee thing....

[@StusReviewsUK]

It’s so bloody cool.

[@coleycole2nite]

Does anyone know if it still works in Dolly Track mode if you are wearing a mask? Another video said it needs facial recognition 🤔

[@KallusGarnet]

The military is gonna love this

[@almototv7264]

Nice

[@Bivs_setup]

Sadly we must wait in Australia for availability 😢

[@StusReviewsUK]

Australia is always one of the last 😢…

[@videolan]

@@StusReviewsUK But not when it came to a 512GB Pixel 7 Pro - they never came to Europe at all - I had to buy mine in Australia!

[@prmath]

Are you saying I can’t sent one to my cousin “down under” ?

[@videolan]

@@prmath You can send one but it might not work with non USA carriers depending on the firmware/chips.

[@PortugalCarp]

Another great video Stu. How does that little gem handle winds?

[@graemeshaw9716]

Good review. You sound like Jeremy Clarkson😂

[@petroflorence7962]

Can you just fly it whith app

[@raydeeance]

Yes

[@TarenCapel]

Right, I’ve ordered one - and it’s all your fault!😂 I’m guessing that it’s small and light enough to avoid most uk drone rules?

[@Audiojunkabus]

Actually, I actually found this video very helpful actually. Actually, this was actually well done.

[@russelljackson7716]

Great review! One question. Does it have obstacle avoidance?

[@captainjim605]

It does not. But, it follows pretty close to your path in follow mode. It is light enough that if it does hit something, it will self-land and likely not suffer any damage.

[@UKgamer87]

Seems quite expensive for the footage quality. Dji drones would be better tbh.. I got the mini 3 for like 350 during the sale like a month ago.

[@StusReviewsUK]

The benefit is that this is completely self flying on one button press. You’ve got to do a lot more with DJI to even get the thing up in the air… (compass calibration, takeoff), and you need a massive controller as well. As good as DJI drones are, this hits a niche that DJI drones don’t.

[@neli5p]

I barely use my mini 3 .... but I can see myself taking this everywhere!

[@UKgamer87]

@@StusReviewsUK they do have pro models that have follow modes and the none pro can be tricked into following. I feel like the footage quality is the determining factor for me tbh.

[@StusReviewsUK]

Yes, however point still stands - you still need to faff around with the controller (and phone if you’re using the none video controller) and setting up tracking within the software. This is the equiv of a point and shoot drone 👌

[@darrenowens1543]

Hi,why I think it's a cool device it's expensive for what it is.if it was £200-250 it would sell like hotcakes😊

[@bytesizeclu]

This feels very much like the Snapchat drone, the pixy but significantly more capable! I want one!

[@StusReviewsUK]

I know right! Always fancied trying that Snapchat drone, but I think when they released it was only France wasn’t it?

[@bytesizeclu]

@@StusReviewsUKFrance and the US however I heard it was terrible at stabilisation and just couldn’t stay stable even in the lightest of wind speeds

[@StusReviewsUK]

@clu_official I couldn’t believe how table this managed to stay considering the form factor. Was blown away by it! (No pun intended)

[@kennethpaulcalangi4122]

That's an amazing device. it's like an AI drone...

[@510BIGD]

Ive watch numerous videos on these drones... every one including yours, the videos are washed out or to much contrast. Only way id buy one is off of Alli Express @ $40.00 instead of $390.00 on Amazon

[@StusReviewsUK]

Problem is, I think you’d find it hard pushed to get one with this reliable of an autopilot anywhere near the price these guys have set the x1 at… also, the $40 one will have a potato for a camera, but yes - I would have loved a 4k sensor on this like I said.