Who is Exo Drone? - Exo Blackhawk 2 Pro & Exo Mini Pro

[@QCGUY]

Yes, I know EXO just sold to openstore. 👍🏻

[@BlairAir]

Good info for new drone pilots. Thanks for putting this together. Most in the drone community know at least bits and pieces of the company's efforts, but mostly its about the hardware, not the relationships etc. Good research and useful to make purchase decisions. 👍

[@QCGUY]

Thanks

[@badpaw]

I like Exo. I asked if they would upgrade the 501s and they responded right away 😁 I have moved on to acro flight, and all custom builds, but my first 501 still flies, and I still take it with me! The crash record on the 501 surpassed all my carbon fiber drones. I would consider the larger Exo for stable shoots. I'm happy with Exo as well. The ribbon cable issues are not hubsan exclusive. I'm running a Hawkeye Firely 4k split and the cable is killin me. They can be shimmed with clear plastic, but it you push the cable and the picture goes nuts.

[@ciberhac]

Good info as always Chris, thanks for sharing. I’ve been following EXO since the start and they have come a long way. Hoping to continue to see good things from them. I have the original Blackhawk (Zino pro plus) as well as the Blackhawk 2 pro. (Ace Pro) and I’m very happy with both.

[@QCGUY]

Thanks you proved what I said. There is a market and people will buy them. It’s good to hear it’s been positive too so thanks for sharing. ✌️

[@brentonsgames]

​@QCGUY I also have an original blackhawk.. haven't flown it much but hey my FAA reg is still valid.. what do you do for the remote ID? Doesn't the app already comply with this?

[@1EyeInTheSky]

I would really like to see them succeed. It would be nice to have a choice. Now if Fimi could do something like that their reputation may be improved as well. I am still rocking that Zino 2+ I bought from you and it flies great! I got some filters for it to tame the lens flare and its actually been a really good drone. Oh and I always watch your stuff. I learn something EVERY time.

[@QCGUY]

Always love hearing a drone I sold is doing well. Warms my heart! lol Fimi is one I always looked to improve but they keep taking that easy route with the same model different name unfortunately.

[@AtlanticAerials]

That was my first drone too after watching Chris videos about it

[@BradWithyman]

As usual, Chris giving a totally frank, no BS review. It's what sets him apart. I agree. EXO is very brave.

[@QCGUY]

Thanks it’s lonely being the straight shooter surrounded by so much sugar. 😂

[@BradWithyman]

@@QCGUY fkn aye!

[@dronecity1699]

Well 4 little words.... I told you so 😂😂😂 you were spot on pal

[@copyjim81]

Thanks Chris. This is about what I thought for XO. I wish them well as long as they follow through with their promises.

[@QCGUY]

Well they already sold and ditched. lol

[@davidreynolds5466]

I listened to every word! I'm looking forward to your flight tests of the Exo drones.

[@QCGUY]

Thanks buddy!

[@9to5Drone]

I just checked out their drones. Got some good products at good prices! Whenever I'm ready to upgrade I'm going to look into these guys.

[@YellowRoseDrones]

Well you did point out something unrelated to EXO, that you have trouble getting repair parts from Autel. I crashed my original e2p 6K drone and they wanted $1,300 to repair it, so I just bought a new one. I'm not sure what all got broken that was going to cost that much money. The camera did get knocked off on the gimbal and I pressed it back on. One of the bottom sensors is shattered on the glass. I wonder if it would be worth the shipping cost to send it to you and see if it's something that you could tackle at a more affordable cost to me?

[@QCGUY]

I have plenty of parts for that one buddy. As long as the gimbal and camera works my price won’t be anywhere close to that ridiculous price. Message me if you want to give it a shot 👍🏻

[@Ukw975]

Great in depth video,thanks much!!!can I use zino mini pro propellers for the exo mini pro?.exo is sold out .thanks.

[@QCGUY]

Yes, they are the same drones and props. You can also use these which are good if not better. www.masterairscrew.com/products/hubsan-zino-mini-pro-se-stealth-upgrade-propellers-x4-red

[@duskyechelon]

Great video, very informative, however how you catched such chirping constant sound in background?

[@QCGUY]

Electronic noise interference, shit happens 🤷‍♂️

[@247duck]

Great to know all this good video

[@TheLonni]

I am curious to see if the mini still has overheat issues

[@QCGUY]

I’m not expecting that to be fixed and that’s the big no no for me and electronics. Most get pretty warm but when it’s enough to burn you I can’t bullshit people on that fact.

[@ignaciohernandezros]

I agree. If EXO were selling drone parts that will make a GREAT difference.

[@QCGUY]

Yeah I feel very firm in saying it will serve them well to serve us. I don’t like companies keeping the simple parts just so they can get a work order out of people for the quick money fix. They think we are all stupid and don’t see that.

[@korma9732]

Excellent review Chris, thank you 👍

[@QCGUY]

Thanks

[@AtlanticAerials]

Hey I stuck around for the whole replay does that count. Anyway another great review great info is always Chris thanks

[@QCGUY]

It definitely counts and is appreciated…thanks

[@AtlanticAerials]

@@QCGUY You're welcome Chris

[@lukasled]

Hi do you know what gimbal error code 0x1000 means?? Didn’t crash!! I started drone to make video and gimbal was dead is out of level a little camera working but I can’t move it up or down. Thanks

[@QCGUY]

Which drone is it? Most of these codes lead to a bad gimbal motor cable. 0x1000 can sometimes be a bad board but the way you explained it sounds like it's the cable.

[@lukasled]

EXO Blackhawk

[@QCGUY]

@@lukasled Yeah if it's the original blackhawk I think it's safe to say it is the gimbal flex cable. I do a lot of those and have to keep that cable stocked.

[@lukasled]

So you can fix it for me?? Or it’s easy enough to fix it myself?? Thanks

[@QCGUY]

@@lukasled Yes, I fix them regularly. It’s not hard for me to do because I’ve done so many now but as a first timer it’s easier to do more damage depending on your abilities.

[@tomowen357]

I fly the zino2+ and the mini pro on a regular basis and had no issues at all. In the EXO line up have they changed things like geo fenced the drones?

[@QCGUY]

No geofencing

[@elipin4128]

I agree, I hear decent stuff about the BH2. BUT The price is what would stop me from buying this drone. Esp for someone that needs it for business reasons. The specs are there on paper but the final product isn’t as good as the Air2s or M3p… but hey that’s just my opinion from what I’ve seen on KZbin. I’ curious to see your review on how it’s performance. Hey adleast you are a pro on knowing these inside out and able to work on them 👍🏻

[@QCGUY]

Fixed several mini pros’s before they became a Exo drone that’s for sure.

[@rowanlawson3844]

Interesting video - thanks! I have a few thoughts/comments that come to mind: - The way EXO commented that “Hubsan drones won’t fly in the US” does seem a little odd, but it sounds to me like there is a contract which requires Hubsan not to allow their drones to fly in the US. Whether Hubsan honors that, who knows. Keep in mind that contracts are confidential so EXO presumably won’t say “this is a contractual issue”. - Hubsan has a bad name in the US and presumably knows it, but EXO was unknown. I’m betting EXO decided to use the Hubsan name to be up front about where the hardware is coming from, versus try to hide it (which likely wouldn’t end well). Clearly EXO hasn’t got the desire (or funding) to create their own drone from scratch. So i imagine they needed a 3rd party OEM manufacturer, and in one sense it’s possible that the Hubsan name initially helps EXO even with the baggage. - The comment about it being a pain to take legal action on a China company is only partially true today - it’s not very difficult in to get an injunction for all of a certain type of product stopped at the US border, so we shouldn’t assume that EXO has no leverage on Hubsan. - Is EXO writing the firmware for these drones, or perhaps providing firmware changes through Hubsan? That’s not clear to me. - You seem to know Hubsan quite well, so you may well be right in your prediction. The only way you might be wrong is if Hubsan realized they won’t be successful in the US without a different name and proper US-driven development. Who knows. Thanks again for an interesting video.

[@QCGUY]

Hubsan does 100% of the firmware. The only thing Hubsan doesn’t do is manufacture it but they don’t manufacture their own either. Just minimal assembly and logistics… EXO lied about Hubsan’s not being able to work in the USA as far as I can tell because I inspect and repair returns for a dealer and so far they all fly still. EXO will fall to the side eventually because He (Charlie) sold it to a online company that buys e-commerce companies. They know nothing of drones and won’t move the company further unless someone steps in to make sure that happens. Smart kid…make people think what they want to hear, market the hell out of it and sell when it looks like all of the USA want’s the products?

[@rowanlawson3844]

@@QCGUY Got it - thanks again!

[@dale7431]

I enjoyed your video. I couldn't agree more about making spare parts available. I bought the zino mini se a week ago from amazon. It arrived with a completely discharged battery. I tried to charge it for 2 hours. no go. So i returned the drone to the amazon pick-up point the same day. I still haven't received my refund. So unfortunately I wasn't able to test that it would fly in the u.s. but I don't think amazon would sell it if it wouldn't fly here.

[@QCGUY]

Yeah I think they will fly but that sucks about your purchase. The SE is decent 👍🏻

[@monsterfeet6926]

Nice video. You covered all the points. I live in Australia and I'm glad I don't have the option to buy an EXO DRONE.

[@mikehrenak1390]

It’s a start let’s see what they do Nexted will tell a lot quick air2 s army out 6

[@johnk7649]

Good info., Chris. (1) will you be actually posting reviews of these drones? (2) I very much am looking forward to your interview with Charlie. My sense is that like Dobo you won't pull any punches.

[@QCGUY]

I’ll be direct and won’t sugarcoat if I smell bullshit but won’t be purposely trying to make him choke or feel uncomfortable. I will be reviewing these both yes 👍🏻

[@Pooua]

The reasons I bought my EXO Patriot drone is 1) It didn't come from China; 2) It doesn't restrict my flying; 3) It was relatively inexpensive; 4) The company looked reputable. The reason I won't buy DJI is it's from China and I resent geofencing. I don't appreciate companies controlling my products. @QC GUY What about the FAA requiring Remote ID in two months? What's the plan at EXO for that?

[@QCGUY]

I honestly think they are still figuring that out and I’m sure it has them busy. It’s on my list if Charlie excepts my invite to livestream with me.

[@gmivisualsjason3729]

Watched to the end..... very informative as always.

[@QCGUY]

Thanks 😊

[@ermin3963]

I am trying to decide between Exo Mini Pro (with OA) and Exo Mini Pro (without OA). I heard that Exo Mini Pro (with OA) overheats. This could be because OA requires more power from the battery and that puts out more heat. Does this problem presist in Exo Mini Pro (without OA). If Exo Mini Pro (without OA) still has overheat issue then I would rather buy Exo Mini and sacrifice the better camera. Can you please give me some guidance on this? Thank you 😊

[@QCGUY]

Both get hot and more so than any other drone in its class. It’s the processor and wifi module mostly that gets hot and the only worry I would have with either is if you are updating or transferring files without cooling the drone. In flight I have not seen any overheating issues so my overall answer is don’t sacrifice just because of the high heat because the heat isn’t a huge difference between the two models if that’s the concern. My only other concern with either of these models is long term effects from the heat on the components. If interested I have a brand new never flown exo mini pro exo sent me I’m going to sell that I never reviewed or did anything with. It has OA, 2 batteries with charging hub and 128gb internal storage for $650 plus shipping. I think exo is overpriced as well so that’s a good price I think.

[@ermin3963]

@@QCGUY Thank you very much for an honest answer. I am also concerned about long term heat and its effect on electronic components. From what you are telling me, it seems like Exo Mini is better out of three because it has a miniSD card and therefore no need for wifi or cable transfer. That should minimize heat exposure, I think... I appreciate the offer on Exo Mini Pro with OA..that is a good price for sure.

[@tbjr50thomas]

I stayed awake lol, good info Chris 🚁📽👍

[@QCGUY]

God bless you buddy!

[@akaiphone]

I was interested in their new drones but price is way too close to DJI mini3 and mavic air 2 drones. I rather spend the extra $50-100 to go with DJI. I think the price is too high. Mini pro is $799 plus 80 for obstacles avoidance without the discount. That’s $880 lol. Oh and no external storage. I wish it was cheaper in price

[@QCGUY]

@@gimpman1357 and all the other accessories we all end up buying goes into that as well. 👍🏻

[@QCGUY]

@@gimpman1357 I did in the video and also made clear points on the fact that there’s a market for many drones outside of DJI ownership. All covered but I guess you skipped that part. lol

[@davedee1244]

Good chat Chris. When can we see a flight review?

[@QCGUY]

Thanks, Hopefully about 3 days 👍🏻

[@KCQuadTronX]

I HAVE HAD A HUBSAN h501s-S AND THEY WERE GREAT AND VERY GOOD CAMERA AND QUALITY AND GOOD FLYING MACHINE FOR SURE

[@havenhemmings3574]

I had a 501 for several years. It was an indestructible drone. With no 3 axis gimbal it was shaky but a great learner drone.

[@adamwatson3029]

Great info Chris, thank you for the information on EXO Drones, I am looking forward to seeing Charley on your video, keep up the good work👍🏽

[@QCGUY]

Thanks Adam ✌️

[@adamwatson3029]

Hi Chris, I’m trying to contact you on “Telegram messaging”, how can I contact you

[@QCGUY]

@@adamwatson3029 What do you need?

[@adamwatson3029]

You sent me this message. “Thanks for watching and commenting,You won 🙌 (2 DJI MINI 3 PRO )Inbox the above name to reedem your prize. congratulations 🌟✨🎉🏆”

[@QCGUY]

@@adamwatson3029 KZbin is filled with these fake scammer accounts. I see them on everyone’s channels with the same messages. Sorry I try to delete and block them quickly but sometimes I can’t get them fast enough. Is that message not deleted?

[@JustFavorites123321]

Good content - I knew nothing of Exo, now I'm an expert. I hope it works out well for them and would like to see what you think of their stuff after a few flights. I agree on the gold comment, it's kind of tacky. Maybe they should just put the Hubsan name in gold - that would be fitting 🙂The blackhawk pro 2 actually looks interesting.

[@QCGUY]

They just sold the company so it will be history soon enough. lol

[@genefoxgreenmountaindroning]

Thank you chirs for the great information and introduction to the new old drone. Lol

[@QCGUY]

New old drone is hitting the nail on the head there Gene. 😂

[@genefoxgreenmountaindroning]

@@QCGUY that is good how is the price on them

[@QCGUY]

@@genefoxgreenmountaindroning I gave the prices. They are up there in the DJI range.

[@genefoxgreenmountaindroning]

@@QCGUY sorry I must missed it I watched and listened to the video after work and dosed off during it than my grandson came .lol old age catching up to me

[@QCGUY]

@@genefoxgreenmountaindroning no worries 😉

[@flywithmike8608]

I've purchased the Hubsan Ace SE from Geekbuying. I've had no issues with it flying or the App in the USA. I'm not impressed with EXO. My proof is my reviews on my channel.

[@QCGUY]

👌

[@fj1100mark]

It does seem to be true Marcus got a Hubsan to test and he actually had to get in touch with Hubsan for them to authorised the drone to be flown in Idaho. And dobo had The owner of EXO on and they did a good explanation of it and no they don’t sell outside the US at the moment but they are intending working on that

[@QCGUY]

I know a handful of others with new mini’s and the Ace that haven’t had to do that but it’s just stupid if so. Honestly I wouldn’t be surprised if Marcus was told to say that. He’s a company guy and does as told.

[@mmbodnar]

@@QCGUY yeah flight should be possible (tourists, etc..) but perhaps they can restrict activation somehow. Agree though it could be narrative that is spread to keep up that geographic limitation storey.

[@QCGUY]

@@mmbodnar I gave up dealing with Aliexpress and banggood as a affiliate but I’m very tempted to try and get them to send me one for review. lol Amazon is still selling the zino mini pro…

[@mmbodnar]

@@QCGUY I wonder if the Exo app would work with the Zino Mini / Ace..

[@QCGUY]

@@mmbodnar I don’t think so anymore but they use to be able to work back and forth. I’ll play with the apps versus drones soon.

[@jeromerobinson7064]

Hey Chris what if you already own a hubsan drone does mean that they will brick them to make you buy a exo drone or will you able to continue to fly your drone before this all happen.

[@QCGUY]

I fly different Hubsan drones every week after repairing them. They haven’t and won’t do that. Maybe with new ones yes but again I think that’s just stupid. It looks a little too controlling and isn’t a good way to go forcing your brand like that.

[@jeromerobinson7064]

@@QCGUY I agree so would everyone that own a hubsan drone be able to use the exo app for their drone.

[@QCGUY]

@@jeromerobinson7064 🤷‍♂️ I don’t know but I know with the Exo version of the Zino Pro I could leave the Exo app and use the Hubsan app.

[@jeromerobinson7064]

@@QCGUYOK because at one time I was looking at Gorilla man channel and the exo app work with hubsan drones when I tried and now it dont.

[@QCGUY]

@@jeromerobinson7064 before they took control here is when I think that was possible both ways. All the firmware versions were the same.

[@RoyHarperLighthouseGuy]

The question is going to be will Hubsan still be Hubsan? Or will it be a new and improved combo that doesn't suffer the Hubsan reputation? My hope is we'll see a better drone & better customer service. When I heard pricing, and being aware drones have gone up in general, I think it a bit much for what traditionally was a budget lineup of drones. I"d have to think long and hard to lay the money down when I can buy an Autel or DJI Air 2S for little more than their prices.

[@QCGUY]

If I were a average consumer I would fork over the extra 💰 as long as they back the product, support me and supply parts. Take my money all day long for that! Autel lost my business….

[@myway3221]

So can we fly hubsan drone in the US?

[@QCGUY]

Exo still says you can’t with the zino mini pro or the ace pro but I work on new ones that are returned to a us dealer for different reasons and so far they all fly. Also, Hubsan drones can use the exo app and exo drones can use the hubsan app so there’s no difference in server’s either apparently. Exo has been exaggerating the truth a little in my opinion.

[@myway3221]

@@QCGUY Thank you for the information.

[@dronecity1699]

Hey Chris great review.. But these are not "Copies" of Hubsan... They are rebranded Hubsan Drones with hopefully better customer service... Time will tell!!!

[@QCGUY]

UMMM I think that’s how I explained it even if I used the word copy. lol I think I made it very clear what this deal is. Thanks

[@dronecity1699]

@@QCGUY sorry Chris just got through the whole 30 mins and the last 2 minutes showed some Balls concidering you were sent the Drones. Yes Hubsan will S€it on EXO from a great hight once they have outlived their usefulness. We have had our differences in the past but absolute respect for your honesty on what lies ahead for EXO... And what a shame they are so gullable to trust a Chinese company were trading practices are pretty much non existant. Stay safe pal 🙏👍😁

[@QCGUY]

@@dronecity1699 Funny how just being honest on KZbin saying what most think makes means I have balls. 😂 I’m just not a product hungry whore like other channels aiming to please on their knees for the free stuff. Thanks again ✌️

[@havenhemmings3574]

QC guy is not going to get a Christmas card from Hubsan after what he said about the Exo Hubsan deal. Good video, Chris.

[@QCGUY]

😂

[@UNION336]

I have the Hubzin Zino Pro. I purchased it 4 years ago and have never flown it. It's still in the box Which app do I use in order to fly it? Will EXO Honor firmware up dates, app use, updates, or repairs...?? I am concerned that I am not able to use it... AM I STUCK WITH A DEAD ITEM?

[@QCGUY]

Use the xhubsan app. Exo has nothing to do with the updates. If it works and doesn’t force you then don’t update it. Enjoy it and if you break it I’m here. 👍🏻

[@UNION336]

Is thie Zino Pro worth Keeping?? According to the company change??

[@QCGUY]

@@UNION336 There is no company change. If it works it’s worth keeping. Hubsan is not Exo and Exo can fall off the face of the earth anytime at the rate they are going. You own a Hubsan so forget the name Exo.

[@akaiphone]

I see their ad on fb a million time a day

[@QCGUY]

They are hitting the advertising and promoting pretty strong that’s for sure.

[@dale7431]

Hey Chris, I have the Hubsan zino mini se and the battery in the transmitter has died. Do you have a video that shows how to replace the battery? If not, do you have any advise? Thanks!

[@QCGUY]

No but it’s very easy to open the controller and see. It’s just a layer of boards that you unplug and remove to get the the battery for the most part.

[@dale7431]

Thanks, Chris, I'll give it a try.

[@dale7431]

I thought the battery was dead because when I turned the rc on, it cheeped at me and said low battery. But when I tried to charge it - nothing happened - blank screen. So I just now took it apart and checked to battery. It was at 4.15v. I put it back together and I got the same thing. Cheeping and "low battery." Is there a reset or something I have to do? Thanks again!

[@QCGUY]

@@dale7431 no reset but it sounds like you have a dead short somewhere and possible bad board as a result.

[@dale7431]

Thanks Chris! It works now. I discharged the battery and when I tried recharging it, all went well. It recharged and the rc works now. Thanks for your input. I appreciate you taking the time.

[@marktrotter1329]

👍👍

[@jesusgjchuza6491]

😎

[@capeRCouple]

i tried to get them to send me one to review and compare against my zino mini pro but my channel isn't big enough for them i guess and i would tell it like it is,just another hubsan drone.

[@QCGUY]

If you have decent honest content I think these drone companies need to send them to more of the small channels. Many channels become tainted as they grow and get more products.

[@capeRCouple]

@@QCGUY very true,i have 1.45k subs and growing consistently but it takes time

[@doh3541]

I hope EXO Drone rebrands a Hubsan X4 H501SS. They can call it the Blackhawk Down 501s Pro and sell it for $499.99. Be worth it just for the black color.

[@QCGUY]

They already came in black 😆

[@MrSango123]

morning chris

[@QCGUY]

Evening buddy!

[@KCQuadTronX]

LOL I DONT HAVE A GREAT ATTENTION SPAN BUT I STILL ENJOY WATCHING TILL THE END

[@ododargo]

hi i got my zino mini pro dwe 2022 latest firmwere update every thing works great except i have lost x6 zoom its only x3 now but it records the zoom on the video it never used to when it was x6 so bonus of sorts lol happy humbug

[@QCGUY]

They are still figuring and adjusting to limitations I guess 👍🏻

[@gimpman1357]

Your next video: Who is OpenStore?

[@QCGUY]

I almost did something today but then was like…nope! 😂

[@charlesbuffalo9512]

Seems to me a lot of the things you mentioned being addressed haven't been addressed two years later in 2024. oo much money to spend on issues not resolved.

[@QCGUY]

@@charlesbuffalo9512 I feel like they have only gotten worse from what I see as a person that repairs them for others.

[@garylinnane917]

Hubsan and cost more

[@QCGUY]

Brilliant observation and covered…

[@joeseep7235]

You forgot to mention that not so long ago the U.S. Military was paying $5000 apiece for these same drones.

[@QCGUY]

Oh yeah there’s that too. lol

[@akirasho719]

Thanks again for sweating the details!!!

[@TheLonni]

Why do I feel targeted by the "devastation of a wreck"? Comment Lol

[@QCGUY]

Don’t blame me blame your conscience! 😂

[@droningporsantander9994]

Just rebranded and more expensive hubsan drones..

[@QCGUY]

Did you come up with that all by yourself? 😂

[@lifeguard032590]

I won't support a company like Exo, supporting Exo won't lead to a single innovation in drones. They're a brand born out of rebranding. I'll stick with DJI and Autel.

[@QCGUY]

It’s simply not for you then. I get it 👍🏻