Hi everyone, my 8-year-old son has been asking for a drone, so I got him a Sky Viper Vista for his birthday. Unfortunately, it lost connection right after takeoff, flew into a tree, and got stuck. Now I’m looking for a replacement.
I want a drone that’s beginner-friendly and has GPS to return when it loses connection. After some research, I found Holy Stone drones (HS175D, HS720G, HS360S) and the DJI Neo. Holy Stone seems more affordable, but I’ve read mixed reviews, while DJI seems more reliable.
Is the Holy Stone worth considering for beginners, or should I go for the DJI Neo? Also, I saw the HS720G requires registration because of its weight. What’s that about? Any recommendations for a quality starter drone for both of us to use would be greatly appreciated!
Holy Stone is not great. Their customer service is okay, but you’ll spend more time troubleshooting than flying. DJI drones are better quality and easier to use. I’d suggest starting with the DJI Mini series.
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is excellent for beginners who want a professional-level drone. If you’re looking for something more casual, consider a less expensive option, but nothing beats DJI for quality.
Thyme said:
I’m considering the Mini 2 with the extended flight package. Would this be good for a beginner?
The Mini 2 is great for cautious beginners. It’s professional-grade but manageable. Just make sure your son understands the basics of connection and responsibility.
I don’t understand why people always recommend expensive DJI drones for beginners. What if the person doesn’t like the hobby? Start with something cheaper to see if it’s a good fit.
Zen said:
I don’t understand why people always recommend expensive DJI drones for beginners. What if the person doesn’t like the hobby? Start with something cheaper to see if it’s a good fit.
That’s a fair point, but I feel like a quality drone would give a better experience and avoid frustration. Plus, DJI drones hold their resale value if we decide to sell later.
Decide what you want to do: 1) take photos and videos, or 2) do acrobatic flying. For photography, go with the DJI Mini series—great features and easy to fly. For acrobatic flying, something like the BetaFPV kits is a good start, but they have a steeper learning curve.
My first drone was a Ruko F11Gim2. It’s great for beginners, but once I switched to a DJI Mini Pro 4, the difference was night and day. If you can, start with DJI—it’s worth it.
I started with the DJI Mini 3, and it practically flies itself. It’s great for learning the ropes, and I still use it even after moving into FPV drones.
Luca said:
I started with the DJI Mini 3, and it practically flies itself. It’s great for learning the ropes, and I still use it even after moving into FPV drones.
Is there much difference between the Mini 2 and Mini 3?
The DJI Neo is a solid starter drone, especially if you get the Fly More pack for extra batteries and a charger. Add the controller for better range and control.
I just got the DJI Mini 4K Fly More combo for $302. It’s lightweight, so no registration needed, and it’s great for beginners. Your son would have a lot of fun with it.