Help Choosing First Drone (Flip vs Neo vs Mini 3)

Buying Advice Forum
1

Hello!

I’m looking for some help in choosing my first drone. I’m looking for something that I can use to track my routes when I’m wading or kayaking around a creek, pond, or lake. Just something that I can use to track up to a 1/2 mile away for about 5-10 minutes to be able to see obstructions, deeper areas, rapids, etc. I’ll likely just use it after I park my car to confirm that my path is safe, probably not something I’ll be hiking in with me. Also, if wind is bad, I probably won’t be out on the water anyway, so that’s likely a non-factor. I don’t need a great camera for this, but I do think I need a controller, as I’ll probably be manually flying.

This leaves me with a few options in the same price range and I was looking for some help in choosing:

First, The DJI Flip. New, seems nice, comes with a controller, and it’s touted as something that might be good in woodsy areas with the propeller guards and all that. Also, it says it has a really long and strong range, which would be ideal for me in the woods, even if I don’t plan on exploring far. So far, this is my top choice, but I wanted to ask here before making a decision.

Second, the DJI NEO Fly More. Three batteries and the controller put it about the same price as the Flip. Compact design is nice for flying along creeks manually, and the battery life would be fine for my purposes. I could probably even throw this in my bag to bring along for exploring another section if necessary.

Third, the DJI Mini 3 or 4K refurbished. Both would be cheaper than the Neo or Flip, but lack the Flip’s obstacle avoidance and transmission range.

Can anyone help point me in the best direction on which to go with?

Whichever I decide, I imagine Care Refresh is more than worth it, right? Especially since I’ll be flying around trees and water.

2

I love my Neo, but for your use case, it’s not the right choice. It’s notoriously bad over water (in certain conditions) and in even slight wind, and overall is better suited for close and personal flying. In the FPV/motion combo it’s a different animal, but it’s also a different monetary ballpark.

We the people have decided to dislike the DJI Flip for several reasons, but if what you described is what you want, it might actually be the right one for you. More stable in winds and over water, still compact and quick to get in the air. I would not overestimate its obstacle avoidance capability, but as long as you look in the direction you are flying, you’re fine.

The Mini 3 and 4K are solid devices, but they show their technological age now.

In conclusion, I never thought I would say this, but I would go with the Flip.

Also, Care Refresh is a no-brainer. It doesn’t save as much as people tend to think, especially when you lose the drone completely, but overall it’s a good option to ease your worries.

3

Definitely get a 4K or 3, I recommend the 3.

4

JamesHenry said:
Definitely get a 4K or 3, I recommend the 3.

Anything about the 3 in particular that makes it the best for what I’m aiming for?

5

Micah said:

JamesHenry said:
Definitely get a 4K or 3, I recommend the 3.

Anything about the 3 in particular that makes it the best for what I’m aiming for?

The drone can handle wind way better than the Flip, Avata, or Neo. You likely won’t need obstacle avoidance for that task. The battery life is pretty good too. It can also shoot in full vertical. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, the 4K would work fine.

6

@JamesHenry
Thank you so much! That’s super helpful! It looks like refurbished it’s about $100 cheaper too for the Mini 3, which is also awesome.

7

Micah said:
@JamesHenry
Thank you so much! That’s super helpful! It looks like refurbished it’s about $100 cheaper too for the Mini 3, which is also awesome.

Good, you’ll love it. Also, consider getting another battery or two.

8

I would pick the 3 or try to find a used 3 Pro.

9

Obviously, the Inspire 3.