what drone should i buy for my son

OG · Since 07 Jun 2011 583 Posts Addicted

what kind of drone are you guys sticking your gopro/camera gear on? Im thinking something in the $1k range

D-Krep It Kiter · Since 18 Jul 2011 417 Posts Obsessed

I recently got the DJ Mavic Pro and have been happy with it so far. Its right at your price point, though you'll probably want to pick up an extra battery or two. There's lots of Youtube videos to get your son started flying, but you do want to proceed with caution. Its easy for the drone to get away from you when you're first learning... so wide open spaces to start, simple maneuvers until you start getting the hang of it.

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

kassak · Since 18 May 2010 108 Posts Stoked

I know it’s not nearly as cool but I think these guys are super fun and you learn so much about flight. They run on a tiny lipo battery and you spend most flight time with engine off just gliding and riding thermals.

https://www.horizonhobby.com/EFLU2980?KPID=EFLU2980&CAWELAID=320011980000123186&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=37462622311&CATCI=pla-382072952365&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8oq1iMvd1wIVioV-Ch0dQQy3EAQYASABEgILaPD_BwE

They even make them stock with first person viewer cameras.

flipper · Since 17 Oct 2011 320 Posts Obsessed

Kassak, That looks like an awesome floater.

Consider the Bixler 2 as the prop is protected from crashes.
https://hobbyking.com/en_us/hobbykingr-tm-bixlerr-tm-2-epo-1500mm-ready-to-fly-w-optional-flaps-mode-2-rt.html

Windance Crew · Since 18 Apr 2008 473 Posts Hood River Kite Shop Obsessed

Hood River has an RC flying park. It's free & has a runway. Not busy either.
Fun with a glider on a no wind day, hard in winds.
Shop local at Hodd River Hobbys for this plane for $99.
https://www.dromida.com/airplanes/dida1050-sky-cruiser-2/index.php

flipper · Since 17 Oct 2011 320 Posts Obsessed

My bro bought this direct (not amazon) from China AND LOVES IT. Kinda the opposite of buying local. HRH is a great shop.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N9QHWSG/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1TUR4YZQ07MFP

kiteboard117 · Since 02 Mar 2005 450 Posts PDX McLovin

Is your son more interested in flying / racing the drone or arial photo / video stuff? I'm still super new to drones but I've found the DJI spark to be a really amazing little machine. The automatic features are so good I dont even connect the remote for most of the shots I take with it and the camera is fantastic. The Mavic looks like its just a little bit better in every way. That said if he's more interested in flying fast Im sure there are more exiting options.

toddjb · Since 16 Oct 2007 271 Posts MD Obsessed

Consider getting him the DJI Spark. It's $500 (more if you add remote and spare batteries), highly capable, and less likely to injure himself or someone else if it crashes.

That said, I have the Mavic Pro and love it. You can get that, complete, now as a refurb for $699. Full warranty. You'll still want to pick up a couple extra batteries.

One note is get it now if you want it. I predict the drone laws/rules will change a lot next year as this is the first holiday season we've had with highly capable <$1000 drones. There are going to be a lot under Christmas trees this year. By summer I bet many small communities will be complaining about the amount of them buzzing over their heads and we'll see significant local restrictions quickly. Federal restrictions will take longer.

(Have fun and remind your kid to fly considerate and not linger around other people for extended periods of time.) Wink

door · Since 21 Dec 2017 8 Posts Pacific City Kook

For $500 new, the DJI Phantom 3 Standard is an all around great drone with good video quality, for beginner to intermediate