New pilot from Chicago burbs

[ChitownM2]

Bought my son a cheap drone for Christmas just to see if it's something he would like. Is only been a week and I can tell already he is hooked and to my surprise I am as well.

Looking forward to upgrading to something that can be flown outdoors and with some more quality.

 

[GFields]

Greetings from Birmingham Alabama USA, welcome to the forum! We look forward to hearing from you!

 

[MA2 317]

Hello from the Crossroads of America ChitownM2 .

Looking forward to upgrading to something that can be flown outdoors and with some more quality.

Check out the Mini line up of drones from DJI.

Drones - DJI


Good luck and welcome to the Forum.

 

[ChitownM2]

Thanks for the info. That was definitely on my list of things to consider.

Also looking at used options, any advice on things to be weary of specific to drones? Pretty seasoned on buying on forums/over the net

 

[wjkrysak]

Welcome to the forum. WE look forward to your participation and your view of the world.

 

[MA2 317]

Also looking at used options

DJI have refurbished products with full warranty.

DJI Refurbished Products - Up to 20% Savings, Certified Quality and Full Warranty | DJI.com

Tested By Experts. Be Safe & Save. Every DJI Refurbished is thoroughly tested by DJI Experts and includes DJI standard warranty.

store.dji.com

Don't let the "refurbished" word be a spooky one.

A box that has been opened, never flown, could be a "refurbished" product with zero problems or appearance.


.

 

[TonyPHX]

I am with MA2 317's advice above. Refurbished direct from DJI is a the best way to enter the hobby. I wish I had not been so wary of this and it would have saved me some $ while learning each drone.

 

[vindibona1]

Welcome,

Chicago area? Wherabouts? There are a lot of burbs out here.
Yeah... This can be addicting.
Like you, my first drone was a cheap Chinese one that came defective. After a month of trying to claw back the money I finally bought a Mini1... and four weeks later bought a Mavic 2 Pro. Over the next two years I added a Mini2 and now a Mini 3 pro. At some point I'll (sort of) replace my Mavic 2 with one of the Mavic 3's. Yeah... addictive.

The good news is that within the DJI lineup there are a lot of good drones to choose from. I have my thoughts and opinions, but since you haven't yet asked... But I suppose you'll get around to it when you're ready.
Again, welcome to the forum.

 

[dirkclod]

Welcome to the forum.
Please and do be sure you have read our guidelines.
I hope you will find our site helpful and look forward to any input , photo's/video's you might post .
Don't be shy and ask anything if you can't find it by searching .

 

[ChitownM2]

Welcome,

Chicago area? Wherabouts? There are a lot of burbs out here.
Yeah... This can be addicting.
Like you, my first drone was a cheap Chinese one that came defective. After a month of trying to claw back the money I finally bought a Mini1... and four weeks later bought a Mavic 2 Pro. Over the next two years I added a Mini2 and now a Mini 3 pro. At some point I'll (sort of) replace my Mavic 2 with one of the Mavic 3's. Yeah... addictive.

The good news is that within the DJI lineup there are a lot of good drones to choose from. I have my thoughts and opinions, but since you haven't yet asked... But I suppose you'll get around to it when you're ready.
Again, welcome to the forum.

Yeah I was looking at the mini 2 or 3 or maybe an air 2s, still trying to decide how deep I want to jump in. It seems like every hobby I pick up tends to be really expensive. Pretty positive that a Mavic is not happening for me at this time as that's way over the budget it looks like there are options at every price point.

I grew up in Schaumburg and currently in Bloomingdale and commute down into the city for work a few days a week.

 

[vindibona1]

My opinion is to go for the air2s. It’s a great drone especially for the money. While the Minis 2&3 are good drones the stability of the air2s will be appreciated on really gusty days. There is one advantage to the Mini 3: the “plus” battery (purchased separately)provides an insane amount of air time. But still I think the air2s is a hard value to beat. JMO

 

[ChitownM2]

My opinion is to go for the air2s. It’s a great drone especially for the money. While the Minis 2&3 are good drones the stability of the air2s will be appreciated on really gusty days. There is one advantage to the Mini 3: the “plus” battery (purchased separately)provides an insane amount of air time. But still I think the air2s is a hard value to beat. JMO

How do the actual flight times compare to the quoted times in typical outdoor conditions? I'm assuming the times DJI lists are the ideal times with a brand new battery flying indoors with no wind, etc.

 

[LoudThunder]

Bought my son a cheap drone for Christmas just to see if it's something he would like. Is only been a week and I can tell already he is hooked and to my surprise I am as well.

Welcome from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, USA. We have a Member's Map in the Upper Right of the Title Bar. Click on "Members" and then Click on "Member's Map…" Check it out and you might find some new flying friends.

Member Map

mavicpilots.com

We predominately fly DJI Drones and they generally start at about $300 for a New Mini SE, the Mini 2 New starts at about $440 at Costco those are the only Two that I would recommend for you and your son to start with, if you want to spend that much money. Used refurbished drones from DJI are a tremendous buy and come with all the bells and whistles and same warrantees as the new one do, so buy these are a very good idea…

Go onto YouTube and watch lots of videos on these and other drones. You will learn about their capabilities and limitations a lot easier with a "Look-See"

I started with a $30 eBay drone and learned to fly. These two DJI drones are GPS capable Drones and some folk who start out with these drones never really learn to fly. I would offer this advice, enjoy that Cheap drone and even buy another like it so both of you can learn to fly together and maybe even buy a better, not so "Cheap" drone to make sure the thrill does not wear off.

Now, let's get Legally Serious…

If you have not already done so, you will need to get your TRUST Certificate. You can get that at the Pilot Institute Web Site (FREE…) . If your Drone weighs less than 250-grams (0.55 pounds) and you are flying under The Exception for Recreational Flyers, you are not required to register your Drone.

Link to the TRUST Certificate at the Pilot Institute Web Site (FREE…)

FAA TRUST Online Portal for Recreational Drone Operators - Pilot Institute

Get your FAA TRUST Certificate of Completion to legally fly drones for recreational reasons in the United States.

trust.pilotinstitute.com

Link to the FAADroneZone (Optional Registration for Drones under 250-Grams…)

FAADroneZone

faadronezone.faa.gov

Happy Droning…

 

[old man mavic]

welcome to the forum

 

[buddb55]

Welcome! I'm in Oswego and own the Mavic 2 Pro, Air 2S, Mini 2 and Avata. If you're close you are welcome to check them out.

 

[Kendallfordguy]

Welcome from Wisconsin!

 

[Chetk7677]

Welcome from Florida.

 

[msinger]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Laborous]

Welcome to the forum from the beautiful woods of Maine!

 

[MavicFlyer2]

Hello from Minnesota and welcome to the Forum....There's a lot of good quality teaching/feedback going on in here. Just ask, and the experts are great on providing good sound advice for you to apply and use... Remember to always Fly safely and fly smartly representing all of us drone hobbyist well.