propeller guards outdoors

[cweam]

I just received my Mavic mini Fly more package. Should I install the prop guards if I am only flying outside? Will they increase wind resistance and affect performance. I expect that they will.

 

[QuestionTime]

I personally would only use them for indoor flying, or garden flying (presuming you won't be flying above fence altitude).

The Mini is an extremely lightweight drone, and any additional weight would have an impact on performance/efficiency.

That's my personal take on it - I could be very wrong.

 

[i.kelly1963]

If you've never flown before, put them on until you get the hang of it.

 

[Nonprophet]

Yep, I kept mine on outside for my first few flight at a local high school football field. Never had the drone more than 100 yards from me distance-wise, and 70' or so in altitude and on pretty calm days. After 2 sessions of 3 batteries doing that, I felt comfortable enough to take the prop guards off.

 

[Motorcycle Rider]

Welcome to the forum.

I have never installed my guards, looked at them, decided they were too big, and too cumbersome, left them in the house, and went out flying. We all have to decide what we are personally comfortable with.

 

[scro]

When they're fitted the drone senses it is heavier and goes into "payload" mode. This automatically restricts how far and high you can fly. They're better suited for indoor flying or if you want to fly really close to things outside. The drone just shrugs off little bumps with them on, but without them any little contact with something usually results in a crash. If you want to build some confidence then try flying low, slow and not very far outside with them on. Think of them as if they were trainer wheels for a bike

 

[Zbip57]

And stay away from trees and bushes. In the event of a collision, the Mini is more likely to fall out of a tree without the prop guards. With the prop guards installed it's almost a certainty a branch will snag the guards, then the Mini will be stuck in the tree.

 

[scro]

Another reason to stay away from trees is the leaves and branches can easily poke thru the prop cages, rendering them ineffective.

Trees, huh... not a drones best friend

 

[ff22]

Another reason to stay away from trees is the leaves and branches can easily poke thru the prop cages, rendering them ineffective.

Trees, huh... not a drones best friend

Hey, stop talking about my back yard that way! (g)

 

[Motorcycle Rider]

My personal comfort level is no closer than 5 feet away from any trees.

 

[KB4MTO]

I used the guards at first. I was flying in an open field and found I didn't need them. But I still put them on when flying in close proximity to anything that can bring it down.