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Opinions or suggestions requested on drones
Sep 23, 2018 22:47:55   #
cessnalvr Loc: West virginia
 
Have been having a drone gas attack for a fairly long time. Have read a few reviews but have only talked to one drone owner. Was thinking about the mavic pro platinum and then the mavic pro 2 came out. Impressed with rhe camera it has but not the flymore price with what i read about dji customer service. The drone owner i talked with has had the mavics and was not happy. He now has both of the autell robotics drones and claims they are much better. Any suggestions or opinions would be appreciated.

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Sep 24, 2018 06:21:40   #
Chalybeateman Loc: Camden County Georgia
 
This hobby just costs too much. Battery failure is common. Batteries only last a few minutes. I have seen drone crashes
and runaway drones.

However, I do love the videos from my drone. You will need software and skill
In editing.

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Sep 24, 2018 08:48:52   #
bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana
 
My experience with the Mavics is that they are very hard to see. It is LAW that you are to keep the drone in your line of site at all time. If you are just getting started, I would consider something bigger, like the phantom. You can get a Pantom 3 for less $$ and decide if you enjoy it.

I flew over what I now know was a dump a very long time ago. My screen went red and said "magnetic interference" Before I knew what was going on, it flipped over in the air, and did a full throttle dive into the ground. I replaced it, because I do enjoy it, and got my certification, so I also get paid for using it for commercial work.

I have no experience with the Autel ones, but they have one that is almost identical to the phantom, I've just always had DJI. I'm guessing it's all very similar.... just know where you are flying, know the rules, and don't fly something that you can't see and keep in your field of view. Just seeing it on your screen, doesn't mean you can see it. That's how drones get lost.

Most have a return to home when the battery gets low, so that's not a concern to me. I fly over water a lot, and never had a worry about losing it, or having it fall out of the sky into the water. (Unless I find another "magnetic field")

Good luck,

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Sep 26, 2018 00:05:53   #
cessnalvr Loc: West virginia
 
Chalybeateman wrote:
This hobby just costs too much. Battery failure is common. Batteries only last a few minutes. I have seen drone crashes
and runaway drones.

However, I do love the videos from my drone. You will need software and skill
In editing.

Thanks for the reply. Problem is i like anything that flys except my horse cause if she gets to flying i am the one that takes the trip. Seems most all enjoyable hobbies any are expensive just look at photography. I will decide on something or wait awhile longer

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Sep 26, 2018 00:08:56   #
cessnalvr Loc: West virginia
 
bkyser wrote:
My experience with the Mavics is that they are very hard to see. It is LAW that you are to keep the drone in your line of site at all time. If you are just getting started, I would consider something bigger, like the phantom. You can get a Pantom 3 for less $$ and decide if you enjoy it.

I flew over what I now know was a dump a very long time ago. My screen went red and said "magnetic interference" Before I knew what was going on, it flipped over in the air, and did a full throttle dive into the ground. I replaced it, because I do enjoy it, and got my certification, so I also get paid for using it for commercial work.

I have no experience with the Autel ones, but they have one that is almost identical to the phantom, I've just always had DJI. I'm guessing it's all very similar.... just know where you are flying, know the rules, and don't fly something that you can't see and keep in your field of view. Just seeing it on your screen, doesn't mean you can see it. That's how drones get lost.

Most have a return to home when the battery gets low, so that's not a concern to me. I fly over water a lot, and never had a worry about losing it, or having it fall out of the sky into the water. (Unless I find another "magnetic field")

Good luck,
My experience with the Mavics is that they are ver... (show quote)

Thanks for the reply. I kinda worry about dji’s poor customer service record if you have a problem. Guess i will shop around some more and look at the ones that are like the phantom 3.

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Sep 26, 2018 09:25:50   #
bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana
 
cessnalvr wrote:
Thanks for the reply. I kinda worry about dji’s poor customer service record if you have a problem. Guess i will shop around some more and look at the ones that are like the phantom 3.


I never had any issues with DJI's customer service, but remember, people don't often post about good experiences, only when they feel wronged.

I would think that it's more a matter of something like that, than actually being that bad of customer service. They wouldn't be the number one selling drone if they were that bad.

I know that when I buy another one, it will probably be a DJI inspire.

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Sep 26, 2018 13:38:16   #
cessnalvr Loc: West virginia
 
bkyser wrote:
I never had any issues with DJI's customer service, but remember, people don't often post about good experiences, only when they feel wronged.

I would think that it's more a matter of something like that, than actually being that bad of customer service. They wouldn't be the number one selling drone if they were that bad.

I know that when I buy another one, it will probably be a DJI inspire.
. Yes i know that is right. I did see a post somewhere here i believe not too long ago that they have greatly improved. I really do like the looks if the mavic line but may try to find a 3 like you suggested to get the feel of it first

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Oct 4, 2018 14:38:24   #
jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ
 
cessnalvr wrote:
Have been having a drone gas attack for a fairly long time. Have read a few reviews but have only talked to one drone owner. Was thinking about the mavic pro platinum and then the mavic pro 2 came out. Impressed with rhe camera it has but not the flymore price with what i read about dji customer service. The drone owner i talked with has had the mavics and was not happy. He now has both of the autell robotics drones and claims they are much better. Any suggestions or opinions would be appreciated.
Have been having a drone gas attack for a fairly l... (show quote)


I fly twice a week with a bunch of old farts that have DJI Phantoms, DJI Mavic's and Autel Robotics drones. The guys with the Autel drones have problems with their batteries suddenly dying while flying and they can't make it back to the home point. It happened recently when we were flying near cliffs and a lighthouse called Point Fermin in San Pedro CA. The Autel drone couldn't make it back so it just landed itself on the rocks below and the tide took it before we could get down there. One minute the battery level was up at 60% and then next at 5% and went into Land Now mode.

The good news is that he called Autel and they asked him to send the flight logs to them and they determined that the battery was at fault so they sent him a brand new drone. He had to send back all the remaining parts to his old drone. Then he told them that all his extra batteries were suspect because some were bloated. They asked him to sent in the batteries, and they replaced them free of charge. He didn't have to pay shipping either. So yes, Autel has the best customer service of ALL the drone companies out there. DJI would never do this for you. But those Autel drones aren't as stable as any of the DJI drones. They are hard to land manually without tipping over. But they do land ok in auto mode. This is the second guy in our little club to have battery problems with the Autel drone but Autel replaced them for him too.

That said, I have had a Mavic pro for a year and half and the only issue I've had is that sometimes my gimbal goes wacky. I land it, calibrate and all is good. I sold that drone and got the Mavic 2 Pro and it is very nice. Yes, it's more expensive, but flies like a dream.

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Oct 4, 2018 15:42:31   #
cessnalvr Loc: West virginia
 
jeep_daddy wrote:
I fly twice a week with a bunch of old farts that have DJI Phantoms, DJI Mavic's and Autel Robotics drones. The guys with the Autel drones have problems with their batteries suddenly dying while flying and they can't make it back to the home point. It happened recently when we were flying near cliffs and a lighthouse called Point Fermin in San Pedro CA. The Autel drone couldn't make it back so it just landed itself on the rocks below and the tide took it before we could get down there. One minute the battery level was up at 60% and then next at 5% and went into Land Now mode.

The good news is that he called Autel and they asked him to send the flight logs to them and they determined that the battery was at fault so they sent him a brand new drone. He had to send back all the remaining parts to his old drone. Then he told them that all his extra batteries were suspect because some were bloated. They asked him to sent in the batteries, and they replaced them free of charge. He didn't have to pay shipping either. So yes, Autel has the best customer service of ALL the drone companies out there. DJI would never do this for you. But those Autel drones aren't as stable as any of the DJI drones. They are hard to land manually without tipping over. But they do land ok in auto mode. This is the second guy in our little club to have battery problems with the Autel drone but Autel replaced them for him too.

That said, I have had a Mavic pro for a year and half and the only issue I've had is that sometimes my gimbal goes wacky. I land it, calibrate and all is good. I sold that drone and got the Mavic 2 Pro and it is very nice. Yes, it's more expensive, but flies like a dream.
I fly twice a week with a bunch of old farts that ... (show quote)


Thanks for getting back to me. I got as far as the buy button for a platinum a couple months ago and the delivery date stopped me. With the new mavic pro 2 i am glad i did wait. The guy i met with the autel had gimbal problems and clarity on the controller. Couple other small complaints i dont remember. I will probably go with 2 pro for the camera upgrade if and when i do it. Just hate the price on the fly more combo and i would assume thats the way to go.

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Oct 5, 2018 11:09:02   #
jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ
 
cessnalvr wrote:
Thanks for getting back to me. I got as far as the buy button for a platinum a couple months ago and the delivery date stopped me. With the new mavic pro 2 i am glad i did wait. The guy i met with the autel had gimbal problems and clarity on the controller. Couple other small complaints i dont remember. I will probably go with 2 pro for the camera upgrade if and when i do it. Just hate the price on the fly more combo and i would assume thats the way to go.


When I bought the original Mavic Pro I did buy the Fly-more-combo. It was worth it I thought. But with the Mavic 2 pro I didn't buy it. Instead I bought the Mavic 2 Pro, 3 additional batteries, and the 4 battery charging hub. I didn't want the carrying case, and extra props. I can buy props from Amazon or go to the DJI store a few miles away to get props, and I'll buy a case later when 3rd party companies start providing better cases that fit the Mavic 2 and all my batteries etc. When I bought mine, the batteries were $119 each and they've gone up to $139 ea. now. I think it's because of the demand for them. They had a shortage of them in the beginning. They had to back order one of my extra batteries but I got it about 2 weeks after I got the rest of my DJI things. I did get a loyalty credit of $36 that I just used for Mavic 2 Pro filters. I should be getting them soon. This new Mavic is the best drone for the money hands down. I feel that it's better than the top of the line DJI Phantom 4 Pro that costs more than the Mavic 2 Pro.

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Oct 5, 2018 14:35:12   #
cessnalvr Loc: West virginia
 
jeep_daddy wrote:
When I bought the original Mavic Pro I did buy the Fly-more-combo. It was worth it I thought. But with the Mavic 2 pro I didn't buy it. Instead I bought the Mavic 2 Pro, 3 additional batteries, and the 4 battery charging hub. I didn't want the carrying case, and extra props. I can buy props from Amazon or go to the DJI store a few miles away to get props, and I'll buy a case later when 3rd party companies start providing better cases that fit the Mavic 2 and all my batteries etc. When I bought mine, the batteries were $119 each and they've gone up to $139 ea. now. I think it's because of the demand for them. They had a shortage of them in the beginning. They had to back order one of my extra batteries but I got it about 2 weeks after I got the rest of my DJI things. I did get a loyalty credit of $36 that I just used for Mavic 2 Pro filters. I should be getting them soon. This new Mavic is the best drone for the money hands down. I feel that it's better than the top of the line DJI Phantom 4 Pro that costs more than the Mavic 2 Pro.
When I bought the original Mavic Pro I did buy the... (show quote)

Thanks again for gettin back to me. Even tho that guy i met talked up autel i think when i do this in the next month ir two i will go with the pro 2. Also i will look into what you said about just buying extra batteries and charger and wait for a better case later. I just dont have or havent foubd a stire where i can go look at all the t stuff before i buy. Will have to do a little more research

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Oct 15, 2018 22:33:38   #
Irvingite Charles Loc: Irving, Tx
 
[quote=bkyser]My experience with the Mavics is that they are very hard to see. It is LAW that you are to keep the drone in your line of site at all time. If you are just getting started, I would consider something bigger, like the phantom. You can get a Pantom 3 for less $$ and decide if you enjoy it.

Not being a smart A$$, just asking. Define line of sight. My drone is always in my line of sight (Not behind anything that would hinder my view), although Being maybe 1/2 to 3/4 mile away doing photography. Wouldn't think anyone could "see" one the far away but still in line of sight.

Absolutely love my Mavic Pro Platinum and Mavic Air. Have dealt with DJIs customer service on both of them, returning both for service and their VS was first class and fast in both cases.

Happy flying

Charles

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Oct 15, 2018 22:52:31   #
cessnalvr Loc: West virginia
 
Thanks for the reply. I am still trying to decide which one i would like. I feel pretty certain i will like to fly it. Just have some truck maintenance to do like 8 tires and shocks that i need to do before i spend for any more toys. Will consider starting with a phantom 3

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