To drone or not to drone?

raqball

The problem, with DJI basically bailing out on the US, is that you can't get DJI care even if purchasing from Amazon.. I would 100% want and need DJI care to replace a lost or damaged drone. Being a n00b to drones, that would give me piece of mind for the repair or replacement if I lost it, or crashed it...

I'm not going to pretend to know coverages but Amazon does sell a 2 year protection plan for $43.99. Anyway if/when these companies figure out the tariff gaps I imagine they'll return. Anyone as an individual can order from any company purchases up to $500 per transaction without either side being tarrifed. Heck somebody on eBay or etsy will eventually figure out making several small purchase amd become a private reseller.

OrangecrushBronco

I'm not going to pretend to know coverages but Amazon does sell a 2 year protection plan for $43.99. Anyway if/when these companies figure out the tariff gaps I imagine they'll return. Anyone as an individual can order from any company purchases up to $500 per transaction without either side being tarrifed. Heck somebody on eBay or etsy will eventually figure out making several small purchase amd become a private reseller.

I am considering either getting a cheap DJI drone for now, from Amazon, that won't have collision avoidance etc. If I crash it, or it gets lost, while I am learning then no big deal or getting the one I talked about earlier that basically a DJI Mini 4 Pro clone.

I looked at those Amazon protection plans and the only bummer is that they only cover damage and repairs. They do not cover for a lost drone. If it gets stuck up in a tree, or crashes over water, I'd be SOL...

Still, a few hundred bucks to learn on before buying a $1K drone is probably a good idea...

Which one are you eyeballing?

Meh, I went ahead and ordered the SkyRover X1 from Amazon. It's basically a DJI Mini 4 Pro clone. I've read speculation where many are saying it is a DJI, just slightly modified, but who knows.

Best I can tell, there are NO import fees or tariffs on this drone as the drones themselves are already located in the US for shipping. It looks like they are made in Malaysia (maybe?).

It has all the same features that the Mini 4 Pro has like accident avoidance etc. Like I said above, I was going to get a cheap one to learn on but I only ended up paying $400 for this one.

There is a 20% off code that I found on a YouTube video review of it that you can use (and the codes work on Amazon) and I had a Amazon Gift card to use..

I do not know how long these codes are valid for. I assume for a limited amount of time or maybe limited to the # of units sold but it worked for me this morning..

The discount codes listed below NO LONGER WORK as of 7-29-25. They must have been for a limited time or for limited number of units sold. Glad I got my order in when I did.

Use code: CSKTNE9U for 20% off the Skyrover X1 Fly More kit ( Amazon X1 Fly More Kit )
Use code: WZ3CK9O9 for 20% off the Skyrover X1 Base kit ( Amazon X1 Base Kit )

Don't check the box for 10% off code shown on the product page, add the code above at checkout.. (they don't stack, I tired!)


I ordered the base model and figure if one battery is not enough I can buy another later. I can't imagine I'd need more than one battery though... I am not a YouTuber and my use will be to scout trails ahead and to look for dispersed camp sites. I might use it for a few cool aerial shots here and there but that's about it..

The only bummers that I can tell is that there is no option for a controller with a screen so you have to use your phone in the controller and there is no program like DJI after care for lost drone replacement.

I contacted them on Amazon, and they surprising answered back quickly. After several back and forth questions and answers on Amazon messages, I decided to order it.

They say they are working on many different options and might have a controller with a screen in the near future. If they do, and my drone is still alive, then I would be able to purchase it separately. They also said they will have extra batteries and accessories coming soon. They also said they are looking into an after care program like DJI.

I do not know if they are going to stick around long term, what long term support will look like, or if they will ever release the accessories and screen controller that I asked about but they were honest with me in my communications and they responded quickly..

New company, no accessories at the moment, no official website, and their customer support is only through Amazon messaging. For those reasons, I'd suggest using some caution when considering it but hey, I am a wild child and decided to go for it.. LOL

Since it does not have a drone replacement care option, I'll have to be careful when flying it but I feel a little better knowing that it has accident avoidance. For $400 after all the discounts and gift card, I figured it was worth it to roll the dice on it.

I have a trip planned for the beginning of next month so I guess I'll see how it, and I, do.. I assume the chances are medium to high that I'll report back and say I crashed it, or lost it... 😂

I've had the mini 4 pro with the controller for a while now. It's my second DJI drone. My first was a phantom. Talk about non portable, it needs a suitcase.

I definitely like flying it. Using the controller instead of the phone was a game changer for me.
I bought it with the extended batteries and that puts it over the minimum gram weight. Not a big deal.i did the registration required.
Earlier this year in Moab, @SAVEUP had a smaller DJI drone and it looked super simple.
His was up and flying while I was still setting up.

Lots O Fords

I've had the mini 4 pro with the controller for a while now. It's my second DJI drone. My first was a phantom. Talk about non portable, it needs a suitcase.

I definitely like flying it. Using the controller instead of the phone was a game changer for me.
I bought it with the extended batteries and that puts it over the minimum gram weight. Not a big deal.i did the registration required.
Earlier this year in Moab, @SAVEUP had a smaller DJI drone and it looked super simple.
His was up and flying while I was still setting up.

I really wanted one with accident avoidance and they are few and far in-between.. I would have preferred a controller with a screen but that's something I can hopefully add later through Skyrover. Time will tell...

With the gubment dragging their feet with DJI, I don't see that getting resolved anytime soon.. I could wait and see what happens with that, or I could have ordered the DJI Mini 4 Pro from Korea and hoped that customs did not either confiscate it, or charge me a ridiculous import / tariff fee, but I did not feel like dealing with all that.

I read a few reddit posts were people have had their DJI drones in customs for 3 months or longer. A few people still had theirs being held with no signs of it getting released any time soon.

What is strange to me is that IF DJI really has a child labor issue, then why are all their other products sill available in the US? Their only products being targeted are the drones.. Weird!

I get it. I purchased mine before any of the "stuff" and so far it's still working.
I wanted a really good Top of the world photo last year and got it. So if it falls from the sky now, I'm good... LoL
I know you wheel alone mostly so the rush to set up, fly and store when you're with a group has me reluctant to fly sometimes. Because I don't want to hold up the group.

A few years ago we did a sailboat trip and I bought an inexpensive drone on Amazon, just in case it became a submarine. So I did a few practice take off and landing in my yard. About the third time I went up higher end that sucker went rogue and headed back to China, never to be seen again.

Lots O Fords

About the third time I went up higher end that sucker went rogue and headed back to China, never to be seen again.

😂 😂 😂

This will probably be my fate.. LOL

Yeah, I'll practice a little at home before my trip and get familiar with the controls and how to fly it. I am solo 95% of the time so the only person I'd be holding up is me, and I am never in any rush..

raqball

Meh, I went ahead and ordered the SkyRover X1 from Amazon. It's basically a DJI Mini 4 Pro clone. I've read speculation where many are saying it is a DJI, just slightly modified, but who knows.

Best I can tell, there are NO import fees or tariffs on this drone as the drones themselves are already located in the US for shipping. It looks like they are made in Malaysia (maybe?).

It has all the same features that the Mini 4 Pro has like accident avoidance etc. Like I said above, I was going to get a cheap one to learn on but I only ended up paying $400 for this one.

There is a 20% off code that I found on a YouTube video review of it that you can use (and the codes work on Amazon) and I had a Amazon Gift card to use..

I do not know how long these codes are valid for. I assume for a limited amount of time or maybe limited to the # of units sold but it worked for me this morning..

Use code: CSKTNE9U for 20% off the Skyrover X1 Fly More kit ( Amazon X1 Fly More Kit )
Use code: WZ3CK9O9 for 20% off the Skyrover X1 Base kit ( Amazon X1 Base Kit )

Don't check the box for 10% off code shown on the product page, add the code above at checkout.. (they don't stack, I tired!)


I ordered the base model and figure if one battery is not enough I can buy another later. I can't imagine I'd need more than one battery though... I am not a YouTuber and my use will be to scout trails ahead and to look for dispersed camp sites. I might use it for a few cool aerial shots here and there but that's about it..

The only bummers that I can tell is that there is no option for a controller with a screen so you have to use your phone in the controller and there is no program like DJI after care for lost drone replacement.

I contacted them on Amazon, and they surprising answered back quickly. After several back and forth questions and answers on Amazon messages, I decided to order it.

They say they are working on many different options and might have a controller with a screen in the near future. If they do, and my drone is still alive, then I would be able to purchase it separately. They also said they will have extra batteries and accessories coming soon. They also said they are looking into an after care program like DJI.

I do not know if they are going to stick around long term, what long term support will look like, or if they will ever release the accessories and screen controller that I asked about but they were honest with me in my communications and they responded quickly..

New company, no accessories at the moment, no official website, and their customer support is only through Amazon messaging. I'd suggest using some caution when considering it but hey, I am a wild child and decided to go for it.. LOL

Since it does not have a drone replacement care option, I'll have to be careful when flying it but I feel a little better knowing that it has accident avoidance. For $400 after all the discounts and gift card, I figured it was worth it to roll the dice on it.

I have a trip planned for the beginning of next month so I guess I'll see how it, and I, do.. I assume the chances are medium to high that I'll report back and say I crashed it, or lost it... 😂

Looking forward to your review of the Skyrover X1. I hope it is a good drone as many sold on Amazon and Facebook look similar to DJI on purpose but that's as far as the similarities go. I haven't really kept up with the GPS stabilized drones over the last 2 or 3 years so I'm outta the loop on the newer stuff. I still build my own but they are racing type that are full manual control and we wear the goggles to fly them in FPV style. Been building drones since before they had flight controllers to keep them stable in the air. Back in 2007 we were putting a tail rotor gyro from our helicopters on each arm just to get them to stay level :) Around 2010 DJI introduced the flight controller that was an all in one 3 axis gyro that blew anything we were doing out of the water. Then they came out with the Phantom that anyone could just buy off the shelf and fly without any background in RC or building something themselves. Most of our problems with increased legislation comes from all the ones that just purchased one and thought they had the right to fly it whenever and wherever they pleased. I've had the Phantom, Mavic pro, Inspire and still have a DJI FPV that I fly about once a year. I just dug it out of its case the other day to get some video footage of the plant I work at for the engineering department. I hope you enjoy yours but just remember the obstacle avoidance sensors doesn't mean it still won't crash. It can work fine in most instances, but it also can just alert you a second before you do crash. It's just another tool to help you fly but not to rely on .

Rydfree

Looking forward to your review of the Skyrover X1. I hope it is a good drone as many sold on Amazon and Facebook look similar to DJI on purpose but that's as far as the similarities go.

Most of the video reviews (I've watched them all) that I've seen on the X1, are from apparently pretty reputable drone people. They say it flys exactly the same as the DJI Mini 4 Pro. There has been wild speculation that it's a DJI made, or officially licensed, drone. I also searched drone forums, reddit and online for info.

I gather from the reviews and videos that I've seen, that they are very close to being the same be it hardware, software and / or flying experience with only a few minor differences.

Here is one review of it where they discover, after research, that it's basically running on DJI's Mini 4 Pro infrastructure..



I have nothing to go off of as I am a drone n00b so time will tell.. And yeah, I understand the accident avoidance is not foolproof. If I get to close to something, it will try to auto navigate around it, not just alert me..

raqball

Most of the video reviews (I've watched them all) that I've seen on the X1, are from apparently pretty reputable drone people. They say it flys exactly the same as the DJI Mini 4 Pro. There has been wild speculation that it's a DJI made, or officially licensed, drone. I also searched drone forums, reddit and online for info.

I gather from the reviews and videos that I've seen, that they are very close to being the same be it hardware, software and / or flying experience with only a few minor differences.

Here is one review of it where they discover, after research, that it's basically running on DJI's Mini 4 Pro infrastructure..


I have nothing to go off of as I am a drone n00b so time will tell.. And yeah, I understand the accident avoidance is not foolproof. If I get to close to something, it will try to auto navigate around it, not just alert me..

It's a slow day at work so I did look into it a bit further and appears you made a good choice. I may end up picking one up myself , lol. This is not one of the cheap fakes I see pop up on FB or Ebay that I was referring to. I'm not sure since as I said, I haven't flown anything that doesn't require goggles recently, but I used to just use an old smartphone that I had lying around and dedicate it to the drone since the Apps, WiFi, GPS etc that the drone needed to fly all still worked even though it did not have a SIM card any longer. There used to be some free drone sims out there that you could plug a game controller into your PC and practice also. I think my DJI Mavic had a built in sim that actually used it's controller.

Rydfree

It's a slow day at work so I did look into it a bit further and appears you made a good choice. I may end up picking one up myself , lol. This is not one of the cheap fakes I see pop up on FB or Ebay that I was referring to. I'm not sure since as I said, I haven't flown anything that doesn't require goggles recently, but I used to just use an old smartphone that I had lying around and dedicate it to the drone since the Apps, WiFi, GPS etc that the drone needed to fly all still worked even though it did not have a SIM card any longer. There used to be some free drone sims out there that you could plug a game controller into your PC and practice also. I think my DJI Mavic had a built in sim that actually used it's controller.

Yeah, I did a lot of research into this X1... Hours and hours before buying it.. The video I linked above was what sealed the deal for me this morning.. There is also this article that I read this morning that adds more to the thought that is either made by DJI or licensed out by DJI to avoid the customs issue.

https://dronexl.co/pt/2025/07/22/skyrover-x1-drone-links-to-dji-infrastructure/

I was, and still am slightly worried as there was another company not to long ago called Specta. Apparently they came on the scene with a DJI licensed drone, sold a bunch, then left the market to never be seen again. You can't get any parts for them or anything else, they are just gone!

The same could happen with this one. One video I watched, they compared parts between the DJI Mini 4 Pro and the X1 to see if they were interchangeable. The batteries are not, which could be a pinch point if this company also sells a bunch then bails out of the market. The propellers from the DJI Mini 4 Pro are an exact match to the X1 so you could use DJI propellers..

It's a bit of a dice roll but the price was right and I do not need to worry about customs seizures or import and tariff fees..

I’m looking forward to hearing what you think about the unit you purchased. You guys have become my personal shopper of sorts. 😉

BuckYeah

I’m looking forward to hearing what you think about the unit you purchased. You guys have become my personal shopper of sorts. 😉

Yes and when he doesn't like it we get a deal on a near new thingies.

Just messing with you

Lots O Fords

Yes and when he doesn't like it we get a deal on a near new thingies.

Just messing with you

I’d be happy to score on someone else’s castoffs. “One man’s garbage is another man’s gold,” right?

OrangecrushBronco

It's been a minute since I looked at parts but they were available on Amazon. I know Amazon does still have the one I was looking at with the same package I've been looking at which includes spare parts and 3 batteries.

I am going to order some DJI Mini 4 Pro propellers for the one I bought and I think I am going to sign up for the Asurion Protect Plan. The Asurion Toy Plan says it does not cover 'drops and spills" and a search said it did not cover crashed drones. Their Complete Protect Plan does cover crashed drones.

I filtered the reviews down to search for Drone on their complete plan and everyone says crashes were covered and they received a full refund for the price of their drone. The bummer is it's $17 a month (1st month is half off) and it does not cover lost or stolen.

At least that way if I crash it, it'll get replaced or refunded so I can buy another. If I lose it up in a tree then I guess I'll chuck rocks and / or tree branches at it until it falls out and crashes to the ground.. LOL

I guess their complete plan also covers any past and future purchases as well..

Amazon Asurion Complete Plan

I figure I'll keep the plan for a little bit until I actually know how to fly the thing properly then maybe cancel the plan..

raqball

Meh, I went ahead and ordered the SkyRover X1 from Amazon. It's basically a DJI Mini 4 Pro clone. I've read speculation where many are saying it is a DJI, just slightly modified, but who knows.

Best I can tell, there are NO import fees or tariffs on this drone as the drones themselves are already located in the US for shipping. It looks like they are made in Malaysia (maybe?).

It has all the same features that the Mini 4 Pro has like accident avoidance etc. Like I said above, I was going to get a cheap one to learn on but I only ended up paying $400 for this one.

There is a 20% off code that I found on a YouTube video review of it that you can use (and the codes work on Amazon) and I had a Amazon Gift card to use..

I do not know how long these codes are valid for. I assume for a limited amount of time or maybe limited to the # of units sold but it worked for me this morning..

Use code: CSKTNE9U for 20% off the Skyrover X1 Fly More kit ( Amazon X1 Fly More Kit )
Use code: WZ3CK9O9 for 20% off the Skyrover X1 Base kit ( Amazon X1 Base Kit )

Don't check the box for 10% off code shown on the product page, add the code above at checkout.. (they don't stack, I tired!)


I ordered the base model and figure if one battery is not enough I can buy another later. I can't imagine I'd need more than one battery though... I am not a YouTuber and my use will be to scout trails ahead and to look for dispersed camp sites. I might use it for a few cool aerial shots here and there but that's about it..

The only bummers that I can tell is that there is no option for a controller with a screen so you have to use your phone in the controller and there is no program like DJI after care for lost drone replacement.

I contacted them on Amazon, and they surprising answered back quickly. After several back and forth questions and answers on Amazon messages, I decided to order it.

They say they are working on many different options and might have a controller with a screen in the near future. If they do, and my drone is still alive, then I would be able to purchase it separately. They also said they will have extra batteries and accessories coming soon. They also said they are looking into an after care program like DJI.

I do not know if they are going to stick around long term, what long term support will look like, or if they will ever release the accessories and screen controller that I asked about but they were honest with me in my communications and they responded quickly..

New company, no accessories at the moment, no official website, and their customer support is only through Amazon messaging. For those reasons, I'd suggest using some caution when considering it but hey, I am a wild child and decided to go for it.. LOL

Since it does not have a drone replacement care option, I'll have to be careful when flying it but I feel a little better knowing that it has accident avoidance. For $400 after all the discounts and gift card, I figured it was worth it to roll the dice on it.

I have a trip planned for the beginning of next month so I guess I'll see how it, and I, do.. I assume the chances are medium to high that I'll report back and say I crashed it, or lost it... 😂

Malaysia just made me think of Zoolander.

raqball

Most of the video reviews (I've watched them all) that I've seen on the X1, are from apparently pretty reputable drone people. They say it flys exactly the same as the DJI Mini 4 Pro. There has been wild speculation that it's a DJI made, or officially licensed, drone. I also searched drone forums, reddit and online for info.

I gather from the reviews and videos that I've seen, that they are very close to being the same be it hardware, software and / or flying experience with only a few minor differences.

Here is one review of it where they discover, after research, that it's basically running on DJI's Mini 4 Pro infrastructure..


I have nothing to go off of as I am a drone n00b so time will tell.. And yeah, I understand the accident avoidance is not foolproof. If I get to close to something, it will try to auto navigate around it, not just alert me..

Reminds me of the old Saturday Night Live skit. It's got Sony guts. Just cheaper.

Looks like Skyrover now has accessories listed on their Amazon page. None are for sale yet but there are placeholders..

Accessories include:

• Extra batteries
• Battery charger
• Propellers
• Camera Filter set

Skyrover X1 Accessories - Amazon

Just need the controller with a screen now..

So my Skyrover shipped but it's not shipping from inside the US. It shipped FedEx International Priority from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.. Guess I'll see if there are any customs or tariff issues. Skyrover told me there would not be so if there is, I'll take it up with Amazon..

Also, the 20% off codes I previously mentioned no longer work. The codes must have been for a limited time or for a limited number of units sold. No clue, but they no longer work. Glad I ordered when I did..

I'll update after / if it arrives. I have a trip planned for early next month where I'll test it out. It might not make it back in one piece, or even at all, but I'll update after that trip as well..

More info has came out and it's now all but guaranteed that it's either made by DJI under a different name and origin / shipping country to avoid the US issues, or the Mini 4 Pro was officially licensed out by DJI to Skyrover.. Oddly enough, the Skyrover can only be purchased in the US and from Amazon.. Weird..

raqball

I am considering either getting a cheap DJI drone for now, from Amazon, that won't have collision avoidance etc. If I crash it, or it gets lost, while I am learning then no big deal or getting the one I talked about earlier that basically a DJI Mini 4 Pro clone.

I looked at those Amazon protection plans and the only bummer is that they only cover damage and repairs. They do not cover for a lost drone. If it gets stuck up in a tree, or crashes over water, I'd be SOL...

Still, a few hundred bucks to learn on before buying a $1K drone is probably a good idea...

Which one are you eyeballing?

I had been eyeballing the Mini 4k for over a year now but I see that the amazon description does not show proximity (following a target such as the Bronco) nor obstacle avoidance. I will need to get clarification from DJI regarding whether the initial specs I saw including proximity was incorrect or if amazon just doesn't have a thorough description. The price point for the Pro, for me, makes it a silly toy that I won't get my $'s worth from vs a cool toy I won't regret.