To drone or not to drone?

My DJI Mini 4 Pro Amazon drone mix up, might be ending today. My replacement originally said the estimated arrival was Monday but it updated this morning to being delivered today. Fingers crossed!

The open box 10/10 condition RC2 controller that I ordered from B&H photo was delivered when I was out on my trip. I checked it out last night after I got home and it looks to be in 10/10 condition. Nothing to connect it to yet, but maybe later today...

Still nothing from the Amazon backend team on returning the Skyrover X1 that I was fully refunded for. I previously told the supervisor that I was going to use it on my trip and she said that was fine so I am not really worried about that..

This guy does a pretty good deep dive into the Skyrover X1

It would be funny if an Amazon drone delivered your drone

Lots O Fords

It would be funny if an Amazon drone delivered your drone

It might have been LOL. It was delivered this morning. USA based Amazon supervisor for the win!

Here it is in all it's glory.. And the RC2 I ordered from B&H came when I was on my trip.



And here it is with the RC2 and a case that I had ordered for it.



Now if they can just figure out what they want me to do with the Skyrover X1, this Amazon drone disaster can end.. Worse case is I send it back (I've already been refunded) and the best case is I get a free Skyrover X1.. 😂

Not headed out on another trip until middle of next month so I won't get to play with the Mini 4 Pro and the RC2 until then..

The mini 4 and controller take a while to upload and update so you've can't put it way yet.

That's a cool case.

Lots O Fords

The mini 4 and controller take a while to upload and update so you've can't put it way yet.

That's a cool case.

Oh yeah, I better fire them up and check for updates..

The case was only like $25 after a coupon code..

Amazon Mini 4 Pro Case

This is tempting, but I have more RC vehicles than the local hobby shop.

JoergH

nOOb I would think that the obstacle avoidance feature would be something you would want. That way you crash it a lot less until you learn how to fly it better.

This guy does a pretty cool obstacle avoidance test in a thickly wooded area with the Skyrover X1. Since the X1 is basically a DJI Mini 4 Pro, I assume the DJI would behave the same..

This one is even cooler and more impressive re: obstacle avoidance.. He is on a bike on a very small and tight trail..

It is using the auto track follow mode (whatever it's called) and is using the obstacle avoidance sensors to automatically avoid all the trees and branches while it auto follows him on the bike.. Impressive!

Video should start at the 57 minute 18 second mark.



In other news, I heard back from the Amazon backend team this morning. They told me they have nothing to do with the refund and that it was issued by Skyrover.. I was told to contact them.. YAWN!

I just sent Skyrover one last message. Whatever happens, happens as I am done with it. They can have their drone back if they send a return shipping label OR I will have gotten a free Skyrover X1..

raqball

In other news, I heard back from the Amazon backend team this morning. They told me they have nothing to do with the refund and that it was issued by Skyrover.. I was told to contact them.. YAWN!

I just sent Skyrover one last message. Whatever happens, happens as I am done with it. They can have their drone back if they send a return shipping label OR I will have gotten a free Skyrover X1..

You can return the Skyrover to me and I will make sure it gets into the right hands. I'll pay shipping to make it easier ;)

I guess I got a semi-free Skyrover X1..

My last message to them and their response to it. I am done fighting over this.

My last message to Skyrover:

Hi, as previously discussed, I ordered the Skyrover X1 on July 21st under order # xxx-x-x-x-xx-x-xx. At some point after the order shipped, I received a full refund from Amazon that I did not request. I then informed you about the error and was told to contact Amazon. The package was delivered and I have since been attempting to have a) the drone returned or b) the refund reversed.

This has been going on for almost a month now with no resolution. I was told by Amazon on several different occasions that they did not issue the refund and that I needed to contact you about this refund.

How would you suggest I proceed?

Thank you

Skyrover's response this morning:

Dear Valued Customer, Thank you for your message. After the refund has been submitted, we are unable to take further action on our end. We kindly suggest contacting Amazon directly about the refund.

I am done with it... Almost a month in, probably 12+ messages back and forth and at least 3 calls to Amazon about it.. I also went to FedEx in an attempt to return to sender but they could not because the return address on the shipping label was not valid.

I think I've went above and beyond trying to resolve this..

I double checked the refund status this morning and it looks like my debit card was refunded the $400.36 I put on it but the $250 Amazon gift card that I also used on the order was not refunded. I guess it was not free and that I paid $250 for it.. LOL

/end Skyrover X1 debacle..

raqball

I guess I got a semi-free Skyrover X1..

My last message to them and their response to it. I am done fighting over this.

My last message to Skyrover:


Skyrover's response this morning:


I am done with it... Almost a month in, probably 12+ messages back and forth and at least 3 calls to Amazon about it.. I also went to FedEx in an attempt to return to sender but they could not because the return address on the shipping label was not valid.

I think I've went above and beyond trying to resolve this..

I double checked the refund status this morning and it looks like my debit card was refunded the $400.36 I put on it but the $250 Amazon gift card that I also used on the order was not refunded. I guess it was not free and that I paid $250 for it.. LOL

/end Skyrover X1 debacle..

Time to put it up for sale I say ...

If it were me, I'd return the DJI to Amazon, and keep the $250 Skydiver X1.

JoergH

Time to put it up for sale I say ...

Not sure what I am going to do with it. I might keep it as a backup or sell it. I feel a bit weird selling it since I only ended up spending the $250 gift card on it. That gift card was also free, for me, but still...

Maybe I'll toss it on FB marketplace for $500 and offer it here to someone for $400... It's no longer brand spanking new in box as I did use it on my last trip but it's still basically new... I do have a cool case for it and a propeller strap for when it's stored that I'd also toss in.

If it were me, I'd return the DJI to Amazon, and keep the $250 Skydiver X1.

Yeah I thought about that as well.. But I'd also need to return the RC2 to B&H. My worry is that Skyrover will never offer the accessories (extra batteries, propellers etc) that they have listed on their Amazon sales website..

Amazon - Skyrover X1 Accessories Page

Have to figure out what I want to do... The smart move would be keep the Skyrover and return the Mini 4 Pro and the RC2.. But I hate returning stuff that there is nothing wrong with and in the DJI case, I'd need to return 2 completely functional and working items..

Skyrover released a Skyrover S1 that's IMO, dirt cheap for a drone with accident avoidance. It's on sale right now and I found an additional 5% off code..

Skyrover now also has accessories like extra batteries for the S1 and the X1 available for sale in their Amazon accessories store..

It does not have omni accident avoidance like the DJI Min 4 Pro or the Skyrover X1 but it does have front and downward accident avoidance.. It does have better battery life / more fly time per battery since it does not have rear accident avoidance sensors..

Like the Skyrover X1, it's only available direct from Amazon..

• Skyrover S1 Drone Standard Kit $268 Add this code at checkout for an extra 5% off = SRX11122
• Skyrover S1 Drone Fly More Combo $388 Add this code at checkout for an extra 5% off = SRX1CO22

No these are not my codes and I get nothing from you using them. I simply found them on this YT video



No clue how long this sale, or the codes, will last but they work as of today ---> 12-10-2025.

The S1, best I can tell, is basically an improved DJI Mini 4K with front and downward accident avoidance that the Mini 4K does not have. It also has a better camera, more features and a follow me mode. It will not follow a vehicle like the Skyrover X1 will, but the S1 will follow a person..

My suggestion would be to get the Fly More Kit since it comes with 3 batteries, a 3 bank battery charger, and a carry case.. I believe that both options come with extra propellers and a screwdriver..

The US Gubment just enacted what amounts to a full US ban on any foreign made drone... This includes DJI, Skyrover, etc..

You can still buy existing stock as long as it's already in the US and you can still fly the ones you own but going forward, they are going to be very hard to get once the existing USA stock sells out..

From what I understand, adding every foreign made drone to the ban list was not expected..

Amazon has a killer sale going on that ends today (12-26-2025) for the Skyrover X1.. The fly more bundle is only $639...

If you are on the fence, I'd seriously consider buying a drone now before the available US stock sells out.. I'd also consider extra batteries, propellers etc as parts, batteries, and components are also now banned...

Amazon Skyrover X1 Fly More Combo $629 -- Sale ends today 12-26-2005

I found this code on a YT video and it stacks on top of the sale for an addition 5% off which puts the fly more combo under $600 ---> KIV8U3PX

Video discussing the ban and that it now includes ALL foreign made drones, parts, batteries etc..

Can't say they don't deserve it but there is an ulterior motive behind this.
The FAA wants to ground RC. Unless they can tax/regulate it into oblivion.We've been fighting with these guys for years.The AMA sold us out.

Bronco V-8

Can't say they don't deserve it but there is an ulterior motive behind this.
The FAA wants to ground RC. Unless they can tax/regulate it into oblivion.We've been fighting with these guys for years.The AMA sold us out.

It's wild that they basically banned every single drone and drone accessory that's made outside the USA with zero proof, evidence or any public input..

I think a lot of people saw the DJI ban coming, which IMO is still sketchy as there is no proof that I've seen to justify the ban, but I don't think many saw this complete ban on anything made outside of the US coming..

I read that DJI was basically begging the US to do the audit so they could prove their innocence / refute the claims but the US basically said nah we ain't doing it...

As far as I know, there is no USA made consumer drone on the market.. Pure insanity..

My guess is that there will be people hoarding drones, batteries and parts before the existing US stock is gone and there will be scalpers buying up stock to sell for 3x the price on eBay... Used drone prices will also increase by quite a bit..

Sure you can still buy from overseas and have it shipped to the US but then you run the risk of it getting seized by customs or paying high tariff's on it if it does make it through...

I am a drone nOOb but I have learned a lot in the past 6 months since posting this thread. I seriously do not get this decision because I have seen zero proof or evidence to back it up...

I seriously do not get this decision because I have seen zero proof or evidence to back it up...

Thats how they operate. Its political, started years ago.They will get support for the ban and once thats in place they will work on a complete ban of everything that flies.

raqball

It's wild that they basically banned every single drone and drone accessory that's made outside the USA with zero proof, evidence or any public input..

I think a lot of people saw the DJI ban coming, which IMO is still sketchy as there is no proof that I've seen to justify the ban, but I don't think many saw this complete ban on anything made outside of the US coming..

I read that DJI was basically begging the US to do the audit so they could prove their innocence / refute the claims but the US basically said nah we ain't doing it...

As far as I know, there is no USA made consumer drone on the market.. Pure insanity..

My guess is that there will be people hoarding drones, batteries and parts before the existing US stock is gone and there will be scalpers buying up stock to sell for 3x the price on eBay... Used drone prices will also increase by quite a bit..

Sure you can still buy from overseas and have it shipped to the US but then you run the risk of it getting seized by customs or paying high tariff's on it if it does make it through...

I am a drone nOOb but I have learned a lot in the past 6 months since posting this thread. I seriously do not get this decision because I have seen zero proof or evidence to back it up...

The problem is a Chinese law called the National Intelligence Law (2017) which said
“Any organization or citizen shall support, assist, and cooperate with national intelligence efforts in accordance with the law.”

So this isn’t an issue of what DJI has or hasn’t done, but rather what they could be forced to do in the future. This isn’t the only Chinese electronics that have been banned. ZTE phones are another example.

Personally I think that a much larger issue are home routers. TP-Link has a large percentage of the market, and has already been shown to be used by Chinese hackers as a way to disguise the origin of their operations. If you have one I would disable all remote access, cloud management, etc.

JoergH

The problem is a Chinese law called the National Intelligence Law (2017) which said
“Any organization or citizen shall support, assist, and cooperate with national intelligence efforts in accordance with the law.”

So this isn’t an issue of what DJI has or hasn’t done, but rather what they could be forced to do in the future. This isn’t the only Chinese electronics that have been banned. ZTE phones are another example.

Personally I think that a much larger issue are home routers. TP-Link has a large percentage of the market, and has already been shown to be used by Chinese hackers as a way to disguise the origin of their operations. If you have one I would disable all remote access, cloud management, etc.

I believe the ban started gaining speed due to Chinese spy concerns, then for DJI, it pivoted to child labor violations, and now we are back to spy concerns. I get that but there are so many electronics made by Chinese companies like the routers you pointed out.

So let's say that China and spying with their Chinese made drones is a problem in the US and that they needed to be banned. Cool... Present the proof / evidence and I will back the ban.

Also, what about all the foreign made drones from other nations? Every single drone, accessory and battery made in any other country besides the US is now banned.

I'll use Skyrover and an example even though it might not be the best example since it's basically a DJI Mini 4 Pro. Skyrover is a Malaysian company and they are manufactured in Malaysia.

Yes it's pretty well known that Skyrover might be a DJI licensing deal or DJI operating under a different name in a different country but show the proof and I will back it as well. Assuming they can 1st show that DJI is an actual danger which they have not..

I bought another Skyrover X1 fly more combo a few days ago and will keep it as a backup in case I crash or lose my Mini 4 Pro. I also bought a bunch of propellers (the propellers wonk on the Mini 4 Pro and on the Skyrover) and a few extra batteries for both drones.

I get that China is a problem and I am all for protecting the US but this entire thing is just weird.. They have now banned every drone made outside of the US. What is the China spy concern for the drones made in other nations? Drones are made in several European nations, Malaysia, Israel, Japan, Turkey etc...

The US did not even give these companies a chance to defend themselves. They just issued a blanket ban with no hearings, no audit, no nothing.. Just because they said so...

It didn't start with the spying, thats the excuse they are using now.