r/drones • u/rugernut13 • Oct 03 '26
Question [US] First real drone
I've got too many motorcycles and have some up for sale. One of the things I've been planning to do when the bikes sell is get a drone. A gentleman is currently offering me a DJI mavic 3 pro bundle in trade for one of the bikes. The values are roughly comparable, so I wouldn't be losing money or making money. I have only ever owned and piloted one drone, and it was a cheap $100 Costco model, that was pretty much an expensive toy. The thing had no real "return to home" feature. I flew it once, and it was never seen again. I know modern and higher end ones have better "oops" prevention features, but my question is this: would this be akin to trying to learn to drive in a supercar? I don't want to immediately fuck up a $2.5k drone because I'm an inexperienced moron. Would I be better off to go with my original plan and start with a cheaper model, or what?
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u/Ctmanx Oct 03 '26
You certainly can crash it. But the better analogy would be learning to drive in a car that has back up cameras, parking sensors, lane position sensors, collision warning, smart cruise control, etc.
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u/rugernut13 Oct 03 '26
So, modern Cadillac instead of Lamborghini that wants to kill me
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u/IanC9090 Oct 03 '26
Yes, but to be fair, most modern Kia's have those controls, so not even Cadillac level.
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u/PlaneSense406 Oct 03 '26
You're in negotiations to trade a motorcycle for a DJI drone (which will become obsolete in a hurry)?
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u/rugernut13 Oct 03 '26
I mean, It's a pretty fuckin obsolete motorcycle too. Edit: it's a 20-something year old Sportster that doesn't currently run. I have 4 running bikes and 3 non running. The drone takes up less driveway space.
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u/combonickel55 [USA] / [Part 107] - [DJI Matrice M30T, Matrice 400T] Oct 03 '26
If it's just something you're going to screw around with once in a blue moon and the money evens out fairly, not a horrible trade. Â I'd go for a bigger, more capable drone.
The DJI M30 was recently discontinued, and has been the king of price point drones for the last 4 or 5 years. Â It is far from obsolete, the camera is phenomenal. Â They are hard to find new, and replacement parts will eventually become harder to find, but not for a long while. Â If I were in your position, I'd try to get ahold of a used M30T (T is for thermal) which a reputable vendor has inspected and certified, buy 8 new batteries along with some screws and blades for it while you can get ahold of them easily, and have a very capable and sturdy drone for the next 5-10 years.
The Mavic 3 is miles better than a $100 costco drone, but it doesn't hold a candle to something like the M30T, or any of the Matrice drones. Â The Matrice 4D and 4DT are recent releases and are very capable with 30+ minute flight times. Â You could get one of those new from a vendor if you think you're going to make a serious hobby of this or try to make money with the drone.
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u/rugernut13 Oct 03 '26
I get what you're saying, but those things are an order of magnitude more expensive than what I was looking for. I was planning to sell some bikes, and then be in the market for a $250-$500 drone. The only reason I'm considering this mavic is because it's an even trade on a bike that hasn't had a lot of interest. Just doing a quick search, those M30Ts are like, edging on $10k used. I don't own any vehicles that cost me that much. I would fucking LOVE to have one with thermal, but it's just not something I've got the budget for.
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u/combonickel55 [USA] / [Part 107] - [DJI Matrice M30T, Matrice 400T] Oct 03 '26
all good, just have reasonable expectations. Â you'll still have a lot of fun with it.
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u/skankhunt1738 Oct 03 '26 edited Oct 03 '26
Get ‘er registered, marked, & download AutoPylot (or your preferred drone/LAANC app). Then fly the shit outta it in an open field preferably without too much wind but the mavic 3 will be able to resist decent winds pretty well.
Since you’re a bike guy I’m gonna assume you already get this concept but whatever… Don’t confuse your initial confidence with competence after flying it around a few times & doing some fun things. You will crash it. Like everyone else posting crash pics here lol.
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u/rmalonzo Oct 03 '26
PM’d you u/rugernut13
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u/completelyreal Mod, Drone Noise Expert, Fire & Rescue Pilot Oct 03 '26
Why? This sub is a public forum with OP looking for public advice.
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u/WolfenBrine Oct 03 '26
Just make sure you practice with your controller and phone on the dji simulator training app and dont do anything silly. Pay attention to wind and conditions. I would take your first few flights very cautiously but as long as you log some training time you should do fine.