If you’re like most drone enthusiasts out there, you can agree that at times choosing the right drone can be a confusing and overwhelming task. If you’re in the market for a new drone, you’ve likely shopped some websites, maybe some local hobby shops, read countless forums, and endless blog posts. All of that, and you still aren’t any closer to making a decision. In the following article we’re going to share some of the top “drone buying tips”, and hopefully help make drone shopping a fun and worry free experience.

Tip #1 – Assessing your skill level

If you want to save money and unnecessary hassle, be honest with yourself regarding your skill level. Don’t go out and by a complicated $5000 drone, if you’ve never even held a remote control before. Take baby steps, toy drones are a great way to get started and hone your skills before moving onto a larger and more serious drone. That said, many of todays high end camera drones such as the DJI Inspire Pro, are designed to be incredibly easy to fly thanks to automation and intelligent flight systems. But still, why take the risk, start small and work your way up.

Tip #2 – Choosing the right type of drone

This is one of the most important things that most newbies often totally ignore when they begin their search for a drone. Several types of drones exist, the most popular being: Toy Drones, FPV Racing Drones, and Camera drones. Combinations of several types also exist but we will focus on those main three. If your’e looking to have fun around the house, have a low budget, and just want to enjoy the experience of flight, a toy drone is for you. If you have a need for speed, and want to get a cockpit perspective, FPV racing is the way to go! But, if your’e interested in capturing high quality photos or video from the sky, a camera drone is your only option. Before you go into a hobby shop or begin browsing an online retailer, make sure you answer this question so you can narrow your search! Currently the most popular category is camera drones, dominated by favourites such as the DJI Phantom 4 and DJI Mavic Pro.

Tip #3 – Shop only for reputable brands

Choosing the right brand is just as important as choosing the right drone. Your’e going to want a popular brand that has great customer service, a strong community, and of course easily accessible spare parts. Small unknown brands lack all three of those things, and it can make for a very unenjoyable experience. You wouldn’t buy a car that was impossible to find parts for or that had no dealer to go back to for a service, it’s the same when purchasing a drone. Stick with brands like DJI, Yuneec, 3DR, Eachines, Walkera, Parrot etc.

Tip #4 – Don’t sacrifice quality for low cost

It’s tempting to shop the cheapest deals, but in the case of drones please don’t. If your’e short on funds it’s better to wait a few months and save up some extra cash, as opposed to buying a cheap drone that will cause nothing but headaches. Believe me, I see people do this way to often and it’s truly a shame, because after one negative experience many of them leave the hobby for good. Spend the money and get a high quality brand name drone, it will last you forever and will provide you with nothing but good times and great memories.

Tip #5 – Don’t be afraid to join a forum!

Countless drone forums and general RC forums exist all over the internet. Even forums for specific models of drones exist, i.e www.inspirepilots.com Joining these forums can be one of the most engaging and rewarding experiences of your drone adventure. You’ll meet lots of new people, learn a great deal of new information, and have a willing community ready to help you out whenever you have a question. This is a great place to check in on what other pilots think before choosing a drone, or a retailer to purchase from.