4 Most Durable Quadcopter Drones (Even in a Crash)
Durability is one of the most important characteristics of a great quadcopter drone. Yet it’s also a factor that many people, especially beginners, tend to overlook in favor of flashy features or breathtaking design.
Below we look at the importance of durability and review four of the most durable quadcopter drones (even in a crash) that are currently available.
Importance of Drone Durability
The benefits of investing in a durable quadcopter drone are pretty straightforward. The more durable the drone is, the longer it will last.
Durability is even more important for beginners. Those that have never flown a quadcopter before need a craft that will survive bumps and bruises without damage.
A durable drone is also important for more experienced pilots. Though crashes are rare in normal flying conditions, pilots that are doing complex maneuvers or using their drones for commercial applications will reap the rewards of investing in a durable one.
Simply put, a durable quadcopter will save you a lot of money on repairs and replacements in the long run.
Qualities of a Durable Quadcopter
So what can you look for in your quadcopter to ensure that it’s durable? There are 3 main qualities to look for:
- Frame – A rugged frame is essential to the durability of your quadcopter. Both the design and materials used should be taken into account.
- Rotors – Look for a quadcopter that comes with prop guards. These protective pieces of plastic surround the rotors. They offer increased protection from crashes without sacrificing performance.
- Padding – A lot of quadcopters, especially those aimed at beginners, come with protective padding. The padding prevents damage to the frame, motor, and camera from in-flight impact to the ground and other objects.
Most Durable Quadcopter Drones
There are dozens of quadcopter drones on the market. It can be difficult to gauge their durability without testing them in person. We’ve taken some of the guesswork out of the process by reviewing four of the most durable quadcopter drones below.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B013U0F6EQ” locale=”US” tag=”blueclsolut02-20″]DJI Phantom 3 Quadcopter[/easyazon_link]
The DJI Phantom 3 always ranks highly as one of the best quadcopters, no matter the specific category. And it really shines in the durability department.
Much of the Phantom 3’s durability is thanks to its high-tech design. Every inch of the craft is gone over with a fine-tooth comb. There’s not a single component that was added on a whim.
In addition to durability, a number of features ensure you won’t crash this drone. The most important is wind stabilization technology which actually compensates for windy weather conditions. Another benefit of this drone is the number of quality accessories available. Select from a wide range of prop guards, carbon propellers, and other accessories to add another layer of protection to your quadcopter.
Learn more about the [easyazon_link identifier=”B013U0F6EQ” locale=”US” tag=”blueclsolut02-20″]DJI Phantom 3[/easyazon_link].
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00PQISFOE” locale=”US” tag=”blueclsolut02-20″]DJI T600 Inspire 1 Quadcopter[/easyazon_link]
The DJI T600 Inspire 1 is nearly indestructible. It’s the culmination of everything the company has learned from its other quadcopters.
Features that contribute to its overall durability include retractable landing gear, carbon-fiber struts, and T-formation motors. Even if you do manage to crash this drone, there’s a slim chance you’ll do much damage to it.
Yet there’s more to the T600 Inspire that its durable design. It’s also well known for its dedicated camera (with 4k recording and 12MP photos), 18-minute single-battery flight time, and range of flight modes including GPS-enabled autonomous flight.
Like the Phantom 3, numerous accessories are available for the T600 Inspire. Many of these are designed specifically to increase durability in the event of a crash.
Learn more about the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00PQISFOE” locale=”US” tag=”blueclsolut02-20″]DJI T600 Inspire 1[/easyazon_link].
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00YFOQGLE” locale=”US” tag=”blueclsolut02-20″]Blade Nano QX 7680 Quadcopter[/easyazon_link]
Micro quadcopters are often praised for their durability. But not for the reasons you might think.
Instead of being constructed from durable materials (like larger drones), many of these tiny quadcopters are simply too small and slow to sustain much damage upon crashing.
The Blade Nano is different from the rest. Yes, it’s tiny and this does help it survive crash landings, but it’s also very high-tech for a quadcopter of its size. Every component is designed to stand up to rugged use, especially in the hands of crash-prone beginners and children.
Other highlights include in-flight stability and SAFE technology. This technology helps stabilize the unit so it doesn’t get out of control. Flip off SAFE mode for increased speed and maneuverability.
Learn more about the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00YFOQGLE” locale=”US” tag=”blueclsolut02-20″]Blade Nano QX 7680[/easyazon_link].
[easyazon_link identifier=”9269803716″ locale=”US” tag=”blueclsolut02-20″]WL Toys V262 Cyclone Quadcopter[/easyazon_link]
The V262 Cyclone quadcopter from WL toys is the perfect mixture of durable components and a rugged design. It’s also very inexpensive.
A number of additional protective features, including prop guards and frame padding, make it the perfect choice for children and beginners. Crash this drone, whether indoors or outdoors, and the chances of damage are minimal.
So how’s the flight experience? For such a low-cost quadcopter, the V262 Cyclone is surprisingly high-performing. It’s fun to fly, stable in mild wind, and strong enough to carry a small camera. The long-lasting battery life also surprised us.
The Cyclone can be put through the ringer without batting an eye. Of course, it’s small size means it can’t be used for complex applications, but that doesn’t mean it’s not enjoyable to fly.
Learn more about the [easyazon_link identifier=”9269803724″ locale=”US” tag=”blueclsolut02-20″]WL Toys V262 Cyclone[/easyazon_link].
Selecting the Right Quadcopter
The four quadcopters reviewed above are the best of the best. Yet they’re all very different from each other.
The two drones from DJI, the Phantom 3 and Inspire, are undoubtedly more durable, but they cost a lot of money. The Blade Nano and WL Toys Cyclone, on the other hand, are relatively inexpensive but aren’t very high performing. The best quadcopter drone for you all boils down to your individual needs and preferences.
Final Thoughts
Durability is often overlooked by those buying their first quadcopter drone. Yet it’s beyond important, especially when you’re learning to fly.
A durable drone lasts much longer, saves you money on replacements and repairs, and is much more fun to fly.