So You Want to Buy a Drone: What to Consider and How to Choose

Drone flying is an exciting new frontier for enthusiasts, pilots, aviators, and photographers.

The sky is the limit, with drones ranging in price from under $100 to over $500 for professional filming and racing drones. Yet, to buy a drone that will last you for a long time, things are going to be a bit difficult. 

After all, you have so many design and performance aspects to consider and so many manufacturers to choose from. But, no worries. You’ve come to the right place. Keep on reading for our full breakdown of how to choose your first drone. We’ll explore the different kinds of drones on the market. 

Buy a Drone 101: Understanding the Basics

Every pastime comes with its own set of terms to learn. Drone flying is no exception. How else will the other drone pilots know you’re a member of the group? It’s critical to learn the language so that you seem to be one of them.

There are a few words you’ll need to understand before deciding which drone to buy. Due to the fact that not all drones are made equal. Machines are used in a variety of ways. Furthermore, they are available at various costs.

Let’s take them one type at a time. 

The RTF: Ready To Fly Drone

RTF (ready to fly) drones are the simplest to get started with. RTF drones are the ideal option for beginners since they come with everything you need to get started.

Don’t fall into the trap of believing that “ready to fly” implies “ready to fly.” Some assembly, such as connecting rotor blades and charging batteries, may still be needed.

On the other hand, RTF drones are the simplest to get started with since they come with everything you need to get started flying in one package. RTF drones are, of course, more costly than other types of drones as a result of this. You’re paying for the ease of not having to put together a lot of things.

The Bind and Fly: BNF Drone

Bind and fly is the abbreviation for bind and fly. BNF drones do not come with a transmitter, which you will need to purchase separately or use one you currently own.

This may not be as straightforward as it seems. Not all transmitters are compatible with all drones. And just because you have a transmitter that operates on the same frequency as the drone doesn’t guarantee they’ll bond together.

To communicate, both the transmitter and the receiver must utilize the same protocol. It’s as if the transmitters are from Mars and the receivers are from Venus. So double-check this before buying the drone to ensure that your transmitter will function with it.

BNF drones are popular among more experienced users who may already be familiar with a transmitter. They are less expensive than ready-to-fly alternatives since they do not contain the transmitter. They do, however, require more effort to get started.

Overall, you’ll want to compare different models so that you can pick the perfect drone for your needs. Check out this guide to learn more. 

The Plug and Play: PNP Drone

PNP means plug and play, and it is also known as PNF, or plug and fly. This moniker makes it seem like putting one of these drones into the air would be easy, but that isn’t always the case. PNP drones do not include a transmitter or receiver. Thus you are just paying for the drone.

You may be thinking that drones are useless without a transmitter and receiver. You’d be correct. If this isn’t your first drone, though, you may find it helpful to connect it to a receiver and transmitter you already have.

You won’t have to learn a whole new set of controls, and you’ll usually get a more excellent range than you would with a ready-to-fly aircraft. In addition, as compared to the previous two, drones of this kind are often less expensive.

The ARF: Almost Ready To Fly Drone

The abbreviation ARF stands for “almost ready to fly.” If you’re new to drones, it’s generally best to steer away from these models since their notion of “nearly” will be pretty different from yours. These often need assembly, which may be difficult if you don’t know what you’re doing.

ARF Drones are popular among those who want to race their machines since they allow for many modifications. However, it is better to leave them in the hands of professionals. After all, you don’t want to invest a lot of time and effort on your drone to have it crash on its first flight due to a lack of expertise.

Additional Features: Materials Used

Drones are costly, and the more you spend on one, the longer you’ll want it to last. Less expensive drones are typically constructed of plastic. While this material is inexpensive and lightweight, it is not necessarily long-lasting. If you’re looking to save money, opt for ABS material, which is more durable than ordinary plastic.

Drones made of fiberglass and carbon fiber, on the other hand, are much more durable. They’re also much more costly. Consider it an investment.

If you’re confident you’ll use your drone often, you may justify the additional expense. On the other hand, you should avoid aluminum drones since this lightweight metal does not hold up well in the event of an accident.

Tips on Buying a Drone: Simplified

If you’re new to the world of drones, things can look quite overwhelming when you start your search for the perfect tool for your needs. 

Hopefully, our guide has shed some light on the nuances of how to buy a drone, keeping in mind the different factors and features you’ll want to have in your machine.

And, if you liked reading our article, then you’ll love checking out our additional tips and strategies. All of those will be available in our technology section.