Spin Master’s launch of the Air Hogs DR1 FPV Racing drone has brought FPV (First-Person View) technology to the mass market with an affordable device that allows you to control the drone with a front row cockpit seat. It seems that drones have gone from being an expensive hobbyist gadget to a must-have Christmas toy in just a few years. Whilst drones marketed at kids are smaller with fewer features, the gap between the higher end models and the budget versions seems to be narrowing. Many now come equipped with cameras and have a companion smartphone or tablet app to control them. Many of the flight manoeuvres and controls can also be found in the budget models too.
Air Hogs DR1 FPV Racing Drone
Event at KidZania, London
With Jason Bradbury
After attending a launch event for the drone in KidZania, London, we were sent an Air Hogs DR1 FPV Racing Drone to review.
Air Hogs DR1 FPV Racing Drone Box
Even though the drone is small, the box is quite big because you also get the FPV headset, to give you a much more immersive experience.
CONTENTS
- 1x Lightweight drone
- 1x Controller
- 1x FPV headset
- 1x Short USB charger
- 4x Spare propellers
- 2x Spare control sticks
- 1x Rotor removal tool
- 1x Instructions
Nick getting his hands on one of the drones on display
Suitable for those aged 10 and over, this drone is great for older children as well as ‘big’ kids like my husband Nick, who perhaps want to practise on a smaller drone before investing in a large much more expensive high-end drone. It even has two settings, an easy control mode and an advanced control mode. The easy mode makes it great for those who have never flown a drone to quickly get up and running.
MAIN FEATURES
Drones on display at the event
Unlike larger versions, these smaller drones are also perfect for indoor use, so great for any weather. You can put together your own little race course to fly around the house to perhaps compete with other family members or friends. With FPV technology you can still control the drone when it is out of sight as the view from the cockpit is beamed directly to the app on your phone. You can also place your phone inside the included FPV headset to give you a fully immersive experience.
The drone is controlled by an included remote control which requires 2 AAA batteries (not included). It isn’t heavy and feels comfortable in your hands, making it easy to use. As well as the normal flight operations the controller is used for taking photos and recording video from the onboard camera.
At the launch event, we watched the DR1 being used in a real exhibition drone race. We also got the chance to test it out, flying the drone around the building in KidZania. You can see a video from the event, including footage we filmed in the drone.
The drone gives about 10 minutes of flight time before it needs to be recharged. This is typical for smaller drones like this but the good thing is that you can recharge it fully within about 30 minutes with the USB charging lead included in the box. Note that you will need to either charge it via a computer or laptop USB port or via a USB mains adaptor (not included). A green light flashes on the drone when the battery starts to get low indicating that it needs charging.
OUR THOUGHTS
We have really enjoyed playing with this drone. The FPV functionality is great and really adds a great new dimension to controlling and using the drone. The drone is easy to control, and although our girls are too young to fly the drone they have enjoyed watching me and Daddy playing with it. It would be great if you could fly the drone longer before it needed recharging but understand that this is typical for small drones.
The Air Hogs DR1 FPV Racing Drone has an RRP of £99.00 and it is perfect for kids 10 years old and over. You can buy this drone at all good toy retailers such as Argos and Amazon.
What do you think about the Air Hogs DR1 FPV Racing Drone? Do you or your kids have a drone at home? If not, have you considered buying one?
*Disclosure: We were sent the drone for the purpose of this review. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I have also given another box which I will use to run the Giveaway. Contains affiliate links.
Thanks for stopping by,
Love you all ❤️
Franca 💋
Tracy Nixon says
We dont have a drone but my boys have been pestering me for one ! yes I would x
Ashleigh Allan says
We don’t have one but it looks brilliant. Would definately consider buying one
Dean Boyle says
My kids love the idea of it
Constance Pearce-Romayne says
The drone looks incredible. We don’t have one nor have considered buying one as they are so expensive. Christmas is on a tight budget as usual so winning this would make my daughter’s Christmas (she’s a bit of a tomboy). Thanks for the opportunity x
Bev says
We don’t have one yet but it looks fun!
iain maciver says
no we don’t have a drone so far air hogs looks good
Leila Benhamida says
Looks fantastic. My son will love it.
amomentwithfranca says
It is great! Yes I’m sure he will do! 🙂
Kim Carberry says
The drone looks fab! My girls have always wanted one but we’ve never had one x
Catherine Barton says
I have often thought about buying a drone as we live in such a beautiful part of the country…….my husband would love one to play with!! Maybe one day
Don Jones says
We don’t have a drone as yet but it’s something me and the boys would love
Katie Skeoch says
I am considering buying one as a shared christmas gift! My boys would love it!
Solange says
The Air Hogs DR1 drone looks like a great little gadget. We don’t have a drone at home but it’s something we may consider in the future.
Graham Ross says
We don’t have one yet,but seeing this has made us want one
mike Stanford says
I got a mini drone last year to practice the basics. I’ve been toying with the idea of training to be a Drone Pilot but certainly would love to take up racing them.
a.e. ADKINS says
One of the twins was given one for his birthday leading to squabbles, so we intend to even the situation up for Christmas. It would be great to do this with a prize rather than waiting for Decembers pay packet!
amomentwithfranca says
Oh yes! That would be great! Good luck! 🙂
Margaret Clarkson says
We don’t have one and I think it would be fun!
hannah wood says
This looks so amazing.
Margaret GALLAGHER says
We havent got one yet
Santa is planning a special delivery for us
Will be great fun
ADEINNE TONNER says
We don’t have a drone but they look like so much fun i think all the family would love this.
Kev Cannon says
Love the drone – we currently don’t have one as it is a lot of money just to smash into the ground – my piloting skills leave a lot to be desired
MARK HOPKINS says
We don’t have a drone at home, but have definitely considered one.
Simon C says
I would love to get a drone for the family. I know it would be a big hit. They’re not cheap things to buy though.
Cyril Rowlands says
I live on top of mountains’ this drone would be ideal for me!
Emma Hunt says
This is what I would have dearly loved to bve won for Christmas for myself. Being severely disabled, you literally feel trapped and grounded. I would love to reach for the skies and race around in VR. love watching the VR CHAMPS do their stuff. It’s incredible how they have honed their gift. I’m so jealous! Lol xox
Cath Joyce says
This looks fun, we haven’t a drone but I know my son would love one
JULIE WARD says
It looks great I’m only the dumb grandma though, I think grandchildren would love it