Hubsan H501S Drone Review: Advanced Version

Hubsan has established itself as a reputed name in the drone industry, with a myriad of interesting drones available. One of my first quads was a Hubsan X4, and I had an absolute blast learning to fly it. Fast forward several years and Hubsan has released an affordable GPS drone with Follow Me, Return to Home, Altitude Hold, onboard 1080p camera, and a FPV screen on the transmitter, all in the H501S (https://tinyurl.com/ju39hre). 

Courtesy of Gearbest, I tried out the Advanced version of the H501S. It's a stellar drone, with a ton of potential, in terms of range and power. Check out my full video review here:

I spent a lot of time trying out different action cameras mounted onto the H501s. For this, a simple credit card mount with velcro was sufficient, although a GoPro-style bracket mount also worked well. You can see just sample footage from the H501S using GitUp2 and Firefly 7S, along with the stock camera, here:

Likes:

- Drone design is fluid, awesome lines and sleek appearance. Fairly compact too, easy to fit in a hiking backpack.

- Controller is powerful, yet not overwhelming. Instruction manual is pretty good at walking you through the first flight, and the switches are labeled fairly logically. FPV screen on the controller is awesome!

- Stable flight under GPS control, and return home seems to work quite well, very accurate

- Onboard camera, while not as good as action camera, is actually pretty decent!

- Very reasonable price for a powerful, GPS quadcopter with advanced options like Follow Me

Dislikes:

- Intermittent range issues. Horizontal range at times limited compared to vertical range. From my discussion with other users online, this is a known issue in a few of the models, fixed with an antenna correction. Refer to this thread on RCGroups. 

- Lack of image stabilization. This isn't too hard to correct using post-processing (YouTube stabilization, or Sony Vegas Pro stabilization)

Links: 

Purchase Hubsan H501S online: https://tinyurl.com/ju39hre

XK x251 Drone Review: Affordable Brushless Drone!

The XK 251 is one of the fastest and most fun quadcopters I've owned. I recently picked up courtesy of Gearbest, and it's been a blast to fly. It's incredibly just how powerful and yet how affordable this < $100 quadcopter is! Read on for my full review of the XK 251 drone!

Features:

The XK 251 is a brushless quadcopter, meaning it's motors do not need little brushed gears that tend to wear out rather quickly. It's also much quieter, making it much less intrusive during a hike. Range is roughly 300m from some reports I've seen online; I've pushed it far but not that far yet. It has an enormous transmitter/controller, with a host of options. Some reports indicate the latest versions of the controller have disabled the "Acro" mode, thus forcing it fly more conservatively. I think mine is similar to these, unfortunately, but it's incredibly fast and maneuverable. The controller requires 6 AA batteries, and the quad uses a 950mAH battery with a JST connector. The battery rack doesn't fit "normal" Tarantula X6 batteries, but a little modifying could probably work to get them in without a problem. There's also a set of spares props included with the XK 251, a welcome addition in the box.

Performance:

I flew the XK 251 both in the foothills and the mountains, with little wind, and moderate wind. It performed well in both situations, nimble, fast, and exceptionally powerful. There's a slight recovery time in between switching directions while flying, but this isn't unusual with the speeds such a quad travels at. I didn't have any signal losses, even while doing a few rough distance tests-this small quad will be out of your site most likely before you exceed controller range. 

As an avid outdoorsman, I am always on the lookout for a quadcopter that I can carry in my backpack and will carry an action camera to film my adventures. Early reports of the XK 251 indicated it might be able to carry a GoPro. 

I placed a credit card mount onto the bottom of the XK 251, strapped it in place with velcro, and secured a GitUp 2 action camera onto it. It needed a little more throttle to get it going, but otherwise flew like a champ. I was able to get some fantastic footage with it; take a look before:

Now, keep in mind it's not designed to be a camera quad, and putting too much weight on it will likely stress the motors prematurely. However, it still does a good job of carrying my action cameras, and I'll definitely be using this on future trips. It fits into my smaller hiking backpack without a problem, yet it still has enough power to carry the cameras-awesome!

Conclusion

I've flown many different quadcopters and hexacopters; including models from Hubsan, JJRC, Yizhan and more to name a few. This XK 251 is a true winner: it's a very affordable brushless quadcopter, with high quality performance. I don't feel the company scarified design or performance in their quest to keep it an affordable quadcopter. It's a little too powerful for someone brand new to flying drones; however if you have only been flying brushed quads and would like to upgrade to the next step with a brushless quadcopter, take a look at XK 251--it's a winner! Check it out here: http://bit.ly/2olpHQl 

Questions about the XK 251? Post 'em here, on my YouTube channel, or take a look at this excellent RCGroups forum threat: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2630741

Freeknight Backpack Review

Hasn't been a lot of fishing videos lately as I've been focusing on the recently opened Spiny Lobster season here in California. These critters are a exciting challenge to go after, especially as the water temperatures cool off. I've been using this handy backpack, called the Freeknight Backpack, courtesy of Gearbest to haul my snorkeling gear and it has done a superb job.

In addition, it holds several micro and mini drones, like my Mould King Super S without a problem, and is perfect for taking them along on a short hike. It has an emergency whistle, hip straps, water-resistant (not waterproof) fabric, and a purported 40L carrying capacity with multiple compartments. It's fairly comfortable as well. You can find this backpack online here. 

Bijia Monocular Review

Check out this monocular from Gearbest: It's compact, well-designed, and offers high-quality visuals while out on the trail. I see myself primarily using it for checking out distant creek channels and ridgelines. Very impressed with this sample provided courtesy of Gearbest! http://goo.gl/A5wIby

Who needs a LuminAid: Solar Camping Lantern

I've used the LuminAid camping lanterns quite a bit recently and found them very helpful for the few hours of light I need before going to sleep in my tent. However, they cost a pretty penny-and now I've found an alternative. Check out this affordable solar lantern from Gearbest, who kindly provided me with a review sample. It's easy to use, can be placed just about anywhere in your campsite, and offers 3 modes of light. The first two (strong, dim) are great, don't see a need for the flashing one at the end, unless an emergency occurs. Check it out here: http://goo.gl/GwIdPs

Started doing a lot of camping recently, and was using a somewhat expensive, but compact hammock. Folded down into a built-in pouch on the side of the hammock, and the ropes tucked into ontop. Enjoyed it, but had a hard time recommending it due to the cost. Fortunately, GearBest has release a very affordable hammock alternative and provided me with a sample. The only different is the ropes aren't pre-knotted, which I do somewhat miss. Check out my review of the Gearbest nylon camping hammock in the video above. Buy it online here: http://goo.gl/cpbqTo

Lazy Bag Product Review: Inflatable Camping Chair

Got to love this inflatable bag/chair courtesy of Gearbest! It comes in a compact package, then quickly inflates using only wind. Once enough air is inside, simply turn the bag handles shut (wrapping it down, similar to a dry bag system). Tighten it down, then snap it closed with the plastic locking system (note the quick release system when re-opening it). That's it! Check out my video demonstrating how do chill out with the Lazy Bag below, and grab it from Geabest here: http://tinyurl.com/lazybag and their other products for camping/outdoors here: http://tinyurl.com/jrwqfj9

RM Mini 3 Smart Home Controller Review: Broadlink Universal WIFI / IR Remote Controller

While the Amazon Echo is a widely known as one of the most popular smart home devices in the United States, there are actually an array of smart home monitors worldwide. Xiaomi has one, as does Broadlink. The Broadlink RM Mini 3 controller (Broadlink Universal WIFI / IR Remote Controller), courtesy of Gearbest, reportedly allows the user to control the TV, AC, and more remotely. This is through both voice commands and pre-programmed settings using the Broadlink smart home app. The device connects to the app with ease, and it's very easy to program devices (such as a TV remote). However, the remote feature (and others) don't appear to be compatible with US-based equipment (in my case, the remote wouldn't turn on the TV, despite successful sync-up). furthermore, the voice command feature only works in Chinese, severely limiting its use outside of the People's Republic of China. While it's a near gadget, it isn't very useful at all in the USA. 

Sky Vampire Review: HeliCMax's Latest Quadcopter

One of the most popular quadcopter models is the Tarantula X6. I love flying it, with great range and reliability. However, it lacks several features, and at times can be cumbersome to work with. Recently, the HeliCMax Sky Vampire drone was released. This one is supposedly very similar to the Tarantula X6, but with some unique features setting it apart. I spent several weeks with the Sky Vampire courtesty of HeliCMax, filmed constantly with a mounted action camera (ELE Explorer Pro, EKEN H9, and SJ7000), in a variety of environments.

It's a very nice drone with great features that set it apart from the Tarantula X6 (altitude hold mode, beefier look, battery compartment door, and on/off switch), but suffered from drone board reliability issues as well as intermittent transmitter range difficulties. If these problems can be fixed, the Sky Vampire could replace the Tarantula X6 easily. Take a gander at my video review of the Sky Vampire drone above!

Check out HeliCMax here: http://www.helicmax.com

Also, here's another flight with the Sky Vampire. YouTube's stabilization feature was used.

Can ELE Explorer Pro Beat GitUp2?

Mmmm, another action camera for a great price! The ELE Explorer was a very popular model I reviewed several months ago, and now the PRO version has been released. The ELE Explorer Pro is nice, compact, powerful action camera with excellent photo AND video quality. Check out the video review below:
Buy the ELE Explorer Pro Online here: https://goo.gl/lPIFTH

Forget GoPro, Best Action Camera Alternative: GitUp 2 Review

The GitUp 2 Action Camera is simply the best GoPro alternative I have tried out. It is more expensive than most of the budget action cameras I typically use, but it offers premium features such as gyroscopic stabilization for a fraction of the price of a GoPro. It's still a bargain and is compatible with GoPro accessories. The GitUp2 also has fantastic customer service, something of a rarity for companies based out of China. The footage is very smooth, video quality is sharp, and depth of color is very impressive. Get one! 

GitUp 2: http://goo.gl/ys9ymE

Most Affordable RC Plane to Learn How to Fly: FX 802 FlyBear Review

I really love RC aircraft, and my first RC plane was a Champ RTF. It cost $90 and provided me with a great introduction to outdoor RC flying. However, it was not very resilient and didn't fly all that well after several repairs to it. I have since moved on to RC quadcopters and drones, as they are extremely fun to fly, very affordable, and can easily lift small action cameras. However, I have always wanted to get back into flying RC planes as well.

Along came the Fly Bear 802. At $20, how could I pass it up? After watching a nice review of it on YouTube at Quadcopter101, I ordered it. It has not dissapointed. Sure, it's not Champ RTF, and it's basically the cheapest RC plane you can get, but it has great range, surprisingly durability, glides great, and has provided me with many enjoyable flights. It's not meant to carry a camera, so don't even try it--and watch out for any significant wind. Check out my video review of the Flybear 802 above. You can order it online through Banggood as well as many other websites. 

Dirt Cheap Telescopic Cell Phone Camera Zoom Lens Review

Forget those overpriced cellphone zoom lenses. This $6 cell phone telescopic lense is great. Link: tinyurl.com/zgj5krc

Bargain Chinese Running Shoes from Aliexpress Review: Socone

I was a little hesitant about these running shoes from Aliexpress, but they looked too intriguing to pass up. Plus, the $16 price was extremely attractive. They've held up well over several months of use, on a variety of trails. However, the cool holes in the bottom are a terrible option if you run on a trail with loose gravel or rocks. Unfortunately, since I bought these shoes, the price has jumped up--however they have several new versions of the same design for the < $20 price here: http://tinyurl.com/j2tljbu

Cheap Portable Camping Stove: EtekCity Camping Stove

This little portable gas camping stove adapter is fantastic. I've used it on multiple camping trips, in a wide variety of environments, from temperatures from 25 F to 75 F, from the beach to the mountains, and it's performed admirably. There are multiple versions available, usually no more than $10 or so. Check out the video review here and get the portable stove online here (EtekCity Amazon) or Aliexpress. 

Xiaomi Yeelight Smart Lamp Review

Smart gadgets are everywhere, and smart lights are no exception. Xiaomi is one of my favorite Chinese companies offering high-quality, budget-priced tech, and their Yeelight is another fantastic example of this. Gearbest provided me with this new smart lamp to try out and I'm happy to report it is fantastic.

The Yeelight connects to your phone using the Yeelight app. It can also be controlled manually, using a touch slider on the top of the light, or the two buttons (power and color switch) on the top of the light. The buttons are inconspicuous and don't detract from the nice form factor of this minimalist lamp.






The sheer variety of colors available (claims to have 16millions RGB lights) is impressive. You'll really get a feel for it through adjusting the colors on the Yeelight app. There are multiple modes available: Flow (alternates between a variety of colors), Color, and White. In all of these modes, you can use the touch feature to adjust the warmth or brightness of the colors.

Now, I mentioned this is a "smart" lamp. It can connect via bluetooth to your phone or tablet using the Yeelight app, and here is where the fun really starts. You can remotely turn it on or off, set a wake-up light (super useful, slowly brightens over a 30 minute period to gently wake you), or set a sleep timer feature (slowly turn darken over a preset time, presumably while you go to sleep). In addition, you can adjust the hue, flow, white settings, as well as load pre-set "scene" colors, or even select a color to display using your phone's camera. There is even supposed link with the Xiaomi Mi Band, with the ability to sync the lights wake-up feature with actual waking from sleep, although I haven't tested this yet. The only critiques I have for this lamp so far is 1) wishing the wake up feature could be set from 30 to 5 mins (a range would be nice rather than fixed), 2)providing an instruction manual in English. It's fairly easy to figure out how to use the lamp, but finding the app was not easy.



Overall, the Yeelight is a fairly impressive smart lamp. Xiaomi has consistently impressed me with their array of gadgets, including the Yi action camera and the Mi band activity tracker, and this Yeelight further adds to their impressive collection of devices. You can purchase it online through Gearbest.

Check out my video review of the Yeelight below!