(Amazon - please note that I received this as a gift from my wife and therefore I am not recorded as a verified purchaser; I am submitting this review under my Amazon account)
Let me begin with this: I build and fly R/C airplanes and fly R/C helicopters, and have been doing so for over 20 years. I am quite familiar with nicad and lipo battery chemistries and the unique requirements each battery type has regarding how they are charged, stored, and how they are used.
This is my second HS170, the first one quit working and Amazon exchanged it for another - that new one being the reason for my review.
Please note that while I am about to raise an issue, and potentially very dangerous issue, I would be remiss if I failed to mention that in both instances the copter performed flawlessly. It is a real pleasure to fly. (If it were not for the issue regarding the battery, detailed below this paragraph, I would have given it 5 stars). Minor things to note would be 1) winds do disturb this little guy, but it is that - little and light weight - so not a real surprise. 2) the stabilization system on the HS170 needs a little work. Nothing terrible, it just is not perfectly stable in windless conditions. Perhaps the gyros or the algorithms used are to blame, but you have to keep in mind that the HS170 is very inexpensive and what do we really expect for such a low cost? One could argue that the commoditization of gyros and brushless motors would lead an intuitive economist to expect prices to drop to the levels of this toy, but that same person could argue that with the commoditization and the increasing demand for these products, that performance would be employed as a differentiation strategy...but I digress. Two minor issues with a fun toy.
Now the problem that concerns me greatly.
Yesterday while charging my battery using the included charger, the charger melted down and the battery pack began to fill with gas. I was watching over the pack and had turned away to grab a coffee. After preping the coffee I retired and found the charger melting! Let me stop and reiterate a tried and true safety practice with LIPO batteries:
Never charge any lipo battery without watching it during the entire charging process!
I unplugged it, took the assembly outside and placed it in a fireproof section of concrete and let it all cool down. The battery didn't erupt into flames as LIPO batteries are known to do when things go wrong.
I'm including a picture of the (melted) charger.
I'm not sure where to go with this experience for my own benefit (attempt to return it to Amazon, hope that the manufacturer takes note, etc).
But I feel it is my responsibility to notify you, the readers of this product review, of this issue - and hope that you pay attention while charging, lest you discover a small incredibly brilliant fireball alight where you tiny LIPO battery once sat.
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Product Description
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Headless ModeHeadless Mode brings much more confidence for the beginners and young children, under which no matter what direction the aircraft is facing, forward stick is forward, and back stick is backward. |
6-Axis Gyro Technology6-Axis Gyro Technology enables the drone to flip and role by a simple push of the button. Hold down the right direction stick to perform a cool roll in any direction. |
3 Different Speed Modes3 Different Speed Modes for beginners to more advanced pilots. Super fast in the highest speed for a micro quad. |
The Colorful LED lightsThe Colorful LED lights make it easy to identify the front and back so as to make the quad a great night flyer. |
Package Includes:
- 1 x Quadcopter
- 1 x 2.4G Remote controller (AA batteries not included)
- 1 x 3.7V 350mAh Li-ion battery
- 4 x Additional blades
- 1 x USB charger
- 1 x Screwdriver
- 1 x User Manual
- 1 x Propellers crowbar
Customer Questions & Answers
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2016
Let me begin with this: I build and fly R/C airplanes and fly R/C helicopters, and have been doing so for over 20 years. I am quite familiar with nicad and lipo battery chemistries and the unique requirements each battery type has regarding how they are charged, stored, and how they are used.
This is my second HS170, the first one quit working and Amazon exchanged it for another - that new one being the reason for my review.
Please note that while I am about to raise an issue, and potentially very dangerous issue, I would be remiss if I failed to mention that in both instances the copter performed flawlessly. It is a real pleasure to fly. (If it were not for the issue regarding the battery, detailed below this paragraph, I would have given it 5 stars). Minor things to note would be 1) winds do disturb this little guy, but it is that - little and light weight - so not a real surprise. 2) the stabilization system on the HS170 needs a little work. Nothing terrible, it just is not perfectly stable in windless conditions. Perhaps the gyros or the algorithms used are to blame, but you have to keep in mind that the HS170 is very inexpensive and what do we really expect for such a low cost? One could argue that the commoditization of gyros and brushless motors would lead an intuitive economist to expect prices to drop to the levels of this toy, but that same person could argue that with the commoditization and the increasing demand for these products, that performance would be employed as a differentiation strategy...but I digress. Two minor issues with a fun toy.
Now the problem that concerns me greatly.
Yesterday while charging my battery using the included charger, the charger melted down and the battery pack began to fill with gas. I was watching over the pack and had turned away to grab a coffee. After preping the coffee I retired and found the charger melting! Let me stop and reiterate a tried and true safety practice with LIPO batteries:
Never charge any lipo battery without watching it during the entire charging process!
I unplugged it, took the assembly outside and placed it in a fireproof section of concrete and let it all cool down. The battery didn't erupt into flames as LIPO batteries are known to do when things go wrong.
I'm including a picture of the (melted) charger.
I'm not sure where to go with this experience for my own benefit (attempt to return it to Amazon, hope that the manufacturer takes note, etc).
But I feel it is my responsibility to notify you, the readers of this product review, of this issue - and hope that you pay attention while charging, lest you discover a small incredibly brilliant fireball alight where you tiny LIPO battery once sat.
Verified Purchase
Please read - a fine product, but the charger and batteries might be shoddy
By TBenR on March 18, 2016
(Amazon - please note that I received this as a gift from my wife and therefore I am not recorded as a verified purchaser; I am submitting this review under my Amazon account)By TBenR on March 18, 2016
Let me begin with this: I build and fly R/C airplanes and fly R/C helicopters, and have been doing so for over 20 years. I am quite familiar with nicad and lipo battery chemistries and the unique requirements each battery type has regarding how they are charged, stored, and how they are used.
This is my second HS170, the first one quit working and Amazon exchanged it for another - that new one being the reason for my review.
Please note that while I am about to raise an issue, and potentially very dangerous issue, I would be remiss if I failed to mention that in both instances the copter performed flawlessly. It is a real pleasure to fly. (If it were not for the issue regarding the battery, detailed below this paragraph, I would have given it 5 stars). Minor things to note would be 1) winds do disturb this little guy, but it is that - little and light weight - so not a real surprise. 2) the stabilization system on the HS170 needs a little work. Nothing terrible, it just is not perfectly stable in windless conditions. Perhaps the gyros or the algorithms used are to blame, but you have to keep in mind that the HS170 is very inexpensive and what do we really expect for such a low cost? One could argue that the commoditization of gyros and brushless motors would lead an intuitive economist to expect prices to drop to the levels of this toy, but that same person could argue that with the commoditization and the increasing demand for these products, that performance would be employed as a differentiation strategy...but I digress. Two minor issues with a fun toy.
Now the problem that concerns me greatly.
Yesterday while charging my battery using the included charger, the charger melted down and the battery pack began to fill with gas. I was watching over the pack and had turned away to grab a coffee. After preping the coffee I retired and found the charger melting! Let me stop and reiterate a tried and true safety practice with LIPO batteries:
Never charge any lipo battery without watching it during the entire charging process!
I unplugged it, took the assembly outside and placed it in a fireproof section of concrete and let it all cool down. The battery didn't erupt into flames as LIPO batteries are known to do when things go wrong.
I'm including a picture of the (melted) charger.
I'm not sure where to go with this experience for my own benefit (attempt to return it to Amazon, hope that the manufacturer takes note, etc).
But I feel it is my responsibility to notify you, the readers of this product review, of this issue - and hope that you pay attention while charging, lest you discover a small incredibly brilliant fireball alight where you tiny LIPO battery once sat.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2018
Overall, I still really like this drone and it was fun while it lasted, but it is frustrating that I invested $40 buying the drone, another $20 for extra batteries and a charger, and another $20 for the case. If it wasn’t for the case of the wire situation then I would give this drone 5 stars.
Holy Stone, if you would send a replacement I would be an extremely happy customer and most certainly would buy again from you guys in the future. Despite the whole wire issue, I really love this drone and even convinced my younger brother to buy one as well and we had hours of fun on Christmas break flying our drones.
UPDATE: Above is my initial review I posted after have the drone for a few weeks. I wont repeat anything I said before, as it can be read above. Since my review, Holy Stone contacted me and offered to replace my drone which I was very pleased about. My initial rating was 3 star because of the wires coming apart but I updated my rating to 5 Star simply because of Holy Stone’s Customer Service. There was no hassling involved nor endless emails back and forth; it was a simple email saying they would like to replace my drone and send out another one and hoped that I would have a better experience. Thanks Holy Stone for being a stand up company!! I will buy from you in the future!
Verified Purchase
READ THIS...Great drone...but there is a design flaw in the battery compartment
By Amazon Customer on January 16, 2018
First off, I’d like to say I really love this drone. I got it as a Christmas present so I have had it for almost a month. Within the first week I flew it everyday and even invested in 6 extra batteries and a carrying case to keep it protected. I haven’t had any big crashes yet but the durability seems good, the 3 option speed control is great, (beginner, intermediate, FAST), it’s great indoors and outdoors, and overall it’s just a great drone. However, the one thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars is the design of the battery compartment. I realize that the battery needs to be snug so that when flying it doesn’t come out. It would be fine how it is but the problem is the red and black wire connected to the control board that you use to connect the battery is right at the front of the battery slot, and each time you carefully place the battery into the drone it causes stress on these wires. After 3 weeks of use I just noticed today in fact that the soldered part where the black wire meets the internal board is starting to disconnect. If there is 10 tiny wires connected in each the red and black wire, then 2/10 in the black wire have completely separated and now I’m beginning to worry how long it’ll last. If I knew how to solder I’m sure it wouldn’t be a hard fix, but I don’t have the necessary tools nor do I know how to do that. If Holy Stone would upgrade this design in the future and made it to where there was a notch cut out in the back of the shell, there would be a place for the red and black wire to sit and not get continuous contact when putting in and taking out the battery.By Amazon Customer on January 16, 2018
Overall, I still really like this drone and it was fun while it lasted, but it is frustrating that I invested $40 buying the drone, another $20 for extra batteries and a charger, and another $20 for the case. If it wasn’t for the case of the wire situation then I would give this drone 5 stars.
Holy Stone, if you would send a replacement I would be an extremely happy customer and most certainly would buy again from you guys in the future. Despite the whole wire issue, I really love this drone and even convinced my younger brother to buy one as well and we had hours of fun on Christmas break flying our drones.
UPDATE: Above is my initial review I posted after have the drone for a few weeks. I wont repeat anything I said before, as it can be read above. Since my review, Holy Stone contacted me and offered to replace my drone which I was very pleased about. My initial rating was 3 star because of the wires coming apart but I updated my rating to 5 Star simply because of Holy Stone’s Customer Service. There was no hassling involved nor endless emails back and forth; it was a simple email saying they would like to replace my drone and send out another one and hoped that I would have a better experience. Thanks Holy Stone for being a stand up company!! I will buy from you in the future!
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2017
Verified Purchase
