Secondly, prepare to ditch the controller. Seriously, this drone is all about hands-free, phone-free flying in many of its coolest modes.

And finally, takeaway number three: firmware updates are your friend. This drone is constantly evolving, and those updates are crucial to unlocking its true potential and ironing out the kinks. So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the HoverAir X1 Pro Max and see if it lives up to the hype for us motorcycle riders.

If you’d rather watch this review, here’s my original video on the topic:

HoverAir X1 Pro Max: A Rider’s Honest Take

Full disclosure right off the bat – I bought this drone with my own money. No freebies here.

I pre-ordered it on Kickstarter way back in August, so what you’re about to hear is my genuine customer experience, just like you if you decide to pick one up. I’m all about keeping it real and giving you the straight truth about gear, especially when it comes to capturing those epic rides.

HOVERAir X1 PRO MAX Drone

Capture your adventures in cinematic 8K with the foldable X1 PROMAX action drone, built for speed, stability, and terrain versatility.

Pros:

• Stunning 8K@30fps video with SmoothCapture 2.0 for steady, high-quality footage
• Hands-free flight with voice command and 10+ automatic flight modes
• OmniTerrain design handles snow, water, and cliffs with ease

Cons:

• Premium price may not suit casual users

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First Impressions: Small Size, Big Potential

Let’s talk about the basics. The HoverAir X1 Pro Max is impressively lightweight, clocking in at under 200 grams. That’s crucial when you’re already packing riding gear. And the folding design? Genius. It becomes super compact, making it incredibly easy to toss in your backpack without taking up valuable space.

For comparison, I pulled out my DJI Mini 3 Pro. Side-by-side, you can see the DJI is noticeably thicker. Flipping them over, the HoverAir is a bit wider, but overall, it’s significantly more portable than the DJI.

When unfolded, the HoverAir is still more compact and takes way less time to set up than other drones I’ve used. This is a massive win for riding. When you stop for a quick photo or video op, the last thing you want is to fiddle with complicated gear. This thing is grab-and-go. I’ve got the Pro Max version, which shoots in glorious 8K and has HDR. There’s also a Pro version that shoots in 4K if you want to save a few bucks.

Hands-On: Flying Made Easy?

Okay, enough talk, let’s see this thing in action. I want to show you just how simple it is to use. Powering it on is ridiculously easy. Just unfold it, hit the power button, and boom, it’s alive.

It’s got a few different modes, but let’s start with Hover Mode. Press the button once, and it takes off right from your palm. Seriously, straight out of your hand.

In Hover Mode, it stays put, but it’s also tracking. Move right, it follows. Move left, same thing. It’s surprisingly responsive, even in a small space.

Now, let’s try Follow Mode. Switching modes is just another quick press of the button. In Follow Mode, you can walk, and it should track you. Let’s see how it does in my basement studio here.

Okay, liftoff again. Give it a sec to lock onto you… and there it goes. It’s following me! Even in my not-so-bright basement. Obstacle avoidance seems pretty decent too. It’s got sensors to try and navigate around stuff.

Turning around… a little tight in here, but it’s keeping up. There it is! And to land, you just stick your hand underneath it, and it gently falls right into your palm. Super smooth.

So, we’ve checked out Hover and Follow modes. The last mode I can demo inside here is Manual Mode, where you control it with your phone. Let me show you how that works.

App Control: Manual Mode for Precision Shots

Grab your phone, open the Hover app, and tap the drone icon. Pairing is really straightforward, especially the first time. Mine’s already set up. Then, hit “Manual Control,” and it connects to the drone.

Tap “join,” and it connects. Switches over to manual control in about 10 seconds. Not bad at all. Once connected, just hit the center button to take off from your hand again.

Now, on your phone screen, you’ve got two virtual joysticks. Left stick controls turning and vertical movement, right stick handles side-to-side and forward/backward. It’s actually pretty intuitive.

Let’s do a quick demo in the basement here. Bam! Super simple to fly around. Connection feels strong too. Honestly, I don’t see myself using manual mode a ton, as the whole point for me is the autonomous tracking.

Landing in manual mode is the same – hand underneath, gentle landing. To power down, hold that center button again, folds up, and you’re done. That’s the beauty of this thing – quick, simple, and ready to go.

Versus the DJI Mini 3 Pro: Convenience Wins

Compared to my DJI Mini 3 Pro, the HoverAir is a breeze to set up. The DJI, while great, can be a bit of a hassle when you’re on the road. You’ve got to get the drone out, then the controller, boot them both up, make sure they connect… it just takes longer. And you’re carrying an extra controller.

Plus, those little joysticks on the DJI controller? You have to take them off for storage and screw them back on to fly. More fiddling, more time. When you’re trying to capture a ride, speed and simplicity are key.

DJI Mini 3 Pro

Lightweight yet powerful, the DJI Mini 3 Pro delivers pro-level 4K video and intelligent features in a compact, under-249g drone.

Pros:

• Shoots stunning 4K/60fps video and 48MP photos with advanced camera tech
• Tri-directional obstacle sensing and Return to Home for safer flying
• True Vertical Shooting and DJI RC with built-in HD display for effortless social sharing

Cons:

• Lacks side obstacle sensors, limiting protection during lateral movement

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Real-World Riding Footage: The Good, The Bad, and The Vest

It’s winter in Ohio right now, so riding is on hold, but I did get to test out some of the tracking modes before the snow hit. Let’s check out some footage.

First up, Follow Mode. As you can see, it’s tracking me perfectly here. Doing some more dynamic moves, and it’s still locked on. But, and here’s where the “it’s not always sunshine and rainbows” part comes in…

In this next clip, I’m on the bike, in Follow Mode, but… it loses me. Right there. Hmm, okay. Same scenario, but one change: I took off my motorcycle vest.

Big tip I learned: brighter clothing improves tracking accuracy. Vest off, problem solved. Tracked me perfectly that time.

Next mode: Orbit. This one does a full 360 around you. I used this at my 4-year YouTube anniversary, and it looks pretty cool.

Then there’s Dolly Track mode. Drone flies directly in front of you. Pretty cool mode too.

One thing I noticed, though, you gotta go somewhat slow for this to work well. Too fast, and you’ll go out of frame, and it’ll lose you.

Moving on to Side Track mode. Name says it all – tracks you from the side. Like Dolly Track, you need to keep a moderate pace. But check this out, I flip around here, and it’s still tracking! Really like this mode.

Last mode for now: Bird’s Eye. Goes straight up, camera pointing down, doing a spiral. Does the same on the way down. Can create some really dynamic shots.

There are actually three more modes I haven’t tested yet: Zoom Out, Ski Mode, and the new Cycling Mode. Once riding season kicks off, I’ll be trying out Zoom Out and Cycling Mode for sure.

Glitches and Updates: A Work in Progress

About those tracking glitches you saw earlier… the good news is, firmware updates are making a real difference. Since I got this drone back in August, the developers have been constantly pushing updates. In just the two months I’ve been using it, tracking has improved dramatically. And they’re still working on making it even better. That’s a huge plus. This isn’t a static product; it’s evolving.

I also got the Cycling Combo, which includes this Beacon. It’s supposed to improve tracking and can record audio. You can even attach optional joysticks to it. Honestly, I don’t think you need the joysticks unless you plan on flying manually a lot.

And the whole point for me is to avoid manual flying. As for the Beacon improving tracking, in my initial tests, I didn’t see a huge difference, but recent updates might have changed that. More testing needed there.

The Nitty-Gritty: Specs and Pricing

So, what do you really need to know about the HoverAir X1 Pro Max? Max follow speed is around 26 mph, but some modes work better at slower speeds. Battery life is about 16 minutes per charge. Best way to charge is with the charging hub. You can plug it into a power bank or wall outlet. Charging hub takes about 45 minutes for one battery or an hour for two. There’s an optional power case, but with extra batteries and a power bank compatible charging hub, I haven’t needed it.

Durability is another big plus. The propellers are protected by these “highly elastic material guards.” Lighter than carbon fiber, but seriously tough. I’ve had a few… “unplanned landings,” and it’s held up great.

Okay, the big question: price. For casual riders, and those who aren’t pro content creators, I recommend the Pro version. Basic combo is around $499 – drone and one battery. But, I highly suggest getting extra batteries and the charging hub. For two extra batteries and the hub, you’re looking at around $716 total. Not bad at all.

If you’re a content creator or just want the best, go for the Pro Max. With two extra batteries and the charging hub, that’ll be around $916. Still fairly reasonable for a drone that shoots 8K, has HDR, and better frame rates.

Final Verdict: Rider-Friendly and Fun, With Room to Grow

What I really love about the HoverAir X1 Pro Max is the simplicity. Seriously, seconds to get it in the air. For motorcycle riders who want to capture their adventures without a ton of hassle, this drone is a solid option.

It’s compact, easy to use, and the tracking modes are getting better all the time with firmware updates. It’s not perfect, and you might encounter some glitches or tracking hiccups, especially in challenging conditions, but for grab-and-go riding footage, it’s pretty awesome.

The post Hands-Free Drone for Motorcycle Vlogs: HoverAir X1 Pro Max Review first appeared on It's Better On The Road.

In this review, we’re going to break down if the Packtalk Pro is truly a game-changer or just another hyped-up gadget. Stick around, because we’re not just talking features; we’re putting Cardo’s groundbreaking crash detection to the ultimate test – an actual crash.

Here are three things that might surprise you about the Packtalk Pro:

• Effortless Power: Imagine your headset knowing when you’re ready to ride. The auto on/off feature isn’t just convenient; it’s a game-changer for battery life and rider experience. No more dead batteries because you forgot to switch it off!
• Safety Net: Crash detection isn’t just a bullet point on a spec sheet. It’s a potentially life-saving feature that could automatically alert your emergency contacts if the unthinkable happens. We put this to the test, and the results were eye-opening.
• Subtle, Yet Significant Upgrade: While it might look like a Packtalk Edge in disguise, the Pro packs some serious enhancements, particularly in audio and user-friendliness, that elevate the riding experience in ways you might not expect.

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what makes this headset tick.

Packtalk Pro: Specs and Features – Edge on Steroids?

At first glance, the Packtalk Pro might seem like a cosmetic refresh of the Packtalk Edge, but under the hood, there are some significant upgrades. You still get all the top-tier features that made the Edge a favorite:

• Solid 13 hours of talk time
• Robust Mesh communication for large groups
• IP67 waterproof rating that can handle pretty much anything Mother Nature throws at it
• Super convenient magnetic mount
• Voice command operation
• Hassle-free over-the-air software updates.

Aesthetically, it’s rocking a cool, all-blacked-out design that looks sleek and understated on any helmet.

But what makes it new and noteworthy?

Cardo Packtalk Pro

The King of motorcycle intercoms and Bluetooth headsets, the Pro comes with every top of the line feature Cardo offers and their stellar 45mm JBL speakers, the best helmet speakers money can buy.

Pros:

• 15+ rider intercom over Mesh (even Senas)
• Magnetic air mount
• Auto on-off
• Crash detection and emergency call
• 45mm JBL speakers in the box (the best)

Cons:

• Costs as much as a mid-range helmet

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Upgraded JBL Speakers: Bigger Sound?

The first key difference you’ll notice on paper is the speaker size. The Packtalk Edge boasts fantastic 40mm JBL speakers, but the Pro cranks it up a notch with beefier 45mm JBL speakers. Holding them side-by-side, the size difference is definitely visible.

After riding with the Packtalk Pro for a couple of months, I can say the audio upgrade is noticeable, though not earth-shattering. You do get a bit more volume, which is great for battling wind noise at higher speeds, and there’s a touch more bass response, giving your music a richer feel.

However, if you’re already rocking a Packtalk Edge, the speaker upgrade alone probably isn’t enough to justify an upgrade. It’s an improvement, for sure, but it’s more of a refinement than a revolution in audio quality. But, hold tight, because the next two features are where the Packtalk Pro truly starts to shine and might seriously tempt you to make the switch.

Auto On/Off: Pure Convenience

This feature right here is pure genius: auto on and off. Seriously, how many times have you hopped off your bike, walked away, and then realized hours later you left your headset on? Dead battery. It’s happened to all of us, and it’s incredibly frustrating when you’re ready to ride and your comm system is flat. Cardo has solved this problem elegantly with the Packtalk Pro.

Let me show you how slick this is. Right now, the headset is on and connected. I take my helmet off, set it down… and that’s it. There’s a sensor, I believe a microphone near the speaker, that detects when the helmet is off your head. After about 60 seconds, it automatically powers down.

Pick up the helmet, and it automatically turns back on.

The tech behind this is smart. It’s not fully off, but in a super low-power standby mode. Cardo claims it sips battery so slowly you can leave it in standby for ages without draining it. This auto on/off is hands down one of my favorite features. It works flawlessly, and the sheer convenience is incredible.

Now, I have noticed a tiny quirk. Sometimes, when I pick up the helmet, it might play the startup sound two, three, maybe even four times in a row. It seems like a minor software glitch, and it doesn’t happen often enough to be a real annoyance. It’s a small price to pay for such a fantastic feature.

Crash Detection: A Potential Lifesaver

Alright, let’s talk about the feature that could genuinely be a game-changer, potentially setting a new standard for motorcycle headsets and, more importantly, maybe even saving your life. Cardo has integrated crash detection into the Packtalk Pro.

Here’s how it works: The headset itself is designed to detect if you’ve been in a crash. If it senses an impact, it triggers a notification on your connected smartphone. If you don’t cancel that notification within a set timeframe, the system automatically sends a text message to your pre-selected emergency contact. This message includes your location information, pulled directly from your phone’s GPS.

For this to work, obviously, your Packtalk Pro needs to be paired with your smartphone. You can also disable the crash detection feature in the app if you choose, but honestly, why would you? This is a potentially life-saving safety net.

Crash Test Time: Does It Actually Work?

The big question is, does this crash detection actually work in the real world? Time to find out. I devised two tests to put the Packtalk Pro through its paces.

Test 1: The Low-Speed Fall

For the first test, I’m going to wear the helmet with the Packtalk Pro, do a slow speed U-turn, and intentionally drop the bike. Basically, simulate a low-speed tip-over to see if the crash detection triggers.

In the tip over, I didn’t get any notification. My phone didn’t register anything. So, a slow speed drop doesn’t seem to trigger it. Let’s move on to the more… “dynamic” test.

Test 2: The Helmet Toss

For the second, more extreme test, we’re going to mount the Packtalk Pro on my wife’s helmet (thanks, honey, for your sacrifice to science!). I’m going to get up to around 25-30 mph on the bike and… well… toss the helmet off to simulate a higher speed impact. Don’t try this at home, folks.

Now we’ve got “Crash Detected” on the Cardo app! It took 10 seconds or so, a little bit longer than I expected.

It says it sent the text message… Boom! There it is. “Joe may be involved in an accident and requires your location.” And there’s the geo-location link to my exact location on the map.

Final Verdict: Game Changer?

I’m genuinely impressed: the crash detection is not a gimmick; it actually works. And I’m also seriously impressed that the Packtalk Pro stayed mounted to the helmet throughout those… rigorous tests. That magnetic mount is no joke; it’s seriously secure. My wife’s helmet has seen better days, sporting a few new scrapes. She needs a new one anyway!

In my opinion, the Packtalk Pro is worth the extra money, especially for that peace of mind. If you ride alone a lot, knowing that this crash detection feature is there as a backup, potentially alerting your emergency contacts if you’re in an accident, is invaluable. It could genuinely save your life.

Now, I’ve got a helmet to go buy…

Cardo Packtalk Pro

The King of motorcycle intercoms and Bluetooth headsets, the Pro comes with every top of the line feature Cardo offers and their stellar 45mm JBL speakers, the best helmet speakers money can buy.

Pros:

• 15+ rider intercom over Mesh (even Senas)
• Magnetic air mount
• Auto on-off
• Crash detection and emergency call
• 45mm JBL speakers in the box (the best)

Cons:

• Costs as much as a mid-range helmet

Check Price on Cardo Check Price on Revzilla

We may earn commissions if you make a purchase. This keeps our site ad-free and never sponsored.

The post Cardo Packtalk Pro Review: Crash Detection & Auto On/Off Tested first appeared on It's Better On The Road.