If you have an interest in getting aerial shots, maybe you have a GoPro Hero3 or 4 lying about. Naturally, your mind wanders to the best drone for GoPro. Want a suggestion? The Altair Aerial Blackhawk. Its cradle supports Hero3 and 4 right off the bat. But be cautious: this drone is not for the faint of heart.
Why We Like It – Altair Aerial Blackhawk
The Altair Aerial Blackhawk provides a unique experience, not just for beginners but also for experienced fliers; lacking sought-after features, this drone leaves the flying to you and the open air.
- Compatible w/ GoPro Hero3 & 4
- Extra protection from propeller guards
- Great performance in this price range
- Lacks sought-after drone features
- Doesn’t include a camera
Speed & Power
When flying, you’ll hear the brushless motors at work. Compared to other drones, the Altair Aerial Blackhawk is a tad bit noisy, but doesn’t hinder its performance. Its battery life is slightly above average at around 17 minutes. However, that power is all in your hands, since it lacks any hand-holding features. Take some time to also read our Altair AA108 review for an all-skills-level drone that is packed with high-end features.
Alternatively, for drones with longer flight time, you’ll want to check out our 3DR Solo drone review and our DJI Phantom 2 review,
Range & Durability
Compared to the DJI Phantom 2, the Altair Aerial Blackhawk is quite durable. This is because it’s made with a metal body, as opposed to plastic. As for range, the DJI Phantom 2 gets over three times the distance (1000m, limited by the contro
Camera
The Altair Blackhawk doesn’t include a camera, but a cradle to support GoPro Hero3 and 4 Action Cameras. With a camera, video is smooth enough for neat shots, but otherwise suffers due to the lack of altitude hold.
Features
Your first thought must be, “How does the Altair Aerial Blackhawk GoPro Hero Compatible Extreme Speed Handling Heavy Duty Drone have such a low price?” Well, it’s because it doesn’t have any sought-after drone features. It lacks Follow Me, Return Home, or any auto-pathing, whereas the 3DR Solo Drone has all that and more. Open our Altair outlaw drone review to learn more about a drone with a GPS mode, long battery life, and a 1080p HD camera.
Value
The Altair Aerial Blackhawk Long Range Flight Time Drone is in an awkward position. On one hand, it could be a good beginner drone; on the other hand, it doesn’t offer any features to help a new flier get its wings. Despite that, it’s very affordable—just $100, just like the Blade Nano QX. Its performance at least justifies the price, but if you want more, then the Yuneec Q500 is where it’s at.
Altair Aerial Blackhawk Wrap Up
Even though the Altair Aerial Blackhawk is missing a tonne of fine features you’d want from a drone, it still has its place. A new flier could gain experience flying drones without relying on additive systems, for very cheap. It also supports GoPro Hero3 and 4, both of which are affordable—and you get propeller guards for extra protection.
