DJI Neo 2 Review - The Ultimate All-In-One AI Drone for Solo Creators

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know GetFitOver40 isn’t only about sets, reps and macros. For me, fitness is also about lifestyle and mental health, doing the things that light you up and keep you excited about life.

For me, one of those things is flying drones. I use them for my GetFitOver40 videos, for my Replica Airguns channel, and honestly just for fun. There’s something about being outside, moving around, and capturing cool shots that really fills the mental-fitness bucket.

Recently I picked up a new drone that I’m pretty excited about: the DJI Neo 2. I ordered the Fly More Combo as soon as it dropped on Amazon here in Canada. In this article, I’ll go over what it replaces in my current setup, what’s in the box, and why this little AI drone is probably going to become my main “do-it-all” camera drone.

Why I Upgraded to the DJI Neo 2

Until now, my “AI drone lineup” has been a bit of a juggling act:

• DJI Neo (original) – Great little AI drone, decent video, solid tracking and FPV-style fun.

• HoverAir X1 Pro Max – Absolutely amazing video quality, bigger sensor, super clean 4K image… but it doesn’t do everything the Neo does.

• Other FPV drones for the more immersive, swoopy flying.

The problem was:

• The Neo did more things, but the video quality wasn’t as good.

• The HoverAir X1 Pro Max had better image quality, but didn’t offer all the same AI and FPV-style versatility.

So I ended up needing multiple drones depending on what I was doing.

Based on all the early reviews and footage I saw, the DJI Neo 2 looked like it could finally replace both my original Neo and the HoverAir X1 Pro Max for most of what I do: fitness content, lifestyle shots, drone B-roll and even tracking shots for my Replica Airguns videos.

Unboxing the Fly More Combo

I went with the Fly More Combo, which in Canadian dollars came out to about $550. Here’s what you get in that kit:

• DJI Neo 2 drone

• RC-N3 controller

• Three batteries total

• Charging hub

• Antenna / transmitter module pre-installed on the back of the drone

• Extra propellers (A + B)

• USB cables (including a Lightning cable for iPhone users)

The regular base Neo 2 is cheaper, but it doesn’t include:

• The RC-N3 controller

• The antenna module for long-range use

• Extra batteries and charging hub

For me, the combo made sense. It turns the Neo 2 into a true hybrid: I can fly it via phone only for quick runs or use the RC-N3 and get serious range and more traditional “drone” control.

Neo 2 vs Neo 1 vs HoverAir X1 Pro Max

Physically, the Neo 2 and Neo 1 are similar in footprint, but the Neo 2 is flatter and more low-profile. The big change is in the gimbal and brains:

• Both Neo 1 and Neo 2 use roughly the same size sensor (around a 1/2" type sensor),
  but:

  • Neo 1 only has a single-axis gimbal (up and down).

  • Neo 2 has a two-axis gimbal (up/down + side-to-side).

With the Neo 1, when it was flying sideways in the wind, the drone had to digitally crop in to keep the horizon level. That means you lose resolution and field of view. The Neo 2’s mechanical two-axis gimbal keeps the sensor level while the drone tilts, so you get:

• Less cropping

• More of the sensor actually used

• Cleaner, more stable footage

On top of that, the Neo 2 has newer, faster processing and can shoot:

• 4K at 60 fps all day long

• Up to 100 fps in 4K for even smoother motion

The old Neo topped out at 4K 30 fps, which is pretty limiting if you do FPV-style flying or lots of action where you want smoother footage.

As for the HoverAir X1 Pro Max: it still has the best pure image quality of the three. Bigger sensor, 8K capture downsampled to 4K, and excellent low-light performance. But it doesn’t give me the same all-around versatility that the Neo 2 does, especially for FPV-style flying and advanced AI features.

For my needs, fitness videos, outdoor lifestyle content, tracking shots while I’m riding boards, bikes or EUCs, the Neo 2 is the better all-rounder even if the HoverAir still wins slightly in low-light and pixel-peeping.

Obstacle Avoidance, Sensors & Durability

The DJI Neo 2 is loaded with sensors:

• Fisheye cameras on the top and bottomm that give it nearly 360° awareness.

• A front-facing LiDAR sensor, which doesn’t rely on light, it measures distance, almost like a 3D scanner.

That means:

• It can track and avoid obstacles even in low light.

• It’s extremely good at seeing trees, branches, poles, and people, and adjusting its path to avoid collisions.

• It’s arguably one of the best object-avoidance drones on the market right now bar none.

On top of that, the Neo 2 is built like a little tank:

• Full guards around the props

• Compact body

• A bunch of videos out there showing it crashing and coming out just fine

So even if it does clip a branch once in a while, it’s usually no big deal.

Battery Life & Range

Real-world numbers matter more than marketing, so here’s what I’m seeing and what others report:

• Each battery is rated for around 19 minutes, but realistically you’re looking at:

  • 12–16 minutes depending on how aggressively you fly and the conditions.

• With three batteries in the Fly More Combo, that’s about 35–40 minutes of actual usable flight time in the real world.

Range:

• Phone-only (Wi-Fi): DJI claims up to 500 m, but realistically expect 200–300 m of solid, reliable range.

• With the RC-N3 + antenna module: you can get serious distance (DJI talks about up to 20 km in ideal conditions). In real life, it’s plenty of range for typical filming and tracking scenarios.

AI Tracking, Gesture Control & “Jedi Mode”

This is where the Neo 2 shines for a solo creator like me.

You’ve got multiple ways to control and track yourself:

1. App-Based AI Tracking

Using the phone app, you can:

• Select follow modes (front, side, rear, etc.)

• Adjust distance (near, medium, far) and height

• Switch angles while it’s actively tracking you

It will follow you forward, backwards, sideways, and does an impressive job staying locked on while avoiding obstacles.

2. Gesture Control (“Jedi” Mode)

This is one of the coolest features:

• Raise your hand with palm showing = it recognizes you

• Move your hand with palm showing up/down = drone moves up/down

• Move your hand with palm showing left/right = drone shifts left/right

• Spread your hands apart with palms showing or bring them together = adjust distance

• Close your fist to lock in the position

You can literally reposition the drone mid-shot without stopping recording or digging into menus. It looks like you’re doing some Jedi mind-control, but it’s incredibly practical when you’re filming yourself.

3. Intelligent Flight Modes

Neo 2 comes loaded with pre-programmed moves:

• Follow – standard tracking while you move.

• Spotlight – the drone stays in place like a tripod, but the camera follows you.

• Droney – pulls back and up for that classic reveal shot.

• Rocket – straight up overhead while keeping you in frame.

• Helix – spirals around you while moving up and away.

• Boomerang – arcs around and returns like a boomerang.

• Circle – simple orbit at a set radius.

• Dolly Zoom – that cinematic “background zooms while subject stays the same size” effect.

All of these can be triggered quickly, and they record both the “going out” and “coming back” portions where applicable.

Using the RC-N3 Controller

The RC-N3 controller turns the Neo 2 into a more traditional drone:

• You can fly manually with sticks for classic aerial shots.

• You can still use ActiveTrack while also nudging the drone around with the sticks to change angle or distance.

• You can get much higher altitude and further distance than in pure AI follow mode.

For things like big scenic B-roll or more cinematic passes over a park, river, or field, the RC-N3 combo is awesome. For my tracking shots on boards or bikes, I’ll mix both modes depending on what I’m doing.

Real-World Use & Final Thoughts

For my GetFitOver40 content, this drone is going to be used a lot for:

• Outdoor workout B-roll

• Riding shots (EUC, one-wheel style boards, bikes)

• Walking & talking videos where I need the camera to track me

• Lifestyle and travel content

For my Replica Airguns channel, it’ll mostly be a behind-the-scenes workhorse:

• Tracking shots when I’m outdoors doing walk-around shooting tests

• Dynamic angles when I don’t have a camera operator

You might not see the Neo 2 on camera much, but you’ll definitely see what it captures.

Is it perfect? No drone is. The HoverAir X1 Pro Max still wins for sheer image quality and low light. But:

• The Neo 2’s two-axis gimbal,

• 4K 60–100 fps,

• AI tracking,

• gesture control,

• obstacle avoidance,

• and the ability to replace multiple drones in my bag

…make it the best single “do-everything” AI drone I’ve used so far.

For anyone over 40 (or under) who’s into content creation, solo training videos, or just wants to get outside and play with some impressive tech that doubles as a creative outlet, the DJI Neo 2 is a seriously fun piece of gear.

Watch in 2D

Watch in 3D

MagWheel T3 Range Test – Poor Man’s OneWheel GT with DJI Neo 2 Drone Follow

Today’s post is a bit of a mix between tech, toys, and staying active. I took my newly acquired MagWheel T3 out for a proper shakedown ride while having the DJI Neo 2 drone track and follow me for most of it.

The goal:

• See how this used MagWheel T3 actually rides

• Find out what kind of real-world range I can get

• Decide if it’s worth upgrading with a VESC controller (and maybe a new battery) and turning it into a “poor man’s OneWheel GT”.

MagWheel T3 vs OneWheel – First Impressions

Visually, the MagWheel T3 looks a lot like a OneWheel. Big central hub motor, single wheel, board on top. But the ride experience, especially with the original controller, is very different.

• My MagWheel T3 is an older, pre-VESC model with the stock MagWheel controller.

• Newer MagWheels and Trotters often come with VESC controllers, which give a ride much closer to a OneWheel in terms of smoothness and responsiveness.

Right now, my board feels:

• Jerky compared to a OneWheel

• A bit unpredictable in long turns (the nose can suddenly dip more than you’d expect)

• Awkward when mounting and dismounting until you get used to its behavior

On a OneWheel, the board won’t really engage until you’re level on the footpads. With the MagWheel T3, it starts at an angle and slowly comes up to level while you’re already on it. That alone takes some getting used to.

But the big selling point:
I picked this thing up used for about $195. For that price, I was expecting some compromises and probably a tired battery.

Riding Characteristics – The “Buck and Chuck” Factor

This board is fine on smooth pavement and mellow paths. Where things get sketchy is:

• Bumps, roots, curbs, and rough patches

• When you’re going faster and hit something uneven

• When the board starts a rocking or “bucking” motion

Instead of just a straight-up nosedive like a OneWheel can do when pushed too hard, the MagWheel tends to rock back and forth. If you overreact to that movement (like overcorrecting a fishtail in a car), you just make it worse and increase your chances of getting tossed.

What I’ve found helps:

• Stay relaxed and don’t over-correct

• Slow down for bumps and curbs

• Accept that this board takes more skill and finesse than a OneWheel, especially in stock form

By the end of the ride, I was noticeably more comfortable. I could roll up small curbs and deal with chunks of rough pavement as long as I kept my speed reasonable and didn’t panic when it started to “buck”.

Battery, Range & Power – How Did It Actually Do?

Let’s talk numbers, because that’s where this ride got surprisingly positive.

The MagWheel T3 I have:

• Runs a 60V system

• Battery is around 6Ah (~300Wh)

• Has a 1500W hub motor (roughly double the rated motor wattage of a OneWheel GT on paper, though controller and voltage/amps matter more than that number alone)

Remember, I bought this used. The previous owner told me he was only getting about 15 minutes of ride time, and it felt underpowered. When I picked it up, the tire was basically flat – my pump read 0 PSI. So he was likely riding on a almost-flat tire, which absolutely murders range and performance.

On my test ride:

• I rode about 8.5–9 miles total

• At 8.25 miles, I got my first 25% battery warning beeps

• I purposely ended the ride on a good note instead of running it right down to empty

Based on that:

• I’m comfortable saying I can get about 10 miles of real-world range out of this used battery

• With a fresh, higher-capacity battery (say 8Ah or so), I could probably push that into the 12–15 mile zone

For context, a OneWheel GT has:

• Higher overall battery capacity (around 9–10Ah)

• Slightly higher voltage (around 62–63V)

So the GT will still win on range, but this MagWheel T3 is shockingly decent, especially considering its age and price.

Speed & Safety

I didn’t try to break any land speed records here.

• I got the MagWheel T3 up to almost 15 mph

• I never hit speed warning beeps during the ride

• The board clearly has more top-end speed available

For me personally:

• Around 15 mph already feels fast enough, especially on a board I’m still getting used to

• At that speed, if you bail, you still have a chance to run it out and not completely destroy yourself

• Once you start pushing into the 20+ mph territory, crashes get more serious very quickly

With a VESC controller installed, this board should easily and safely do 20+ mph, but again, that doesn’t mean you should ride it there all the time—especially if you’re using it for casual cruising and just staying active outdoors.

DJI Neo 2 – Smarter Follow & Obstacle Avoidance

The other star of this session was the DJI Neo 2, which tracked me almost the entire ride.

A few highlights from how it behaved:

• It can track from the front or rear, and has rear cameras for obstacle sensing

• It will rise up a bit higher as you go faster to reduce the risk of running into ground-level obstacles

• When it sees trees or obstacles, it adjusts its position and height to avoid them

• Unlike the older Neo I had, the Neo 2 is much better at:

  • Staying in front instead of constantly drifting behind

  • Finding a safe way around you and obstacles, then reestablishing its position

  • Avoiding branches and objects instead of plowing straight into them

There were a couple of moments where the Neo 2 dipped, dodged, or swung wide around trees and then found a way back in front of me. The older Neo would have given up much sooner or smacked into something.

Overall, for follow shots and solo riding footage, the Neo 2 is a big upgrade in terms of intelligence and obstacle avoidance.

Why I’m Considering the VESC Upgrade

Here’s where the MagWheel T3 gets really interesting for tinkerers.

Right now:

• The stock controller is the weakest link

• There’s no app, no real-time battery readout, no way to adjust ride feel

• I’m basically guessing battery capacity from range and beeps

A VESC controller upgrade (around $300–$350 CAD by the time it’s in my hands) would give me:

• App support to monitor voltage, amps, temps, etc.

• The ability to tune tilt, nose dip, aggressiveness, and smoothness

• A much more OneWheel-like ride quality

• More control over how the board behaves under acceleration, braking, and cornering

If I throw:

• ~$200 for the board (what I already paid)

• ~$300–$400 for VESC and possibly a new battery

I’m still only in for around $600 CAD total, depending on how far I go. That’s for something that can ride similarly to a OneWheel GT, which costs well over $3,000 in Canada and locks you into their ecosystem (ship it back for nearly any major repair or battery work).

If you enjoy modding and doing your own repairs, the MagWheel/Trotter/VESC route is a much more open platform.

Final Thoughts – Worth It?

For $195 used, this MagWheel T3 is an absolute steal for me:

• The frame and hub are beefy and very solid

• The 1500W motor has more than enough power

• The range is better than expected, even on an older battery

• With a VESC controller and maybe a better battery, this thing could easily become my budget “GT alternative”

Is it perfect out of the box? No.

• It’s jerkier and less predictable than a OneWheel

• It requires more skill and patience to ride confidently

• You have to learn not to overreact when it bucks or rocks

But for someone like me who enjoys tinkering and doesn’t mind a learning curve, this MagWheel T3 is a fun project board and a very capable ride once you relax into it.

If you come across one of these used at a good price – and the motor and frame are solid – it may be worth grabbing, upgrading the controller, and, if needed, the battery. You’ll end up with something that can hang with the OneWheel GT in many ways, for a fraction of the price, and you’ll actually be able to work on it yourself.

And hey – it got me outside, moving, balancing, and having fun for over an hour. That’s what GetFitOver40 is all about: staying active in ways you actually enjoy.

Watch in 2D

Watch in 3D

Fall Backyard Late Day Rip with BETAFPV Meteor 75 Pro DJI O4 Lite

A beautiful late-day fall flight with my BETAFPV Meteor75 Pro running the DJI O4 Lite system with ND Filter. The golden light made for some awesome FPV cruising — weaving through tight branches, skimming low over open fields, and even ripping a few laps around a parked backhoe for fun. Nothing beats flying in that crisp fall air surrounded by color and texture.

Watch in 2D

Watch in 3D

Backyard FPV Fall Rip with the BETAFPV Pavo 20 DJI O4 Pro

I just uploaded a fun little video where I take my BETAFPV Pavo 20 DJI O4 Pro FPV drone out for a quick backyard rip. The fall leaves are in full effect, covering the ground in vibrant colors and giving the footage that perfect autumn vibe. The flight takes place right in my backyard around open farmland and rural houses, showing off just how smooth and stable this little cinewhoop flies even in breezy outdoor conditions.

If you’re into FPV drones or just enjoy chill flight footage with fall scenery, check it out on my YouTube channel!

Anytime Fitness Langley Fly Through

Take a virtual tour of Anytime Fitness Langley with a Fly Through featuring the DJI Avata 2 and the HoverAir X1 ProMax!

Anytime Fitness Langley - Open 24 hours:

22575 Fraser Hwy, Langley Twp, BC V2Z 2T5
(604) 427-2729
@anytimefitnes.langley