Estes Proto-X Drone – Big Things in a Small Package

Estes Proto-X Drone – Big Things in a Small Package

Drones do not always have to be big and bulky to get the job done, and this is perhaps the biggest advantage of the Estes Proto-X drone. This drone proves that size (or lack of it) isn’t always the main selling point, and that good things do come in small packages.

Here, we take a look at the features that makes Estes Proto-X a purchase that is worth it despite its size—it’s the smallest quadcopter in the market today, but don’t be fooled. Despite its miniature size, many drone reviews praise this nano drone for its features and tricks.

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We present our own Estes Proto-X review to see if this little thing can really stand up to meet big challenges.

Estes Proto-X Specifications

There are not a lot of great features we can expect from the Proto-X per se—it can only pack so much, after all. Its performance and functions, however, are impressive enough for its size and is worth a second look, especially if you’re planning to buy a drone more as a toy rather than one for aerial photo/videography.

What’s in the Box

The complete kit for the original Proto-X Nano Quadcopter comes with the unit itself, along with a 2.4 GHz radio transmitter, a built-in battery, a USB charge cord, 4 spare rotor blades, and instruction manual.

The Proto-X Secure Link Technology (SLT) unit comes with the same gears and accessories, but with a battery that features discharge protection. The Proto-X First-Person View (FPV), meanwhile, comes with the same products with the addition of an HD camera-equipped quadcopter, a 2,6GHz controller with video screen, a memory card and memory card reader, a sunshield, a blade removal tool, and a 650mAh 1S LiPo battery.

The Proto-X is available in six colors — black, white, red, yellow, green and purple.

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Battery

Being a small unit, the original Proto-X can only fit a small battery unit, which means there’s not much to be excited about when it comes to flight time. Average flight time is pegged at 4-5 minutes, depending on flight conditions. Charge time takes 50 minutes or less.

The succeeding models (SLT and FPV), however, took it up a notch with an improved battery and charging, although the latest model (the FPV) still fails to be in flight for more than 15 minutes. Also, the package does not come with batteries for the transmitter.

Build

While not indestructible as the Dromida Ominus, the Proto-X is impressively durable for its size. It has a plastic body with window and trim detail. Many quadcopter reviews have tried crashing this unit, but it still was able to fly unscathed.

Based on several Estes Proto-X reviews, it can handle crashes into walls at full speed, a drop from the ceiling to the floor, and even collisions with the leg of a chair—all without a scratch. The worst damage one user had was the popping of a rotor blade during a crash, but that was easily re-attached.

The unit comes with LED light in the front and back of the heli, which helps with low light flying.

Camera

The Proto-X is essentially a simple drone. It does not come with a camera and has no support for one. It’s ideal for users who just want to play around and fly their own little drone. This, we think, is the essence of the model—it’s just for pure, simple fun.

The Proto-X SLT does not come with a camera. It has, however, a Secure Link Technology  that makes flying so easy that even beginners can master only after a few tries.

The only unit with a cam is the Proto-X FPV, which comes equipped with a 1280 x 720P camera. This can shoot HD videos with a 73-meter range (240 feet). The image/video feed is viewable in real time via the transmitter’s 114mm (4.5”) screen.

Navigation

Despite its incredibly small size—it’s smaller than the palm of an average person—the original RTF quadcopter from Estes is quite the joy to fly. It’s ideal for indoor flying—its small build might not stand a chance with wind gusts. The closest comparison we can make is like flying a bug: it can be a good or bad thing, depending on your skill level.

It comes with a 2.4GHz radio transmitter that allows for interference-free flight. What’s great with the controller is that it allows for easy flying of multiple Proto-X helis at once. The controller also keeps things very basic; it has a simple setup of two analog sticks and a few trim control buttons.

The unit is surprisingly nimble and quick midair, and has accelerometers that support auto leveling. The LED lights also do a great job in making orientation easy. Mastering flight comes with a bit of a learning curve, though, but most (if not all) pilots will surely get the hang of it.

The Verdict

Apart from its bug-like size, the Proto X does not come with a lot of standout qualities. It doesn’t have a camera, it can’t do fancy tricks, and it’s not designed for customization or reprogramming. If you’re looking for RTF quadcopters packed with features, this is not the unit for you.

That being said, it fits the bill properly if you are looking for a tiny quad that’s fun to fly. The Estes Proto-X is simply that: it’s made for fun. It’s a bare bones quad that comes with just the basic features to get in the air, but that’s all you’ll need it for.

It may not have a laundry list of features under its belt, but this unit is definitely big fun wrapped in a small package. Being the smallest quadcopter we've ever reviewed, we can definitely say this one’s worth the price despite its size. Our Estes Proto-X review gives this little bugger a thumbs-up.