Do you use a 2nd cheaper drone?

It's a good idea if you want to practice flying drones in general. But, it's not a great idea if you want to learn how to fly a Mavic 2 Pro. You'll likely learn that best by actually flying your Mavic 2 Pro.

Why not practice in a wide open area where it would be impossible to crash into anything but the ground?

i have a mini 1 that i used for others to fly. then also for hiking and such since its a lot smaller and lighter. then the pro 2 gets used when i want the good shots

I learned and made most of my mistakes on the DJI Spark. Crashed it a few times and definitely got through the learning curve with it. I like the Mode 3 control commands and I had to figure that out on the Spark. I much prefer the Mavic 2 over the spark and rarely fly it any more. I think learning on less expensive drones is a good way to help decide if one wants to continue in the hobby. The Spark is my son's but he no longer has an interest in flying them any more.

Nice thing about the mavic 2 pro and zoom is beginner mode it only let's you go so far and so high untill your comfortable then you can turn it off.

I'm a 1 drone man...and I can't believe I've spent as much as I have already!

By serendipity, yes.

I was happy with the Mini until it crashed and could not be recovered. Wrote it off and got an MA2.

Then, I was informed that the Mini was fully covered by warranty and will be replaced by a brand new one.

Thus, I will end up with 2 and I plan to keep both ?

Mini 2.
It's cheaper, so light it's pretty hard to damage, has the advantage of working mostly like your M2, and... is actually more than good enough to make production level shots and serve as a backup.

The only risk is that you might end up leaving the M2 on a shelf becasue the Mini 2 is more convenient to carry around and good enough

I also recently acquired the Mini 2, after having the Original Mavic Pro and then the M2Z (both which are still with me).

I find that having a cheaper drone that is really quick to launch and which can get the job done is a big advantage in terms of risk of a mishap.

Of course, I love the M2Z and with the added protection of sensors to protect it, but the Mini 2 is so capable that it's my "go to" drone for regular use.

Another advantage in my area (I'm in controlled "class C" airspace) is that when flying in my home area, I don't have to get permission to fly the Mini 2 whereas with the M2Z, I require an authorization through NavCanada.

Just don't consider any drone expendable and you will be far ahead. Refresh helps the wallet but does little to improve skill.

hiflyer201 said:

Just don't consider any drone expendable and you will be far ahead. Refresh helps the wallet but does little to improve skill.

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My first drone:

The contols work the same as my DJI drones so had lots of practice learning the controls before I bought my Spark. Got used to the Spark outdoors, slowly venturing farther and farther out while learning the camera and other features she had. Eventually, wanted more and moved up to my Zoom. Still have them all and still fly them all....yes the 1st one can scratch a flying itch indoors when the weather sux. Baby steps.

You can get a MM used for $300-350 now and they fly very well. I like the idea of learning on a cheaper drone. Human nature dictates that mistakes will be made. ?

Eagle430 said:

I recently bought a mavic 2 pro , not a cheap drone but well worth the money

I wanted to ask if it's a good idea to buy a cheap drone (no matter if it has camera or not) just to be a gps drone in order to practice with it and improve my flying skills. In case something goes wrong It wil be a cheap drone and not my mavic 2 pro. Sort of flying it often for practise and to keep my mavic 2 pro to use it for trips / cinematic shots etc. In this way i also minimize wear on my mavic 2 pro and batteries. I don;t know if its a good idea just wanted your opinions as I am new here

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Absolutely yes, great idea. Something with similar behaviour, i.e. second hand Mavic Mini or whatever in between. Not as powerful or rigid as M2P, but good enough for polishing your piloting skills. Practice in wide open field and calm weather, perhaps even with obstacle avoidance system OFF, until you get that confidence and feel. Good luck!

I am a newbie with drones. I have flown 19 hours, 61 miles with 146 flights. I did have one crash. I was racing down the street to see how fast I could go. I thought I was higher off the ground when it went behind a tree and hit another tree at 40 mph. My Mavic 2 Pro crashed to the ground, upside down with the battery laying next to it. The only damage I had was one of the props was damaged. I was lucky.
If you take it easy I think it’s better to learn on the one you’re going to fly. Regardless, for me being extra careful while learning worked for me. Happy and successful droning to you!

I have two MP's but have been looking at the MM2, so far everyone is giving great reviews. Love how small it is, not as visible as the bigger drone, Not attracting as much attention, when flying.

The M2 is fairly resistant to damage after a crash. Similar to WV66, I crashed my M2Z when it hit wires going from a pole to park restroom building, fell about 10 ft onto concrete sidewalk. Battery popped out, couple damaged props, cosmetic scratches on body and battery. All was well after prop replacement.

Eagle430 said:

I recently bought a mavic 2 pro , not a cheap drone but well worth the money

I wanted to ask if it's a good idea to buy a cheap drone (no matter if it has camera or not) just to be a gps drone in order to practice with it and improve my flying skills. In case something goes wrong It wil be a cheap drone and not my mavic 2 pro. Sort of flying it often for practise and to keep my mavic 2 pro to use it for trips / cinematic shots etc. In this way i also minimize wear on my mavic 2 pro and batteries. I don;t know if its a good idea just wanted your opinions as I am new here

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As a Part 107 pilot I use a Mavic 2 Pro with Smart Controller for professional quality images and video. For play and training others, Tello is a small highly durable drone with propeller guards. It records photos and videos though the quality is at best medium.

Until recently been using it with an Android phone. The drawback for training purposes is it uses the one screen virtual joysticks which are more sensitive than one would like to train someone.

Starting last week I decided to get the Tello to work with the Smart Controller. It can be done but will take some fortitude and trial and error. CLICK HERE to see the thread on this forum of the experience and the steps.

Thats how shelf queens are made. Just go out and fly it If you really want another drone to practice with you will open up another rabbit hole to throw money at. A lot of people seem to get into this hobby and baby their gear not getting what they actually paid for. You paid for all the bells and whistles so use them! Drones aren't cheap and I'm not going to sugar coat it, and they dont get cheaper the longer you stay in the hobby. One drone? LOL
The only way you will be better is practice. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!!! Since you are practicing with your M2P you will be better with THAT drone. You dont buy a family van to practice driving a race car LOL. Anyway just my two cents Now go get out and fly!

zzxrox said:

You dont buy a family van to practice driving a race car LOL. Anyway just my two cents Now go get out and fly!

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The Tello is mostly for training novices in basic pilot controls (Ascend/Descend, Yaw Left/Right, Pitch Forward/Backward and Roll Left/Right). Okay, I admit, on inclement days I'll fly the Tello around the house.

Marty Markoe said:

The Tello is mostly for training novices in basic pilot controls (Ascend/Descend, Yaw Left/Right, Pitch Forward/Backward and Roll Left/Right). Okay, I admit, on inclement days I'll fly the Tello around the house.

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When I started flying I got a MA. I was looking at Tellos for the programing side of it. Then things went haywire and I build and fly FPV now. The plus side is I can fix anything I break.
You can get any toy drone and learn Mode 2 flying. It will give you the basics. With DJI you really dont have to worry about muscle memory but any "stick time" is good time. Crashing or not you should be learning something about yourself or your craft every time you go out.
For those of you that want to fly in the house I would seriously look into a Tiny Whoop. Super fun and safe in the house Great for cold or rainy days. It will change your life I promise LOL.