Ruko F11 Gim2 Review

Ruko F11 Gim2 Review

The Ruko F11 Gim2 is a nice drone with a robust design, enhanced by its foldable construction for easy portability. However, its slightly bulkier frame, primarily due to the large battery, might not resonate with everyone in terms of aesthetics. One of its standout features is the 4K HD camera, stabilised by a 2-axis gimbal and EIS, ensuring smooth and clear footage. In terms of flight performance, the Ruko F11 Gim2 is reliable across various conditions, even holding its ground in moderate winds. It offers multiple speed settings and delivers a crisp 720p live video stream. A significant highlight is its impressive video transmission range, reaching up to 3km. While the drone claims a flight time of 28 minutes, practical experiences suggest a slightly shorter duration of around 25-26 minutes. In summary, the Ruko F11 Gim2 presents a balanced mix of strengths and areas for improvement, making it a worthy consideration for drone enthusiasts. Still, there are cheaper and better options, as you shall see in the Ruko F11 Gim2 full review below.

Key Features

• HD camera has wide-angle FOV and captures 4K videos and images. The camera is stabilised by a 2-axis gimbal and EIS.
• Intelligent Flight Modes: Includes features like Image Track, Follow Me, Waypoint, and Orbit.
• Gesture Control: Capture images and videos with hand gesture
• Return to Home Function: Automatically returns the drone to its starting point during low battery or lost connection.
• Multiple Speed Settings: Allows pilots to adjust flight speed based on skill level and conditions.
• Extended Transmission Range: Offers a video transmission distance of up to 3km.
• Battery Life: Approximately 25-26 minutes of flight time.
• Level 6 Wind Resistance: Designed to perform reliably even in moderately windy conditions.

Welcome to this review of the Ruko F11 Gim2 Drone, the latest entrant in Ruko’s lineup that has already garnered attention in the drone community. For those familiar with the brand, Ruko (distinct from Roku TV) has consistently offered a variety of drones catering to both novices and hobbyists, striking a balance between fun and functionality.

Having previously delved into the features and performance of the U11 and original F11 Gim, I’ve witnessed Ruko’s evolution in the drone market.

Each model brought its own appeal, catering to different needs and budgets. The Ruko F11 Gm2 is their most advanced drone to date. Priced slightly above its predecessor at just over $400, it comes with the same features as first F11 Gim drone, however, it has a superior transmission range.

Is it worth the extra bucks? Especially when there are other contenders in the same price bracket? Stick around as we unpack the details of the Ruko F11 Gim2 and see how it stacks up against its competition.

Ruko F11 Gim2 Review

The Ruko F11 Gim2 is more or less the same drone as the F11 Gim, with some slight physical differences. As a foldable drone, it’s compact and travel-friendly, something many drone enthusiasts prefer. However, I’m not too fond of its overall look, mainly because it has a bulky frame which is attributed to its large battery.

While design preferences are subjective, the practicality of the Ruko F11 Gim2 is undeniable. Its foldable structure makes it easy to store and transport. Plus, the inclusion of a lunch box-style carry case further enhances its portability, eliminating the need for additional storage space.

I initially thought that the drone might have come with an upgraded 3-axis gimbal, but the Ruko F11 Gim2 retains the 2-axis gimbal that is found on its predecessor.

This was a disappointment as I don’t think the transmission range, which is the only major upgrade, justifies the additional $50-$70 you will have to pay.

With a weight slightly below 600g, it’s essential to note that FAA registration is mandatory for this drone.

The drone’s brushless motors are a great feature, ensuring stability during flight and precise hovering. This stability is crucial for capturing high-quality imagery. Not only are brushless motors more efficient than brushed ones, but they also demand less maintenance, making them a preferred choice for longevity.

Battery management is straightforward with the Ruko F11 Gim2. Located at the top, the battery is easy to insert and remove. Its four blue LED indicators provide a clear view of the power status, though a full charge might require a few hours.

A notable omission is the lack of optical flow sensors, rendering indoor flights inadvisable. This might be a drawback for indoor drone enthusiasts. The controller remains consistent with the original F11 Gim model. It features fold-out handles, a smartphone mount, and an LCD screen that showcases vital flight data. Controls for take-off, landing, camera, and gimbal are conveniently placed.

Overall, the look and feel of the Gim2 feel like the original drone, so if you were a fan of the first version, you will not be disappointed with this one, or you might be if you wanted a more aerodynamic drone.

Ruko F11 Gim2 Camera

The standout feature of this drone is undeniably its HD camera, which can record videos in 4K. For a drone from a lesser-known brand, the quality is commendable. Videos are captured at 4K resolution at 30fps, and with the assistance of its 2-axis gimbal combined with electronic image stabilisation, the footage is smooth with minimal distortion. Still, images are snapped in 4K JPEG format.

It’s essential to highlight that 4K video recording requires a micro SD card. Without one, the recording capability is limited to 1080p on your smartphone.

The camera also has 5x zoom; this feature is more of a gimmick; it’s not really useful, as the images get grainer the more you zoom in.

The camera specifications mirror those of the original F11 Gim drone. While the camera is good, it’s worth noting that there are other drones in the market, such as the DJI Mini 2, Mini 2 SE, and Potensic Atom SE, which offer superior camera features for a similar or slightly higher price range. While the drone’s camera is decent for casual use, those seeking more professional-grade footage might consider these alternatives. Having said that, the overall video quality is very good, as you can see from the video below.

Ruko F11 Gim2 Intelligent Features

Like the other advanced drones in the Ruko range, the Ruko F11 Gim2 is equipped with intelligent GPS-assisted flight modes. These intelligent modes include Follow Me, which enables the drone to autonomously track and follow the user; Waypoint, allowing for pre-set flight paths; and Surround, where the drone circles a specific point of interest.

The Ruko F11 Gim2 also has an advanced feature known as image follow. For those familiar with the Spotlight feature on many DJI drones, the principle here is quite similar. Through the app, simply draw a box around a moving subject, and the camera will track it, all while the drone remains stationary.

The drone has a nifty function called gesture control, allowing you to capture images and videos through hand gestures.

It also comes with a “Return to Home” function. This feature is automatically triggered if the drone loses its connection with the controller or detects a low battery level, ensuring its safe and prompt return.

Ruko F11 Gim2 Flight Performance

The Ruko F11 Gim2 performs as expected, even in moderately windy conditions, thanks to its robust design and level 6 wind resistance. However, for those new to the drone world, avoiding flying in windy scenarios is advisable. While most of its features deliver as promised, there can be occasional inconsistencies with the intelligent flight modes, often attributed to a weak GPS signal.

The drone offers multiple speed settings, allowing pilots to challenge and hone their flying capabilities. Its First-Person View (FPV) streams at a clear 720p resolution. Given favourable weather and minimal obstructions, the live video feed quality is impressive. A significant enhancement is the video transmission range, which now extends to approximately 3km.

While the manufacturer claims a flight time of 28 minutes, practical tests indicate a more realistic duration of around 25-26 minutes. This duration is still quite satisfactory, especially considering the inclusion of an extra battery in the package. This thoughtful addition ensures enthusiasts can quickly resume their flying sessions without the downtime of recharging.

Many people wonder how the camera performs on smaller brand drones; I’m happy to say that the video and image quality of the Ruko F11 Gim2 is impressive. It won’t win you any prizes, but as you can see from the video below, it is high-quality.

Alternatives

This is a very good drone, and I am impressed by its features and performance. However, it is quite expensive.

There are cheaper and much better alternatives at a similar price range as the Ruko F11 Gim2, even the first F11 Gim would be a better and more affordable alternative.

If you are looking to spend around $400 for a drone, you should consider alternatives like the following 3 drones:

1. DJI Mini 2
2. DJI Mini 2 SE
3. Potensic Atom SE

These are much better alternatives, and only the DJI Mini 2 costs more than the Ruko F11 Gim2. However, it does come with a superior camera, flight time and range.

The Potensic Atom SE is one of the best and cheapest drones with a 4K camera, and the Mini 2 SE is one of the best Mini drones on the market.

You don’t have to register any of these drones with the FAA unless you plan on using them for commercial purposes.

Final Thoughts

Wrapping things up, the Ruko F11 Gim2 is a solid choice for those diving into the drone world. Whether you’re a newbie or have some flights under your belt, it’s got some cool features to play around with. That said, while it’s got its perks, there are also other options out there. Some alternatives, like the DJI Mini 2, Mini 2 SE, and Potensic AtomSE, offer better specs and might even be easier on the wallet. So, while the Ruko F11 Gim2 is a decent pick, it’s always a good idea to shop around and see what fits best for your needs and budget. Happy flying!