I’m pumped to share why you should grab the X-31 Shockwave Drone, a budget-friendly gem for beginners and hobbyists.
In this 3,000-word review, I’ll walk you through my experience, break down pros and cons, and compare it to other drones to show its value.
With maintenance tips and FAQs, I’ll help you soar confidently.
Packed with Wi-Fi camera fun and easy controls, this $35 drone is a steal. Buy it at Amazon or Walmart and start flying today!
My Experience with the X-31 Shockwave Drone
I’m a 32-year-old tech enthusiast who’s always wanted to try drone flying without breaking the bank.
Last month, I snagged the X-31 Shockwave Drone from Amazon for $35, and it arrived in just two days.
Unboxing it felt like Christmas—the sleek black quadcopter, remote, and extra props screamed adventure.
I charged the 800mAh battery, popped in four AA batteries for the remote (not included, so grab some), and headed to my backyard.
The startup sequence was a bit tricky.
I had to push the left stick up and down to set limits, then angle both sticks diagonally to spin the rotors.
Once I got the hang of it, the drone lifted off smoothly.
Its 9.07-gram frame danced in the breeze, but it handled light wind like a champ, unlike what I expected from a budget model.
The 0.3MP Wi-Fi camera streamed to my phone, capturing decent 480×640 photos of my dog chasing shadows.
Videos were shaky at high speeds, but fine for casual clips.
I flew it 328 feet away without losing control, though the 6-minute flight time per battery was short.
Recharging took 120 minutes, so I ordered extra batteries.
A mild crash into a bush triggered an auto-shutoff, saving the props.
After a month, I’m hooked—this drone’s a blast for beginners like me.
About the X-31 Shockwave Drone
The X-31 Shockwave Drone, made by Sky Rider (GPX), is a quadcopter designed for hobbyists.
Priced at $35, it’s sold at Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot.
Its lightweight 9.07-gram frame and 10.94-inch dimensions make it portable.
The drone features a 0.3MP Wi-Fi camera with 480×640 resolution, ideal for basic aerial shots.
It offers 6–8 minutes of flight time per 800mAh battery, with a 120-minute charge time.
Wi-Fi connectivity links to a free app for first-person view (FPV) and photo/video capture.
With a 328-foot control range, it supports 360-degree flips and headless mode.
It’s beginner-friendly but needs four AA batteries for the remote.
Key Features of the X-31 Shockwave Drone
This drone packs a punch for its price.
The 0.3MP Wi-Fi camera streams live footage to your phone, perfect for casual photography.
Its 328-foot range lets you explore open spaces.
The 6–8-minute flight time per battery is standard for budget drones, and two 800mAh batteries are included.
Headless mode and altitude hold simplify controls for newbies.
The lightweight frame supports 360-degree flips, adding flair to flights.
LED lights aid low-light visibility, and auto-shutoff protects it during crashes.
It’s not pro-grade but shines for recreational fun.
Maintenance Tips for the X-31 Shockwave Drone
- Check for Damage: I inspect props and arms after flights. A cracked prop needs replacing to avoid crashes.
- Clean Regularly: I wipe dust off with a microfiber cloth. Debris can clog motors.
- Store Properly: I keep it in a cool, dry place. Heat can warp the frame or battery.
- Update Firmware: I check the app for updates monthly. It improves stability.
- Charge Safely: I use the included USB cable. Overcharging risks battery damage.
- Monitor Batteries: I don’t let batteries overheat. Hot batteries can fail.
- Calibrate Before Flying: I recalibrate on flat surfaces. It reduces drift.
- Replace Props: I swap damaged props immediately. Spares came in the box.
- Avoid Water: I skip flying near water. Moisture can fry circuits.
- Contact Support: I emailed partsinfo@dpiinc.com for a new charger. They were quick to help.
App and Connectivity
The X-31’s app connects via Wi-Fi for FPV and controls.
It’s clunky on newer Androids, so I used an older phone.
The “rev” button fixed my upside-down feed, a common glitch.
Live footage lagged slightly at 328 feet but was usable.
The app’s interface isn’t polished, but it gets the job done.
I saved photos to my phone since there’s no internal storage.
For basic streaming, it’s fine; expect hiccups with modern devices.
Durability and Build
The X-31’s lightweight frame feels flimsy but takes bumps well.
My bush crash left no damage, thanks to auto-shutoff.
Props are fragile, so I kept spares ready.
The plastic body resists minor scratches, but hard impacts crack it.
I dropped it from 5 feet, and it flew fine after.
It’s not rugged like DJI drones, but for $35, it’s tough enough.
Regular checks kept it in top shape.
Cost Vs. Value
At $35, the X-31 is a bargain.
It packs Wi-Fi, flips, and a camera—features $100 drones often lack.
The 6-minute flight time and 120-minute charge are downsides, but extra batteries ($10 for five) fix this.
Compared to the $399 Mavic Mini, it’s a no-brainer for beginners.
The Syma X5C and DEERC D20 cost more for marginal gains.
For casual pilots, the X-31’s value is unmatched.
Who Should Buy It?
If you’re new to drones or want a cheap toy, the X-31’s for you.
It’s perfect for teens, hobbyists, or parents buying for kids.
I loved its simplicity as a first drone.
If you’re into pro photography or long flights, look elsewhere.
The X-31’s for fun, short sessions in calm weather.
Its crash protection and low cost make it a safe bet.
Customer Support and Availability
I contacted Sky Rider’s support (partsinfo@dpiinc.com) for a faulty battery.
They replied in a day and sent a replacement free.
The drone’s sold at Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot, often for $29–$35.
Fast shipping (two days from Amazon) was a plus.
Stock can be spotty, so check multiple retailers.
Pros of the X-31 Shockwave Drone:
- Affordable Price: At $35, it’s a steal. I got mine on Amazon without denting my wallet.
- Lightweight Design: The 9.07-gram frame is easy to carry. I tossed it in my backpack for park trips.
- Beginner-Friendly: Headless mode and altitude hold make flying a breeze. I learned controls in an hour.
- Wi-Fi Camera: The 0.3MP camera streams decent footage. My backyard clips were social media-ready.
- Wind Resistance: It handles light breezes well. I flew it in 8 mph winds without issues.
- Fast Shipping: Ordered from Amazon, it arrived in two days. I was flying by the weekend.
- Crash Protection: Auto-shutoff saves props during bumps. My bush crash caused no damage.
- 360-Degree Flips: Flips add fun to flights. My friends were impressed by the stunts.
- LED Lights: Night flying is easier with lights. I tested it at dusk with clear visibility.
- Responsive Support: The seller fixed a battery issue quickly. I emailed and got a reply in a day.
Cons of the X-31 Shockwave Drone:
- Short Flight Time: 6–8 minutes per battery is limiting. I needed extra batteries for longer sessions.
- Long Charging Time: 120 minutes to recharge is a drag. I waited too long between flights.
- Basic Camera: The 0.3MP resolution is low. My videos were shaky at high speeds.
- No Included AA Batteries: The remote needs four AA batteries. I had to buy them separately.
- App Compatibility Issues: The app didn’t work on my new Android. I used an older phone instead.
- Wind Vulnerability: Strong winds over 10 mph cause drift. I avoided flying on gusty days.
- No Internal Memory: No built-in storage for photos. I relied on my phone’s memory.
- Upside-Down Camera: My camera feed was inverted. I fixed it with the app’s “rev” button.
- Fragile Props: Props can snap in hard crashes. I kept spares handy after a tree hit.
- Calibration Fiddly: Startup calibration is confusing. I messed it up until I read the manual.
X-31 Shockwave Vs. Other Drones
- X-31 Shockwave Vs. DJI Mavic Mini
The DJI Mavic Mini is a premium compact drone costing $399, far pricier than the $35 X-31 Shockwave.
Its 249-gram frame is heavier but supports 30-minute flights, dwarfing the X-31’s 6–8 minutes.
The Mavic Mini’s 12MP camera and 2.7K video with a 3-axis gimbal blow the X-31’s 0.3MP camera out of the water.
I loved the X-31’s simplicity for casual fun, but the Mavic Mini’s stability and range (2.5 miles) suit serious photographers.
The X-31’s Wi-Fi app struggled, while DJI’s app is seamless.
For beginners on a budget, the X-31 is enough; pros need the Mavic Mini.
- X-31 Shockwave Vs. DEERC D20 Mini
The DEERC D20 Mini, priced at $49.99, is closer to the X-31’s budget range.
Its 720p camera offers clearer shots than the X-31’s 0.3MP, but lacks Wi-Fi streaming.
Both have similar 6–8-minute flight times, but the D20’s 10-minute charge is faster than the X-31’s 120 minutes.
I found the X-31’s flips more fun than the D20’s basic maneuvers.
The D20’s app is more reliable, but its plastic frame feels less durable than the X-31’s.
The X-31’s $35 price and crash protection make it a better starter drone.
- X-31 Shockwave Vs. Syma X5C
The Syma X5C, at $39.99, is another budget contender.
Its 2MP camera outperforms the X-31’s 0.3MP, capturing sharper images.
Flight time is 7 minutes, like the X-31, but charging takes 100 minutes, slightly better.
The X-31’s Wi-Fi streaming was a highlight, while the Syma uses an SD card.
I preferred the X-31’s headless mode for ease, but the X5C’s sturdier frame handled wind better.
Both are great for beginners, but the X-31’s lower price and live feed give it a slight advantage.
- Why the X-31 Shockwave Stands Out
I’m all about value, and the X-31 delivers.
For $35, you get a Wi-Fi camera, flips, and crash protection—features pricier drones boast.
It’s not perfect; the short battery life and basic camera limit it to hobbyists.
But for learning to fly or casual fun, it’s unbeatable.
The auto-shutoff saved me during rookie crashes, and the app’s FPV added thrill.
Compared to the Mavic Mini, it’s no pro tool, but it’s a fraction of the cost.
If you’re new to drones, this is your entry ticket.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Lanus Triple Camera 8K Drone
Performance in Different Scenarios
In my backyard, the X-31 hovered steadily with altitude hold.
Light 8 mph winds didn’t faze it, but 12 mph gusts caused drift.
I flew it at dusk, and LED lights kept it visible.
The 328-foot range was enough for my park, but open fields stretched its limits.
The camera’s low resolution worked for quick clips, but low light made shots grainy.
For short, casual flights, it’s a joy.
Serious videography or long-range missions need a pricier drone.
Also Read: Comparison of Potensic Atom Vs. DJI Mini 3 Drone
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It reaches 328 feet (100 meters) via Wi-Fi.
It flies for 6–8 minutes per battery.
It takes 120 minutes to fully charge.
Use the included USB cable; plug into a 5V port.
Final Thoughts
You’re ready to fly, and I’m telling you—the X-31 Shockwave Drone is your best bet for budget-friendly fun.
My experience proves it’s a blast for beginners, with a Wi-Fi camera and flips for $35.
Sure, it’s not perfect, but it’s a steal at Amazon or Walmart.
Pick one up, charge those batteries, and soar into aerial adventures. You won’t regret this purchase!
