Getting into FPV flying is a wild ride — thrilling, frustrating, addictive, and yes, sometimes expensive. I learned this the hard way with my DJI Neo. But thanks to DJI Care Refresh, my wallet didn’t suffer nearly as much as it could have.
Here’s my real story, complete with numbers, gear upgrades, crashes, and why I believe it was all worth it.
✈️ September 2024 – The Beginning of the Journey
My FPV journey didn’t start in the air — it started with a plan to travel light.
On September 6, 2024, I ordered and received my first DJI Neo (€200), just before Hiromi and I left for Switzerland. At the time, I didn’t even plan to fly full FPV. I had no controller, no goggles — just a small drone to capture the Alps.
💦 The Lake Davos Incident
During our trip, while flying near the stunning Lake Davos, my DJI Neo unexpectedly decided to take a swim. Gone forever. No FPV flying had even begun — just a tough, watery lesson.
🎮 From Casual Drone to Full FPV
Once back in Japan in October, I made the full leap into FPV flying.
To prepare, I had already ordered the FPV Controller 3 on September 12 (€110) to train using LiftOff — a great simulator I grabbed for €15.
Later, I added:
- The DJI Goggles 3, received on November 5 (€455)
- A second DJI Neo (€200)
- And this time, I included DJI Care Refresh (2-year plan) for just €48
That marked the true beginning of my daily FPV training and field practice.
💥 Crash, Repair, Repeat
Since November, I’ve sent my DJI Neo to DJI’s Repair Center four times, each time paying:
- ¥3,300 (€20.60) via DJI Care Refresh Total so far: ¥13,200 (€82.40)
I also had to register the drone twice with UA DIPS (once after a replacement):
- Total: ¥1,800 (€11.25)
As of writing this, my Neo is in the mail for a fifth repair, which will likely cost the same: €20.60.
🚀 Leveling Up: Enter the Avata 2
As my skills improved, I wanted more freedom and longer flights. So on February 6, 2025, I purchased the DJI Avata 2 for €455, along with a 2-year DJI Care Refresh plan for ¥15,070 (~€94).
To keep both drones in the air longer, I invested in:
| Item | Qty | Price Each | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Neo Batteries | 2 | €43 | €86 |
| DJI Avata 2 Batteries | 2 | €103 | €206 |
| Charging Hub (Neo) | 1 | €34 | €34 |
| Charging Hub (Avata 2) | 1 | €48 | €48 |
🧳 Beyond the Numbers
And that’s not even counting the ND filters, travel storage boxes, and other accessories I’ve added over time — all to make this hobby more functional and enjoyable.
Some might say this hobby is costly — and sure, it can be.
But here’s the truth:
🛡️ With DJI Care Refresh, I’ve been able to fly hard, learn fast, crash often, and keep going — without the fear of costly replacements.
📊 DJI Neo Costs: With vs. Without DJI Care Refresh
✅ With DJI Care Refresh:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1st DJI Neo (lost) | €200 |
| 2nd DJI Neo | €200 |
| DJI Care Refresh (Neo) | €48 |
| UA DIPS (x2) | €11.25 |
| Repairs (4x) | €82.40 |
| 5th Repair (estimate) | €20.60 |
Total: €562.25
❌ Without DJI Care Refresh:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1st DJI Neo (lost) | €200 |
| 2nd to 6th DJI Neo (5 replacements) | €1,000 |
| UA DIPS (x6) | €33.75 |
Total: €1,233.75
💰 Savings with DJI Care Refresh (so far): €671.50
🎬 Final Thoughts
Flying FPV is humbling. You crash. You improve. You get better with every pack you fly.
And having DJI Care Refresh made it all possible without the fear of wrecking hundreds of euros with every mistake. It’s not just an add-on — it’s been my safety net and silent enabler.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely.
Would I do it all again?
In a heartbeat.
Experiences - Life - Inspiration 🇨🇭🇯🇵 
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