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In this review, we are looking at two crossbows that honestly shouldn’t really be compared, but that’s exactly why this comparison is interesting. On one end, we have the Steambow M10, a compact, magazine-fed, fast-shooting crossbow built for fun, training, and high repetition shooting. On the other, the CenterPoint AT400, a full-size, high-powered compound crossbow designed for serious hunting applications.

Aside from both launching bolts/arrows, these two platforms sit at completely opposite ends of the spectrum. The goal here is not to declare a winner, but to help you decide which one actually fits your use case, or if you might want both.

Key Differences Overview:

Steambow M10

The Steambow M10 is a compact repeating crossbow designed more for fun, training, and high-volume shooting. It uses a magazine-fed system that can hold 10 bolts, allowing for very fast follow-up shots. Depending on the limb setup, it can reach speeds of up to around 200 FPS and produce approximately 10 to 15 foot-pounds of energy. Its lighter draw weight options and easy cocking system make it beginner-friendly and much less physically demanding to use. Overall, the M10 is best suited for target shooting, casual use, and potentially small game with the right setup.

CenterPoint AT400

The CenterPoint AT400 is a full-size compound hunting crossbow built for serious power and hunting use. Unlike the M10, it is a single-shot platform that focuses on accuracy, penetration, and range rather than fast repeat shooting. It sends arrows downrange at about 400 FPS and delivers close to 150 foot-pounds of energy, putting it in an entirely different class. With its roughly 200-pound draw weight, it requires much more effort to cock and reload, usually with a rope or crank system. This makes it better suited for medium to large game hunting, where power and shot placement matter far more than speed.

Side-by-Side Summary

If you want something lightweight, compact, fast, and easy to shoot often, the Steambow M10 is the better fit. If your main goal is hunting and you need maximum power, longer range, and serious downrange performance, then the CenterPoint AT400 is clearly the more appropriate choice. Even though both are crossbows, they are built for very different types of users and very different shooting experiences.

Power & Performance

The biggest separation between these two comes down to raw power.

• The Steambow M10 delivers up to about 10–15 foot-pounds of energy, depending on limb configuration and bolt weight. It’s comparable to higher-end airguns or paintball-level power.

• The CenterPoint AT400, by contrast, produces close to 150 foot-pounds of energy and launches arrows at around 400 FPS.

That’s not a small difference, it’s an entirely different category.

Real-world comparison:

• M10 = backyard shooting, small game potential

• AT400 = deer, and potentially even elk with proper shot placement

This is essentially the difference between a BB gun vs a hunting rifle in terms of role and impact.

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Shooting Experience:

Steambow M10

• Magazine-fed (10 bolts)

• Extremely fast follow-up shots

• Break-action style cocking (very quick)

• Great for drills, repetition, and skill building

• Minimal effort required

You can realistically fire 10 shots in about 10 seconds, making it a very engaging and fun platform.

CenterPoint AT400

• Single-shot system

• Requires rope cocking or crank system

• Significant physical effort (200 lb draw)

• Slow reload (often 30–60+ seconds)

This is a deliberate shooting experience, not something designed for volume or speed.

Use Case Breakdown:

Steambow M10 – Best For…

• Backyard shooting (with proper backstop)

• Target practice

• Tactical-style drills

• High repetition training

• Casual and frequent use

• Lower-cost shooting (especially with rubber ball version)

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You can even use:

• Rubber balls (low cost, reusable)

• Lightweight bolts

• Indoor-friendly setups (with proper safety)

CenterPoint AT400 – Best For…

• Hunting (deer and potentially larger game)

• Long-range accuracy

• Maximum penetration and power

• Purpose-driven shooting

This is not a casual-use product, you typically bring it out when it matters.

Ease of Use & Physical Demand:

Steambow M10

• Very easy to cock (even at lower draw weights)

• Beginner-friendly

• Lightweight (~compact platform)

• Minimal fatigue

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CenterPoint AT400

• High effort required

• Needs cocking tools (rope or crank)

• Physically demanding

• Slower workflow between shots

Key takeaway:
Anyone can pick up and use the M10 easily. The AT400 requires more commitment, strength, and practice.

Size & Portability

Steambow M10

• Compact and lightweight

• Can be partially disassembled easily

• Backpack-friendly

• Ideal for mobile use

CenterPoint AT40

• Large, fixed structure

• Not easily transportable without a case

• Designed for field carry, not casual portability

Ammo & Cost of Ownership:

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Steambow M10

• Bolts are smaller and cheaper

• Rubber ball version = extremely low cost

• Less wear and tear overall

• High reusability

CenterPoint AT40

• Arrows are larger and more expensive

• More prone to damage/loss at high speeds

• Requires maintenance and replacement over time

Value Consideration:

Interestingly, both fall into a similar price range (~$400–$500), but value depends on usage frequency:

• M10 → Likely used often → Higher practical value

• AT400 → Used less frequently unless hunting regularly

If something sits unused, its value drops regardless of price.

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Who Should Buy Each?

Choose the Steambow M10 if you…

• Want fun, fast shooting

• Plan to shoot frequently

• Prefer low effort and ease of use

• Don’t need high power

• Enjoy tactical or training-style shooting

Choose the CenterPoint AT400 if you…

• Are hunting (especially deer or larger game)

• Need high power and penetration

• Value accuracy and range

• Don’t mind slower reload times

• Are comfortable with physical effort

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Final Thoughts

These two crossbows are not competitors—they are tools for completely different jobs.

• The Steambow M10 is about frequency, fun, and versatility

• The CenterPoint AT400 is about power, precision, and purpose

If anything, this comparison highlights that you may not need to choose one over the other, you might actually benefit from having both ends of the spectrum covered.

If neither fits perfectly, then the real answer may be to look for something in the middle.

Where to Buy

Both of these crossbows (or similar models) are typically available through:

• Buy Steambow M10 in Canada

• Buy CenterPoint AT400 In Canada

• Buy in the US

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Specifications:

• Type: Compound Crossbow

• Manufacturer: CenterPoint

• Model: AT400 Composite Crossbow

• Velocity: Up to 400 FPS

• Energy: 142 ft-lbs

• Draw Weight: 200 lbs

• Weight: 7.5 lbs

• Cocked Width: 14.5 inches

• Construction: Composite Stock & Rail, Quad Limb (Compressed Fiberglass)

• Scope: 4x32 Fixed Crossbow Scope

• Cocking System: Detachable Silent Crank (with sled system)

• Included Accessories:

  • 3x 20” Carbon Arrows (0.003 tolerance)

  • Quiver

  • Cocking Rope

  • Crank System

  • Foregrip

  • Hardware & Tools

Introduction

The CenterPoint AT400 Composite Tactical Crossbow is not something I review very often. Most of what I normally cover is backyard or basement-friendly, BB guns, pellet guns, airsoft, that kind of thing.

This is completely different.

The CenterPoint AT400 is a serious piece of equipment. This is not for casual plinking. This is designed for hunting and real-world applications, and based on the specs alone, it’s capable of taking small to medium game, potentially even deer.

With 400 FPS and 142 ft-lbs of energy, this is in an entirely different class compared to the compact crossbows I usually review.

Initial Thoughts (Before Shooting)

At the time of this review, I have not shot it yet.

Reason being, this requires a proper archery-rated backstop. This is not something you casually shoot in your backyard without the right setup.

I do have the space, but I would need:

• A proper target

• A safe shooting environment

This is something I plan to revisit once I can set it up properly.

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What’s in the Box

• 3x carbon arrows

• Detachable quiver (mounts underneath)

• Crank cocking system

• Manual cocking rope

• String wax

• Allen keys and hardware

• Spare mounting components

Assembly is required, but it’s fairly straightforward:

• Expect about 30–60 minutes

• Mostly attaching the limb and securing hardware

Cocking Methods

This crossbow has a 200 lb draw weight, so you are not pulling this back by hand.

Two Methods:

1. Manual Cocking Rope

• Hooks attach under the string

• Make sure to loop string on rear part of the crossbow

• Foot goes into the stirrup

• Pull using your lower body

• Requires strength, especially in the lower back

2. Crank System

• Mounts into rear slots

• Much easier and controlled

• Recommended if you have any physical limitations

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Design & Build Quality

This is a compound-style crossbow, featuring:

• Quad limb system (2 per side)

• Pulley/cam setup for efficient energy transfer

• Composite stock and rail

• Compact profile (14.5” cocked width)

Key Features:

• Roller Arrow Retention Spring
  Keeps the arrow securely in place

• Picatinny Rail System
  For mounting optics (comes with 4x32 scope)

• Oversized Stirrup
  Makes cocking more stable

• Ergonomic Grip & Foregrip
  Comfortable handling

• Integrated Quiver
  Holds 3 arrows + 1 loaded

• Safety System
  Engages when cocked

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Walk-around Highlights

• Polymer/composite one-piece frame

• Rubber butt plate

• Large trigger guard (good for gloves)

• Protective hand guard (keeps fingers safe from string)

• Transparent scope lens covers

• Compact and tactical design

This is clearly built for real-world use, not just recreational shooting.

Performance Expectations

Even without shooting it yet, the specs tell the story:

• 400 FPS is extremely fast

• 142 ft-lbs delivers serious impact

• Designed for:

  • Hunting

  • Outdoor shooting

  • Controlled environments

The CenterPoint AT400 Composite Tactical Crossbow is not comparable to pistol-style or compact crossbows.

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Pros

• Very high power (400 FPS / 142 ft-lbs)

• Compact 14.5” cocked width

• Quad limb system for durability and efficiency

• Silent crank system (ideal for hunting scenarios)

• Solid composite construction

• Includes everything needed to get started

• Roller retention system improves arrow consistency

• Good ergonomics and handling

Cons

• 200 lb draw weight (requires effort or crank use)

• Heavier than smaller crossbows (7.5 lbs)

• Fixed stock (no adjustability)

• Requires proper shooting setup (not backyard-friendly)

• Arrows require maintenance and eventual replacement

• Price (~$749 CAD)

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Final Thoughts

This is a serious hunting-grade crossbow.

It’s not a casual product, and it’s not meant for beginners without proper setup and understanding.

What you get is:

• High performance

• Solid build quality

• Practical hunting capability

If you’re looking for something compact but powerful enough for real-world use, the CenterPoint AT400 fits that role.

Where to buy

• ReplicaAirguns.ca (Canada)

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In this table top review, we take a close look at the Steambow B08 .68 Caliber Tactical Crossbow, a compact and versatile system designed for shooting rubber balls, paintballs, or foam projectiles. This model is particularly suited for controlled environments like indoor ranges (such as a sea can setup or even basement or backyard), thanks to its relatively moderate power and flexible ammunition options.

A full shooting test will follow separately, but for now, let’s break down the specifications, features, and what comes in the box.

Specifications

• Model: Steambow B08

• Caliber: .68 (rubber balls, paintballs, foam balls, etc.)

• System Type: Recurve crossbow

• Draw Weight: 35 lbs (standard included limb)

• Velocity: Up to 260 FPS (manufacturer claim)

• Energy: Approx. 7 ft-lbs (up to ~15 ft-lbs with stronger limbs)

• Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds (removable)

• Weight: Just under 4 lbs

• Length: 24.2 inches

• Width: 3.15 inches (body, excluding limb span)

• Height: 8.3 inches

• Materials: Fiberglass, metal, and polymer construction

• Stock: AR-style adjustable (6-position) with cheek rest and rubber butt pad

The B08 is distributed by Steambow GmbH (Austria) and is built on a modular platform compatible with other Steambow systems like the M10.

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Key Features

Modular Platform

One of the standout aspects of the B08 is its modular design. The lower receiver is identical to the Steambow M10, meaning you can swap uppers to shoot either:

• .68 caliber balls (B08 upper)

• Crossbow bolts (M10 upper)

This gives users flexibility to adapt the platform for different uses.

Quick Change Limb System

The included 35 lb limb is easy to swap out:

• Secured by a single bolt

• Can be upgraded up to heavier options (up to ~120 lbs available)

• Allows tuning for power vs. ease of cocking

Magazine-Fed Repeater System

• 8-round removable magazine

• Spring-fed system with follower

• Auto-loading mechanism (not semi-auto, but fast cycling)

The system works by “breaking” or pulling back the stock, which:

• Cocks the string

• Loads the next round

• Prepares the trigger

Cocking Mechanism

• Shoulder-supported operation

• Pull stock inward to cock

• Very easy with 35 lb limb

• Allows relatively fast follow-up shots once familiar

Sighting System

• Fiber optic front sight

• Rear alignment via top trough channel

While simple, it works well for close-range shooting. However, the included Picatinny rails (top and bottom) allow for:

• Red dots

• Scopes

• Tactical accessories

Build & Ergonomics

• Polymer lower with reinforced components

• AR-style adjustable stock

• Adjustable cheek rest

• Rubber butt pad

• Included foregrip (user-installed)

Overall, the Steambow B08 .68 Caliber Tactical Crossbow has a solid, lightweight feel while still maintaining good handling characteristics.

What’s Included in the Box

The B08 comes well-packaged with multiple internal boxes and includes:

• Steambow B08 main unit

• 35 lb limb

• Foregrip

• 8-round magazine

• 25 “foam” balls (closer to hard nylon in feel)

• Protective shooting glasses

• Allen keys (for assembly and adjustments)

• String wax

• Extra string

• Mounting hardware

• Instruction manual

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Note:
A small locking component for the upper assembly may come separate and is not clearly explained in the manual, but is required for proper function.

Operation Overview

• Load magazine with up to 8 rounds

• Insert magazine into front housing

• Cock by pulling stock inward

• Fire using single-action trigger

The ball is held in place by a simple groove and string system, guiding it forward during firing.

Performance Notes (Initial Impressions)

• Smooth and reliable operation

• Easy to cock with 35 lb limb

• Suitable for indoor shooting environments

• Compatible with various projectile types

Heavier limbs will:

• Increase velocity and energy

• Require more effort to cock

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Pros

• Lightweight and compact (under 4 lbs)

• Modular system (compatible with M10 platform)

• Magazine-fed repeater design

• Easy cocking with included limb

• Quick-change limb system

• Picatinny rails for accessories

• Comes with useful extras

• Quiet operation

• Reusable ammunition options

Cons

• Higher price point

• No traditional rear sight included

• Learning curve for efficient operation

• Included limb may feel underpowered for some users

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Final Thoughts

The Steambow B08 offers a unique blend of crossbow mechanics and tactical styling, combined with modular flexibility and relatively safe indoor usability. It’s especially appealing for users who want:

• A reusable ammo platform

• Quick follow-up shots

• Expandability with other Steambow systems

While the included 35 lb limb keeps it easy to use and accessible, upgrading the limb will unlock more performance potential for those looking for higher energy output.

Availability

Available through Replica Airguns:

• Buy the Steambow B08 .68 Caliber Crossbow in Canada

• US Archery Buying Options

A full shooting test and performance breakdown will follow in a separate review.

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Today’s unboxing, we’ll call it the March 2026 Unboxing Preview!

I had no idea what was in this box, and honestly, I like it that way. It makes every delivery feel a bit like Christmas. A box shows up from the warehouse, I crack it open, and my job is to let you know what’s inside and what might be coming soon to the store. A lot of the time these are products we’ve never carried before. Not always, but usually there’s at least something new or unexpected in the mix.

As usual, getting into the box was its own little challenge. Good thing I had my “box cutter “ handy. Once I finally got through the packaging, it was clear right away this one had some interesting stuff inside.

What was in the box?

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1) Annie Oakley Lil’ Sure Shot BB Rifle

First out of the box was something a little different: the Annie Oakley Lil’ Sure Shot.

This one is brought to you by Air Venturi / Western Justice, and it’s essentially a Red Ryder-style lever action BB rifle with some nice Western-themed touches. Right away, it stood out with the stained solid wood stock, wood forearm with engraving, and engraved Annie Oakley artwork.

Here are some of the listed specs and features:

• Ammo: .177 caliber / 4.5mm steel BBs

• Action: Lever cocking, spring piston

• Barrel: Smoothbore

• Overall Length: 36.25 inches

• Capacity: 550 BBs

• Claimed Velocity: Up to 350 FPS

• Weight: 3.3 pounds

• Max Shooting Distance: 212 yards

Once I opened it up, it definitely gave me that familiar Red Ryder / Marlin Cowboy vibe, but it feels like it may be just a bit bigger overall. Maybe a slightly longer stock, maybe just a bit more substantial in the hands. I’ll have to compare it side-by-side with a Red Ryder later to know for sure.

A few things I noticed right away:

• It has a metal lever

• Metal frame

• Metal barrel

• A plastic muzzle tip

• A rear sight that appears adjustable

• And surprisingly, a Weaver-style rail on top for mounting an optic

That top rail is actually a nice touch. You could absolutely throw a small scope on this if you wanted to, and why not? It makes for a fun little plinker, and the engraving gives it some real visual appeal too.

I’ve always had a soft spot for these little lever-action BB rifles. They’re just fun. They’re simple, classic, and a great way to introduce younger shooters to safe rifle handling. Rifles like this tend to be a bit easier for beginners since they’re not as quick to wave around as a pistol.

So yes, this one looks like it should be a lot of fun, and I’ll be doing both a Tabletop Review and a Field Test Shooting Review on it soon.

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2) .68 Caliber Nylon Balls (100 Count)

Also in the box was a pack of 100-count .68 caliber nylon balls.

These feel noticeably heavier than the rounds I was using in my earlier T4E TC68 review. The previous ones were around the 2.8 to almost 3 gram range, and these new ones feel more like they’re getting up into the high 3 gram to 4 gram area.

That added weight could make them especially interesting to test in the TC68, since more projectile mass can sometimes translate into more energy on target, even if velocity comes down a bit.

So these should be fun to test out, and as it turns out, they may have arrived for a very good reason…

3) Steambow B08 / .68 Caliber Rubber Ball Crossbow Platform

This was the big surprise in the box, and definitely the highlight item.

If you watched my SHOT Show coverage, then you may remember this one from the Steambow booth. It’s a really cool product: basically a magazine-fed rubber ball shooting crossbow-style launcher in .68 caliber.

I had already gotten a chance to try it at SHOT Show, and Steambow was great about letting us check it out there. So it was pretty exciting to see one show up here for review.

Some of the box highlights:

• Detachable magazine

• 8-shot capacity

• .68 caliber projectiles

• Includes 25 foam balls

• Comes with a 35-pound limb

• AR-style adjustable buttstock

• Protective shooting glasses included

This product has a lot going on in the box. Once I opened it up, there were multiple components and accessories packed inside, including:

• Main body / receiver section

• Foregrip

• AR-style buttstock

• Upper receiver section with included magazine

• 35-pound limb

• Bow string and related accessories

• Lubricant / wax for the string

• Mounting hardware and tools

• Protective glasses

• 25 included foam balls

There’s definitely going to be some assembly involved before I can do a full review, so that will be part of the tabletop video.

The main unit itself feels solid and substantial. It has some good weight to it, and overall it looks like a very cool design. The included 35-pound limb should offer a decent balance between usability and performance. At SHOT Show we were only using a lighter 25-pound setup, which was very easy to draw, great for casual target practice, but obviously not the high-performance option.

One of the things I like about this platform is that it gives you that crossbow-style shooting experience while using reusable .68 caliber balls. That can make it easier and cheaper to shoot compared to bolt-style systems, where each arrow or bolt can get expensive fast, especially if you miss the target and damage one.

And since I now also have those heavier nylon .68 caliber rounds from the same box, I should be able to test both the included foam balls and the heavier options to see how they compare.

This one should make for a very interesting review.

Final Thoughts

So that was the March 2026 mystery box. We’ve got two very different products here:

• The Annie Oakley Lil’ Sure Shot, which looks like a fun, classic lever-action BB rifle in the Red Ryder tradition

• And the Steambow B08 / .68 Caliber Rubber Ball Crossbow Platform, which is something a little more modern, tactical, and definitely unique

Both of these are getting the full treatment, so expect Tabletop Review and Field Test Shooting Review videos for both products.

The Annie Oakley should be a blast to shoot, especially if it performs anything like the other Red Ryder-style guns I’ve reviewed over the years. And the Steambow system looks like it could be a really practical and fun way to enjoy crossbow-style shooting without the cost and fragility of traditional bolts.

I’ve still got a few earlier products to finish up as well, but I’ll be getting to these as quickly as I can.

Thanks for watching another Replica Airguns video. Don’t forget to subscribe, and check the links in the description for products available in our Canada and US stores.

For Canada, visit ReplicaAirguns.ca
For the US, visit ReplicaAirguns.us

And if you’re looking for other products including Airguns, BB guns, pellet guns, airsoft guns, blank guns, and accessories, be sure to check out both stores as well.

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I stopped by the Blue Line booth and Connor showed me a line of peppered gel deterrent products they’re hoping to bring into Canada as dog-spray style options (with stronger versions available in the U.S., depending on regulations).

The key difference vs typical pepper spray: these use a jet/propulsion system that fires a more directed stream, designed to reduce blowback and improve placement.

JPX2 Gen 2 (2-shot)

• Takes a 2-shot cartridge; each trigger pull fires one shot.

• The cartridge is replaceable after use (Connor emphasized it’s essentially disposable once fired).

• Connor said range is about 20 ft; manufacturer specs cite roughly 5–23 ft depending on conditions.

4-shot option (JPX4-style)

Connor also showed a 4-shot version aimed at law enforcement markets, but they’re hoping it can be available more broadly as well.

Guardian Angel 4 (compact 2-shot)

A small two-shot, pocketable option with a simple safety and clip—intended as a quick, lightweight grab-and-go device.

Connor also mentioned optional laser sight accessories for better aiming, and that all versions are around the same practical range envelope.

If these can be brought in cleanly for Canada, they look like a good fit for a store + review pipeline: JPX2 Gen 2 for the main feature set, JPX4 for the multi-shot crowd, and Guardian Angel 4 for people who want something ultra-compact and simple.

• Buy Replica Airguns in Canada

• Buy Replica Airguns in the US

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I just got back from SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas, and let me tell you, it was an action-packed trip! Over on our channels, we’ve just dropped a fast-paced highlight reel that captures the best moments of our week long stay.

The SHOT Show took place at the Venetian Convention Center, and you’ll see plenty of footage capturing the scale and energy of the event itself: busy show floors, massive booths, indoor and outdoor areas, and the overall atmosphere of one of the largest firearms and shooting-sports events in the world, with Airguns and related gear naturally woven throughout.

But it’s not just airguns, we’ve got slices of Vegas! You’ll catch us strolling Fremont Street, lounging poolside, and soaking up those iconic Vegas vibes between interviews. Whether you’re here for the Airguns or the atmosphere, this video’s got it all, music, cuts, the show floor, and a taste of Las Vegas. Check it out now and immerse yourself in the SHOT Show experience!

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This isn’t an airgun, but it will show up in a least some of my airgun videos, you just won’t usually see it. The DJI Neo 2 is my new AI camera drone that I’ll be using for outdoor shooting segments, walk-around tests, and any time I need moving shots without a camera operator.

Up until now I’ve been using the original DJI Neo and the HoverAir X1 Pro Max. The HoverAir still has slightly better pure video quality, and the original Neo had decent AI features, but together they meant more gear to carry and more batteries to manage. The Neo 2 is the first drone that can realistically replace both for what I do on this channel.

I picked up the Fly More Combo, which includes the Neo 2, the RC-N3 controller, three batteries, a charging hub, and the antenna/transmitter module pre-installed. With three packs I can get roughly 35–40 minutes of real-world flying, which is more than enough to cover a shooting session.

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The biggest upgrade over the original Neo is the two-axis gimbal. Instead of cropping the image to keep the horizon level when the drone tilts in the wind, the camera physically moves side-to-side and up/down. Combine that with updated processing and you get up to 4K 60 fps (and even 100 fps in 4K), which is perfect for smoother tracking shots when I’m walking, moving between targets, or doing action-style footage.

The Neo 2 is also loaded with sensors and obstacle avoidance: fisheye cameras on multiple sides plus a front LiDARunit. It does a great job of seeing trees, branches and other obstacles and routing around them, which is exactly what I need when I’m focused on shooting and talking, not flying.

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For control, I can either use the phone app for quick AI “follow me” and smart shots, or the RC-N3 for longer-range, more traditional drone flying and higher altitude shots. There’s also a very cool gesture control system (I call it “Jedi mode”) where I can move the drone up, down, left, right, closer or further just by using hand signals, no need to stop recording or dig through menus.

Bottom line: you probably won’t see the DJI Neo 2 in many of my videos, but you’ll definitely see what it captures. It lets me add smoother tracking shots, aerial views and more dynamic angles to my Replica Airguns content, all without needing a dedicated camera person. For a solo creator who films a lot outdoors, it’s a very handy tool to have in the bag.

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I tested another Steambow model in this Field Test Shooting Video, the Steambow AR Series M10 Tactical Crossbow. Like my other Crossbow Field Test videos, I recorded the Chronograph velocity while I was shooting the target so there was no need for separate segments, everything was done in one go with four cameras rolling. I didn’t put a dedicated camera on the Chronograph because I wanted a camera on the target; my camera glasses generally pick up the chrono readings anyway. I only have so many cameras, but everything recorded as planned. If you want the full specs and a closer look at the M10, watch my dedicated Table Top video.

Steambow quotes about 190–200 fps for the AR Series M10. My six chrono readings were 189, 191, 189, 189, 190 and 191, which worked out to a 190 fps average. Using the included 142-grain, 6.5-inch aluminum bolts produced roughly 11.4 foot-pounds of energy, so both velocity and FPE were basically on target with Steambow’s numbers. That’s adequate for small pests, but humane shots always come down to accuracy, you’ll want head or shoulder placement, and I’m not ready to declare any compact crossbow a guaranteed solution for that. Test accuracy for yourself.

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For accuracy I shot six rounds at a paper target 30 feet downrange from my usual seated in the back, hands rested up front shooting position. The first shot from the Steambow AR Series M10 Tactical Crossbow was a few inches low, so I adjusted my point of aim up and ended up with an impressive 1-inch, 4-shot group just left of center. One bolt missed the target entirely, could have been me or a bad bolt (I’ll blame the bolt on that one). Still, for a compact crossbow this was an excellent result, comparable to some pellet rifles.

Overall the Steambow AR Series M10 Tactical Crossbow performed really well. I like the cocking and bolt-feeding system, cocking is simple: shoulder the stock, press the release, then pull the front down using the foregrip for leverage. Even with the higher power of this model you don’t need a lot of strength, and with practice follow-up shots can be quick. I’d add a red dot to the rail to help dial in accuracy and buy a few extra bolts for target practice and hunting. The M10 is one of Steambow’s pricier offerings, but it also has the highest ammo capacity and the most customization options. If you want the ultimate compact crossbow setup, the ability to preload multiple bolts and have extra 10-shot magazines on hand makes the M10 the one to consider.

• Buy the Steambow M10 Tactical Recurve Crossbow in Canada

• Buy Compact Recurve Crossbow in the US

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I’ve tested a few compact crossbows before, but nothing with a multi-bolt loading system like the Steambow setup I’m testing in this video. As with my other Crossbow Field Test videos, I recorded Chronograph velocity at the same time I was shooting the target so I didn’t need two separate segments, I did it all in one pass with lots of cameras rolling. I didn’t dedicate a camera to the Chronograph for this test because I wanted a camera focused on the target; my camera glasses usually capture the Chronograph readings for me. I only have so many cameras, but everything was captured fine. If you want to learn more about the specifications and details of the Steambow AR-6 Stinger II, then watch my dedicated Table Top Video located here.

Steambow lists 180 fps as the claimed velocity for the Steambow AR-6 Stinger II Tactical. I consistently measured right around 160 fps, pretty close to the claim. Using the included 142-grain, 6.5-inch aluminum bolts my chrono readings ranged from 159 to 164 fps, averaging 163 fps, which is very consistent. That produced about 8.4 foot-pounds of energy, so both velocity and FPE were a little under Steambow’s stated numbers. That’s enough for small pests, but humane shots depend on accuracy, you’ll want head or shoulder placement, and I’m not fully convinced this bow is always up to that task. You’ll need to judge its accuracy for your own use.

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On elevation (up and down) the Steambow AR-6 Stinger II was fairly accurate. Where it struggled more was windage: I had to aim noticeably to the right to move bolts toward the bullseye. The sight is very basic (a single fiber-optic post just behind of the Picatinny rail), which likely contributed to the windage issue. Despite that, I managed a roughly 4-inch group at 30 feet, with one bolt behaving like a flyer.

Overall the Steambow AR-6 Stinger II performed well. I really like the cocking and bolt-feeding system — cocking is easy by shouldering the stock, pressing the release, then pulling the front of the bow down using the foregrip for leverage. You don’t need to be super strong to do it, and with practice you could get very quick at follow-up shots. I’d definitely add a red dot to the rail to help dial in accuracy, and I’d buy a few extra bolts for target and hunting. The AR-6 Stinger II is pricier than some basic models, but the ability to preload multiple bolts in the built-in clip and unleash six shots in seconds makes the extra cost worth it to me.

• Buy the Steambow AR-6 Stinger II Tactical in Canada

• Buy Compact Recurve Crossbow in the US

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I first reviewed the KJWorks M700P (the “P” for Power) back in 2018, so I was curious to see how the standard take-down version would perform. Ideally you’d mount a 3x (or higher) optic and test it at outdoor sniper ranges more typical for Airsoft sniper play, but the weather was rubbish for this session. Like last time with the M700P, I ended up doing the review inside my sea-can airgun range, which is fine for chronograph work but limits targets to about 30 feet.

For the indoor velocity test of the KJWorks M700 Take Down Gas Airsoft Sniper Rifle, I shot .25-gram plastic BBs through my Chrony. Over a five-shot string I averaged 403 fps, slowest was 400 fps and the fastest 406 fps, so reasonably consistent for a gas rifle. The gas mag was fully topped up with propane and the ambient temp was about 17°C (63°F). Lighter .20-gram BBs would of course register higher speeds, though in sniper builds you’ll often end up using heavier BBs than .20 g for better downrange performance.

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Using the same .25-gram BBs for a close-range accuracy test at roughly 30 feet, the M700 Take-Down put most shots into about a 1-inch group with one odd flyer out to the right, could have been a bad BB or user error. I ran the test with a simple red dot since the rifle ships with no sights and I only needed something quick on the Picatinny rail for close work. I also had trouble getting all ten rounds from the 10-round mag onto the target because of some misfeeds / misreads; I don’t recall the M700P exhibiting this behavior, so it may be a quirk specific to my test unit.

Overall the KJWorks M700 Take Down Gas Airsoft Sniper Rifle is a nicely executed sniper-style Airsoft rifle — very easy to dismantle and carry in a pack, reasonably gas-efficient, quiet, and powerful enough for the role. The feeding hiccup seemed to crop up when the follower was near the top of the stack (spring tension at its peak) and mainly affected BBs on the right side of the double-stack magazine — which makes me suspect a defect in my sample rather than a design choice. It doesn’t come with sights, so you’ll need to pick up a scope or optic, and personally I prefer the take-down model for its extra versatility.

• Buy the KJWorks M700 Take Down Gas Airsoft Sniper Rifle in Canada

• Buy Airsoft Sniper Rifles in the US

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I recently started testing out the new DJI Osmo Nano, and while this camera may be marketed as an action/vlogging camera, I immediately saw how it could become a real asset for creating Replica Airguns review videos. On my channel, I’m always filming from multiple angles—close-ups of the guns, tabletop shots, and shooting demonstrations. The Nano’s small size and magnetic mounting system open up a lot of creative possibilities that larger cameras just can’t manage.

Why the Osmo Nano Fits Airgun Reviews

The DJI Osmo Nano is compact, lightweight, and extremely versatile. Thanks to its built-in magnets and the wide range of mounts that DJI includes in the box, I can attach it just about anywhere—on a target stand, a tripod, even a piece of metal in my indoor range. For my type of reviews, where I often want a stable angle on the gun while still moving around myself, this is a huge advantage.

Another big plus is that the Osmo Nano is not just flexible but also delivers great image quality. It records in 4K with 10-bit color and even offers a D-Log mode for those who want to fine-tune their footage in post-production. That’s a level of control you usually don’t get from such a small device.

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Key Specs

Here are a few highlights worth noting:

• Resolution & Color: Up to 4K recording, 10-bit color, and D-Log for advanced color correction.

• Stabilization: Rock-solid electronic stabilization, so even handheld or mounted-to-moving-objects shots stay smooth.

• Magnetic Design: Attach it quickly to mounts, gear, or almost any surface.

• Lightweight Form Factor: Easy to carry, position, and experiment with new camera angles.

DJI Osmo Nano vs. Insta360 Go Ultra

A lot of people will naturally compare the Osmo Nano to the Insta360 Go Ultra since they’re both in the same category. But from my testing, DJI’s camera has some strong advantages:

• Lower Price: The Osmo Nano is much more affordable.

• Included Accessories: DJI packs in more mounts and options straight out of the box.

• Color Flexibility: With 10-bit recording and D-Log, it offers a lot more room for dialing in your footage.

For someone like me who’s already juggling multiple cameras during a review, having a cost-effective and flexible option like this makes a lot of sense.

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Final Thoughts

The DJI Osmo Nano may be tiny, but it’s built with creators in mind. For airgun reviews, it allows me to set up angles I wouldn’t normally capture, without having to invest in another full-sized camera or rig. Smooth footage, great color, and the freedom to mount it just about anywhere—it’s a perfect addition to my setup.

If you want to see it in action, check out my video where I share some first impressions and show real-world examples of what the Nano can do.

This is one camera I’ll definitely be adding into the mix for future Replica Airguns reviews.

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Before I get into this Field Test Shooting Video for the Bug-A-Salt 3.0, make sure to watch my Table Top Video Review for it where I go into more details and specifications along with some nice close up video of it. In this Field Test Outdoor Shooting Video I test out the Bug-A-Salt 3.0 on some wrapping paper (Wrapping Tissue Paper) from various distances to see what damage the Bug-A-Salt 3.0 does to it. You do really need to get in pretty close to see significant damage, but if you where a small bug you would at bare minimum be stunned and immobilized waiting for that fatal kill shot.

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I was hoping to go on a kind of Bug Safari Hunt out in the yard, so I did a dry run without my cameras running and I quickly found out that bugs in the wild are extremely elusive. They much prefer the comfort of your home which is of course the ideal location for using the Bug-A-Salt 3.0, but not great for shooting a video…

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I was not able to record velocity or accuracy for that matter using the Bug-A-Salt 3.0 as it is more like a salt shotgun but as fate would have it, one very unlucky fly did land near by while I was recording, and it met its fate for the sake of this video. I also vaporized some butter cups (These are small yellow flowers that grow wild in the grass). All in all I was able to showcase the effectiveness of the Bug-A-Salt 3.0. My advice is to get in nice and close if you want a one shot kill, or you will have to take some follow up mercy shots.

• Buy the BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun in Canada

• Buy the BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun in the US

In this Field Test Shooting Video I test out the shooting performance of the Novritsch SSR77 A1 AEG Airsoft Rifle by shooting 5 rounds through my Chronograph and averaging them out. I then shot the Novritsch SSR77 A1 AEG Airsoft Rifle in both semi auto and full auto to find out what kind of groupings I can get shooting at a paper target setup 30 feet away. I have already made a Table Top Video where I go into the details and specifications along with some nice close up video, so if that interests, you then checkout the Video Review here.

I do have to say I had to rerecord my Review Video a couple of times as the Novritsch SSR77 A1 AEG Airsoft Rifle did not like my first choice of Airsoft BB brand, as it was not consistently loading BB’s which made testing near impossible. I kind of gave up on it and thought it may be defective, but then I switched up Airsoft BB Brand and this seemed to fix the problem entirely. This goes to show that finding the correct Airsoft BB’s for your particular Airsoft Rifle or Airgun can be very important in operation and performance. I did end up using .25 gram Airsoft BB’s for all of my Testing in this video review which means my Chronograph rating will be a bit lower than if I had used the standard .20 gram Airsoft BB’s I generally use. That said I did get an average velcoity using .25 gram Airsoft BB’s of 365 fps, here are the readings for each shot… 367, 367, 364, 364, 363 fps. You can see the Novritsch SSR77 A1 AEG Airsoft Rifle is very consistent in terms of velocity with only a 4 fps difference between all 5 shots.

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Since the Novritsch SSR77 A1 AEG Airsoft Rifle can shoot in both semi and full auto, I tested it first using the built in optical scope shooting 10 rounds in semi auto again using the .25 gram Airsoft BB’s and it shot a very accurate 1 inch grouping at my target setup 30 feet away. I do use a rested shooting position sitting on a stool in the back and my hands rested on a sandbag up front. I did not adjust the scope and just shot the Novritsch SSR77 A1 AEG Airsoft Rifle right out of the box, it did shoot about 3 inches low on my target setup 30 feet away, but was bang on left to right. I could easily adjust my aim point with the optical scope settings. By pulling the trigger in all the way, I am able to shoot in full auto which is nice not having to use a selector switch. My Full Auto test was also very accurate with the grouping opening up a bit to around 2.5 to 3 inches but I did shoot at least another 40-50 shots so that is expected.

I don’t really know what to think of the look of a Novritsch SSR77 A1 AEG Airsoft Rifle, to me thy look like something out of a sci-fi movie and personally it is not the most attractive Rifle to me. Functionally it works well being a Bullpup design which allows for a shorter rifle with a longer barrel. I for sure can not complain with how the Novritsch SSR77 A1 AEG Airsoft Rifle performed as the velocity is exactly where I would want it to be and accuracy was as good as any Airsoft Rifle I have test. The Novritsch SSR77 A1 AEG Airsoft Rifle is a bit picky with Airsoft BB choice, so make sure to test out your Airsoft BB’s before committing to buying a bunch. If you do like the look and style of a Steyr AUG based Rifle then I would for sure recommend buying yourself the Novritsch SSR77 A1 AEG Airsoft Rifle as it is ready to go out of the box with no upgrading required.

• Buy the Novritsch SSR77 AEG Airsoft Rifle in Canada

• Buy Novritsch Airsoft Rifles in the US

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I am making this video for both my channels (GetFitOver40 & Replica Airguns) since I will be using the HoverAir X1 ProMax in my Video making process to capture video in a way that only an AI Drone can. I do like to share with my audiences some of the tech I use behind the scenes to make the videos a bit more interesting.

There is a ton to talk about and show when it comes to the HoverAir X1 ProMax which is why this video is a bit on the longer side. I really wanted to talk about what I like about this amazing flying video system, and of course show the super high quality video it takes.

The purpose of this video is not so much to go over all the specifications and details, or to compare it to other similar products, but rather to go over what I like about it, and why I decided to get one for myself. About a year ago I ordered the HoverAir X1 Pro when it was being crowdfunded, but I backed out of my order when the DJI Neo came out, mainly because the DJI Neo was first to market, and it can also fly in true FPV mode which really appealed to me. I am glad I got the Neo as it has been so much fun, and will be keeping it mainly for its FPV flying and versatility.

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Why did I decide to get myself the HoverAir X1 ProMax? There is really nothing out there right now that can take as high quality video (8k) in such a small and portable package. I love the AI flying modes but it is also nice you can use the Beacon with the Joysticks to control it just like a regular Drone.

For me it was the ultra high video quality, the faster tracking speeds, and the ability to use it like a standard drone since all my other drones are more or less FPV drones. Oh yah, I also got a crazy deal on it over on Marketplace (About half price).

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Type: Pump Spring Piston.
Manufacturer: BUG-A-SALT.
Model: BUG-A-SALT 3.0.
Materials: Metal and plastic.
Weight: 1.5 pounds (680 grams).
Total Length: 21.5 inches (54.6cm).
Barrel Length: 8 inches (20.3cm).
Barrel: Plastic non-rifled.
Propulsion: Spring.
Action: Pump SAO.
Effective Distance: 3 feet.
Ammunition Type: Standard table salt.
Ammunition Capacity: 80 round hopper.
FPS: NA.

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Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun is a Single Action Only trigger that requires you to work the pump action to load salt and prepare the hammer to fire in Single Action. There is a little bit of takeup and then a medium trigger pull weight that is about right for a pest control tool like this, as you do not want a super light trigger that could go off unintentionally. When you work the action using the pump, the real sight also pops up not only so you can use it but also to indicate that the BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun is loaded and ready to fire.

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Accuracy: So far I have not fired or tested out the BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun as it is not the time of year for bugs just yet, so that portion of my review is going to have to wait until at least spring time when the bugs and flies come out in full force. I will not be making my traditional Field Test Shooting Video where I shoot at a Paper target setup 30 feet away, or even testing out the velocity in fps as the BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun is only rated to shoot up to 3 feet away and I’m not sure how a blast of salt would even be read by a Chronograph or if that information is even important for a fly exterminator like this. I will be making some sort of shooting video for the BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun when I am able to find bugs to blast…

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Build Quality: The BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun is made out of mostly plastic with I assume some metal working parts internally. Even the internal barrel is plastic since you are only shooting salt. The BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun does feel solid and the working parts like the pump action, trigger and safety feel durable enough. The salt hopper lid may be a bit flimsy and if that breaks I’m not sure how one would keep the salt in the hopper?

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Realism: The BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun is not a replica gun to speak of, it kind of looks like a pistol grip pump action shotgun but there is really no way I feel anyone would mistake the BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun for a real gun, this is probably good since you may want to keep it out lying around in your house for when you may need to do some bug blasting.

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Pros:

• Very unique product, not a lot of competition in the market.

• Makes eliminating flies and bugs a lot more fun, would be fun at get togethers or parties.

• Fairly well built, feels solid and durable.

• Low cost to operate, only requires table salt.

• Can get up to 80 shots per loaded salt hopper.

• Can shoot flies up to 3 feet away.

• Easy to access cross bolt safety.

• Auto pop-up rear sight lets you know it is loaded and ready to fire.

• SAO Trigger is relatively decent.

• No bug guts mess to cleanup.

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Cons:

• Not suitable for larger bugs with hard exoskeletons like wasps or larger. Really only meant for flies.

• Not a toy as it could be assumed it is. So be careful around kids as an eye shot could be very painful and cause injury.

• Price is a lot more than a fly swatter that also gets the job done.

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Comments:

If you hate flies as much as I do and would like a more sportsman like way to eliminate them rather than your standard fly swatter that basically mushes the fly into a bloody mess on what ever surface you mash it into. Then perhaps something like the BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun may be just perfect for you. I am hoping it works as good as the advertising says it does. Based on some of the reviews I have watched it seems ideal for flies but may not so good for larger insects with hard exoskeletons. You are going to pay a lot more for the BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun than a dollar store fly swatter will cost you, but I can guarantee you will have a lot more fun using it and no need for the messy bug juice clean up after a kill shot.

• Buy the BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun in Canada

• Buy the BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun in the US

I had the pleasure of interviewing Mark from Umarex again at SHOT Show 2025 and Mark went over some of the new products from Umarex coming out this year. Make started of by showing me two new MOS (Modular Optic System) Gen 5 Glocks in a Glock 17 and Glock 19 versions. Both come with Umarex based red dot sights but you can change them up for something different if you choose to down the road. We then took a look at the new Umarex AER16 AR AEG Rifle in 4.5mm Steel BB rather than 6mm Airsoft similar to the Barra e400 that came out last year. In a nutshell it is a battery/spring operated 4.5mm Steel BB Full Auto AR Replica. Mark then showed us some A&L AK based AEG Airsoft Rifles they are now distributing that feature Full steel body construction with high-quality real laminated wood handguard and skeletal folding stocks. These are one to one in terms of size and weight adn very detailed. We then finished up the interview taking a look at the Legends Saddle Lever Action Shell Loading Rifle and the Umarex Smith & Wesson Competitor Shell Loading revolver.

I spoke with Jacob from Barra and he went over a lot of new products adn updated products Barra is introducing this year. We discussed some new PCP Air Rifles with Canada import options, Jacob went over some new updates to their 1866 Muti-pump BB and Pellet Lever Action Rifle, and he went over Barra’s Gen 2 400e AEG BB rifle which include a higher capacity magazine, an increased velocity and unproved internal tolerances for smoother BB flow. Lastly Barra is introducing high grade 4.5mm BB’s that a re procession ground to be more uniform for improved accuracy and better BB feeding. Great for full auto guns.

I’m back from SHOT Show 2025 Las Vegas and finished transferring and uploading all the video from all the cameras we shot it all on. We had a great time, we met a lot of great folks at the booths and it’s now time to put it all together and make some videos for everyone so I can share the experience!

I always like to put out a “Teaser Video” with some quick clips of the entire experience including some of the travels, a bit of the resort we stayed at, shots of Vegas and of course lots of the SHOT Show 2025 experience along with the booths we visited. Enjoy this quick preview and stay posted for my upcoming Interview Videos shortly…

• Buy Airguns in Canada

• Buy Airguns in the US

You may have noticed a lack of Airgun Video Reviews last week? That is because I went on vacation with my buddy Steve to Oceanside California where we stayed at the WorldMark Oceanside Resort. We spent a full week in Oceanside visiting the surrounding beaches, Mission Beach in San Diego along with Laguna Beach and Newport Beach.

We had a really great time, I was able to capture a variety of video of some of our experiences using my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, My DJI Neo AI and FPV Drone, and my Meta Glasses. I have put together a video to share Oceanside California and surrounding area in a mostly chronological order for your viewing enjoyment.

I am back to making Airgun Review Videos so stay posted for those videos coming shortly…

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Since I use all kinds of cameras for the making of my Replica Airguns Videos including the HoverAir X1 Flying Camera Drone, I though it would be a good idea to share my thoughts on the new DJI NEO Mini Drone which Is replacing my HoverAir X1 at least for now. This is not an unboxing first impression video with basic out of the box test videos. This video is going to go over how the DJI NEO actually performs comparing to the HoverAir X1 and other DJI dedicated Drones and FPV Drones.

I have used different drones to do everything the DJI Neo claims to do, but can the DJI NEO really do it all and if so can it do it all as good or good enough?

The short answer is yes it can do it all but will it meet your specific expectations?

I don’t claim to be a pro at any of the things the DJI Neo can do, but I have at least some experience using the HoverAir X1 for the past year which is a similar experience as what you get with the base model DJI NEO out of the box. 

I also have owned and flown standard DJI Drones with remote control setups for taking those cinematic flying around smooth shots. The DJI NEO out of the box can do limited distance and height using your DJI NEO with your phone in Manual Mode. You can also purchase the DJI NEO Fly More Kit that comes with the RC-N3 Controller and unlock almost limitless distance and even more features out of your DJI NEO.

I owned the first generation DJI Avata and flew it with the motion controller similar to what you can do with the DJI NEO when combined with the DJI Goggles 3 and RC Motion 3 Controller. That experience really got me more interested in experimenting with FPV drones.

I now own a bunch of FPV drones in various styles and sizes and use them with my DJI Goggles and Manual Controller to fly in full Manual Acro Mode for a true fps experience.

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DJI NEO Compared to the HoverAir X1.

• For the most part they both perform a lot of the same Selfie Camera shots like Follow, Droney, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight, Direction Track and some more specific to each unit.

• You can fly them without a controller or even your phone by simply turning them on, selecting your flying mode and pressing a button.

• They both can use your phone as a simple virtual controller to fly them around in manual mode and get some cool more cinematic shots.

• They both can use your phones built in Microphone to record audio while taking out the drones propeller noise.

• They are both well under 250 grams closer to 120 to 130 grams.

• They both have a one axis gimbal setup.

• The cameras in both are comparable. 2.7k 30fps for the HoverAir X1 and 4k 30fps for the DJI NEO.

• Both have full prop guards and are very crash resistant.

Where does each one shin in my opinion?

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HoverAir X1:

• Starting with the HoverAir X1 it came out first and so more of the bugs and settings have been worked out, and you have to give them credit for being first here as DJI did a lot of copying if we are being honest.

• The HoverAirX1 has more ability to change settings using the buttons on the drone without going into the phones software to do it.

• The HoverAir X1 is better at staying in place when inside and in lower light situations.

• The HoverAir X1 can record in portrait mode for social media content.

• The HoverAir X1 can use just about any external USB or BT Microphone for recording to get better audio than just by using you phones internal Microphone. The DJI NEO only gives you the option to use their DJI 2 Microphone which starts at $300 Canadian.

• The HoverAir X1 can be folded, making it much more portable.

• The HoverAir X1 at this time can track a little bit faster than the DJI NEO, but that can change with a softer update in the future.

• The HoverAir X1 does not restrict where you can fly as there is no Geo Fencing. The DJI NEO will not give you much of a problem here when in solo mode or when connected to the DJI Fly App without any controllers or Goggles, but when connected to addition DJI accessories, you will  have to factor in Geo Fencing limitations and work arounds which can be really annoying.

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DJI NEO:

• Moving on to the DJI NEO, the NEO has voice command as long as the DJI Fly App is open and your phone screen is on, very useful when wanting to change the drones distance and height in modes like Follow and Direction Tracking.

• The DJI software is a bit more intuitive and the Manual Mode allows for much smoother control of the DJI NEO and further distances and height. (60m)

• The DJI NEO records in 4k which is a bit better than the HoverAir X1 2.7k, but not by much. There is room for improvement with the NEO in terms of software updates but we will see what DJI does in terms of improving video quality and hopefully the ability to tweak the video settings.

• The DJI NEO has built in GPS which allows it to stay in position outside better and even go over water and steep drop-offs.

• The DJI NEO has an 18 minute battery run time versus the HoverAir X1 10 minute battery run time. (In real life it is more like 15 versus 8 minutes), so almost double per battery.

• The DJI NEO is much more than a one trick pony with its ability to be much more than a Flying Selfie Camera Drone. It can be a full fledged remote controlled drone or even a true FPV drone when adding the additional accessories to it.

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And that brings us to the point in this video where I talk about if the DJI NEO can really perform good enough to possibly replace your stand alone drone or even your FPV Drone? And again it depends on what your expectations are and what your end use in these modes is.

In terms of a stand alone drone, when the DJI is connected to the RC-N3 Controller, it can do much of the same tasks you would expect and get many of the same shots. Because of its size it will not be as good in stronger winds and it also does not have the power or speed of a larger dedicated Drone. Most of the DJI Drones also have higher quality cameras with larger sensors and 2 or even 3 axis gimbals with better stabilization. They also have much longer battery run times so you can go farther and longer with them. That said the DJI NEO may be good enough for a non-pro user to get the shots they are looking for.

The DJI NEO has been compared to the DJI Avata series and it does look a lot like a smaller version for sure. In terms of flying ink a DJI Avata, again it is smaller and less powerful so it will be slower and more prone to weather conditions. The camera systems on even the DJI Avata 1 is much better than the DJI NEO with full 4k 60fps ability and the DJI Avata 2 camera is even better than the Avata 1 camera.

As an FPV Drone you can strap on a set of DJI Goggles 3 and and instead of using the Motion Controller 3, you can connect to the RC Motion 3 Controller and get full manual mode FPV flying and hit speeds as high as 60km/h. You do have to be careful as the DJI NEO is not really a freestyle drone, if you push it too hard it will washout and go out of control potentially crashing, especially if you are close to the ground and it does not have time to recover. That said it is a lot of fun to fly if you fly within its limitations.

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Some tips when using the DJI NEO based on my experiences:

• Record in 4k for best quality except when in FPV Manual mode as the faster motion of FPV flying requires more frame rate speed to capture all of the motion without getting video jitter. Your feed in the DJI Goggles will look a lot better in 1080p 60fps as 1080p is the native resolution and 60fps is much smoother and allows for easier viewing while flying.

• Do not use the DJI NEO inside in low light, it simply does not work very well in low light inside and will most of the time just land.

• When using a remote like the RC-N3 or the Goggles 3, lower your video sharpness to (-2) for better looking video.

• To fly in restricted GEO Zones you will need to go online and make a license request on the DJI Fly-Safe website and then you will need to treansfer that request license to your drone using the DJI Fly App while connected to the DJI NEO with with an internet connect. A bit of a process but after a few times you get the hang of it. I was not able to unlock a Geo Zone on location while in the app even with an internet connection. Hopefully this gets fixed down the road.