Just Fun Tech: Ruko F11PRO 2 Review

Welcome back to Just Fun Tech, our column dedicated to exploring the wider world of technology that branches beyond the world of PC gaming. Today, we’re looking at the latest drone from Ruko, the Ruko F11PRO 2. It’s a lightweight drone that’s perfect for beginners and content creators looking to add a new flavor of content to their videos. It also has Ruko’s best camera yet and comes with some compelling extras to deliver value for the money.

Specifications

• Current Price: $390.99 (Amazon)
• Key Features
  • FAA Remote ID Module Built-in
  • Stunning 6K Images & 4K Videos
  • Enhanced Stability and Optical Flow Sensors
  • 3-Axis Gimbal Camera
  • 10000ft FPV Digital Transmission
  • 2 Batteries for 70 mins Flight Time
  • Level 5 Wind Resistance

What Is Just Fun Tech?

Just Fun Tech is our semi-regular column dedicated to the wider world of technology. It may or may not be related to gaming because the intention is just to share things that are fun and life enriching. And let's be honest, if you are interested in tech reviews, there's a good chance that you are interested in exciting technology in general. That is what this column, helmed by our Hardware and Technology Editor, Christopher Coke, is all about.

In this edition, were looking at the Ruko F11PRO 2, an exciting new drone that retails for just under $400. While it's not the cheapest, it offers surprisingly great video quality with up to 4K resolution (6K for pictures). It also comes with two batteries for more than an hour of flight time, a reworked controller, and a 10,000 foot transmission distance. We previously reviewed the Ruko F11GIM2, an impressive drone in its own right, and were impressed. But for slightly less, the F11PRO 2 is better in just about every way. Look down from the clouds… if that’s not fun tech, I don’t know what is. 

Ruko F11PRO 2 – Take Flight

The Ruko F11PRO 2 is an interesting drone in that it is priced higher than most entry-level options, but still manages to deliver an impressive value for the investment. Coming from the F11GIM2, the PRO2 feels downright tiny. Weighing in around 357 grams with the battery installed, it’s a bit more than 200 grams less than the GIM2 and compacts down well for easy transport in the included carrying case.

It's important to note, however, that its weight means that it is not exempt from the Remote ID requirements by the FCC. Thankfully it comes with a Remote ID module pre-installed, so you don't have to worry about purchasing anything extra. You will need to be sure that you are following all of the regulations and rules for your area, including that you are flying in open air space and that you have taken your requisite safety course.

With all of that said, this is very easy drone to get up and running with. Ruko gives you just about everything you need to get flying and have a good time. It includes two batteries each offering around 35 minutes of flight time (closer to 25 to 30 in my testing), some spare props, a helpful app for monitoring your video feed and quickly selecting its different modes, and some safety features like a Return to Home button and one-click landing and take-off. It's also GPS enabled, so if it flies out of range or is low on battery, it's smart enough to turn around and go back to its takeoff point within just a few feet of accuracy.

The app is especially useful, as it guides you through the first steps of getting the drone calibrated and ready to fly. It also gives you a readout of important information like your altitude, speed, and distance, as well as the number of satellites it’s currently connected to. Being able to tap to select different modes, including a smart Follow mode and a GPS flight path, is a welcome feature to quickly get the content you are looking for.

It also allows you to set Cruise Control, which is a new addition on this model. I found it to be very neat and quite useful for video creation. You simply set your speed, enable cruise control, and then you can direct the direction and camera to capture your scene with consistently smooth motion and great stability.

Ruko rates this drone for 10,000 feet of transmission distance. As is always the case with drones like this, that will depend heavily on your particular area and your line of sight to the drone. I did find that the controller stayed connected in the video feed stayed consistent without choppiness quite a bit longer than the F11GIM 2. With direct line of sight, 7,000 feet or so is a realistic possibility, though much beyond that and you’ll contend with video break-ups and need to rely on the drone itself, to capture the footage you’re looking for. The app can be used to keep a “safety track,” but you’ll ideally be pulling the video from the drone for the best quality.

The controller has received a significant upgrade. It doesn't have a live video feed, which you really shouldn't expect at this price, but it has better grips and controls that felt tighter and more responsive to my fingers. Your smart phone mounts on top of it and connects with the dedicated wire for reduced latency and higher quality transmission. I am not a fan of the glossy front, especially with the improved grips on the back feeling like such an upgrade, but fingerprints and fine scratches are cosmetic and don't impact its functionality at all.

The biggest upgrade to this model comes with its camera. It's able to record up to 6K video footage, though that's not its strongest point. Instead, it uses a brand-new Sony sensor and, I believe, an improved algorithm for stabilizing the footage on its three-axis gimbal. The recorded footage is more detailed, more color accurate, and significantly smoother. You can set the drone into a sport mode or a slower more cinematic mode. In this setting, the footage is nothing short of the best I've seen from a drone around this price.

Quality-wise, it is a prime competitor with the Holy Stone HS900, though offers a significant advantage in flight stability in windy settings. While the added weight does mean that it needs a Remote ID module, that same quality allows it to hang smooth at higher altitudes with less visible jutter. The overall video quality is extremely similar, so if you plan to fly in more challenging settings or at higher altitudes, the F11PRO 2 is going to be the better option.

Ruko F11PRO 2 – Flight Videos

To see the Ruko F11PRO 2 in action, check out the videos below. Please be sure to like and subscribe to the creators if you enjoy their work.

Video Credit: Alien Drones

Video Credit: SteffenRC

Video Credit: MarkusSenior

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Ruko F11PRO 2 is probably the best drone the company has released to date. The improved video quality really is the decision-maker here. Yes, the F11GIM 2 will be more stable overall, but the F11PRO 2 is more portable and the drone I would pick every time for pure video quality. I would love to see this camera system implemented on a lower cost option, but compared to larger companies like DJI that also have entry-level options these days, you’re getting an extra battery, superior wind stability, and up to 6K photo resolution. In my opinion, this drone is worth the cost of entry, though with the current price, I would suggest it as a second drone, once you’re ready to step up from a lower cost model to decide if the hobby is for you.

The product described in this article was provided by the manufacturer for evaluation purposes. Some articles may contain affiliate links and purchases made through this will result in a small commission for the site. Commissions are not directed to the author or related to compensation in any way.