Need gift ideas this Christmas? How about a Gold-Plated Drone?

Dads are pretty hard to buy for at the best of times. Especially when the festive season comes around. But imagine how hard it must be to buy for an incredibly wealthy dad, the kind of dad that can take his pick of the latest technology without denting the credit card. Well, now there’s a solution. How about a gold-plated version of the most popular consumer drone at the moment, the DJI Phantom 4? Yes. Really. Our friends at Drones Direct are selling a gold-plated drone. Ideal for pilots that want to add a touch of luxury to their aerial photography. Or just those who want to become an instant target for drone snatchers and/or verbal abuse.

 

Why not?! It’s maybe a positive sign that we have now entered Pimp My Drone territory. A few years ago most people thought the idea of flying your own drone and capturing aerial video was far-off and futuristic. Now, drones are widespread enough that it’s acceptable to customize them. Customizable drones are just fine, you might think, but isn’t smothering your Phantom 4 in gold going just a little too far?

Yes, you’re right. It’s much too far. This is clearly a terrible, terrible idea. But you can bet there’ll be a few pilots looking to make a statement with their gold-plated drone anyway. Here’s what Drones Direct have to say, in part of a sales pitch that’s as eye-catching as you’ll see:

This is what happens when you coat a DJI Phantom 4 in gorgeous 24-carat gold. Beautiful, isn’t it?

You won’t find this masterpiece anywhere else, so it’s unlikely you’ll see one flying around. That means you’re bound to turn heads when you head out with this beauty.

The DJI Phantom 4: Gold Edition is undoubtedly the most beautiful drone in the world, as well as the most expensive. We’d award it a gold medal for its incredible looks but, what’s the point? It’s coated in the stuff! – Drones Direct

Oh lord. If you’re tempted, this special Phantom 4, the world’s first gold-plated drone, will set you back around $24,000. About 20 times more expensive than a standard version.

So why is covering your drone in 24-carat gold a bad idea? Well, for starters, gold isn’t known for being the lightest material around. That’s going to put plenty of extra strain on flight time and battery life. Apart from that, it’s never a good idea to cover something in gold if there’s a strong possibility it’ll end up crashing into a tree.

Clearly, this is a very bad way to spend your money, even if you are struggling for gifts for a drone enthusiast. But fear not, we’ll be offering a rundown of potential presents for the drone lover in your life later this month.