What spare parts should I buy for my drone?
I just got a Holy Stone HS720E and I want to be prepared before I start crashing things. What spare parts should a beginner have on hand? Should I buy them at the same time as the drone, or wait until I actually need something?
5 Answers
Sorted by: Votes
HobbyistHank
Best Answer
Three spare parts every beginner should own before their first flight, not after the first crash:
1. Replacement propellers (highest priority)
Props are the most fragile part of any drone. Even a minor collision at low speed can nick or snap a prop. Damaged props cause vibration (jello effect in footage) and can cause uncommanded yaw or drift. For the HS720E, buy two complete sets of replacement props (each set includes all four props). They typically cost $8-12 per set on Amazon. Always replace props in matched pairs -- replace both the damaged prop and its diagonal opposite to keep the drone balanced.
2. Extra battery (second priority)
One battery gives 20-26 minutes of flying. With charge time of 90-120 minutes, one battery means long waits between flights. A second battery effectively doubles your flying time per session. Holy Stone HS720E batteries run $25-35 each on Amazon. Budget for at least one spare at purchase time.
3. Propeller guards (if not included)
For the first 10-20 flights, prop guards protect you, others, and the props themselves during learning crashes. The HS720E does not include prop guards by default but compatible guards are available for under $15. Remove them for outdoor flying once you are confident.
What to skip
Do not buy motors, ESCs, or flight controllers as spares. These rarely fail in normal use, and if they do, the repair is complex enough that most beginners would rather replace the drone. Focus on consumables.
Shop HS720E Replacement Props on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
GearReviewer_Tom
Full spare parts priority list:
| Part | Priority | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement propellers (2 sets) | Essential | $8-15 per set |
| Extra battery | Essential | $25-40 |
| Propeller guards | High | $10-15 |
| Landing mat/pad | Medium | $12-20 |
| Screwdriver set | Medium | $8-15 |
| Prop screws (spare set) | Low | $5-10 |
| Camera lens protector | Optional | $8-12 |
| Carrying case | Optional | $20-40 |
The screwdriver set is often overlooked. Drone prop screws require tiny Phillips or hex screwdrivers. Most households do not have them. A small precision screwdriver set ($10) handles prop installation, prop guard attachment, and any minor repairs.
AerialMike_TX
Prop buying tip: drone propellers come in CW (clockwise) and CCW (counter-clockwise) variants. A replacement set labeled for your drone model typically includes both. Check the direction arrows on your current props -- they are usually marked with a small arrow showing rotation direction. Replacing with the wrong rotation direction will cause the drone to fly erratically. Brand-specific replacement sets labeled for your exact model number are the safest choice.
For the HS720E specifically: search "Holy Stone HS720E propellers" on Amazon and buy the officially compatible set. Do not buy generic quad props measured only by diameter -- they may look similar but vary in pitch, which affects performance and balance.
SafetyFirstPilot
Battery storage note that applies whether you buy one battery or three: store LiPo batteries at storage voltage (around 3.8V per cell, or approximately 50-60% charge) when not flying for more than a few days. Storing at full charge degrades the battery over time. If you know you will not fly for 2+ weeks, partially discharge the battery to 50-60% before storage. Most newer DJI drone batteries have an auto-discharge feature that does this automatically after a set number of days. Holy Stone and Potensic batteries do not have this feature -- you need to manage storage charge manually. Storing at full charge repeatedly is the number one reason hobby drone batteries fail prematurely.
DroneInspector_Pro
Parts availability by brand from my experience:
- Holy Stone: Excellent availability. Props, batteries, prop guards all readily available on Amazon and the Holy Stone website. Good long-term support.
- Potensic: Good availability, especially for the ATOM SE which is a popular model. Check Amazon and the Potensic website.
- Ruko: Moderate availability. Props available on Amazon but less consistently than Holy Stone. Battery availability varies by model.
- DJI: Best availability, official store always has everything. Pricier than budget brand parts but guaranteed compatible.
- Budget brands (DEERC, SNAPTAIN, etc.): Variable. Some models have consistent parts supply, others go dark within a year. Always verify before buying the drone.
After a crash, do a full damage inspection before ordering parts -- sometimes what looks like just a broken prop conceals a bent motor or cracked arm. See our thread on what to do when your drone crashes for the full post-crash inspection procedure.