Ready for FPV liftoff? Explore beginner drone kits: RTF or DIY builds! Your guide to the skies awaits.
So You Want to Fly FPV? A Look at Starter Kits for Liftoff 🚀
Diving into the world of FPV (First Person View) drones can feel like stepping into a cockpit – exhilarating, immersive, and a little daunting. The sheer variety of options out there can leave aspiring pilots scratching their heads, especially when it comes to choosing that first, crucial starter kit. Fear not! We’ve sifted through the noise, and more importantly, the videos, to give you a clear path to the skies. This page will guide you through the top options for FPV newcomers, covering everything from fully ready-to-fly (RTF) packages, to the fascinating world of DIY builds, and the different flavors of flight controllers available to you! We are going to help you learn everything you need to know and get you started today! We are going to explore why some of these starter kit choices have been named the BEST options!
Key Takeaways: Your Ticket to the FPV Experience
RTF Kits Reign for Beginners: Ready-to-fly kits, like the HGLRC Draknight, BETAFPV Cetus X, Sub250 Whoopfly16, and BETAFPV Aquila16, are consistently recommended as the easiest entry point to FPV flying, and for good reason. These all-in-one packages, often available for under $300, remove the hassle of building from scratch, letting you focus on learning to fly. The simplicity and immediate gratification that an RTF kit gives are hard to beat!
Budget Matters, But Quality is Key: While most of the featured kits target a beginner-friendly budget (sub $300), the videos emphasize the importance of comparing specific models to find those which are reliable and high-performing. While that entry level cost is appealing it does come with constraints, as any experienced pilot can confirm.
The Thrill of DIY: While not a necessity to get in the air, the “Build an FPV drone in 2023 – Part 2 – Frame, ESC, Motors, FC” video highlights the satisfying and empowering nature of building your own drone. This DIY approach provides a profound understanding of how everything connects, from mounting the arms to soldering the Electronic Speed Controller (ESC).
Understanding Flight Control Philosophies: The FPV landscape isn’t a monolithic entity, and we are learning about the differences between different types of FPV builds, the Ardupilot flight controller included. While more challenging to set up, this opens up possibilities for more advanced pilots looking to move beyond Acro (Airmode) in betaflight. This also exposes the user to autonomous flight concepts and gives greater autonomy to how your drone can be used!
Different drones for different uses: Not all drones fly the same, and for a beginner there are options to start that focus on stability and safety over raw speed. The HISINGY STARGAZER is a prime example of this design and shows how controls and app interfaces can ease new pilots into the hobby.
“Whoops” Lead the Charge: The Sub250 WhoopFly16’s digital system and its smaller “whoop” form factor makes it popular for indoor flying and general ease of use, making it appealing for beginners as a first option.
The Perpetual Debate: Build or Buy?: The “Is Building Your Own FPV Drone Worth It?” video underscores the ongoing debate within the hobby. While pre-built kits offer convenience, a custom build allows you to tune every part for a purpose-built, perfect-for-you performance that also helps the pilot get the know-how that comes with experience. The debate ultimately comes down to what is more appealing: instant fun or the education through construction?
Getting Started: Making a First Step
For the most of you ready to jump into FPV drone flight, a Ready To Fly kit is the way to start. A lot of people are simply wanting to get up and in the air ASAP and the RTF kits will get you up and flying the same day that they arrive at your doorstep. After some time in the air learning the controls many new pilots are then interested in building a drone from parts once they have an understanding of how each component of the FPV drone works. When considering which kit to start with, I recommend that any beginner should check out the videos on each kit, as every kit has it’s strengths and weakenesses, and it’s good to make sure the equipment is a good fit before hitting the buy button. Some kits offer beginner-friendly features that others may lack and will change based on a users needs. Many advanced pilots swear by Ardupilot based drones, while others are committed to flying drones based in betaflight. We recommend learning how each of them work, and not relying on just one perspective!
The Sky’s the Limit: Take Flight With Your First FPV Kit
Whether you’re drawn to the immediacy of an RTF package or the rewarding complexity of a DIY project, the perfect FPV starter kit awaits. We’ve curated some of the best video highlights for you that explain everything that these kits have to offer, ensuring you’re not just flying, but flying informed.. Take the time to learn the differences and what makes each unique from one another and find your perfect kit! Scroll down, watch the video highlights, and let us get you in the air, exploring the FPV world together!
The videos await below
The BEST 5 Beginner FPV Drone Kits under $300CAPTAIN DRONE45,360 views | 1,252 | September 25 2024 10:00:02 (143 comments)[ Read more … ]
Do you want to enter the FPV Drone hobby? The simple method is to start with an all in one RTF FPV Beginner Kit. In this video I look at the 5 best RTF FPV Kits available for less than $300.
There are plenty of store links below. Find the link with the best price and shipping to your location. Also my full review of each drone are shown at the links below…
Type my discount/coupon code in at the CHECKOUT screen.
1.HGLRC Draknight 2 Inch 2S https://ban.ggood.vip/154Bw Banggood DISCOUNT CODE: BG51cb19
2.BETAFPV Cetus X FPV Kit https://ban.ggood.vip/154Bz Banggood DISCOUNT CODE: BGf844cf
BETAFPV Store: You can find the CETUS-X FPV Kit (The FC version shown in this video as well as the BETAFLIGHT version) at this link: https://bit.ly/3D7U2XT
3.Sub250 Whoopfly16 Analog RTF https://ban.ggood.vip/154Br Banggood DISCOUNT CODE: BG72d815
Build an FPV drone in 2023 – Part 2 – Frame, ESC, Motors, FCJoshua Bardwell102,203 views | 1,862 | August 23 2023 14:03:21 (131 comments)[ Read more … ]
Today is the day you build your first FPV drone and experience the thrill of flight!
All videos in this series are in this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwoDb7WF6c8l24IM83wIS94XzhuMVC2gx
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I receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase after clicking one of the affiliate links below.
Buy the DIY build kit at: * Analog video version – https://bit.ly/3QtWKOd * Digital HD video version – https://bit.ly/45AUklt
This toolkit contains most of the tools you’ll need to build this quad. * NewBeeDrone FPV Quad Toolkit – https://bit.ly/3KxvzOJ
Need a soldering iron? My recommendations are here: https://bit.ly/47moGJN
For a more complete list of tools and supplies, check my website: * Tools: https://www.fpvknowitall.com/ultimate-fpv-shopping-list-tools/ * Supplies: https://www.fpvknowitall.com/fpv-shopping-list-supplies/
MANDATORY DISCLAIMER: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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00:00:00 – This is part of a series 00:00:24 – Assemble the X-plate 00:01:01 – Install the stack screws 00:03:21 – Install the arms 00:04:23 – Install the bottom plate 00:06:01 – Checkpoint! 00:06:28 – Check the motor screw length before installing 00:09:11 – Mount the motors on the arms 00:10:13 – Use loc-tite … if you want 00:10:38 – Mount the ESC 00:12:33 – Don’t let the ESC touch the frame! 00:14:03 – How the motors connect to the ESC 00:15:33 – One way to switch motor direction 00:16:01 – How good are you at soldering?
My soldering tutorial – https://youtu.be/GoPT69y98pY
00:17:16 – Cut, strip, and tin the motor wires 00:19:03 – Solder the motor wires to the ESC 00:20:54 – Assemble the XT60 connector
My review of the OMNIFIXO 3rd Hand Tool – https://youtu.be/ujYq5HQ6kJQ
“Blue Tack” is a good versatile alternative to a 3rd hand tool – https://amzn.to/3DJf5iT
00:26:50 – The importance of No-Clean Flux 00:28:11 – Cut the XT60 wires to length 00:29:04 – Solder the XT60 wires to the ESC 00:31:22 – FC must face front 00:32:49 – Mount the FC and connect to the ESC 00:33:53 – Not all FC and ESC are compatible 00:34:46 – Recap
The Best First FPV Drone for “Normal People” // HISINGY STARGAZERJoshua Bardwell112,736 views | 2,459 | June 21 2023 18:40:12 (281 comments)[ Read more … ]
Uncertain about what to buy? Check out THE ULTIMATE FPV SHOPPING LIST: https://www.fpvknowitall.com/ultimate-fpv-shopping-list
SUPPORT ME ON PATREON at: http://bit.ly/2Ep5Sia
THIS IS MY FULL TIME JOB. Here are other ways that you can support me: https://www.fpvknowitall.com/support-me/
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I receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase after clicking one of the affiliate links below.
Buy the Hisingy Stargazer at: * GetFPV – https://bit.ly/43PzkXn
MANDATORY DISCLAIMER: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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00:00:00 – Even a 4 year old can fly it 00:00:25 – Why am I showing an unboxing 00:02:49 – What makes this drone different 00:04:24 – Controls are extremely forgiving for beginners 00:05:42 – Hisingy phone app 00:06:49 – Giving it to my 4 year old to test 00:09:01 – FPV goggles make you feel like you’re inside it! 00:12:00 – Adjustable rates unlock as you get experience 00:15:28 – Flight test with faster rates 00:16:52 – What makes the Stargazer Unique 00:19:03 – This isn’t for everybody though
My review of the Emax EZ Pilot Pro – https://youtu.be/pxeQZ15DX5Q
FPV pilot tries Pixhawk for the first time // Introduction to ArdupilotJoshua Bardwell92,662 views | 2,639 | November 21 2023 17:52:49 (446 comments)[ Read more … ]
Uncertain about what to buy? Check out THE ULTIMATE FPV SHOPPING LIST: https://www.fpvknowitall.com/ultimate-fpv-shopping-list
SUPPORT ME ON PATREON at: http://bit.ly/2Ep5Sia
THIS IS MY FULL TIME JOB. Here are other ways that you can support me: https://www.fpvknowitall.com/support-me/
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I receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase after clicking one of the affiliate links below.
Buy the Holybro X500 PX4 Development Kit at: * Holybro – https://bit.ly/3sIZmhK * NewBeeDrone – https://bit.ly/3sIZUnO * GetFPV – https://bit.ly/3QHlHUM
MANDATORY DISCLAIMER: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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00:00:00 – Why is PixHawk and Ardupilot so interesting 00:01:45 – Unboxing the Holybro Development Kit 00:04:27 – Assembly of the kit 00:07:12 – Install the motors 00:09:21 – Install the power lead 00:11:53 – Mount the GPS antenna 00:12:46 – Install the flight controller 00:18:09 – Connect the ExpressLRS Receiver 00:20:44 – Download QGroundcontrol and Flash Ardupilot 00:23:07 – Set up the Frame Type 00:23:36 – Set up the ExpressLRS Receiver 00:25:10 – Calibrate Sensors 00:26:08 – Set up Flight Modes 00:28:32 – Telemetry radios for wireless configuration 00:29:42 – Test Flight 00:35:53 – Conclusion
Best Whoop Starter // Sub250 WhoopFly16 // Digital FPVNick Burns44,165 views | 996 | April 20 2023 13:00:12 (285 comments)[ Read more … ]
This drone turned out to be much different than I expected. WhoopFly16 Available below RDQ – https://bit.ly/3W3gSrt Direct From Sub250 – https://bit.ly/3GX1y9g – use code Nickburns 5% off Banggood – https://bit.ly/41IL7Gb Banggood – ( N America Coupon “BGNick2022” 8% off) PyroDrone – https://bit.ly/3ALTdBG
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👌🏽Affiliate links 👌🏽 If you would like to support this channel please use these links. ► RaceDayQuads – http://bit.ly/RDQ_NB ► HDZero – http://bit.ly/3GABBfU ► WeBleedFPV – https://webleedfpv.com/NickBurns ► GetFPV – https://bit.ly/3rnx05U ► Banggood – http://bit.ly/BG-NB ► RotorRiot – https://bit.ly/3N40Ebp ► Caddx – http://bit.ly/3VL3wyf ► AliExpress https://bit.ly/3vMbOZK ► Emax – https://bit.ly/3sn3AGm ► RadioMaster – http://bit.ly/3ClexPQ ► Amazon – https://amzn.to/3iJjTrT ► MakerFire – https://bit.ly/37TAmGo ► BetaFPV – http://bit.ly/BFPV-NB
If you use these links to make a purchase I may receive a commission, which helps to explore more products on the channel, at no extra cost to you.
Is Building Your Own FPV Drone Worth It?Brodie Reed50,462 views | 1,071 | November 23 2023 00:09:59 (70 comments)[ Read more … ]
It’s the big question that has been argued over for centuries (Or maybe just the last few years…). Today I plan on answering it.
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About the Author
Patryk Alexander is an associate copy editor at 4kVideoDrones.com, where he sharpens articles and helps keep the website's content clean and error-free. With a background in creative writing, Patryk brings a unique perspective to his editing that helps make 4kVideoDrones.com's content engaging and informative. When he's not editing or writing, Patryk enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the great outdoors.