So - it’s often a dangerous thing to ask a bunch of nerds their opinion (I’m looking at you @group-fpv) - but I am genuinely interested in your opinions of the different FPV manufacturers in terms of quality, support / instructions, availability of parts etc. I think this could be a useful resource for those getting into this hobby as well as those who’ve been around a while.
Currently flying GEPRC Darkstar and whilst I love the O3 kit, what’s carrying it feels a bit meh. Tbh. Poor design choices with the frame (hard mounted camera being the worst offender) and a cheap crappy antenna which kept causing RXLOSS at more than 50m away. Changed for a decent antenna - problem gone, but shouldn’t have this issues to start with imho.
I’ve had several iFlight drones (Nazgul, ProTek) and they’ve always felt solid. The XING motors I’ve found to be really good, even the eco range. Loads of spares and frames available too.
Diatone - lovely kit, but really not cheap. Had 2 of these, never had a problem with either.
Happymodel. Had the Mobula 6, flew really nicely. Had it for far too short a time until I drowned it Also had the Crux35 HD which flew beautifully, but the motors had some really bad vibrations. I tried a couple of complete sets and they were all the same. Swapped the motors out for iFlight motors and it flies superbly!
BetaFPV - had a couple of early brushed tiny whoops when I was first getting into this. Super fun and robust as hell. Not tried any of their larger stuff.
Let me know what you’ve found that you like - and what you don’t of course. Who’s on your shopping list, and who wouldn’t you bother with again?
Diatone: good for FC/ESCs I have about 4, I have a 4" quad as well.
Happymodel: tinywhoops & whoop AIOs good. Frames are a bit brittle.
BetaFPV: tinywhoop Frames are great. Not so keen on their electronics.
iFlight: motors are good. I don’t like their frames or electronics
Matek: Great for FCs, especially for fixed wing, etc…
Darwin: cheap… prone to breaking, but very cheap
SpeedyBee: excellent
Vifly: GPS mate and tinywhoop chargers… best on the market, but beepers could be more reliable!
Flywoo: I have an old 7" and some GPSes, seem good.
HGLRC: Bought a Rekon 7 frame. Seems good and inexpensive.
BetaFPV - Solid enough, everyone told me the electronics were crap, but it lasted two years of me bouncing it off the ground before it died.
Happymodel - Almost bulletproof, I’ve had three of those UMT Flea/Cine8 quads and they refuse to die. AIO FC is rock solid, motors are solid and it’s cheap for what it was.
DarwinFPV - Never had a problem with their kit, be it quads or components. The current interesting one for me is 1504 motors for $7 each.
Things I avoid, iFlight and GepRC.
I could say you get what you pay for, but my BabyApe was a real basher and after I upgraded the crappy 1104 motors it flew a lot better, but you could fly it on 1104 as well and parts were super cheap to repair it.
Well, after less than 10 sessions. I have to agree completely. I cracked the frame in a very minor bump, I had to replace the antenna as the stock one was garbage, I remade the motor mount as it suffered from really bad jello. And now - a motor failed mid-flight. Really less than impressed tbh.
I’ve ordered a couple of motors. Hoping it actually is the motor and not the ESC. If it the latter, it’s going in the bin tbh. Such a shame as the O3 kit it’s carrying is epically good. There’s a Pavo20 that comes without vtx and is designed to take O3 / Walksnail etc. sorely tempted atm it must be said.
Think I’ll be done with this one soon tbh. Got replacement motor from UMT. Motor mount in v poor state, and as mentioned it hasn’t had any serious bangs at all.
The plastic frame is so narrow around the motor mounts it’s clearly a weak point. I’d already bought a spare frame kit (I usually do!) so I’ve just rebuilt the whole thing. We’ll see how long it lasts - not holding my breath tbh.
I’m tempted by the Pavo20 that you can just drop the O3 kit into. Any recommends for a bomb proof 90mm wheelbase frame?
hi what would be a good starter FPV drone. I fly DJI Mavic 2 now so looking to start flying FPV and freestyle. it would have to be pretty strong and able to take knocks for outside use. would like to buy the complete set up . what would be your thoughts on this to were to begin
Thanks everyone I want to be able to fly into abandoned buildings, local ruins and forest
Not been flying for too long. Really enjoying the Mavic And improving with every flight. I’ve been using it for photography. Definitely will invest in a simulator I did hear it will help loads.
I do know someone that has an avata so will ask to try it. Just wondered if there was something with a little more bomb proof? Been trying to find a local club but all the model clubs are for fixed-winged planes and they frown upon drones, but will keep asking
) - but I am genuinely interested in your opinions of the different FPV manufacturers in terms of quality, support / instructions, availability of parts etc. I think this could be a useful resource for those getting into this hobby as well as those who’ve been around a while.
Also had the Crux35 HD which flew beautifully, but the motors had some really bad vibrations. I tried a couple of complete sets and they were all the same. Swapped the motors out for iFlight motors and it flies superbly!
