Few activities get the blood pumping, like FPV drone racing. If you haven’t yet heard, FPV, or “first-person view,” drone racing is a fast-paced, high-octane sport that has taken the world by storm.
The premise is simple: pilots race drones around a track at breakneck speeds, navigating through tight turns and obstacles. FPV racing is exciting to watch and even more exhilarating to participate in!
If you’re interested in FPV drone racing but don’t know where to start, this guide is for you. We’ll go over everything you need to know about FPV drone racing, from the basics of racing to beginner-friendly racing drones.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to start your FPV drone racing journey!
Contents
What is FPV Drone Racing?
Simply put, FPV drone racing is a sport where pilots race drones around a track. FPV stands for “first-person view,” which means that the pilot flies the drone using a video feed from the drone’s camera.
This gives the pilot a bird’s eye view of the track, allowing them to navigate through the course with precision.
FPV drone racing is a fast-paced and exciting sport that requires split-second decisions and quick reflexes. There are two main types of FPV drone racing: FPV freestyle and FPV racing.
FPV Freestyle:
FPV freestyle is all about flying the drone in creative and challenging ways. FPV freestyle pilots often perform tricks and stunts with their drones, showing off their piloting skills.
While FPV freestyle can be performed solo, many pilots enjoy FPV freestyle competitions where they can work together and compete against other pilots.
FPV Racing:
FPV racing is the more traditional form of FPV drone racing. In FPV racing, pilots race drones around a track, competing to be the first to cross the finish line. Compared to FPV freestyle, FPV racing is more structured and has specific rules and regulations.
FPV racing is often done in teams, with each team having its pit area where they can work on their drones between races.
Indoor vs. Outdoor FPV Drone Racing
There are two main types of FPV drone racing: indoor and outdoor. As you might expect, indoor FPV drone racing takes place indoors, while outdoor FPV drone racing takes place outdoors. Here are some of the key differences between indoor and outdoor FPV drone racing:
Indoor FPV Drone Racing:
- Takes place in smaller, enclosed spaces
- More forgiving if you make a mistake
- Less wind resistance
- Often has more obstacles
Outdoor FPV Drone Racing:
- Takes place in large, open spaces
- Less forgiving if you make a mistake
- More wind resistance
- Often has fewer obstacles
How does FPV Drone Racing Work?
Now that we’ve answered the question, “what is FPV drone racing?” it’s time to talk about how FPV drone racing works. FPV drone racing can be broken down into four main parts: the pilot, the drone, the transmitter, and the camera.
The Pilot:
The pilot is the person who is flying the drone. In FPV drone racing, the pilot uses a video feed from the drone’s camera to fly the drone around the track.
The pilot must have quick reflexes and be able to make split-second decisions to navigate the course successfully.
The Drone:
Of course, you can’t have FPV drone racing without a drone! FPV racing drones are specially designed for speed and maneuverability.
They are often smaller and lighter than other types of drones, which makes them easier to fly quickly around a track. Most FPV racing drones have brushless motors, which are more powerful and efficient than the brushed motors found in other types of drones.
The Transmitter:
The transmitter is the remote control that the pilot uses to fly the drone. In FPV drone racing, the transmitter is connected to the drone’s camera.
This allows the pilot to see what the drone’s camera is seeing in real-time, giving them a bird’s eye view of the track.
The Camera:
In a typical FPV drone racing setup, the drone’s camera is mounted on the front of the drone. This gives the pilot a clear view of the track ahead and allows them to navigate the course with precision.
FPV drones often have FPV cameras that are specially designed for FPV flying. These cameras have low latency and wide field-of-view, which helps the pilot fly the drone more smoothly. Common FPV drone racing camera types include CMOS and CCD cameras.
Best beginner-friendly FPV racing drones
Now that you know the basics of FPV drone racing, you might be wondering what kind of drone you should buy. Here are some of the best beginner-friendly FPV racing drones:
1. The Emax Tinyhawk is a great FPV racing drone for beginners. It’s affordable, easy to fly, and comes with everything you need to get started.
2. The Eachine Wizard X220 is another great option for beginner FPV racers. It’s slightly more expensive than the Tinyhawk, but it comes with a more powerful FPV camera.
3. The Hubsan H501S is a good FPV racing drone for those on a budget. It’s not as fast or agile as the Tinyhawk or Wizard X220, but it’s still a lot of fun to fly.
4. The Walkera F210 is a great FPV racing drone for intermediate pilots. It’s more expensive than the other drones on this list, but it’s also faster and more agile.
5. The Taranis Q X7 is a great option for experienced FPV racers. It’s one of the most popular FPV racing transmitters on the market, and it’s compatible with a wide range of FPV racing drones.
How to get Started: Tips for FPV Drone Racing Beginners
Step 1. Start by flying in an empty room or backyard.
To get started, find a large empty room or backyard where you can practice flying your FPV drone. This will help you get used to the feel of flying an FPV drone without the added pressure of racing.
Step 2. Join an FPV drone racing club.
One of the best ways to hone your FPV drone racing skills is to join an FPV drone racing club. These clubs often have regular races and events that you can participate in.
Check out news pages and sites like Drone Flyer to find FPV drone racing clubs and events in your area to get started.
Step 3. Practice, practice, practice.
The only way to get better at FPV drone racing is to practice as much as possible. Set up a course in your backyard or empty room and fly it as often as you can. Remember to focus on flying smoothly and accurately. Some flying techniques you might want to practice include:
- flying through gates
- flying around obstacles
- making tight turns
- flying at high speeds
Step 4. Learn from experienced FPV drone racers.
What better way to learn FPV drone racing than from experienced FPV drone racers? There are plenty of FPV drone racing forums and online communities where you can find experienced pilots who are happy to share their knowledge.
You can also check out popular FPV drone racing YouTube channels, such as Rotor Riot and Drone Racing International, for tips and tricks from experienced FPV drone racers.
Conclusion
FPV drone racing is a thrilling and exciting sport that anyone can enjoy. Plus, with FPV drone racing, you can race against your friends and see who can fly the fastest!
Now that you know the basics of FPV drone racing, it’s time to go out and practice! Remember to start slow and take your time to get used to flying an FPV drone. Soon enough, you’ll be an FPV drone racing pro!
