Beginner’s Guide to Drone Racing - What Gear You Need

So, you've seen those jaw-dropping videos. Drones dart through the jungle, dive under branches, and glide through gates at what appears to be lightspeed.

Your heart races, and a small voice inside says, "I want to do this too."

Then you look at the gear, and your eyes get a little confused. Acronyms like FPV, RTF, OSD fluctuate, and prices fluctuate from "okay" to "this feels like a car down payment."

Take a deep breath. I was feeling the same way a few years ago.

The truth is, starting drone racing is a very exciting decision. And you don't need to break the bank to get off to the right start.

This guide is your friendly co-pilot. We'll look at the essential gear for FPV drone racing in a simple way and provide straightforward advice so you can make smart choices.

Beginner’s Guide to Drone Racing - What Gear You Need

What is FPV Drone Racing, Really?

Before we talk about gear, let's clarify the experience.

Drone racing isn't like flying a regular camera drone. This is First Person View (FPV) flying.

You wear a headset or goggles that show live video from the drone's camera. It feels like you're inside the drone, flying through the air.

It's a very immersive feeling.

Your Drone Racing Starter Kit: 4 Essential Items

Think of your starter kit as a team, where every member is essential. Without one, the others won't work.

1. Drone: The Star of the Show

This is your race car. There are three main paths for beginners:

A) RTF (Ready-to-Fly) Kit: All-in-one box solution. Drone, transmitter (controller), and sometimes goggles are all included.

• Good: Very simple. No much guesswork. Everything matches.
• Okay-No: The quality of the radio and goggles is often basic. You'll want to upgrade soon.
• For Who: Those who want the easiest entry and are okay with upgrading later.

B) Bind-and-Fly (BNF) Drone: This is my top recommendation for most beginners. The drone is available, but the radio transmitter and goggles must be purchased separately.

• Good: You can invest in better core gear (radio/goggles) that will be useful in the future. The drone is also often better than an RTF.
• Okay-No: You'll need to make sure the drone's receiver is compatible with your transmitter.
• For: Those who want to learn seriously and want a setup that grows with them.

C) Build Yourself: The advanced way. Buy parts and assemble them yourself, frame, motors, flight controller, etc.

• Good: Full customization and knowledge of how to repair your own drone.
• Good-No: The learning curve is steep. Requires tools, time, and patience. Can be frustrating at first.
• My advice: Don't start here. Learn to fly first, and then build. You'll appreciate it more.

Beginner Tip: Look for a 2-inch or 3-inch "tiny whoop" style drone. They're compact, lightweight, durable, and less costly in a crash. Indoor or backyard practice is a great benefit.

FPV vs. Camera Drones - Which One Should You Buy?

2. FPV Goggles: Your Window to the Sky

Goggles are what make FPV magical. It's worth investing a little in, as a good pair can last you years.

Decision: Box goggles or low-profile goggles.

A) Box Goggles: Like VR, just like a big screen in a box.

• Pros: Often cheaper, better for those who wear glasses, and have a larger field of view.
• Cons: A little bulky and less "style."

B) Low-Profile Goggles: Sleeker, compact, smaller screens that is closer to the eyes.

• Pros: Portable, often higher resolution, experienced pilots prefer these.
• Cons: Expensive, and may be less comfortable for those who wear glasses.

Truth be told: I started with budget-friendly box goggles and never regretted them. This allowed me to invest more in the radio. Goggles can always be upgraded later.

3. Radio Transmitter: Your Connection to Control

If goggles are your eyes, then the radio transmitter is your hands. This is perhaps the most important piece to get right.

A quality radio feels better, is precise, and, importantly, will work with all future drones.

The biggest choice is protocol. Learn the language of radio.

• ExpressLRS (ELRS): King these days for both beginners and pros. Tremendous range, solid signal, and affordable. This is the top recommendation for new pilots in 2024.
• TBS Crossfire: The former champion. Still fantastic and reliable, but more expensive than ELRS.
• FrSky: Used to be the standard, but now ELRS has taken over in performance and value.

Practical Tip: Get a radio with an internal ELRS module or an external module bay. Radios like the Radiomaster Boxer or TX12 Mark II are beginner-friendly and future-proof. They're like a Swiss Army knife, versatile.

4. Batteries & Charger: Lifeblood

Drones run on Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries. These are powerful, but require care.

• Batteries: You'll need plenty. A flight can last 3-8 minutes, so stocking up on 4-6 batteries will give you a good 30+ minutes of practice.
• Charger: Don't buy a cheap charger. A well-balanced charger is essential for battery safety and health. The charger will also need a power supply.
• Safety First: LiPo batteries are no fun. Get a fireproof LiPo safety bag for charging and storage. It's a small investment, but it gives peace of mind.

Most Important "Gear" (Free)

Download an FPV drone simulator before spending money on anything.

On sims like Liftoff, Velocidrone, or DRL Simulator, you can practice by connecting your real radio to your computer. Crash thousands of times without incurring a repair bill.

This builds muscle memory.

It teaches you instincts that will help you maintain control.

It saves hundreds of dollars from broken parts.

Practicing on a sim for 10-20 hours before a real flight is the best advice anyone can give.

Optional but Very Helpful Gear

• Tools: A good soldering iron, hex drivers, and tweezers are essential for repairs.
• Propeller Balancer: Smooths video and increases motor life.
• Field Kit: A small backpack to carry gear, batteries, and tools.

First Steps on the Race Track

Feeling a little overwhelmed, right? Hopefully, yes. Drone racing is a marathon, not a sprint. The simple and stress-free path is this:

Step 1: Research and find a quality radio transmitter (like a Radiomaster with ELRS).

Step 2: Connect that radio to the FPV drone simulator and practice, practice, practice.

Step 3: Once you're comfortable on the sim, buy a BNF tiny whoop drone and box goggles.

Step 4: Find a local flying group or MultiGP chapter. The community is very welcoming and helpful.

Ready for the Starting Gate?

Drone racing is a hobby that challenges your mind, reflexes, and technical skills. The thrill of nailing your first smooth turn or completing your first race course is unbeatable.

Don't get bogged down in technical details at the start. Get a good radio, learn on the sim, and take your first step. The sky is waiting for you.

What's your biggest question about getting started? Comment, I want to help! If you found the guide helpful, share it with a friend who wants to join RaceTrack.

Svetlana

Svetlana is a writer and senior editor at DroneInsuranceUSA, passionate about making drone laws, insurance, and safety tips simple for every pilot.

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Editorial note: This article was prepared by the DroneInsuranceUSA editorial team using official FAA guidance, insurer resources, and industry FAQs. We update the content regularly to reflect changes in drone regulations and best practices.

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