Welcome to the QuadifyRC Buyer's guide. Here I'll list my recommendations for everything quadcopter - soldering irons to propellers and all the parts and accessories in between, Where practical I'll break this down into budget, mid-range and premium categories and will give you multiple vendors to buy from. My focus is vendors that supply internationally at lowest shipping costs as I have a very international audience. Please feel free to give me feedback if you think there is something that is missing on this list that you think belongs.
Don't forget that coupon codes can be found here. I look out for all of the products below and if they have a coupon code available I will have in on the coupons and discounts page. Failing that try universal codes parts8 or drones6 for 8% or 6% off respectively
To make this section easy to navigate I will split into sections as below:
- Common parts - these are items you'll likely need that are common to all quads - things like transmitters, chargers, tools etc.
- 5 inch quadcopter - both race and freestyle will be covered here as they have more in common than not
- Lightweight micro quadcopter - 2.5-3 inch micro builds will be covered here.
- Whoop quadcopter - very small brushless whoop builds for indoor flight will be covered here
- Long range quadcopter - larger rigs better suited to high speed cruising will be covered here.
Common Parts
Transmitters
Typically you'll only need one transmitter to bind to any number of quads. I really only recommend multiprotocol units now that FRSKY has jumped the shark and closed out it's protocol from everyone else.
Typically you'll only need one transmitter to bind to any number of quads. I really only recommend multiprotocol units now that FRSKY has jumped the shark and closed out it's protocol from everyone else.
Budget
Jumper T8SG
I recommend this as a step up from toy grade transmitters as it has proper hall effect gimbals, up to 12 channels and a full internal multiprotocol module. As a bonus it has a JR port if you wish to upgrade to TBD crossfire (which is supported on Deviation Protocol). This can usually be had for $85 here |
Mid Range
Radiomaster T16s
Like the T8SG this is a multiprotocol radio with JR expansion port but has larger hall effect gimbals, much larger touch screen and is a higher overall spec. If you can it is worth stumping up for this transmitter whihc retails for around $130 here. I think so much of this that this is also my recommendation for Top end as well. |
Chargers
I've recommended ISDT chargers which were traditionally top end only but now service the lower end as well. Their interface is so much easier to use than anything out there plus quality is top notch
I've recommended ISDT chargers which were traditionally top end only but now service the lower end as well. Their interface is so much easier to use than anything out there plus quality is top notch
Budget
IMAX B6 80W balance charger with adaptor
This charger will get you up and running and it is important you get this pack with the adaptor. User interface is slow and old fashioned but it works. Typically available for $25-30 here but would recommend stepping up to the user experience of the ISDT 608AC if possible |
Mid Range
ISDT 608AC 60/200W Balance charger
Does the same job as the Imax charger to the left but the interface feel so much easier to use and refined. Also the quality is higher meaning chance of failure is much less - very important on a charger which handles a lot of current. Typically available for $50-60 here. |
Top end
ISDT D2 200W AC Dual Channel
This charger will allow you to charge 2 batteries of differing sizes and capacities at the same time with two entirely discrete channels with the best interface in the game. This is the charger I have used for 2 years nearly non stop. Only downside is you must power from a wall plug (and not another battery). This is more expensive at $120-140 here but worth considering for the power-user. |
Soldering Irons
If you are getting into quads you simply cannot avoid soldering. A good soldering iron is worth it's weight in gold because it can mean the difference between good and bad connections which at best can sop you flying but at worse can irreversibly damage your electronics. For soldering irons the TS100 is simply the perfect iron. It is only when you get to soldering very heavy gauge wires (12AWG and up) that is starts to struggle
If you are getting into quads you simply cannot avoid soldering. A good soldering iron is worth it's weight in gold because it can mean the difference between good and bad connections which at best can sop you flying but at worse can irreversibly damage your electronics. For soldering irons the TS100 is simply the perfect iron. It is only when you get to soldering very heavy gauge wires (12AWG and up) that is starts to struggle
Budget
110V/220V 60W 200~450℃ Adjustable Temperature Solder Iron
If you need cheap this is it. A very basic potentiometer to change power but not good control over temperature. If you need a starting point this will get you there but please please strongly consider the TS100, it will make your experience so much better. This one is cheap though: $7-$10 here. |
Mid Range
110V/220V 60W 200~450℃ Adjustable Temperature Solder Iron
Originally designed as a nice portable iron this is a legitimately good bench iron as well. Well built, great tip, easy to use interface and outstanding accuracy. I strongly strongly recommend this iron. Prices range from about $40-60 here, keep an eye out for coupons. |
Other useful tools
There are a few basic tools you'll need for quads, below are the 3 key ones for me and all fairly inexpensive.
There are a few basic tools you'll need for quads, below are the 3 key ones for me and all fairly inexpensive.
Daniu Mini Sidecutters
These are useful for cutting and stripping wires which you will do a lot of. The are cheap at $3-$6 here but do the job just fine. Nice and small for the wires we use on quads compared to the larger ones from hardware stores. I've had the same set for 3 years. |
RJX 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0mm Mini Titanium Alloy Hex Screwdriver
These are the hex drivers you'll use for micro or regular quads, particularly the 1.5mm and 2.0mm. This is a good mid range set from RJX that is about $16-$20 here. This cheaper set ($9-$10 here) from Drillpro is ok but won't last as long |
Spanner for prop nut removal
Changing props is something you will do a lot regardless of whether you are a beginner or have been doing this a while. A ratchet spanner like this is is the easiest, fastest and most compact tool for the job where prop nuts are used (micro t mount uses a 1.5mm hex drive). This tool is good enough for the job and is only $4-$6 here. These are better than dedicated prop removal tools |
Consumables
There are the items you'll need on the bench for repairs and new builds. I haven't listed double sided tape but this is essential. I'd recommend genuine 3m VHB from your local hardware store. Same goes for solder, I'd recommed purcahsing 37/67 solder locally
There are the items you'll need on the bench for repairs and new builds. I haven't listed double sided tape but this is essential. I'd recommend genuine 3m VHB from your local hardware store. Same goes for solder, I'd recommed purcahsing 37/67 solder locally
DANIU 70pcs 20cm 5size 7color Polyolefin Heat Shrink Tube
Heatshrink all the things! This pack will allow you to heatshrink from the smallest signal wire up to you entire receiver. Nice to have in the key colours as well. Heatshrink will give better electrical insulation that electrical tape, particularly on the small wires we use. This whole kit is only $4-$5 here. |
1M 8/10/12/14/16/18/20/22/24/26 AWG Silicone Wire SR Cable Wire
Until you get to a point where you have lots of spare wire from dead parts or spares you'll likely need some spare silicon wire to have on hand. I'd recommend 14AWG for battery/esc leads, 20AWG for motors and maybe 26 for signal. This wire is $2-4 here and comes in a pack with red and black at 1m length which is plenty to start. |
Emax 8mmx30m Fabric 8mm Wide Adhesive Tape
Although not strictly critical this tape is the most effective and best looking option to hold your motor wires to your frame without adding unnecessary weight or ugly. Big roll wil last forever for $5-$8 here. |
HD Cameras
Go Pros are an obvious option for higher end if you want to spend the money I won't link as I'd recommend getting from a retailer in your own country.
Go Pros are an obvious option for higher end if you want to spend the money I won't link as I'd recommend getting from a retailer in your own country.
Budget
Hawkeye Firefly 2
This is the cheapest I would go for a dedicated HD cam. Size is good for a 3 inch. My full review is here. Currently showing as out of stock but were/are available for $40-$60 here |
Mid Range
Runcam 5 Orange
With the Gopro session line officially discontinued the Runcam 5 is definitely the best alternative. It's almost as good as the session except for lack of stabilization (not useful on quads) and more basic audio but much cheaper. My review is here, these are available for about $90-$100 here. |
Top End
DJI Digital FPV System
Ok, this is not a stand alone camera but DJI have delivered on the promise to supply consumer friendly low-lag HD FPV that not only records in HD but lets you see it in the goggles real-time. This is not cheap but does go on discount at times. Typically $650-$750 here. |
5 Inch Quadcopters
Freestyle frames
This is a tricky one, freestyle frame choice is as much about who your favourite pilot is as it is about what is practical for your needs. My choices are based on practicality and good flight performance
This is a tricky one, freestyle frame choice is as much about who your favourite pilot is as it is about what is practical for your needs. My choices are based on practicality and good flight performance
Race Frames
Similar to freestyles frames this is quite a personal thing. Focus on something minimal - light and strong
Similar to freestyles frames this is quite a personal thing. Focus on something minimal - light and strong
Motors
Racers then to prefer taller stators for high rpm control vs wider stators for freestyle which are better at changing speeds quickly for tricks. This a a bit of generalisation but the options below do offer multiple stator size and kv options to suit your needs
Racers then to prefer taller stators for high rpm control vs wider stators for freestyle which are better at changing speeds quickly for tricks. This a a bit of generalisation but the options below do offer multiple stator size and kv options to suit your needs
Flight controllers and ESCs
Other than the budget option I've gone exclusively with 20mm stacks as this offer weight and space saving for both freestyle and racing.
Other than the budget option I've gone exclusively with 20mm stacks as this offer weight and space saving for both freestyle and racing.
FPV Cameras
Again, more similarities that differences here so have grouped together. If you are pick then racers will tend to prefer low latency options
Again, more similarities that differences here so have grouped together. If you are pick then racers will tend to prefer low latency options
VTX Race
VTX freestyle
Propellers
As time goes by racing and freestyle props are actually converging because balance, power and efficiency is needed in both freestyle and racing. If anything lower pitch tends to be more desirable for freestyle.
As time goes by racing and freestyle props are actually converging because balance, power and efficiency is needed in both freestyle and racing. If anything lower pitch tends to be more desirable for freestyle.
Ready to Fly
Because racers tend to be more picky and build their own I've only listed freestyle options which are more global in appeal
Because racers tend to be more picky and build their own I've only listed freestyle options which are more global in appeal
Lightweight Micro Quadcopters
Frames
Canopies
Motors
Flight Controllers and ESCs
FPV Cameras
VTXs
Propellers
Ready to fly
Indoor Whoop Quadcopters
Frames
Motors
Flight Controllers and ESCs
FPV Cameras
VTXs
Propellers
Ready to fly
Long Range Quadcopters
Frames
Motors
Flight Controllers and ESCs
GPS Units
FPV Cameras
VTXs
Propellers
Ready to fly