Transmitter Shootout: Radiomaster tx16s vs TBS tango 2 vs Jumper T8SG Vs FRSKY XLite

In this shootout I'll be using my opinion to compare some of the most popular radios on the market to an incumbent and a dark horse. I'll give you some insight to what drives my opinion so you can see why I've made the decision I have. Specifically I'll be looking at:

• Radiomaster TX16s (Hall gimbal edition)
• TBS Tango 2 (Standard edition)
• Jumper T8SG (Hall gimbal edition)
• FRSKY Xlite

Personally radios, goggles and chargers are not something I replace regularly. Since they are not subjected to the "unexpected landings" that our quads are they tend to last longer, especially if you but the right product. I've had the Xlite for nearly 2 years (reviewed here) and it has been the only controller I've used over the whole time. As a reviewer with access to all of the new stuff this is an age for me and I don't think I've had any piece of gear longer than this. Prior to this I used the Taranis QX7s which was a great controller but just not portable enough for me due to its size. Without me rambling too much I'm trying to say if you find the right controller for you based on your needs then it should last you a LONG time. In this shootout I'll look at the characteristics, benefits and limitations of these four controllers to help you understand what might be important to you. First let's start with a quick overview of the controllers I'm comparing

Radiomaster TX16s released Mid-2020 Multiprotocol.
Unquestionably the most popular radio right now. OpenTX operating system with a 4.3 inch colour display. Directly supports Full sized JR modules including all crossfire variants. No batteries included but can accept nearly any 2s lipo or 2 x 18650 cells.

---

TBS Tango 2, released early 2020. Up until recently limited to Crossfire protocol but now can easily be expanded to accept a 'lite' multiprotocol module. PResently runs a branch of OpenTX called freedomTX but on a very small OLED display. Will be supported by OpenTX by end 2020. Internal 1s battery is charged via USB

---

Jumper T8SG multiprotocol, released late 2019
Dark horse lightweight, compact and low price. Uses Deviation operating system with a small LCD display. ​Directly supports Full sized JR modules including all crossfire variants. No batteries included but can accept nearly any 2s lipo or 2 x 18650 cells.

---

FRSKY X-lite, released mid-2018. ​First of the game style controllers done right. Uses OpenTX operating system. Original variant support D8 and D16 ACCST whereas newer versions support D16 ACCST and ACCESS but not D8. Supports 'lite' modules including the newly released crossfire nano module. Only support 18500 liion batteries or 18650 cells with battery holder upgrade. USB charging circuit included in newer variants or install a circuit as per this article on the older model

---

For an idea of size, there is how they look in hand pinch and thumb. I am 178cm tall so medium sized hands I guess? Click and of these to embiggen.

Radiomaster TX16s

TBS Tango 2

Jumper T8SG v2 (Hall gimbals)

FRSKY X-lite original with FRSKY t-antenna

Versatility/upgradeability
The Radiomaster TX16s is the most fully featured of all the radios listed and can natively accept all of the crossfire module variants. It has an internal multiprotocol module mean it'll run practically anything except TBS crossfire or R9 out of the box although TBS micro V2 tx is an option on Banggood. It is the most versatile of all options here.

8 Aux switches, 2 pots and discrete trims. Control all the things

A holder for 2 x 18650 batteries are included and can be charged via USB or use a 2s lipo and plug in balance port (also USB charge)

Use any full size JR port module including the TBS crossfire micro v2 which can be ordered with the transmitter

Up until recently the TBS Tango 2 was the least versatile option but a recent upgrade saw hardware and software support arrive for an external 'lite' module meaning a multiprotocol module can be added to the internal crossfire module so that it can control practically anything. FreedomTX (which is a fork of OpenTX) is unique to the Tango 2 but it will revert to OpenTX later in 2020. Controller is limited to 6 auxiliary switches with no pots but this should not be an issue for most quads and wings. There is an internal 1s 5000mah battery in this which charges via USB which is such a good idea (great battery life too)

The TBS Tango 2 did not release with a module bay but the install is cheap and easy. Nice listening TBS!

TBS is the first to use rocker 3 position switch and depression 2 way switches. They feel muck less likely to break than toggle switches and work will. Another 2 momentary switches on the back (see left image) making for 6 Aux switches with not POTs

The Jumper T8SG is also heavily featured with an internal multiprotocol module which makes space for any of the crossfire module via the full sized JR port.  This small controller still manages 6 side switches and 2 pots which will allow a lot of control. Although easier to use, DeviationTX firmware is not quite a feature-rich as OpenTX although most users won't find it's limits.

Actually a good selection of control for such a small transmitter - 6 Aux switches and 2 slider pots plus discrete trims

Gargantuan bomb door for 2 battery which connects via balance plug. 2x18650 holder is also included

Small controller but full size JR port for expansion. Noice.

The FRSKY X-lite is probably the most limited of the bunch since you need to choose either crossfire or multiprotocol - you cannot choose both at the same time. Even then crossfire support has required a hardware workaround as reviewed here until very recently when the TBS nano crossfire module was made available. This limitation is obviously similar to all FRSKY radio because of their understable push for FRSKY protocol. Like the T8SG there are 6 switches plus 2 pots in the form of sliders. Full Open TX supports any module via software.

4 Auxiliary switches plus 2 sliders has been just fine for me for the last 2 years of flying quads regularly

Photo credit Get FPV. The X-lite uses the uncommong 18500 cells but battery ends for 18650 cells are available as optional extras

USB charging was not on the original model but can be installed. I have a full guide available

I've added crossfire previously but you need a clunky adaptor. TBS have just released a new module though that fits natively

Who do each of these transmitters suit?

Radiomaster TX16s if you want full featured radio that will do it all and don't mind or prefer the size

TBS Tango V2 if you like the game style controller as an intermediate advanced user
​

Jumper T8SG if you are starting out and want something versatile and well built on a budget
​

FRSKY X-lite is the original game style controller but hard to recommend as a single protocol now that FRSKY has lost it's way

Why I've chosen to go with the TBS Tango and Conclusion
Personally the most important things for me other than base requirements of decent gimbals (of which all of these have) is portability and simplicity. For this reason I have chosen not to use the Radiomaster TX16s regardless of it being the most full optioned transmitter here.

Up until recently I've been using the FRSKY X-lite but now that I'm moving to crossfire, the solution I have used to physically fit the JR module was clunky and inconvenient.

Even through the form factor is a little different, the Jumper T8SG was a genuine dark horse option for me - small sized, internal multiprotocol and JR bay for crossfire and this would have actually been my daily driver had TBS not announced an important update to the TBS tango 2...

Before the August 2020 update to the TBS tango 2, the only protocol it supported was TBS crossfire (CSRF). That was a shame because they design and hardware was just what I was looking for. However when it was announced that a new software update and a stick on module bay would allow multiprotocol module support I bought one then and there. The size and game control format was similar to the game-controller style that I love about the X-lite but with larger gimbals, a convenient internal battery and all the protocols I need in a clean package. The screen is very small but honestly once I have the controller set up I do not use it at all because, well, FPV.

As you can see my final decision was driven by my own unique set of needs but hopefully this breakdown has given you more insights to these controllers so you can make your own decision.

Honourable mentions
Honourable mentions go out to:

BetaFPV lite radio as the best truly budget radio at around $40-$50 albeit without the ability to run anything other than FRSKY D8 or D16

Also the Jumper T16 was the first proper radio to break FRSKY's stranglehold on the radio market although the Radiomaster TX16 is now better in every way. The TX16 has been phased out.

Lastly the Frsky QX7 is still a viable option for a full-sized beginner radio but​ with budget, non-hall gimbal versions of the TX16s popping up for a similar price it is becoming hard to recommend.

​​​Thanks for reading, if you found this article useful please feel free to like or share, the facebook links below directly link/like this article. Links are affiliated and help me buy the bits I need to produce this type of content. If you are looking for quads or parts check out my coupons and discounts page which I keep updated with only the parts and quads I like at a proper discount