How to Choose the Best Drone Frames for FPV Racing

How to Choose the Best Drone Frames for FPV Racing

If you thought that drone racing and personal quadcopter use has been popular in recent years, you're right- but this popularity is only going upward. In fact, experts expect that the drone market will reach over $12 billion by the start of 2021!

If you're a drone enthusiast, this is amazing. You'll have more options when buying drone frames and accessories and more opportunities to engage in FPV drone racing.

However, this necessitates choosing and purchasing a quadcopter frame that's right for your needs. Read on for some tips on how to do this!

What Is a Drone Frame?

A quadcopter frame is one of the most essential parts of your drone. The frame refers to the structure that contains all of the quadcopter components in one place. It supports the motors and other electronic parts of the drone, which prevents them from vibrating as the machine flies.

This is important because components sliding out of place won't only slow your racing drone down, but they may destroy it.

Features of Quality Drone Frames

In order to select a good quality drone frame, you'll need to know some features that point to this quality. First of all, it needs to be made from well-tested and long-lasting materials.

The most common material, carbon fiber, is one of the best. This material is strong and lightweight. It also is less expensive because it doesn't require an expensive mold to be made. Carbon fiber is therefore used because it's durable and strong, inexpensive, and easy to fit onto any drone.

Here are some of the other important aspects of a quality frame:

  • Customizable to fit your exact drone
  • Has the correct shape/arm layout for your individual quadcopter
  • Features a unibody design (so that there are few chances for small parts to pull apart)
  • Able to have parts replaced when those parts wear out

Many people even use 3D printers to create accessories, protective parts, and canopies for drone frames!

How to Choose the Right Drone Frame

The first factor that will go into selecting a drone frame is the size of your quadcopter. Most frames are anywhere between 180 mm to 800 mm, but there are other sizes as well. Each of these sizes fits onto different structures and types of quadcopters, so measure your drone carefully before ordering a frame. If your frame doesn't fit snugly, your drone won't work correctly.

Keep in mind that frame size is measured diagonally from motor to motor. Make sure that this is what you are measuring when selecting the drone frame size.

You also are going to want to make sure that you select a frame made for FPV racing. Different drone frames are intended to perform different functions, including cameras, sports racing, FPV, and recreational use. You need to look into the frames you're considering and ensure that they're intended for the drone type you're getting.

A frame is good for racing if it's light and has good aerodynamics. Race frames specifically are generally referred to as '5-inch frames.'  This comes from the size of the propellers that the frame can support, which are 5 inches in diameter.

Get Started

Now that you know all about what a drone frame is and how to choose one, it's time to get started. Contact us with any lingering questions that you have about drone frames and how to select the right one for your needs. Our experts are happy to discuss options with you and point you in the direction of the equipment that will work best for you.


2 comments

  • sean kelsey

    Hi Jeremy Grossman,
    Thank you very much for your question about getting into FPV and which drone might be suitable for your needs.
    Considering your interest in the DJI FPV drone but concern about cost and frequency of repairs, 1 option would be to build your own using the DJI Digital system in a repairable carbon fibre frame such as the imulseRC APEX HD.
    Please see our suggested/tailorable build list here https://customquads.com.au/collections/build-list-hd-video
    We look forward to helping you on your new FPV adventures :)
    Happy Flying,
    Custom Quads

  • Jeremy Grossman

    Hi,

    I’m willing to get into fpv flying! I’ve seen the new dji drone come out but it’s quite expense an thinking after I crash it it will be a nightmare for it to get fixed etc. can you point me all in the right directions of what drone use recommend for me?

    Thanks Jeremy

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published