For people who want to race, it is also important to note you can bring your freestyle quad and race with it, we're happy to have you. The ultra-tiny light frames used by the top 10 multigp pilots are incredibly compact which makes them only fit certain hardware and difficult to work in. Slinging around even 50-100g extra weight on a more durable and spacious setup isn't going to make much difference to even a mid-tier pilot. Any modern 6S 5" quad is insanely powerful and power isn't the reason I'm not winning every race! 😆
I can personally vouch for the Five33 Open Racer BNF's, we ordered 3 for our team and they are locked in! Also, there were a few missing components for racing that weren't mentioned like the tmotor stack with the hdzero plug. Those escs are bulletproof.
My light switch prebuilts just shipped out today. Glad I secured them before the Bardwell bump! I've built probably 10-20 quads in the past year, not to toot my own horn, but I'm a decent builder. However all of my experience is in freestyle quads and whoops. I've built one race quad but wasn't really happy with the result. I really want to get into 5" racing this year and it's just so much easier to buy a BNF from 533. You're guaranteed a great rig, you don't have to worry about planning out the build, you don't have to worry about parts showing up DOA etc. I ordered 2 hdzero lightswitches, and I did the math when I ordered them. I think it was like $50 more per quad to have them build it than to order the parts yourself.
I've always built my own quads, but now it's cheaper than buying a certain(LR) BNF than building one...so about to buy my first ever BNF 😋 The value is too good to ignore. But for someone just starting out i would always say to build it..but hey after 8 years I'm looking forward to just binding up and hitting the skies.
This past winter I started a racing league here in the oldest city in North America. We already have our first race planned for once the snow melts and have it built it in Velocidrone so can we practice. Once I see the attendance at each race, I will consider buying real gates and opening a real multi-go chapter. Never know, one of these days you may be able to race here on the rock while on vacation 😊
I hope you end up covering some of the spec racing classes more in the future. Street League I love in particular, but there's also freedom spec, tiny trainer, UWL for whoops, maybe others. I've been in this almost five years and one of the best decisions I've made was to give up MultiGP-style open class 5" racing, because spec racing is so much more fun. I really think it's the way to go for pilots who want to race primarily for fun - and some of them allow DJI and the other HD systems, in fact.
I'm a beginner racer, AND I fly mainly DJI on my big quads. The chapter in my city is brand new, so I will probably only get out to race a few times in the summer. For that reason, I chose the open racer, because in four screws and a couple plugs, I can swap out a DJI 03 pod that I will fly with for fun, to an analog pod for race day. Just thought I'd put that out there in case it's an option that might work for others... If I get more serious, I'll build an hdzero or analog lightswitch v2 for racing.
At our club here in Christchurch NZ, I would say about 80% of people are still running the switchback. I think a lot of it is due to it still being available and durable. Everyone runs it so someone will have a part if you break it. Only a couple of us aren't running them, instead using lightswitch frames, custom or openracers.
This hobby loves modular. It's nice to see most open source projects to take on the RC/drone pro scene. From OpenTX and ELRS to HDzero and OpenRacer frames.
Your site says "Lightswitch DJI O3" but that isn't a Lightswitch, according to their site; they don't have a Lightswitch with DJI. Their site calls it the "Switchback HD". I only know this because I just ordered that frame last night. If I am wrong please let me know so I don't look like a fool more than once lol
Lol Shawn killed my avata at a HD class five33 event. It's fine now though. Wow he looks different on camera. Hardly noticed it was him. It's very entertaining to hear him and his daughter go back and forth at the races. Love the competitive talk and banter.
What happened to the OG's of my era? Jet... A-Nub... BMS Thomas.. Envy Astro and all the other guys of that ear? I just back into flying the last couple weeks after a almost 3 year hiatus, and it's funny that drone tech hasn't really changed much... But digital has really taken leaps forward. Who here remembers Connex?
I'm here to exist as the counter-example: You do NOT need the best stuff to race. In fact, until you are achieving top pace in the simulator, just choose the coolest looking stuff that works well in your budget.
(Me, an untalented idiot, who still finishes well at big events flying second-hand OpenRacers, mismatched budget motors, trash can props, used stacks/cameras, and cheap batteries)
Was just thinking I'll probably need to build a racing drone for the spring. JB delivers :) What we've been testing, Walksnail seems to work well with our timing system. Walksnail also can use race bands. I would think it should be easy to have WS users in races with analog and HDzero pilots. The main issue I can think of is that monitors will probably be for analog and HDZero usually, not impossible to work around.
At this point walksnail is in the same camp as DJI, for large scale racing events, but you should be able to work with a local chapter to race in a normal race.
Yes, the Mach R5 is a nice race frame! Have one and it rips! Especially if it is paired with T-Motor F60 Pro V 2020KV motors (I built mine with these, not a BNF). Also, it was previously with a Caddx Vista but now with a DJI O3. Lol
I went to a Modelexpo close to my house, where they were holding a drone race. I was so surprised to see how 80% of the pilots were using HDZero (the rest analog) and it seemed like 50% TBS and ELRS, whilst everyone was running it on their RadioMasters (all models).
The reviews on Amazon for the iFlight Beast stop me dead in my tracks. I was all set to buy one before seeing all those negative reviews. You might want to re-think your choice for best FC...
I'm confused. Nowhere on the Racing page do I mention the iFlight Beast. The sub-250 page mentions the iFlight Blitz, which is the next generation after the Beast. The Beast did suck--that's true. But I don't think I'm recommending it anywhere.
Looking to try and get into racing at any level. However, all the clubs here in Los Angeles seem to have dissipated, especially here in the inland empire area and Los Angeles, California. Do you recommend any sites or any tips on how I can find any local racing group where I can go and embarrass myself in? Thank you for all the great content. I learned her thing or two every single video you release for that I am extremely grateful. Good sir. Jumping on your patreon.
Hey JB!!! Just watched “FlowState”, amazing insight as to why you do what you do. TY, because although some of your vidz are long, there have been quite a few where I just couldn’t figure something out but your long vid guided me right through and I couldn’t have done it without your guidance as I don’t have an electrical engineering degree, nor a community near me to rely on. -With all the regulation in Canada I’ve been looking to build a high performance sub250 cinewhoop with the latest tech, not long range but mid-range, that will give me some extremely unique and one of a kind shots. Do you have any video recommendations or can you/have you done a video going over the parts and build? Thanks for your dedication to the community.
Track in the background looks sick! I want to build a 3-3.5" track at my house. Maybe I could find some flying friends! Never flown with anyone. We have a multiGP/ama field not too far from me. Gotta have Ama license/insurance. I may start going but I gotta practice more, on sim also. But I need a Radiomaster Boxer first, asap.
Hi JB, from Montreal Canada 🇨🇦!! I still have my Rotor X Atom V3. I want to upgrade the FC stack (F3) to an FC stack (F4). suggestions?? If you have an affiliate link I will be happy to get it from this link
ANOTHER DISCONNECT Between racers and freestyle. I don't get at all. The racers don't consider hdzero to be HD because it doesn't mess with analog. But if you run in the HD class it's only Walksnail and DJI. So if you show up with HDZero be ready to fly with the analog guys.
I had so much trouble with the lightswitch frame that I went back to the switchback pro. I am not sure if it was the wiggle eaters, but I could never get a good tune. So much oscillating! Even several other pilots in my league could not figure out the issue. I will not use a frame that has wiggle eaters anymore. Not worth the headache for me.
I like the idea of promoting racing by encouraging DJI and Digital inclusion. it will make spectating much more pleasant. HOWEVER.. If DJI wanted in the race world, they would work on compatibility with existing eco systems. leave the door open, but why chase them?
Has anyone tried to add the elrs and 4 in 1 internal modules into 1 radio? that would be the ultimate radio without a required external module to go between the 2.
Damn, I missed the live stream, and I had a question pertaining to ELRS and the frequency, also to micros with a build in spi reciver. Changing my frequency from 500, to 250 or lower my claw disconnects from my transmitter is that normal? And is there a way to get battery read out or telemetry to my controller?
I know the pwm receivers can display voltage to the transmitter but otherwise it’s probably powered by a 5v uart which will not suffice to provide you with relevant information, what is the claw?
I usually fly on 50hz a lot and sometimes when switching rates it takes a minute for the controller and receiver to communicate and provide telemetry, 500 has that great latency but i like 50 for the range capabilities
@@SilverbackSasquatch19xx Yeah, I’m only using a micro with a 25 kW VTX right now so my range is limited, that’s why I just keep it on the 500. It actually wouldn’t connect when I had it on 1000.
@@SilverbackSasquatch19xx it’s the acrobee pro65 brushed, I had the brushless but it didn’t work out the box and I trashed it. The brushed works but has no uarts turned on and displays the voltage on the osd in flight but can’t get it to show on my remote. Probably doesn’t help that I somehow connected the acro bee pro 65 brushed running version 4.4 beta flight with my remote, which is the radio master pocket which has radio master factory firemware.
first comment woot woot!!!! love ur videos josh... now if I can just sort out how to set up switches in beta flight on this new boxer you convinced me on hahaha... race day quads ftw
Yeah I like 8S. Built three 8S quads so far. To be honest though the 5" racer 8S isn't really much better than my 5" 6S racer. They are pretty much the same fast. 8S really makes fun on 7" and up.
Sad to hear nobody racing uses Crossfire anymore... I'll never not use crossfire, but I do freestyle/exploring so it fits what I do best and be having ultimate trust in the link.
![Coheed and Cambria - Searching for Tomorrow [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hDsYGLbmadg/mqdefault.jpg)
For people who want to race, it is also important to note you can bring your freestyle quad and race with it, we're happy to have you. The ultra-tiny light frames used by the top 10 multigp pilots are incredibly compact which makes them only fit certain hardware and difficult to work in. Slinging around even 50-100g extra weight on a more durable and spacious setup isn't going to make much difference to even a mid-tier pilot. Any modern 6S 5" quad is insanely powerful and power isn't the reason I'm not winning every race! 😆
so true!
I think the intimidation factor is what gets me. I don't want to show up and be so noob it bothers people 😅. Really love your welcoming message!
maybe i show up with the avata 2 then
I can personally vouch for the Five33 Open Racer BNF's, we ordered 3 for our team and they are locked in! Also, there were a few missing components for racing that weren't mentioned like the tmotor stack with the hdzero plug. Those escs are bulletproof.
My light switch prebuilts just shipped out today. Glad I secured them before the Bardwell bump!
I've built probably 10-20 quads in the past year, not to toot my own horn, but I'm a decent builder. However all of my experience is in freestyle quads and whoops. I've built one race quad but wasn't really happy with the result. I really want to get into 5" racing this year and it's just so much easier to buy a BNF from 533. You're guaranteed a great rig, you don't have to worry about planning out the build, you don't have to worry about parts showing up DOA etc. I ordered 2 hdzero lightswitches, and I did the math when I ordered them. I think it was like $50 more per quad to have them build it than to order the parts yourself.
I've always built my own quads, but now it's cheaper than buying a certain(LR) BNF than building one...so about to buy my first ever BNF 😋
The value is too good to ignore. But for someone just starting out i would always say to build it..but hey after 8 years I'm looking forward to just binding up and hitting the skies.
Bardwell got that nice and crispy new, straight out the wrapper t shirt on…creases and all 😂😂
This past winter I started a racing league here in the oldest city in North America. We already have our first race planned for once the snow melts and have it built it in Velocidrone so can we practice. Once I see the attendance at each race, I will consider buying real gates and opening a real multi-go chapter. Never know, one of these days you may be able to race here on the rock while on vacation 😊
I thought you were talking about St Augustine, Fl and then you mentioned snow.
Yea I would love to start a multi gp chapter here in Connecticut!
Ima need the name of the track in Vdrone
@@michaelraiman573 hehe. USA think they have the oldest city :)
Does he mean Montreal
Geprc fpv racer rtf for outside the US.
Foxeer caesar v2 frame is great.
Mck has a new frame now after the kronos.
The GEPRC BNF is good too, it comes with T Motor racing motors
I hope you end up covering some of the spec racing classes more in the future. Street League I love in particular, but there's also freedom spec, tiny trainer, UWL for whoops, maybe others. I've been in this almost five years and one of the best decisions I've made was to give up MultiGP-style open class 5" racing, because spec racing is so much more fun. I really think it's the way to go for pilots who want to race primarily for fun - and some of them allow DJI and the other HD systems, in fact.
Sock Puppet FPV suspect is on JB's channel :)
Where? Who?!?
Lol racer-bait
Lol
I'm a beginner racer, AND I fly mainly DJI on my big quads. The chapter in my city is brand new, so I will probably only get out to race a few times in the summer. For that reason, I chose the open racer, because in four screws and a couple plugs, I can swap out a DJI 03 pod that I will fly with for fun, to an analog pod for race day. Just thought I'd put that out there in case it's an option that might work for others...
If I get more serious, I'll build an hdzero or analog lightswitch v2 for racing.
At our club here in Christchurch NZ, I would say about 80% of people are still running the switchback. I think a lot of it is due to it still being available and durable. Everyone runs it so someone will have a part if you break it. Only a couple of us aren't running them, instead using lightswitch frames, custom or openracers.
You should really do a FPV long range video drone build for the old guys like me :)
This hobby loves modular. It's nice to see most open source projects to take on the RC/drone pro scene. From OpenTX and ELRS to HDzero and OpenRacer frames.
Your site says "Lightswitch DJI O3" but that isn't a Lightswitch, according to their site; they don't have a Lightswitch with DJI. Their site calls it the "Switchback HD". I only know this because I just ordered that frame last night. If I am wrong please let me know so I don't look like a fool more than once lol
You’re right
Loved this video! Great job advocating for racing!
BPB!!! BPB!! BPB!!! (Bring Pods Back)... It gave the quads a more finished consumer style setup, king of like a car without a body and with a body.
Another incredibly good value motor option is the T-motor Velox v3, Super good performance and power for $14.90
Lol Shawn killed my avata at a HD class five33 event. It's fine now though. Wow he looks different on camera. Hardly noticed it was him. It's very entertaining to hear him and his daughter go back and forth at the races. Love the competitive talk and banter.
That Avada crash was epic. I still feel bad about it!!!
What happened to the OG's of my era? Jet... A-Nub... BMS Thomas.. Envy Astro and all the other guys of that ear? I just back into flying the last couple weeks after a almost 3 year hiatus, and it's funny that drone tech hasn't really changed much... But digital has really taken leaps forward. Who here remembers Connex?
BMS just released a new frame last week 😉
@@notsure1502its been out since late last year but no vid till now. He was running at Aus Nats back in August of last year. (I was there xD)
I just bought an open racer frame from 533 from Europe and it's the best frame I'v got. So, I guess you can get it worldwide.
I'm here to exist as the counter-example: You do NOT need the best stuff to race. In fact, until you are achieving top pace in the simulator, just choose the coolest looking stuff that works well in your budget.
(Me, an untalented idiot, who still finishes well at big events flying second-hand OpenRacers, mismatched budget motors, trash can props, used stacks/cameras, and cheap batteries)
533 is awesome
Was just thinking I'll probably need to build a racing drone for the spring. JB delivers :)
What we've been testing, Walksnail seems to work well with our timing system. Walksnail also can use race bands. I would think it should be easy to have WS users in races with analog and HDzero pilots. The main issue I can think of is that monitors will probably be for analog and HDZero usually, not impossible to work around.
At this point walksnail is in the same camp as DJI, for large scale racing events, but you should be able to work with a local chapter to race in a normal race.
Thanks a bunch for all the info, guys! 😊
Stay safe there with your families! 🖖😊
I do freestyle and that's why I still use crossfire at races...😅
Yes, the Mach R5 is a nice race frame! Have one and it rips! Especially if it is paired with T-Motor F60 Pro V 2020KV motors (I built mine with these, not a BNF). Also, it was previously with a Caddx Vista but now with a DJI O3. Lol
I went to a Modelexpo close to my house, where they were holding a drone race. I was so surprised to see how 80% of the pilots were using HDZero (the rest analog) and it seemed like 50% TBS and ELRS, whilst everyone was running it on their RadioMasters (all models).
Crazy great! Thanks!! Just been on your website the last few days looking for new motors. Ended up buying the rcinpower wasps and aos supernova! :)
Well, Tracer Sixty9 also makes sense for analog. 🤪 I use HM Fyujon (ELRS+OpenVTX)
I'm no one special but I fly the Source Two on 4s with a pod. Pod life!
The reviews on Amazon for the iFlight Beast stop me dead in my tracks. I was all set to buy one before seeing all those negative reviews. You might want to re-think your choice for best FC...
I'm confused. Nowhere on the Racing page do I mention the iFlight Beast. The sub-250 page mentions the iFlight Blitz, which is the next generation after the Beast. The Beast did suck--that's true. But I don't think I'm recommending it anywhere.
i often run 6s on my velox v2 2550kv motors they are great motors and they are rly stay cool even if they rated only for 4-5s
Looking to try and get into racing at any level. However, all the clubs here in Los Angeles seem to have dissipated, especially here in the inland empire area and Los Angeles, California. Do you recommend any sites or any tips on how I can find any local racing group where I can go and embarrass myself in? Thank you for all the great content. I learned her thing or two every single video you release for that I am extremely grateful. Good sir. Jumping on your patreon.
I'd try the MultiGP website chapter map, as described towards the end of the video.
Thank you, Joshua Bardwell
Hey JB!!! Just watched “FlowState”, amazing insight as to why you do what you do. TY, because although some of your vidz are long, there have been quite a few where I just couldn’t figure something out but your long vid guided me right through and I couldn’t have done it without your guidance as I don’t have an electrical engineering degree, nor a community near me to rely on.
-With all the regulation in Canada I’ve been looking to build a high performance sub250 cinewhoop with the latest tech, not long range but mid-range, that will give me some extremely unique and one of a kind shots. Do you have any video recommendations or can you/have you done a video going over the parts and build? Thanks for your dedication to the community.
A beta65 lite, a jumper T12, and a set of Fatshark Scout goggles.
This is the best, for me anyhow. :D
31:58 Yes! Let’s promote Lemon a bit more, we need more people calling each other s#%* pilots 😆
Love that guy, funny as hell!
We are all sh&t pilots
@@FreeMark exactly!
Track in the background looks sick! I want to build a 3-3.5" track at my house. Maybe I could find some flying friends! Never flown with anyone. We have a multiGP/ama field not too far from me. Gotta have Ama license/insurance. I may start going but I gotta practice more, on sim also. But I need a Radiomaster Boxer first, asap.
Would bladeless fan technology work on these types of drones? The drones would be scary quiet.
Hi JB, from Montreal Canada 🇨🇦!! I still have my Rotor X Atom V3. I want to upgrade the FC stack (F3) to an FC stack (F4). suggestions?? If you have an affiliate link I will be happy to get it from this link
Mach 5 got updated Motors:
"December 30, 2023: XING2 2506 1850KV 6S motor changed to R5 2207 2050KV motor. "
ANOTHER DISCONNECT Between racers and freestyle. I don't get at all. The racers don't consider hdzero to be HD because it doesn't mess with analog. But if you run in the HD class it's only Walksnail and DJI. So if you show up with HDZero be ready to fly with the analog guys.
I had so much trouble with the lightswitch frame that I went back to the switchback pro. I am not sure if it was the wiggle eaters, but I could never get a good tune. So much oscillating! Even several other pilots in my league could not figure out the issue. I will not use a frame that has wiggle eaters anymore. Not worth the headache for me.
JB- Not seeing cards, which is fine since you have links, but I also don't see the link to your vlog at MultiGP.
What about diatone mamba stacks? Reactor 66 + F7 Mk4?
I guess im the weirdo with a huge longmill CNC in my garage. lol
You’ll see a funny look on my face because I had literally sold my open builds 1515 2 days prior. Lol
Hey JB where would i find racing gate standard specs for different size race classes? I want to build race gates around my yard.
bet Bardwell would join the Old Camp in gothic 1..
Keep up the good work!
Fox Crooked >>>> Lightswitch v2
Analytics!
I like the idea of promoting racing by encouraging DJI and Digital inclusion. it will make spectating much more pleasant. HOWEVER.. If DJI wanted in the race world, they would work on compatibility with existing eco systems. leave the door open, but why chase them?
I agree, it's DJI the company that is making it hard on us. But that's not the pilot's fault. Everyone should be invited in to have the fun!
Where are the links or cards to the recommended channels mentioned on the last minute of the video?
Links are in the video description as promised.
Ohhh, RUclips mobile app played hide and sick with me, thanks bud! Love your channel and videos!! Keep the amazing work we love to watch!
Has anyone tried to add the elrs and 4 in 1 internal modules into 1 radio? that would be the ultimate radio without a required external module to go between the 2.
Damn, I missed the live stream, and I had a question pertaining to ELRS and the frequency, also to micros with a build in spi reciver. Changing my frequency from 500, to 250 or lower my claw disconnects from my transmitter is that normal? And is there a way to get battery read out or telemetry to my controller?
I know the pwm receivers can display voltage to the transmitter but otherwise it’s probably powered by a 5v uart which will not suffice to provide you with relevant information, what is the claw?
I usually fly on 50hz a lot and sometimes when switching rates it takes a minute for the controller and receiver to communicate and provide telemetry, 500 has that great latency but i like 50 for the range capabilities
@@SilverbackSasquatch19xx Yeah, I’m only using a micro with a 25 kW VTX right now so my range is limited, that’s why I just keep it on the 500. It actually wouldn’t connect when I had it on 1000.
@@SilverbackSasquatch19xx it’s the acrobee pro65 brushed, I had the brushless but it didn’t work out the box and I trashed it. The brushed works but has no uarts turned on and displays the voltage on the osd in flight but can’t get it to show on my remote. Probably doesn’t help that I somehow connected the acro bee pro 65 brushed running version 4.4 beta flight with my remote, which is the radio master pocket which has radio master factory firemware.
The JS-1 is pretty great, imo. Super light, aerodynamic, can take a hit, too.
first comment woot woot!!!! love ur videos josh... now if I can just sort out how to set up switches in beta flight on this new boxer you convinced me on hahaha... race day quads ftw
Believe me the sky's the limit with that 😂
It's easy man. U got this!
13:20 I feel personally attacked 😅
Best is 8S and up 😅
Yeah I like 8S. Built three 8S quads so far. To be honest though the 5" racer 8S isn't really much better than my 5" 6S racer. They are pretty much the same fast.
8S really makes fun on 7" and up.
good
Can anyone tell me why racing drones have the horn on top? Does it help in turtle mode?
Yes, it helps keep some of the props off the ground to help with turning it over.
Sad to hear nobody racing uses Crossfire anymore... I'll never not use crossfire, but I do freestyle/exploring so it fits what I do best and be having ultimate trust in the link.
🤝😎
Aaaahhhmmm...
By the size of their gates .
30 foot = amateur😅
Who you callin Weirdo, weirdo?
13km chasing car: ruclips.net/video/TcblRgwiXqE/видео.htmlsi=5FqQsQhq-cRKIykk
I really don’t think the switchback deserves the title you gave it there 😂
Definitely the DRL racer frames are a much more versatile racer
Where are you buying DRL frames lol also that's a 7 inch frame