Not too long ago, pre-builts weren’t even considered as contenders when shopping for your quad, manufacturers stepped up their game in the last couple years. Now companies like AxisFlying, GepRC and Emax offer compelling options at good prices. With those options being there, and the barrier to entry seeming high for first time builders, why would anyone want to build their own? I’ll go over the good and bad for each option and from that you should be able to decide what’s best for you.
First off, we have to go over the available type of kits : RTF, BNF & PNP.
RTF :
These kits are best for beginners. The aircraft comes fully assembled and ready to fly with their controller and FPV goggles.
RTF drones are the easiest to get up and running, avoiding the headache that different protocols and parts can bring with incompatibility of those parts.
BNF :
Bind and flys offer a great package if you already have some of the components you need or if you want a specific item that isn’t available in a kit. These drones come fully assembled, you’ll only need to connect your controller and your goggles to it.
PNP :
These kits are suitable for intermediate users who have some experience with drones. PNP kits come without a receiver, requiring the pilot to install their own. This is ideal if you’re using a specific kind of receiver or if you already have the parts required. This will require the pilot to understand the wiring diagrams, along with the betaflight or INAV programming required to enable the receiver.
Prebuilt drones have a couple advantages over custom built drones :
- Overall convenience
- Easy to use
- Reliability
The parts are guaranteed to fit and work, those kits normally come with a decent warranty that will make it unlikely you’ll have technical problems when starting. Because of the production volumes of these companies, it’s easy to know the drone you chose is going to be reliable.
Custom building your own FPV has its own advantages, namely :
- Personalization: You can build a drone to the exact specs and looks you want. This makes the build much more enjoyable to fly.
- Skill Development: The build process teaches valuable skills such as soldering and software configuration, which are indispensable for repairs and beneficial in various technological projects.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Building your own drone will make the process cheaper in comparison to buying (with equivalent parts). In the long run it’ll be cheaper because of your understanding of the parts and the ease with which you’ll be able to upgrade individual parts.
Ultimately, the choice between pre-built and custom-built FPV drones boils down to personal preferences, skill level, and budget. Beginners and those seeking a hassle-free experience may find pre-built drones to be the ideal starting point. Meanwhile, experienced users looking for tailored performance and unique configurations may opt for the intricacies of custom-built drones.
Whether you choose a pre-built or custom-built FPV drone, the most important factor is to prioritize your flying goals, preferences, and level of involvement in the building process. Whichever path you decide to take, the world of FPV drones offers endless possibilities for exploration, creativity, and exhilarating flights in the skies.