The drone industry has greatly grown in popularity over the last half-decade. Millions of people fly them for fun, to capture content, and some even use them for work.
However, for some people, just flying isn’t enough. Many want to race their drones and love the thrill of flying the machines at high speeds through the sky.
There are many different components that go into a good racing drone, but nothing is more key than a quality frame. The one you pick for your racing drone could make or break your performance in the sky. This article will take you through some of the best options when it comes to racing drone frames.
Contents
Quick Summary
- The FPVDrone 230mm provides a lot of space while still being light and compact. It’s versatile and offers more durability than many other racing drone frames.
- If you want a well-designed and innovative frame built completely out of carbon fiber, consider the Readytosky 220mm. It’s also well-balanced and ensures a steady flight.
- Featuring a compact unibody design, the FPVKing 163mm is another popular option. It’s easy to assemble and will get you racing in the sky before you know it.
Who Should Get This?
If you’re interested in building a racing drone from scratch, you could definitely benefit from one of these three frames. They can help the stability of your flight, cause your drone to be lighter, and allow it to reach top speeds. Of course, they can be added to any drone, not only ones that you want to go fast.
If you only fly drones for fun, and are building one for relatively simple purposes, you may not need a frame specifically for racing drones.
Best Racing Drone Frame: Our Picks 2022
1. FPVDrone 230mm FPV Racing Drone Frame
Equipped with carbon fiber plates, this frame offers enthusiasts a lightweight, yet decently sizable base for their drone.
At 230mm, you will have more than enough space for the camera, battery, and any other additions you may need to make.
The frame is fully capable of helping you design a drone purely for racing, but it can support a freestyle device as well.
As this uses such quality materials, it’s often more durable than similar options. While you don’t want to go crashing it on purpose, this frame has been designed to be able to sustain accidents and keep on flying.
Pros
- Good size without being too heavy
- Versatile frame
- Great build quality
- Durable
Cons
- The fit in some areas can make assembly challenging
2. Readytosky 220mm FPV Racing Drone Frame
Completely made of carbon fiber, this frame is another good choice for pilots. It has good size, assembly is a breeze, and the quality battery strap will ensure everything remains securely in place during your flight. What truly sets this model apart are the innovations in its design.
Unlike other models, this frame positions the battery near the drone’s center of gravity. That balances everything and helps maintain a stable flight. The design of the recessed top-plate helps to potentially protect your battery if your drone turns upside down. There’s a VTX mount on the back as well.
Pros
- Easy assembly
- Several helpful design innovations
- Better protection for battery and camera
Cons
- Mounting a camera can be a hassle
3. FPVKing 163mm FPV Racing Drone Frame
If a small size and compact design are at the top of your list, this model may be the choice for you. It’s 163mm in size, yet sturdier than most larger frames. It has a unibody, strong arm supports, and only features a few components. That makes it easy to build and gets you out flying sooner rather than later.
This package comes with everything you need, and you can tell it was well-built. This frame lets you create a smaller racing drone without sacrificing the benefits of a larger one like sturdiness or stability.
Pros
- Strong unibody design
- Well-built materials
- Compact size without being frail
Cons
- Decently heavy for its size
Best Racing Drone Frame: What to Consider in 2022
Size and Weight
One of your primary considerations when getting a drone frame should be its size and weight. You want it to be as compact and light as possible, as that allows for a faster flight. These frames are generally quite small and don’t have a ton of strength. You can make them more durable, but know that will make them heavier as well.
Aerodynamics
Next, you have to consider the aerodynamics of the frame as well as how it will fly. The frame should be incredibly thin and built in a way that lets it easily guide through the sky without a ton of resistance. While the drone’s overall design will also impact aerodynamics, the frame affects it more.
Build Difficulty
You also should think about how difficult it will be to build the frame and drone itself. Many racing-specific builds are quite difficult and can take a lot of time and precision. If you can handle that, that’s great. If not, there are other freestyle frames that you can choose from that can work in racing drones.
Useful Tips and Resources
When building these drones, it’s important to closely follow the instructions. Use the right tools and make sure the frame is built exactly as it is supposed to be. In addition to simply reading instructions, you could also watch a video on how to build a drone frame. It can be helpful to see someone make one in real time.
As you’re flying your racing drone, it’s a good idea to always watch out for your surroundings. These drones are fast, but they aren’t the most durable options out there. A single crash at high speeds is often enough to completely destroy your drone. Take it out on some quiet practice flights before engaging in any high-speed fun.
Final Words
If you’re looking to build a racing drone, any of the previously listed frames will give you excellent results. They will help ensure your drone is well built and can fly through the sky at high speeds. No matter what you pick, you can’t go wrong.
Do you know about any other quality racing drone frames that you feel should have been mentioned? If you do, we’d love to hear more about them in the comment section below.