Ready to answer the call and become a drone racing pilot? You’re in luck. All you need’s luck, determination and, of course, a drone to call your own. If you don’t already have a drone (or, like most of us here, you want to build up a sizeable collection), we’ve got a few recommendations, in no particular order, that are ideal for competitive drone racing.
Storm Type A V2
Storm’s got a lot of awesome models on the market today. As a matter of fact, they were one of the first companies to start developing drones specifically for racing. So you really can’t go wrong with the Storm Type A V2. This bad boy is actually a decently affordable model as well, retailing for just a little under $500 bucks. It’s small, easy to build, and in Expert mode, the drone’s actually ready to fly without the need for a lot of customization. We like it because it offers a short learning curve and offers up to ten minutes of high powered flight time at any given time.
Align MR25 Racing Quad
Colorful, sleek, these guys definitely have all the pizzazz of NASCAR. Like all the best racing drones, the Align MR25 Racing Quad is ready to go right out of the box. Stable and reliable, the Align MR25 offers a fantastic introduction to the world of drone racing regardless of how experienced you are with piloting. Like the V2, the Align MR25 is fairly inexpensive too, retailing for about $569. Overall, it’s definitely recommended for both amateurs and beginners, although beginners will certainly appreciate the MR25’s simple, RC helicopter style controls.
Hubsan X4 Quadcopter
Alright, don’t laugh. Sure, this little guy might be palm sized but good things can come in small packages. Granted, the Hubsan X4 isn’t the fanciest drone you can get your mitts on but it’s certainly a solid choice that’s ideal as an entry level drone. You can pick it up for a fraction of the cost of some of the other entries on this list- it retails for only $249 or less depending on the retailer. Granted, the X4 isn’t nearly as sturdy as some of the other entries on this list but it still holds up remarkably well for the price and the size. Plus, it’s very easy to control, making it the ideal drone for first time racers.
Nighthawk Pro 280 Size
This drone was specifically designed as a racer, deliberately modded to meet competitive specs. So as you can imagine, it’s definitely worth giving your consideration. With a sturdy carbon fiber frame, this drone can take a beating (which is certainly a good thing in a sport that involves a lot of crashing). It’s relatively easy to control and build. Plus, the best part is that you can usually snag one for about $196, making this a steal.
SWIFT TR280 FPV Quadcopter ARF
Swift indeed. This powerhouse definitely lives up to its name. The TR280 offers a stable, precise piloting experience. It looks cool, flies well, and handles like a dream thanks to its precise dynamic rotor tilting. This is the drone you buy when you mean business. Capable of providing you with a stable FPV experience without excessive camera tilting, it’s yours for only $450.
