Ever since I first saw the little E-90X I was curious about it. It seemed like it would be a great little indoor FPV quad, but with its 8520 motors, it also seemed like it should have plenty of power for some outdoor flying as well. Now that I have it in my hands, I figured it was time to find out just how well it could handle some outdoor flying. After my first pack through it outside in some pretty stiff winds, I have to say I am very impressed.

Here are the specs.

Specifications:
Flight controller: NAZE32 brushed ( supporting 7.4V )
Battery: 3.7V 500mAh
Motor: 8520 coreless motor
Receiver: DSM2
FPV transmitter: 5.8G 8CH 25mW
Camera: 700TVL
Frame weight: 6g
Aircraft weight: 36.7g ( not including battery ), 48.4g ( with battery )
Flight time: 6 minutes
Charge time: 35 minutes
Radio transmitter: Walkera Devo 7E
Channels: 7
Transmitter battery: 4 x 1.5V AA ( not included )
Control distance: 500m

Remote controller buttons:
HOLD-0: UN ARM
HOLD-1: ARM
FMOD-0: ANGLE
FMOD-1: HORIZON

Let's take a close look at the little bird.

I got the RTF version with Devo 7E radio, and it was all set up and bound to the deviated radio right out of the box. All I had to do was install the props, and charge the battery. Just like the item description says on the product page, the HOLD switch on the left side of the TX arms, and un-arms the motors. The FMOD switch on the right side of the TX toggles between Angle, and Horizon modes. Angle mode is quite tame with...Continue Reading

Are you looking for a fun RC quadcopter that is ready to fly, not too expensive, and able to be flown right out in your yard? Well the GoolRC T6 RTF waterproof RC Drone might be just what you're looking for.

This little quadcopter is not only good looking, but is also very stable, making it easy for beginners to get the hang of flying. It also has 3 different rate modes, so as your piloting skills improve you can simply press a button and boost the performance.

If you're new to flying, don't let that stop you from trying one of these great little models out. They are tough as nails, can take quite a beating, and come back for more. If you do manage to break a propeller, there are spares included to keep you in the air. The only thing not included in this package is AA batteries for the radio transmitter. Everything else you need to get airborne is in the box.

These are available on Amazon, so if you're a Prime member you can have it in the air in two days.

It is available in two great colors

Red - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M6YFGLS

Silver - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDOV2P3

For a limited time use coupon code Z45BHIEX and get $10 off your purchase.

In this video I play around with all 3 rate modes. You can see at times how crazy fast the yaw is in high rates. It can be a handful. but it sure is fun! In low and medium rates it is rock solid and even handles a breeze quite well.

GoolRC T6 Waterproof RC Drone From Amazon (2 min 37 sec)

DM002 5.8G DIY Micro FPV Drone RTF Kit

Currently on sale for $34.99 Click Me.

New at Banggood is this very cool little DIY quadcopter kit. The DM002 includes everything you need to assemble and fly your micro FPV drone. The best part is, it is very affordable and can be had for only $42.99 shipped.

My DM002 arrived today. I took some photos, got it assembled, and got it in the air. It is a great flying little quad. I will post video soon, but for now here are some pics, and a few details about the quad itself.

For starters the quad goes together very easily. Assembly is straight forward and requires no soldering, or special skills. Just follow the instructions, and you will be up and flying in under half an hour. For those who are curious about the size of the quad, it is a 105mm frame, and comes with 720 motors. The included battery is a 1s 3.7v 300mah.

The AIO camera weighs in at 4.9g

Total assembled weight, with battery installed is just under40g

All in all, I must say that I am very happy with this little quad, especially for the price. It flies quite well in all 3 rate modes, and has a pretty aggressive pitch in high rates. I will be getting some LOS flight video shortly, and then I will do some FPV flights, and see just how good the camera is. From the quick glance I took in my goggles it seems like the image is pretty clean, and clear. I don't foresee any issues flying this FPV style around the house, and backyard.

Happy flying! Any questions...Continue Reading

My JJRC JJPRO P175 has arrived! This thing is awesome! Power is great even on 3s, and punch outs are incredible. I can't wait to fly it at the field. It's really going to be amazing on 4s power!

JJRC have really stepped up their game with their JJPRO models. The P175, and P200 FPV Racing Drones are not your everyday, run of the mill, toy quadcopters. These are real, hobby grade, racing machines. The EMAX RS2205 2600kv motors pack a powerful punch. The Skyline32 Acro FC is fully programmable via CleanFlight or BetaFlight, and the Lightning 20A ESC's do a great job of putting the power down. These little drones perform well beyond what their price tag suggests. If you have been looking for your first fast quad, or have been piloting sporty brushless quads, and are now ready to step up to the performance of an actual racer, these will not disappoint.

Set up was extremely simple. I pulled mine out of the box, installed the props, charged the battery, and put it in the air. No adjustments were necessary, and 3 flight modes are pre-programmed so you only need to flip a switch on the included radio to increase performance as your skills improve.

Main Features:

Race level flight control: Skyline32 Acro
Brushless motor: RS2205 2600KV (4pcs)
Brushless ESC: Lightning 20A (4pcs)
Rotor specifications: Standard 4045 propeller (8pcs)
Camera: PAL standard CMOS 800TVL (1pc)
Transmitter: 5.8G 40CH 600mW
5.8G mushroom antenna: Greatly increases video and audio...Continue Reading

The new Syma X8sw WiFi FPV RTF camera drone has arrived from Banggood.

I've gotten a chance to put a few batteries through this quad now, and I must say that I am very impressed with how stable it is. In low rates it behaves very well, and is great for getting aerial footage, and for beginners to learn the basic controls of quadcopter flight. In medium and high rates, it is able to really cover some ground, and is quite competent at fighting some wind. Just like the other Syma X8 series drones it is BIG, and has great physical presence. Its size alone is impressive, even before lifting off. Once in the air the size is a welcome bonus for maintaining orientation.

As is typical with many of these ready to fly quadcopters, the camera works, but won't record in the quality that some may be looking for. You can see in the video below the kind of quality you can expect out of the stock camera. It is probably fine for most recreational use, and general playing around, but the quad is stable, and steady enough to produce some very good footage if you attach a higher quality action camera. There is plenty of power for carrying the camera of your choosing.

One of the best features of these Syma X8 models is the LED lights. Not only do they look really cool when flying at night, but they also help to maintain orientation when it's too dark to tell which direction you're heading.

Description:
Brand Name: Syma
Item NO.: X8SW
Color: White
Frequency : 2.4G
Channel : 4CH
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EDIT 3/9/17 Get the MJX Bugs 3 for only $94 just use coupon code TOY20 during checkout. Click me.

The latest Drone offering from MJX the new Bugs 3 RTF is a 310mm brushless quadcopter, with sport flyers, and aerial photography enthusiasts in mind. It is designed to be able to run on 2s or 3s batteries, (2s included) and its brushless motors provide plenty of power for lifting your favorite action camera, or for high speed flights.

The quad comes with a camera mount, that will fit most of today's popular action cams, though some larger cameras may require some light trimming of the holder in order to fit properly. The camera in the pics below is my Eken H9 HD and it fits perfectly.

The long legs used when flying with a camera are easily detached by removing two screws, and without the camera, and longer legs the high speed performance of the quad improves significantly. Especially in high rates mode. In either mode, with, or without the camera this is a great flying machine, that is very stable, and has excellent flight characteristics.

First flight video with onboard cam. More video in high rates without camera, mount, and long legs coming soon.

MJX Bugs 3 Budget Brushless RTF Drone First Flight (2 min 55 sec)

New flight video in high rates mode. This is one fun, and sporty flyer for under $100 shipped to your door!

MJX Bugs 3 RTF Brushless Quadcopter Sporty Flyer In High Rates (2 min 54 sec)

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The WLtoys 10428 Wild Truck Warrior is an awesome 1/10 rock racer, that is completely ready for action right out of the box. It includes a nice, computerized 2.4ghz, 3 channel radio, a 2s 7.4v 2200mah LiPo battery, and a balance charger.

For a limited time use coupon code RC18OFF and get it for $134.29 with free priority shipping.

The truck is equipped with adjustable oil filled shocks, a full set of ball bearings, and a 2 speed transmission, with servo activated shifting directly from the 3rd auxiliary channel on the radio. Power comes from a 540 motor, driving a center transmission with an adjustable slipper clutch. It features steel front, and rear, center CVD's. The rear solid axle is driven by a traxxas style slider shaft, and the front wheels are also driven by steel CVD's. Hex head hardware is also used throughout the entire assembly.

I have only had a chance to test it out inside so far, but initial performance is impressive. In low gear it will throw the front tires in the air with ease. High gear is a little less punchy but still has enough grunt to lift the front tires. Full running report, and videos coming soon. For a size comparison I have added a couple pics next to a 1/10 SCT and a 1/10 4WD buggy.

Quick running video

WLtoys 10428 Wild Truck Warrior 1/10 RTR 2 Speed Rock Racer (2 min 18 sec)

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Let's take an up close look at the new Walkera Rodeo 110 brushless micro FPV racing drone. This little thing is amazing

Main Features:
- Combines powerful brushless motors and high-strength carbon fiber frame kit
- 600TVL HD camera and 5.8GHz real-time transmission, allowing you to be barrier-free view in the darkness
- Space-saving and lightweight, it has a high thrust-to-weight ratio, which makes it accelerate swiftly and allows you to indulge in the fun of flying indoors
- 33 x 68mm PCB circuit board integrates PDB, flight controller, video transmitter, receiver and other modules
- Modular design - easy to install, disassemble, maintain; plug-in power transfer and map chip unit

Specifications:
Walkera Rodeo 110
Size: 101 x 117 x 55mm
Weight: 101g ( not including battery )
Receiver: Rodeo 110
Flight controller: Rodeo 110 F3
Brushless motor: WK-WS-13-002A
Brushless ESC: Rodeo 110
LiPo battery: 7.4V 850mAh 25C 2S
Fight time: 6 minutes
Working temperature: -10 to 40 Deg.C

First LOS outdoor flight video added below. All I can say so far is WOW! This little thing is a pocket rocket! Incredibly stable, and incredibly quick! The factory tune is very good. The fact that they put angle, horizon, and acro modes all on the mix switch from the factory is a very welcome feature. It means that beginners that are ready to step up to a brushless racer can get a feel for the quad in angle mode, before jumping to more advanced flight modes, and then can switch to...Continue Reading

I recently got this Rui Peng RP-05 1/16 Truggy to use as a driveway basher this winter. It seemed like a pretty neat little truck for the price, so I figured I'd see what it was all about. Here are some pics of it in stock form.

My first impressions of the truck are very good. I like that it has steel dogbones, and outdrives. I'm also really happy with the shocks, which have alloy bodies. I do wish they were threaded, but I can't ask for too much at this price I suppose.

Another thing I like is that the wing is also a wheely bar.

For the first few runs, I mounted a little AIO FPV camera to the front bumper and drove it with my goggles. It's great fun, and this little platform lends itself perfectly to some backyard FPV bashing.

Now it's time to start making this little truggy my own One of the first things I do to any RTR vehicle I get is change the body. There are a lot of options out there for the Mini Revo, and any one of them will drop right on this chassis with little to no modification required. I've always been a fan of Team Blue Groove, so I went with their V2 truggy body.

Now I need to decide how I want to paint, and decal it. Once I get that done I will be changing the wheels and tires to something a little more aggressive, since this will be running in the snow quite regularly for the next few months.

I'm also looking into some other motor options. I want to put in something a little faster, but want something that will work with the stock...Continue Reading

The new Huanqi 735 4wd Buggy has arrived. Pics and running video coming shortly.



Update 12/17

Here are some detailed pics of the buggy. A few features worth noting. The buggy has oil filled shocks, and they are quite smooth. The stock oil may be a bit too heavy though. The suspension feels pretty firm on the bench. We'll see how it handles during the test drive, and change the oil if necessary. The radio feels nice, and I'm happy to say that it has dual rate for steering and throttle EPA's. I wish more companies would take note here and include these features on their radios. The car also comes with a very complete manual, with exploded views of the entire assembly process for all of the models in the line up.



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Have you ever wanted to fly a Star Wars Tie Fighter? Well you're in luck, because now you can fly your very own Tie Fighter right around your living room! Now available here http://www.gearbest.com/classic-toys...&lkid=10233336 for only $42.38 shipped is this awesome little RC quadcopter modelled after the Empire's feared star fighters. Let's have a close up look at this very cool new mini. I have the battery charging now and will get a flight video asap!





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WLtoys have been busy lately. Here is another new product the 24438 RTR Micro Crawler. It looks pretty good. I am curious how well it will perform. Price definitely seems decent.

Edit 12/2

I have now gotten one of these little trucks, and thought I'd go ahead and post some detailed pics, and share a little more about it. At this point I have only run it for a few minutes, but there are a couple features I'd like to point out that came as a very welcome surprise to me.

First off, I am very pleased that the truck uses a 3 wire servo, so replacement/upgrade servos will be very easy to come by. The RX/ESC is also equipped for a second servo, so that the truck can be upgraded to 4 wheel steering with ease. Just add a rear servo, plug it in, and off you go. Not only is the RX ready to accept the second servo, but the radio also has a separate trim knob for the rear servo, and the radio also has a mode switch on it for switching between 4 different steering modes once the second servo is installed.

Here are some pictures. I will try to get running video this afternoon. If there's anything you'd like a picture of just ask and I will get it for you.





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Let's take an up close look at the new Cheerson CX-91 Jumper 250 class FPV racing quadcopter. This brushless 3s lipo powered quad racer comes RTF with everything you need to get up and going included right in the box for you. I've only had a chance to get this in the air one time so far. I learned two things. This little drone is fast and agile! I have the battery on the charger as I type and will get some flight video to share as soon as it is done. Here is the eye candy

I know that for some a proprietary prop is a deal breaker. I actually really like the design of these blades and how quick and easy they are to install/change. One quick twist of the wrench and the old one is off, another quick twist and the new one is locked on. Here are a few pics showing the quick lock design.

First flight video from the on board camera.

Cheerson CX-91 Jumper FPV Racing Quadcopter First Flight (2 min 18 sec)

New flight video doing some high speed passes and a couple flips.

Cheerson CX-91 FPV Racing Drone Flight & Flips (4 min 3 sec)

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The new GPtoys S606, S607, and S608 series of 1/24 RTR micro RC trucks and buggies is now available. I'm going to be taking a look at the S608 monster truck version. These little rigs come with everything you need to get up and running except for two AA batteries for the transmitter. The truck is powered by two 800mah lithium ion cells, and boy do they pack a punch. This truck will instantly flip itself upside down if full throttle is given from a standstill. You'll see examples of this in the upcoming running video.

These trucks are very similar to the Redcat Racing Sumo line of 1/24 cars, however unlike the Redcats these are fully ball bearing equipped right out of the box. The GPtoys trucks also have an alloy upper and lower chassis plate helping to eliminate the flex that often leads to stripped gears. Here is an up close look at the truck and chassis. I expect these to be great fun for some indoor RC action this winter. Running video coming asap.





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I have one of these HBX 2098B on the way. Really looking forward to seeing what it is capable of. May have to set up a small crawler course in my hobby room next to my RCP track.

EDIT: Micro Crawler is in hand! Feels well built, and has good weight to it. One very cool feature is that you can easily switch between four different steering modes, with just a press of a button on the transmitter.





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Feilun has just released three new RTF quadcopters. The FX122 , the FX122C3, and the FX122C6.

These are described as brushless quads, however they are actually brushed, geared motors. While it would have been nice to see brushless motors in these, I have to say that even with the brushed motors this thing flies great. The included 7.4v 2600mah lipo battery gives over 10 minute flight times, and is supplied with a Deans connector. Very happy that they didn't use some strange connector. In high rates mode the quad is actually quite agile. It's no racer, but it's no slouch either. The body looks great, and I love the way they have set up the lights. It also has some of the best landing gear I've seen on a quad in this price range. The foam pads on the leg extensions allow it to touch down nicely without tipping over all the time.

There is some assembly required. To get it ready for flight you will have to install the props and prop guards (if you choose to use them) you will also have to install the legs, extension, and foam pads. The manual is not very easy to follow, but the assembly process is pretty straight forward. Just be sure to get the A and B props on the correct corners with the letters facing the ground and you'll be good to go. Calibration is quick and just requires both sticks pulled down and out until the lights go to a slow flash. After that put both sticks down and to the left to arm the motors, and your ready for lift off.

Here are some pics of my basic model the FX122. I managed to get a quick video before the rain started. I will add it as soon as it is done uploading.

Quick test flight

FeiLun FX122 RTF RC Drone Test Flight (1 min 44 sec)

Quick test flight with this camera mounted. Still testing and tuning, but it shows promise. Not bad for $114.50 set up.

FeiLun FX122 Drone With H9 Ultra HD 4k Action Camera Aerial Footage (2 min 35 sec)

WLtoys Q333 - A 5.8G FPV RC Drone The Budget Friendly DJI Inspire look alike is one very cool looking FPV quadcopter. With its three position legs adjustable from the transmitter it adds a whole new cool factor to flying. Flight report and videos coming soon.

The stock bracket for mounting the FPV monitor to the transmitter was a perfect fit for a slightly modified tripod, and makes a nifty little ground station

I managed to get in my first flight with this bird, and it went without incident. Everything worked as it's supposed to. Battery is charging again now, and I will get it out for another flight shortly.

Quick test flight and stock camera demo.

WLToys Q333 RTF FPV Quadcopter First Flight & Stock Camera Demo (1 min 20 sec)

Adjustable arms demonstration.

WLToys Q333 RTF FPV RC Quadcopter 3 Position Arms Demonstration (1 min 46 sec)

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Here's an up close look at the WLtoys 12428 1/12 Rock Racer. First impressions are good. I like that it comes stock with a 540 size motor, steel front CVD's and working LED lights. Much better equipped than the Feiyue Eagle 3. I will definitely be putting some better shocks on it at some point, as the stock units are not oil filled. They are soft enough to do their job though without the buggy bouncing all over the place. Here are some detailed pics. Feel free to ask any questions, and I will do my best to answer them. Also just ask if there is something specific that you would like a picture of.

Now on sale for only $65.99 during the Gearbest 3 Year Anniversary Sales Event. Click me.





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Let's take a look at the new version 2 WLtoys WL915 brushless RTR RC boat. This little boat is self righting, water cooled, and fast. The RTR package includes boat, radio, 1200mah 3s lipo, and balance charger. All for only $56.27 Just add 4 AA batteries to the radio and you're ready to hit the water. Red version also available.

This new 2nd version has a new improved ESC, and a 3 blade prop.





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Following the growing popularity of their 1/24 micro crawler, HBX has now released an impressive 1/16 solid axle monster truck. Alloy oil filled shocks, 2.4ghz radio, and 2s lipo are all included as standard equipment at a very reasonable price of just $60.41 I look forward to seeing what this rig is capable of. The 1/24 HBX 2098B is a very good performer, so this larger rig should be great!

EDIT: 4/25 My truck just arrived. First impressions are very good. Feels well built, and shocks feel good even in their stock configuration. Truck is quite fast, and will lift the front tires from a standstill. Here are some detailed pics. Running video coming soon. A couple points of interest. The front, and rear diffs, are open, and the wheels do use a standard 12mm hex.





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