Frame Size Considerations
When selecting a frame for your FPV drone, it’s essential to consider the frame size in relation to the propeller size. Here’s a general guideline for frame size and propeller compatibility:
| Frame Size | Propeller Size |
|---|---|
| 280mm+ | 7" |
| 220-250mm | 6" |
| 180-220mm | 5" |
| 150-180mm | 4" |
| 120-150mm | 3" |
| 90-120mm | 2" |
Choosing the appropriate frame size for your desired propeller size ensures optimal performance and stability.
True X Frames: Balanced Agility
True X frames, as the name suggests, feature a symmetrical X shape with arms of equal length extending from a central hub. This design offers several advantages for freestyle flying:
- Balanced Center of Gravity and Thrust: The symmetrical design ensures a balanced center of gravity and evenly distributed thrust, resulting in predictable and responsive handling. This balance is crucial for executing precise maneuvers and maintaining stability during flips, rolls, and other acrobatic moves.
- Consistent Axis Response: True X frames provide consistent control across all axes (pitch, roll, and yaw), making them easier to tune and predictable in flight. This consistency is particularly important for beginners learning freestyle, as it simplifies control and allows pilots to focus on mastering maneuvers.
- Wider Roll Axis: The wider roll axis in true X frames compensates for the moment of inertia on the pitch axis, giving finer control on the roll axis. This results in a more equal type of control on roll and pitch, which is important for freestyle pilots who are more about doing tricks and ballistic maneuvers that rely on symmetrical control.
- Durability: True X frames are generally robust and can withstand crashes, a common occurrence in freestyle flying. The symmetrical design distributes impact forces more evenly, reducing the risk of damage to individual arms.
However, true X frames also have some drawbacks:
- Propeller Visibility: The propellers are often visible in the camera’s field of view, which can be distracting and obstruct the footage. This is a significant consideration for pilots who prioritize capturing clean video footage of their freestyle flights.
Deadcat Frames: Cinematic Freedom
Deadcat frames feature an extended front end, with the front arms positioned further forward than the rear arms. This unique design prioritizes camera view:
- Unobstructed Camera View: The primary advantage of deadcat frames is the propeller-free camera view. This allows for clean and cinematic footage, ideal for pilots who prioritize capturing their freestyle flights for sharing or creating videos12.
- Versatility: Deadcat frames offer greater adaptability and versatility when mounting cameras and other accessories. The extended front end provides more space for larger cameras or additional equipment, expanding the possibilities for capturing unique footage.
However, deadcat frames have some disadvantages:
- Potential for Instability: The asymmetrical design can slightly affect aerodynamics and stability, particularly during high-speed maneuvers or in windy conditions. While the flight controller’s mixer can compensate for this asymmetry, it’s not perfect, especially at high rates. This can make them slightly more challenging to tune and control compared to true X frames.
- Increased Risk of Arm Breakage: The longer front arms on deadcat frames may be more susceptible to damage in crashes. This can lead to increased repair costs and downtime.
Popularity and Consensus
While both true X and deadcat frames have their merits, true X frames are generally more popular among freestyle pilots. This popularity stems from their balanced handling, consistent axis response, and durability, which are crucial for executing complex maneuvers and withstanding crashes. True X frames are preferred for freestyle because of their symmetrical motor arrangement, which provides better control and stability for acrobatic maneuvers. Deadcat frames, while excellent for cinematic footage, are less popular for freestyle due to concerns about potential instability and increased risk of arm breakage. However, they remain a popular choice for cinematic flying due to their unobstructed camera view.
Best Frame for Different Freestyle Flying Styles
The choice between true X and deadcat ultimately depends on the individual pilot’s priorities and flying style:
Racing Style Flying
For pilots who prioritize speed and agility, true X frames are generally preferred. Their symmetrical design and consistent axis response provide the precision and control needed for navigating tight courses and executing quick maneuvers.
Cinematic Flying
For pilots who prioritize capturing cinematic footage, deadcat frames are the obvious choice20. The unobstructed camera view allows for smooth and professional-looking videos, free from distracting propellers. Deadcat frames are more suited for cinematic flying due to this advantage.
Acrobatic Flying
For pilots who enjoy performing flips, rolls, and other acrobatic maneuvers, true X frames offer the best balance and stability. The symmetrical design ensures predictable handling and consistent response, allowing pilots to push their limits with confidence. Squashed X frames, a variation of true X, are also well-suited for freestyle due to their symmetrical motor arrangement.
Top Freestyle Frame Recommendations
Here are some of the top recommended freestyle frames based on expert opinions and community feedback:
- ImpulseRC Apex Evo: Considered by many to be the best freestyle frame available, known for its durability and performance.
- Flyfish RC Volador II VX5: A well-engineered frame with thoughtful design elements that enhance its functionality and performance.
- TBS Source One V5: A community-designed, open-source frame that offers excellent value and performance.
- GEPRC Mark5: A great all-around 5-inch freestyle quad that balances lightweight and durability while offering various video system options.
True X Is The Preferred Choise
In the world of freestyle FPV drone flying, true X frames emerge as the preferred choice for most pilots. Their balanced handling, consistent axis response, and durability make them ideal for executing complex maneuvers and withstanding crashes. While deadcat frames excel at providing a clean camera view for cinematic footage, their potential instability and increased risk of arm breakage make them less suitable for the demands of freestyle flying, although they remain a popular option for cinematic purposes.
Ultimately, the best frame for you will depend on your individual priorities and flying style. To help you decide, here’s a table summarizing the pros and cons of each frame type:
| Feature | True X | Deadcat |
|---|---|---|
| Center of Gravity | Balanced | Shifted forward |
| Axis Response | Consistent | Can be less consistent, especially at high rates |
| Durability | Generally robust | Longer front arms may be more susceptible to damage |
| Camera View | Propellers often visible | Unobstructed camera view |
| Ideal for | Acrobatic maneuvers, racing-style flying | Cinematic flying |
It’s important to remember that frame choice is not the sole determinant of flight experience. Other factors, such as electronics, tuning, weight distribution, and pilot skill, play a significant role in overall performance. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option carefully, and choose the frame that best aligns with your needs and preferences to enhance your freestyle FPV experience.