6 Racing Drone Kits of 2019
This page explores the things to look for when buying a racing drone kit. What kit works for you depends on what level you’re at and how much assembly you want to do. You also need to consider the type of drone. The reviews on this page are all quads, but it’s possible to build any multi-rotor craft. The most popular drone kits are geared toward racing enthusiasts.
Quadcopter racing is now one of the fastest growing sports worldwide. Racing fans prefer drones that they can customize and tweak to meet their demands. That gives pilots a competitive edge over the predictable, ready-to-fly drones.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| GILOBABY DIY Mini |
| 4.4/5.0 |
| Weight: 3.6 oz. |
| FPV Camera: Not included |
| Easy to fly, 1-key takeoff/landing, headless mode, fast charging. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| Eachine Tyro109 |
| 4.8/5.0 |
| Weight: 10.9 oz. |
| FPV Camera: Caddx Turbo Eos2 |
| Transmitter secured inside, 1200TVL HD camera, 5040 4-blade race props. |
| Check Banggood |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| LHI 240mm FPV |
| 4.7/5.0 |
| Weight: 16 oz. |
| FPV Camera: 700TVL |
| Stable structure, 2306 2600kv 3-4s brushless motors, quality parts. |
| Check Amazon |
The Benefits of a Drone Kit
The benefit of a racing quadcopter (also called a freestyle drone) kit is that there are few limits. You’re in charge and get to control how the bird feels and flies. Racing enthusiasts can customize and fine-tune their quads to perfection. You can use premium features found on costly drones but for a lot less money. Those who learn the ins-and-outs of a flying robot tend to make much better pilots.
This introduction is not a step-by-step guide on how to assemble a racing drone. It does, however, introduce the vital things to consider before buying a quadcopter kit.
Traits of a Racing Drone
There are certain things to consider when buying a racing drone kit. You don’t have much control if everything is in one box. However, you still need to make sure the contents of that box meet your expectations. Building a drone from scratch and individually sourcing each part takes more scrutiny.
Here are the most significant considerations for a racing drone:
- The size of the drone, or frame size more specifically
- Weight matters, lighter is generally better
- Durability (crash-resistance)
- Type of electric motor
- Suitable flight controller
- Camera for First Person View (FPV)
OK, let’s now look at the above 6 points in more detail.
#1 The importance of frame size
#2 Weight matters
#3 Durability
#4 Electric motors
#5 Flight controller
#6 FPV Camera setup
Other Stuff to Consider
Get to know which components are compatible with what kit. Consult the friendly folks in racing drone forums if you need guidance. Look at items like electronic speed controllers (ESC) and power distribution boards (PDB). Wiring, connectors, and the space to put everything are other considerations for DIY kits. Most first-time drone assemblers prefer a complete set (everything in the box).
About My ‘Racing Drone Kit’ Guide
The 6 reviews on this page illustrate some current favorite racing quadcopter kits. There are others, but these will give you a good insight into the type of products available. These are not only personal choices. I also took user feedback and the opinions of industry experts into consideration. The first three are Best Budget, Best Value, and the Top Pick for convenience.
The table below shows the racing kits as they appear on the page.
Racing Drone Kits Comparison Table
| Make and Model | Weight | FPV Camera | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| GILOBABY DIY Mini Racing Drone Kit | 3.6 oz. | Not included | Check Price |
| Eachine Tyro109 210mm DIY FPV Racing Kit | 10.9 oz. | Caddx Turbo Eos2 | Check Price |
| LHI 240mm FPV Quadcopter Drone Frame Kit ARF | 16 oz. | 700TVL | Check Price |
| IACTIVE DIY 3K Carbon Fiber Mini 270 Quad Kit | 6.9 oz. | Not included | Check Price |
| LHI 250mm Pro Carbon Fiber Quad Frame Kit | 18.4 oz. | Not included | Check Price |
| SWAGTRON SwagDrone RC Racing Drone (RTF) | 13.1 oz. | 700TVL | Check Price |
1. GILOBABY DIY Mini Racing Drone Kit | Best Budget
Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5
The GILOBABY DIY Mini Racing Drone is a fun and educational quadcopter assembly kit for kids. It challenges young minds in a way that keeps them interested, and the rewards are phenomenal.
- Best feature 1: Drone for STEM learning
- Best feature 2: Altitude hold mode
- Plus points: Easy to fly, 1-key takeoff/landing, headless mode, fast charging
- Minus points: Short flight time, instructions could be better
GILOBABY DIY Drone Kit Highlights
Flying quadcopters—especially for the first time—is an exciting and memorable experience. Assembling a drone takes satisfaction to a whole new level. This product is educational as well as fun and made for STEM learning. STEM helps to develop skills in areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. This DIY mini racing drone is a new generation of Play & Learn models.
The quadcopter is easy to pilot once assembled. Its headless mode lets youngsters fly while ignoring the direction of the nose. Other child-friendly flight features include simple 1-key takeoff/landing and altitude hold. The latter keeps the drone steady in the air thus making it easier to handle. The charging time is fast at only 50 minutes. The flight range is 164 ft. (50 m) which is plenty for a small model.
| What’s in the box | Items needed to complete |
|---|---|
| Controller Main body Main PCB Main body head Blades tool Blades (8pcs) 4 × motor 3.7V Drone battery USB charger User manual | Nothing. Everything needed to fly is in the box. |
The Not So Good
The flight time is a disappointing 5–8 minutes max, so extra batteries are a good idea. The instructions that come with this racing drone kit could be better. They do cover everything, but the format of the guide could be more kid-friendly.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Dimensions: 3.15 x 3.15 x 1.97” |
| Product Weight: 3.6 oz. (0.85 lbs.) |
| FPV Camera: None |
| Max Range: 164 ft. (50 meters) |
| Battery: 3.7V 350mAh LiPo |
| Max Flight (Racing) Time: 8 minutes |
| Transmitter: Standard controller |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Easy to fly at the beginner level |
| Drone for STEM learning |
| Altitude hold mode |
| 1-key takeoff/landing |
| Headless mode |
| Fast charging time |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Short flight time |
| Instructions not kid-friendly |
2. Eachine Tyro109 DIY FPV Racing Kit | Best Value
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The Best Value FPV racing quadcopter kit goes to the Eachine Tyro109 210mm. This model is an upgrade from the Tyro99. It’s an excellent choice for those with some experience building drones.
- Best feature 1: Upgrade of the favorite Tyro99 kit
- Best feature 2: Illustrated Quick Start guide
- Plus points: Transmitter secured inside, 1200TVL HD camera, 5040 4-blade race props
- Minus points: PNP (needs extras)
Eachine Tyro109 Racing Kit Highlights
The Tyro99 had a reputation as a great DIY racing drone kit for under 100 dollars. The Eachine Tyro109 here costs a little extra but offers a whole lot more. Those improvements include a better protected FPV transmitter, superior camera, motors, and props. It’s a full drone kit which makes it a new builder’s dream model. The quad has a sturdy 3K carbon fiber airframe with 5mm arms.
All the components—including the Caddx Turbo Eos2 1200TVL HD Camera—are well protected. That’s thanks to a couple of aluminum reinforcements. The Quick Start guide is clean and easy to follow. Not all drone assembly guides are as clear cut, though they should be.
| What’s in the box | Items needed to complete |
|---|---|
| 210mm frame kit 4 x 2206 2400KV brushless motors (CW/CCW) 4-in-1 30A BLHeli_S ESC 4 x 5040 four-blade propeller (CW/CCW) Customized F4 flight controller Caddx Turbo Eos2 1200tvl XF5804 5.8G 40CH switchable VTX Battery strap Antenna | Transmitter Flight battery Radio receiver FPV monitor or goggles |
The Not So Good
This is a Plug-N-Play version, and that means there are extras needed to complete the kit. Some builders prefer to source a transmitter, receiver, and batteries themselves. Others prefer everything in one box, so PNP can be a pro or con depending on the person. This kit also needs a First Person View (FPV) monitor or FPV googles for drone racing.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Dimensions: 10.9 oz. (0.68 lbs.) |
| Frame: 210mm 3K carbon fiber w/ 6065 aluminum canopy |
| FPV Camera: Caddx Turbo Eos2 |
| Range: Depends on the radio system |
| Battery: Recommend 3-5S LiPo (not included) |
| Flight Time: Depends on the battery |
| Transmitter: Not included |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Upgrade of the Tyro99 kit |
| Decent Quick Start Guide |
| Transmitter fitted inside |
| Aluminum frame reinforcements |
| 5040 4-blade racing propellers |
| 1200TVL HD camera |
| 5040 4-blade racing propellers |
| The Cons |
|---|
| PNP version (needs extras) |
3. LHI 240mm FPV Drone Frame Kit (ARF) | Top Pick
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
Our Top Pick goes to the LHI 240mm FPV Racing Drone Frame Kit. It’s a fun quadcopter to build with lots of quality parts. This set also includes a 700TVL First Person View (FPV) camera.
- Best feature 1: Excellent racing drone kit for beginners
- Best feature 2: 3k ultra-light carbon plate
- Plus points: Stable structure, 2306 2600kv 3-4s brushless motors, quality parts
- Minus points: No build instructions, soldering required, no ESC connecting wires
LHI 240mm FPV Drone Kit Highlights
LHI’s 240mm FPV Drone Kit is ideal for first-time builders and racing pilots at any level. That’s because it’s a customizable quad with tweaking potential. The machine employs a 3k carbon plate that’s ultra-lightweight and perfect for competition. The body uses aviation aluminum 6061. LHI has strengthened the arms with a fixed 4-arm aluminum alloy design. It’s an incredibly stable structure.
The kit comes with powerful 2306 2600kv brushless motors that are robust and almost vibration-free. Fan cooling reduces the temperature and improves the stability and longevity of the motors. All the included parts are of excellent quality. Others include 32bit ESC, F3 Ominsbus flight controller, and a 5.8Ghz Antenna SMA. See below for the full list.
| What’s in the box | Items needed to complete |
|---|---|
| PUDA Stingy True X 5″frame F3 Ominsbus Flight Controller EWRF e708TM3 VTX 700TVL FPV Camera XT60 PDB 4 x 2306 2300KV brushless motors 4 x Blheli_s 35A 32bit ESCs 10 x 5042 propeller 5.8Ghz Antenna SMA 4 x 7-color LEDs | Radio transmitter Radio receiver Lipo battery FPV receiver (goggles or screen) ESC connection wires |
The Not So Good
There are no written instructions with this kit. That’s odd considering they aim it at first-time builders. There is a YouTube tutorial, but proper instructions would have been welcome. Another issue that may put a few folks off is that there’s some considerable soldering involved. And finally, there aren’t any ESC connecting wires which is odd. I’ve added those to the ‘needed to complete’ list.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Dimensions: 15 x 14 x 2” |
| Shipping Weight: 16 oz. (1 lb.) |
| Frame: 24mm carbon fiber |
| FPV Camera: 700TVL FPV |
| Battery: 3-4S LiPo (not included) |
| Flight (Racing) Time: Depends on battery |
| Transmitter: Not included |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Excellent drone kit for all levels |
| 3k ultra-light carbon plate |
| Aviation aluminum 6061 body |
| FPV Camera |
| Ultra-stable structure |
| 2306 2600kv 3-4s brushless motors |
| Fan cooled motors |
| All quality parts |
| The Cons |
|---|
| No build instructions |
| Soldering required |
| No ESC connecting wires |
4. IACTIVE DIY 3K Carbon Mini Robocat 270 Kit
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
Meet the IACTIVE 3K Mini 270 Robocat Quad Kit. This budget-priced drone set is a superb starter pack for FPV racers. It’s a good-looking bird too, and quite different from the typical configuration.
- Best feature 1: Great starter kit for new players
- Best feature 2: Space for FPV gear
- Plus points: Lightweight, excellent platform to build on, 3K carbon fiber, crash-resistant
- Minus points: Needs lots of extras to complete, tiny size
IACTIVE DIY 3K Mini Quad Kit Highlights
The IACTIVE DIY 3K Carbon Mini Robocat 270 Kit is perfect for advanced beginners. That means those who have some experience with simple electronics and soldering. It’s just a frame begging for someone to transform it into a flying, competing, quadcopter. It’s a great educational kit for anyone who wants to learn how to build a racing drone from the ground up.
About the Frame
The frame has a gorgeous, streamlined design made from full 3K carbon fiber. It’s small and ultra-lightweight yet incredibly robust and crash-resistant. The machine arms are 3mm thick, and the fuselage is 2mm. There’s heaps of space for the wiring and FPV gear, including an angled camera mount. It’s an excellent platform to build on and one that gives enthusiasts lots of pleasure.
| What’s in the box | Items needed to complete |
|---|---|
| 3K Carbon Fiber QAV270 Quadcopter Frame | 1806 to 2206 motors Propeller 5–6” 3 to 4S 1500mah flight battery 12A speed controller Flight Controller Video Transmitter FrSky T6- receiver Sony 600TVL CCD Camera |
The Not So Good
This kit only includes a basic frame, so all other components are down to the builder. That means new owners must source the extras themselves (see list above). Don’t forget the solder and soldering tool. One of the quad’s attractions is its small size. That’s also a downside for new builders as it’s harder to work and learn in tight spaces. It’s a beautiful frame kit for those who are ready for it, though.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product Weight: 6.9 oz. (0.43 lbs.) |
| Frame: Pre-assembled racing |
| FPV Camera: SONY Super HAD CCD 600TVL (not included) |
| Battery: 3–4S 1500mah (not included) |
| Flight Time: Depends on the battery |
| Transmitter: Not included |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Ideal kit for advanced beginners |
| Superb educational project |
| Flexible platform to build on |
| Ample space for FPV gear |
| Lightweight & small |
| Strong 3K carbon fiber |
| Crash-resistant construction |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Needs lots of extras to complete |
| Small size is harder to work on |
5. LHI 250mm Pro Carbon Fiber Quad Kit
Editor’s Rating: 4.2/5
The LHI 250mm Pro racing quadcopter kit is an excellent choice for new builders. It’s a learn as you go kit that teaches novice builders the ins-and-outs of how these birds work.
- Best feature 1: Excellent learn-as-you-go racing kit
- Best feature 2: High-performance power system
- Plus points: Brushless motors, lightweight and durable, pure carbon fiber, rubber damper
- Minus points: No comprehensive instructions, brittle props
LHI 250mm Drone Kit Highlights
It may be tiny, but it’s not short on oomph. The brushless motors deliver high power and reliable performance. This small racing quad can reach speeds that some say are too fast for newbies. They could be right. The tiny racer is nothing but a blur once it gets moving.
LHI’s 250mm Pro is lightweight, durable, and doesn’t suffer from vibration during flights. These things are attributed to the pure carbon fiber frame and an effective rubber damper.
| What’s in the box | Items needed to complete |
|---|---|
| 250mm carbon fiber frame CC3D flight controller amp & protect case Power Distribution Board (PDB) 4 x Simonk12A ESC 4 x MT2204 2300KV Brushless motors 4 x light board 8 x 5030 (CW/CCW) 2-blade propellers | Flight batteries 3-4s Lipos Receiver & Transmitter: Flysky FS-i6 and 2A 2.4GHz 6CH Radio System Transmitter |
The Not So Good
There aren’t any proper instructions included with this kit. All it comes with is a single sheet for the frame assembly. Thankfully, there are plenty of how-to vids on YouTube. Even so, the makers should provide a written guide for paying customers. The other con is the brittle propellers that come with the kit. New buyers may want to get some better ones in advance.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Dimensions: 10.8 x 6.5 x 1.7” |
| Product Weight: 18.4 oz. (1.15 lbs.) |
| Frame: 250mm carbon fiber |
| FPV Camera: Not included |
| Battery: 3-4s LiPos 1300mAh to 2200mAh (not included) |
| Flight Time: Depends on the battery |
| Transmitter: 6CH+ (not included) |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Excellent learn-as-you-go kit |
| High-performance power system |
| Brushless motors |
| Lightweight and durable |
| Pure carbon fiber |
| Rubber anti-vibration damper |
| The Cons |
|---|
| No comprehensive instructions |
| Brittle props |
6. SWAGTRON SwagDrone RC RTF Racing Quad
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
Last of the reviews is the SWAGTRON SwagDrone Ready-to-fly (RTF) racing drone. I included this one for those who want to have a go at racing to see if it’s something that interests them.
- Best feature 1: Ready to Fly (RTF)
- Best feature 2: 700 TVL camera w/ 120° FOV
- Plus points: Night vision, durable, modular design, 3 flight modes, locator alarm, kill switch
- Minus points: Poor instructions for newbies
SWAGTRON SwagDrone Racing Quad Highlights
The reason to buy racing drone kits is to learn about what makes them fly. That allows pilots to customize their quads and fine-tune the performance. However, those new to racing may want to learn how to compete first and customize later. That’s where fully-assembled ready-to-fly (RTF) racing drones come in. The SwagDrone 210-UP is an excellent example of a pre-assembled racing quad.
Ready, Steady, Go!
Everything you need is in the box, including a 700 TVL First Person View (FPV) camera. There’s also a night vision camera that makes it possible to fly in low light conditions. If you have an accident—and you probably will—it’s good to know this puppy is crash-resistant. The carbon fiber material stands up well to stress and impacts and is lightweight and aerodynamic.
SWAGTRON’s SwagDrone has a modular design that makes replacing parts a breeze. Other beginner-friendly features include 3 flight modes, a locator (lost drone) alarm, and a kill switch. The flight modes are Primary (beginner), Mid-Level, and High-Level. And the kill switch exists to stop the bird if it looks as though it’s heading for a collision.
| What’s in the box | Items needed to complete |
|---|---|
| SWAGTRON SwagDrone racing quadcopter HD night vision camera 5.8Ghz transmitter 2S flight battery Battery charger FPV Goggles Instruction booklet | Nothing. |
The Not So Good
The SwagDrone 210-UP is a racing quad for all levels from beginner to advanced. Unfortunately, the makers have not written the instructions with the total novice in mind. That means learning how to fly this beauty is not as straightforward as it should be for first-timers.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Dimensions: 7.2 x 7.2 x 4” |
| Product Weight: 13.1 oz. (0.81 lbs.) |
| FPV Camera: 700TVL 120° FOV |
| Range: 0.4 miles (800 meters) |
| Battery: 14.8V 1300mAh Lithium Polymer |
| Flight Time: 10 minutes |
| Transmitter: 5.8 GHz |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Ready to Fly (RTF) |
| FPV camera |
| Night vision |
| Durable build |
| Modular design |
| 3 flight modes |
| Lost drone locator alarm |
| Kill switch |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Poor instructions for newbies |
Contents
- The Benefits of a Drone Kit
- Traits of a Racing Drone
- #1 The importance of frame size
- #2 Weight matters
- #3 Durability
- #4 Electric motors
- #5 Flight controller
- #6 FPV Camera setup
- Other Stuff to Consider
- About My ‘Racing Drone Kit’ Guide
- Racing Drone Kits Comparison Table
- 1. GILOBABY DIY Mini Racing Drone Kit | Best Budget
- GILOBABY DIY Drone Kit Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 2. Eachine Tyro109 DIY FPV Racing Kit | Best Value
- Eachine Tyro109 Racing Kit Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 3. LHI 240mm FPV Drone Frame Kit (ARF) | Top Pick
- LHI 240mm FPV Drone Kit Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 4. IACTIVE DIY 3K Carbon Mini Robocat 270 Kit
- IACTIVE DIY 3K Mini Quad Kit Highlights
- About the Frame
- The Not So Good
- 5. LHI 250mm Pro Carbon Fiber Quad Kit
- LHI 250mm Drone Kit Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 6. SWAGTRON SwagDrone RC RTF Racing Quad
- SWAGTRON SwagDrone Racing Quad Highlights
- Ready, Steady, Go!
- The Not So Good
