Starter kit
Mid Analog — Tinywhoop
tinywhoop • analog • beginner plus
Typical total
$520 – $750
What you’re buying
radio
RadioMaster Pocket (ELRS)
Compact EdgeTX radio that’s easy to recommend as an entry controller.
$60 – $100
Requires: 18650 battery
goggles
Skyzone SKY04O Pro
OLED binocular goggles that are a common mid-tier analog upgrade.
$350 – $520
Requires: external power
drone
BetaFPV Meteor75 Pro
Beginner-friendly tinywhoop for learning FPV fundamentals.
$110 – $170
practice
FPV Simulator Practice
Get 10+ hours in a sim before flying IRL.
$0 – $30
batteries
2× 18650 batteries
Common power source for many radios.
$12 – $30
batteries
2S LiPo for goggles
Common external power option for analog goggles.
$15 – $35
Upgrade paths
No curated upgrades yet.
Requirements (don’t forget these)
- 2× 18650 battery — Often sold separately.
- external power — Usually 2S–3S LiPo.
Setup checklist
Before you buy
- Pick a simulator and commit to 10 hours before flying IRL.
- Decide receiver protocol (ELRS recommended for modern starters).
First day setup
- Basic EdgeTX setup: model, rates preset, switch mapping.
- Bind radio → receiver (ELRS bind phrase or button bind).
- Goggles: scan channels and lock VTX channel.
- Battery safety: charge, storage voltage, fire safety basics.
First flight plan
- Pick a calm day + open space (or indoors for whoops).
- Takeoff → hover-ish → gentle turns → figure-8 → land.
- Stop early if you’re tense. Small wins compound.
Community notes
Common substitutes
- If Pocket is out of stock, consider Boxer (bigger) or Zorro (similar footprint).
Known pitfalls
- Box goggles are bulky; binocular fit can be a comfort upgrade later.
- Skipping sim time increases crash frustration fast.
What people regret
- Buying too few batteries — more packs = more practice per session.
Tips
- Start with slower rates; increase once you can fly relaxed.