We’ll talk about FPV goggles and what it takes to get started in the hobby. This is the fourth video in a playlist, so check the link in the description for previous episodes about getting started, choosing a radio, and more.

Analog Goggles Overview (0:23)

Let’s start with analog goggles. This is how I got into the hobby, and I still use this setup for freestyle flying. My goggles are Fat Shark HDO2s. While they’ve seen better days (my foam is falling apart), they remain highly customizable:

  • Receiver: I use a TBS Fusion, though other options like Rapidfire work well too.
  • Antennas: My setup includes a TBS Triumph Pro and a Mad Mushroom. These are omnidirectional, with the taller antenna helping reduce signal breakup.
  • Patch Antenna: For specific use cases like flying in parking garages, I swap to a patch antenna, which provides stronger signal penetration through obstacles.

Features:

  • Foam: Customizable and replaceable with velcro, ensuring a perfect fit.
  • Optics: OLED screens with adjustable diopters for precise focusing.
  • DVR: Built-in recording to a microSD card.
  • Battery: I use a 4,000mAh ThunderPower battery, which is reliable despite its age.

Cost:

  • Goggles: ~$500
  • Receiver: ~$120
  • Antennas and battery: ~$70
  • Total: ~$700
  • While this might seem steep, this setup can last 5-6 years, averaging out to about $100/year.

Why I Prefer Analog for Freestyle (4:34)

Click here for my favorite analog goggle setup

For freestyle flying, I prefer analog due to the lower latency compared to DJI systems. While DJI is improving, I still feel a noticeable delay that affects the precision of my movements. Additionally, analog is more cost-effective for frequent crashes, with replacement parts (FPV cameras and VTXs) costing around $70 combined.

DJI Goggles Overview (7:35)

Click here for the latest DJI goggle

Next, let’s talk about DJI goggles. They’re transitioning to the O4 air unit and newer systems. Key points:

  • Cost: Goggles start at $500 (New DJI N3 starts at $229), with air units around $130-$230 which is both current and anticipated costs for the O4 Pro and O4 Lite.
  • Features: DJI goggles offer stunning video quality, making them ideal for cinematic flying or long-range applications.
  • New Models: The N3 goggles are an exciting, budget-friendly option (~$229), featuring simpler optics and support for glasses.

Drawbacks: Replacement parts for DJI systems are costly, and frequent crashes can quickly add up.

Other Systems (12:00)

There are additional options like HDZero and Walksnail Avatar:

  • HDZero: Offers low latency and a feel similar to analog but has durability concerns.
  • Walksnail Avatar: Comparable to DJI in video quality but lacks widespread adoption.

Conclusion (13:37)

Choosing the right FPV goggles depends on your flying style and budget:

  • Analog is great for freestyle and cost-effectiveness.
  • DJI excels in video quality and cinematic flying.

Most beginners start with DJI due to its ease of use, but analog remains a solid choice for freestyle pilots.