BetaFlight Rate Settings - For new and intermediate pilots

The updated video is even super old by now. I may consider making a new one soon...
Update video: • Betaflight PID2 settin...
I've been testing the rates I described at the end of the video. Today I actually run different rates for a different feel.
Pitch/roll: RCrate - 1.02, Super Rate - 0.74, RC Expo 0
Yaw: RCrate - 2.05, Super Rate - 0.45, RC Expo 0

[@Eklown]

Every day is a new day of learning something new & for some, redefining answers (some simpler & some more complex) but with the outcome being that of answers / knowledge which is shared from one individual to the next. Now. .. As with this particular section & defining it in a manner for one to grasp with an understand of it (meaning of the mechanical function in layman's terms) you did a "Fabulous Job". With so many people new to this hobby & for some that just want a simple answer (we've all been there, right) that's straight to the point minus the theory / concept added. It's the cliffs notes version that many seek for. Keep it up buddy.

[@medievil2]

Thank you for making this video, this explanation on what rates do is what I've been looking for , you are the only one talking about rates in detail everybody else literally flyby them like they don't matter, sometimes I feel like some guys don't want to reveal their secrets. Thank you.

[@1grizzlyrizzo]

Thanks for the great info, I've just finished a great pid tuning experience with Mr Bardwells advice, I then moved onto rates with your advice and tried out your settings from the description, I love the zippy mellow feel it gives my zmr250, I know I need to season to taste but man what a great place to start. Thanks very much.

[@jonbbaca5580]

This is a terrific explanation of rates. I've watched so many, and this was the clearest explanation I've seen

[@Kabab]

Jon B Baca thank you, I try to simplify things as much as possible

[@blackmennewstyle]

Very nice explanation :) I figured out all the differences between RC Rate, Super Rate & RC Expo, while trying to change the values and feel how the copter was flying after! Pretty cool stuff! Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend

[@ApexLight7]

This made Rates easy to understand. Watched many videos about it but this one was most helpful. Thanks

[@GroundControlRC]

Great explanation of these three settings. Thanks for the video and Happy Flying!

[@danskifpv]

Thank you for this explanation. it makes perfect sense now. I've amended curves with the TX before and it seems to make more sense the way you explained it. Thanks

[@peper0ny.r1p]

Thank you so much for this mini tutorial. Best video of the year so far :)

[@phildawe7172]

excellent! to an intermediate pilot..this explains things really well. will experiment more with these areas. cheers dude!

[@RogeroK360]

I'm new to Betaflight and your video gave me all the info that i needed to know, Thank you.

[@Budmulla]

I have never really played much with my settings, but i followed this video and felt confident enough to give it a go ... i didnt go as high with the rc rates but it has made a diference and i can flip and roll even quiker now :) thank you

[@1nsan1ty]

Thanks for taking the time to do this. I found it really useful

[@Kabab]

You're welcome. I know I'll be referring many people just like yourself to the video too since I get so many questions about this.

[@joecachia2]

That's very helpful. understanding what the graphs do an mean is already a good first step for a newbie like me

[@migueliniguez7354]

short, simple and to the point, thank you for your time.

[@robhein]

This video is great, short and easy to follow.

[@ryanmalvey429]

This video is extremely informative, definitely going to subscribe and drop a like!

[@erikspen]

Fantastic! Loved your approach for getting faster Yaw. I'd been stuck in the mindset of using the same Super on all and just increasing Yaw's RC Rate to get it faster.

[@NarcolepticLTD]

Great explanation! I had to leave the hobby for over a year... coming back and seeing the evolution of rates made what was simple before - exceptionally confusing. It took me a while just to get a handle on all the new bells and whistles, but your explanation here really drives it home.

[@Kabab]

NarcolepticLTD I try to simplify it but there's nothing simple about it. this is also just a small portion. just the rates...

[@NarcolepticLTD]

Your video and explanation made it simple :) The initial confusion I was speaking of was when I initially came back into the hobby after a long break. Basically, very glad to see this video on the tubes. Thank you sir!

[@XFramesFPV]

I like that you concentrated on Rates. IMO it is not discussed enough. Great Job!

[@xaralampos1959]

Very good video! It made some things clear for me.

[@Vortigon]

Brilliant explanation! Thanks for posting this it's a huge help!

[@neomayad]

great job bro. you just cleared up soo much for me.

[@rtcfpv1012]

great explanation. helps me out a lot undestanding the settings. thanks for the video.

[@xavierayayaell546]

Good video, thanks. Certainly got me thinking that I should spend more time on this.

[@stevesquaredink3884]

so i started fly july of 2016 so after about six months iv been working to find that filling im looking for so glade to see this video gave me a better understanding

[@00fluxone]

great info here - I have been flying for a while and transitioned to pinching a few months ago - I could never figure out what was happening with my yaw - it never seemed coordinated - you made my day!!! now i can fly acro LOS so much better and feel way more in tune in FPV thank you

[@Kabab]

00fluxone yeah the yaw thing with pinching doesn't make any sense. everyone can move the right stick side to side fine but the left stick is an issue. I think it's because the throttle is loose so we try not to touch yaw unless needed in order to stay smooth.

[@00fluxone]

been flying again this morning I cant believe the difference - if I had not seen your video i dont think I would have ever increased my yaw rate as much as I have - nice tip

[@00fluxone]

now i just need to figure out what that means in the KISS rate settings....

[@Kabab]

00fluxone lol yeah dude, our brains are just messed up. we need to account for that.

[@roisanchez9750]

Seeing this in 2020 and still so useful!

[@jonathane8585]

I subscribe because of the content of this channel. This is another example why I keep coming back. Well done. Now please release your new frame :)

[@jonathane8585]

I just thought of something. Does this apply to STRICTLY RACING where you are not doing rolls and flips? Wouldn't having slower rates make more sense when racing so you don't over shoot, over correct your turns, and flying smoothly is paramount? I think I listened to BrainDrain state on a podcast that his rates are around .20 pitch and roll and .25 yaw. That is really slow but he says he can make every turn with those rates.

[@Kabab]

Thanks, I try not to waste anyones time and have no interest in VLogging half my life and editing during the other half.

[@Kabab]

This video applies to both. During racing you're usually more hyped up and twitchy. Lower rates smooth things out a lot and as you said, you're not doing crazy rolls and flips so you'd prefer to have more turning resolution rather than ability for quick movements. Many, maybe even most people that race and freestyle often have two rate setups. Usually these are thumb flyers I find. Pinching logically gives you more control and for me personally, I can use the same settings for both fine. That being said, I'm not a fan of the crazy rolls and flips during acro either. Anyone can punch their rates and flip 30 times a second...

[@hansturpyn5455]

acro + curve solves that. gives u more control in the mid band, and at the same time gives u high flip & roll speed @ the outer sticks. but u already know that :)

[@keithbaskerville1242]

Jonathan Edrada

[@alloutofdonuts3998]

Thanks for the explanation! Had to watch this again bcuz I’ve been away from the fpv too long lol.

[@wongowonga]

Great video, explained well. Thank you

[@stefengullicksen38]

Jonathan Edradan2 weeks ago I subscribe because of the content of this channel. This is another example why I keep coming back. Well done. Now please release your new frame :) Couldn't say it better! Thanks

[@fpvglasgow655]

great video bro helped me big time thnks alot all the best to you from glasgow good job

[@jasonkostrzebski2168]

God I wish I'd subscribed to this channel sooner you explain things that a lot of novices like myself can understand keep up the good work matey need to watch some more of your videos now can see it being a late nite lol 👍

[@RichardBurgessMD]

thanks, super helpful for starting out.

[@jdogb1]

Very good explanation. I also found that setting lower rates for new pilots is not necessarily the best approach. I started with the wizard and flew stock pids and rates for many months. Watched various videos on tuning and setting rates. It took what seemed like forever but wow what a difference when you do finally get it locked in. I was still not certain of exactly what the super rates and expo do but this cleared things up.

[@hellbeefpv]

everyone should now understand rates with this video, thanks

[@Kabab]

It's a tiny bit different now and they call them a little different now too. Super expo became super rate

[@1917VIL]

Wow! I just transitioned from Spektrum Dx6 to Taranis, and you perfectly described my problem with the yaw control:) I pinch also, and the range of movement of the throttle/yaw stick is large relative to my Spektrum, so I struggle with the larger range and suffer terrible yaw control when at a low throttle position, like during tight races gates...totally makes me feel like a noob pilot, and demotivating. But, I upped the Yaw RC rate yesterday, and had one flight...felt better, but about to go test again

[@epp1026del]

Nice explanation in decent amount of time. 🤜

[@frasersteen]

I love these theory videos, so much useful knowlegde.

[@lionfpv9016]

Fraser Steen ya me too im on my expo n rates almost 2yrs now n still i can quite there yet...😪 now after his vid explanation i kinda get it.. what i have lost all this time.. tq

[@Kabab]

Yeah took me a year of guess and check to gain this minor level of understanding that I feel like I might have.

[@F-rig]

This was great for getting rates, I can't understand why you have any dislikes. It made perfect sense and I'm using BF 10.7 , If your going to make another video just make a part 2 as an update.

[@Schradermusic]

I just switched from using lots of RC Expo to the rates in the description and man, it's a huge difference. I kept oversteering on quick moves and now it feels much better.

[@alexgri7625]

Hello from Russia, Thank you very good video. Thank you very much for your personal settings. Very helped to fly became much more supple and easier.

[@ScrewMuggz]

thanks for the info, much appreciated!

[@seankelly5318]

Interesting to see how others set their RCrate etc. Mine are very different to yours. Recently I have been experimenting with RCrate's around 70-80 and Super rate's 90-80 feels good. I think it's also worth mentioning Rate profiles and how important is is to have a 3 position switch set up so you can switch in the field. This is essential for finding the right balance.

[@cyinda415]

Great explanation! Thank you!

[@TheSTallINNA]

Finally those PID things make sense to me xD thanks m8 ^^

[@KelvinFPV]

bob you're awesome. Yet another video I can pass around.

[@Kabab]

KelvinFPV thanks. I have a lot of videos about everything I wanna make but it's just so much to tackle I make them as I get more questions about a particular topic.

[@jasondudley4303]

hey there i really find your info really helpful. it would be awesome if u could help me if it is possible. i am a disabled veteran and locally no one knows anything and everyone i talk to either is to busy to prideful or truthfully not up to date on info. so i have searched thru hundreds of videos and for some reason i keep coming back to u. drones fpv is saving my life i almost allowed the world to kill me then i saw mr steele and since then i have been clean and have a new reason to love something but unfortunately my upride hurts me but i keep spending to much to not get any payback. out ofr everyones setups u have the coolest and my fiancee told me to send u my email [e-mail] please if u dont mind helping yr influence could shape our community in north louisiana if not thank you

[@jasondudley4303]

kababfpv was meant for u my bad

[@roryoconnell9424]

Just tried your pids and rates, ‘‘twas a superb flight. 🤟

[@Kabab]

Much has changed since then. But I've also changed myself too. I've simplified my rates to 1.31 for pitch, roll and yaw. Everything else is default on BF 3.4 and up. On ButterFlight 3.4 my D setpoint is 0.1 and transition is 0.7. I've simplified all this based on all the Improvements since then. I've made yaw the same as the rest because it's easier to cross coordinate. But I had to learn to use yaw more because I pinch and many Pinchers have trouble moving the yaw like thumbers do.

[@jarold1940]

nice video and now I have a better understanding of what those settings do... :-)

[@SwiftDuckFPV]

thank you, you fixed my yaw issue

[@michaelreagan2028]

Dude, this really helped!

[@jasond3938]

Thank you for this video bro 👊

[@MTECHTipss]

Very well explained dude.

[@nason43]

Thanks I hope this helps me out!

[@jaminjim44]

Wow very helpful video! Appreciate it! Got my subscription and like!

[@rotsdogdogkitty1150]

thankyou, i found this video very helpful!

[@shankarmohan]

All the way i have been wondering why my yaw response is not as good as roll.. your idea of making yaw rate > 2 greatly helped me to take coordinated turns in the first place. Thank you.

[@7demo7review]

My name has s Kabab, and you're going to learn something today.... lol. Great job explaining- I need help with my tunes- you gave me a clearer understanding of what I need to do- thanks

[@Kabab]

+7demo7 lol I love Josh. I'm nowhere near his level of understanding on any part of this stuff. I'm actually gonna change up my rates a bit because I just got some new prototype props that pretty much require me to...

[@peregrineflow7354]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@jamfpv2758]

Thanks for that! It was realy helpfull vor me!

[@Darksagan]

Great job. I bought a preowned tinyhawk that has crazy rates (project mockingbird). I am just trying to start slow and looking for the most easiest rates for now.

[@DJDevine]

Greatly Appreciated...

[@GenesisG80]

I have just come to the sport, and out of the 3 or 4 videos I've watched on this subject yours is the most understandable. Thanks for helping to clear this up a bit for me!

[@Kabab]

Things are very different these days. Even I usually just use defaults on betaflight. They're really well balanced now.

[@frankbarajas]

This clearly explains the "swish" in Kabab's flying...sorry for the corny pun but I had to do it...just saying. Good instruction video with great detail and without techno overkill. Not saying "techno" is bad just getting to the gist of it is simply awesome.

[@_bdub_]

although I love my rates now, I wish I had this info when I started. Settings up good rates is way more important than fine tuning PIDs when you're learning. I spent weekends messing with PIDs trying to get the quad to feel "on rails" but I gained a lot more control and confidence in flying after getting rates that worked for my brain as you said.

[@Kabab]

+Brennan G right. PIDs are whatever, especially these days. Stock PIDs are fine when you're at 8k/8k. The rates are far far more impactful. That being said, altering PIDs does actually modulate the rate feel. Different PID tunes will require different rates. I just got some new prototype props that I like so I need to adjust the rates again myself to accommodate... Everything matters.

[@PebryRamadhan]

finally i found treasure.. :-) its work.. thanks....

[@zguesss]

Finally a decent explanation

[@Kabab]

I'm surprised this is still somewhat relevant this long later. Now we have feedforward and a few other things too. I like my feed forward low. I set mine to 8 all around.

[@am-apps-games]

Many Thanks!

[@brentshock3787]

Nice job, thank you

[@ShebanFPV]

Great explanation, makes sense 👍🏻 many thanks! Would love to see video about recommended rates for the amateurs )))

[@Kabab]

Defaults are the recommended rates. Don't touch them at all. Just use betaflight defaults. It's what I use myself and sometimes I even lower it more

[@ShebanFPV]

KababFPV The thing is, I've got 5" quad / 6S / 2207 1750kv / 5045 props. It's scary fast for me, I feel like a 10 year old behind the wheel of F1 car 😂 Just want to tone it down a bit and make more tame.

[@Kabab]

@@ShebanFPV use 4s batteries or limit throttle in betaflight to 70

[@ShebanFPV]

KababFPV KababFPV Thanks for the advice 👍🏻 I will also try to add a bit of RC Expo for a smoother mid stick feel

[@austinwu7643]

really helpful, thanks

[@iamthetinkerman]

Great video! I was playing with this last night before I watched the video and figured it all out! You describe it exactly how it works! Also, I gotta ask, where did you get the silicone stick caps, i been searching all over but not sure the best size, i was thinking 6mm int diameter? Cheers

[@muteFPV]

I think I am loving the skewers even more than the content itself :P Could use some peppers man, just meat and mushrooms?! ;)

[@Kabab]

muteFPV lol yeah I looked through maybe a thousand cartoon pix of kabob to decide I liked that look best then I drew it.

[@leecourington2536]

Thanks for this - it really helped. One question - any advice for throttle curve?

[@jrodrc4137]

Thanks so much for this video. It made me fly a lot better. These rates made a big difference for me. Which rates do you recommend for someone still pretty new?

[@jrodrc4137]

I mean the ones in the video or the ones listed?

[@takeaflightfpv8006]

Thanks for the info, ive been flying for a year now and never had to tune a quad. they were all bnf, but I got a dys board and the rates were super slow I had to hold the stick forever to roll, about to go out to the field and see what improvements were maid.

[@BravoSix_Going_Dark]

Thank you !!

[@bakerman1231]

well done, but this newbie understands exactly what you said. you explained it well.

[@ziggyzbeak]

Great video new sub and like

[@jalfpv1323]

Hey, been watching your channel for a while, ive learned alot, thank you. I wanted to ask where did you get those rubber ends for your sticks? Or is it something you diy?

[@Kabab]

I got it off another toy controller. They're actually not better. Was just testing them

[@leecyrille]

hotprops simulator has betaflight and raceflight rate settings so you can test them out now.

[@FPVish]

not sure if I asked you this one, but so your saying when start off tuning, use stock pids, so we are to tune the rates first? and would you do it the same way with a smaller quad like the new 1s your been presenting? or mess w PIDS first?

[@rmareynard9084]

Thanks dude

[@tcoffel34]

good explanation, and great run through. just a side note, the max degrees per second have to do with how many times your quad will flip "per second". I think, for example, and I could be slightly off, but 1600 degrees per second is 4.6 flips or rolls per 1.6 seconds, or something to that affect. there's a conversion rate somewhere, but that's basically what it is. I try to keep mine at around 1526ish. good and informative video man!

[@Kabab]

Tom Coffel 1526dps is really really really high. I'm down around 700 and that's good for me. it's degrees of rotation per second. so divide by 360 for number of flips per second

[@tcoffel34]

Kabab FPV yeah, I couldn't recall the formula, but I like mine that high because I can get a quick snap right, left, up or down and get a serious quick roll / flip and make serious combo's. when adding in RC expo, just a touch anyway, it allows that smooth finish after the snap to appear fluid. thanks again for the reply and videos man, I've subbed!

[@BlackhawkFPV]

Thank you!

[@MrJarrod]

thanks hoping the above rates will allow me to learn to fly a bit quicker and without crashes so much. Was using default settings now for two months. Really didn't like the feel of my alien 5 " frame.

[@a_mouse6858]

Great video. Thanks. Is there a compelling reason to set rates on the flight controller vs the transmitter? Most transmitters allow fairly complex functions. You can precalculate super rate and send to the aircraft (which would just have linear rates).

[@Kabab]

It's just easier to put into the FC. Controller menus are messy and confusing. The FC also governs the maximum movement rates. The controller cannot go past that

[@9268ryan]

Awesome, good info. Where did you get those stick ends for your taranis? Are they rubber? They look nice and sticky but comfy too...

[@Kabab]

they were off a toy controller. I don't use them anymore. They actually made it too easy to move the sticks.

[@SergioLopez-vu5lv]

Thank you gust subscribed

[@ninjasauce8855]

Hey, what is that on your sticks? Is that like a tacky rubber? Seems like a great idea. Never seen them before. I am always slipping off my sticks. I have never touched my rates or pids. But I just started doing flips, rolls, loops, and dives with stock Betaflight settings. Now I understand what you mean when you say that your rates dont match what your brain anticipates. I dont want to develop any bad habits by compensating for bad rates, but Im definately scared to touch these settings. I do not like rc expo. But I want faster pitch and roll rates. Should I increase the deg per sec or add super rate?

[@b0rnt0bealive]

HI, i'm a new pilot and i learn a lot from your videos. I need an advice from you guys. At the begening, flying acro is like 'How to waste your money as fast as you can' Crash after crash. (Indoor cause i start to learn flying at the beginning of winter). So i quickly switch from acro to angle mode. Got a lot of fun in angle but a little voice in me say 'you learn bad habits'... Did i waste my time by learning angle mode at the begening ? Should i go acro right now or my learning curve is dead ? :) I cant wait for summer ! love that hobby any tips are welcome.

[@ang1570]

thanks man

[@drummerian1960]

Great video! My drone likes to wobble when I’m in Angle mode. I know to fix it you need to lower the P level in PID. The issue is that I can not find that. Any help? Thanks

[@Kabab]

Update to the latest BF and try just using stock PID's

[@gyjofi]

Hi! It is possible to set controller rates in the LiftOff simulator. I am beginner so I use it to learn/practice FPV. Does it make sense to experience the rates in the simulator, than set the rates on drone? What do You think?

[@snaks2820]

Hi Kabab. This was awesome. What a great contribution for those of us who are beginning the arduous task of mitigating the learning "curve" lol. Would you mind commenting on Angle/Horizon? Specifically, what is the purpose of "Strength" and "Transition"? Also, what is "Angle Limit" and "Sensitivity"? Thanks again. - snaks

[@Kabab]

snaks2820 I can't actually comment much on those modes other than to tell you to never ever use them unless you're flying something tiny whoop sized. angle limit I know means how much it'll let you tilt. angle mode doesn't let you pass that angle that you set. horizon mode is auto level but will allow you to do flips and rolls. really just don't use them. they make FPV flying much more difficult and even for LOS tuning they override the actual PIDs. using these models will make it much harder to eventually start using acro mode.

[@snaks2820]

That makes a lot of sense now that I'm looking at my settings. I don't have horizon mode configured so that's a step in the right direction it sounds like. I'll stop using angle mode right away. Thankfully, I just started. Thanks again.

[@jasonsteiner57]

The yaw thing gets me too. I prefer shorter movements for yaw and full range for roll.

[@madyet5235]

i know this vid is old but i just watched all the newer ones. question! is there a way to modulate or adjust your throttle in the new betaflight 3.0 or 3.1? i know on cleanflight there was.. but i know throttle management, but sometimes when i try to slow way down and fly under low laying objects i tend to overreact. so it would be nice to adjust or tune the throttle. could just be this damn spektrum radio... lol thanks in advance!

[@Kabab]

Mad Yet it's the spekteum radio I'd bet. we always have motor breaking on now so when you drop the throttle it should start falling unless you've punched up hard and it's soaring. nothing in BF for this.

[@elxero2189]

Thanks

[@christiancardona9889]

Thanks, Very instructive. Would you mind to share your knowledge about quad design? What software, what has worked for you, how do you began with the topic? That would be very interesting. Thanks for sharing and keep it up

[@Kabab]

I prefer Google Sketch-up because it's just so damn quick. I started designing things because all the frame options out there just didn't do it for me. None of them had obvious features that I knew I wanted. One day the owner of PiroFlip said loves my designs and wants to sell them at his shop. That's where it all started.