HD Zero Goggles | First Impressions | The Good & The Bad

HD Zero seems to have had a slow, buggy start, but right now, with these batch 2 goggles, things are looking pretty good.
In this video, Kris gives his opinions on the good and bad of these goggles, and Kelly (the DJI Fanboy) flies with them for the first time.
Goggles: www.hd-zero.com/product-page/...
Analog Expansion Module: www.hd-zero.com/product-page/...
True RC X2 Air MK 2 Antennas (we bought the RHCP and x-air pair only): www.truerc.ca/shop/5-8ghz-2/r...
OCP antennas: www.truerc.ca/shop/5-8ghz-2/t...
Hard case: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
#HDZero #FPV #ReadySetDrone
00:00 INTRO
00:25 The Good
02:09 The Bad
04:40 First Impressions - DJI Fan Boy
07:21 Wrap up
Check out Kris' channel: / sunrisewatermedia
Check out Kelly's Podcast: dirtnapcity.buzzsprout.com
The music in this video is from Epidemic Sound.
bit.ly/RSD_Epidemic_Sound
If you want inexpensive, hassle-free music that sounds great for all of your social media channels, you should definitely check out Epidemic Sound.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @readysetdrone
Kelly Shores is a FAA Part 107 certified drone pilot. He enjoys flying toy drones, camera drones, RC airplanes, and FPV quads. When he's not flying drones, Kelly enjoys photography, biking, travel and hanging out with his family!

[@tubsucks]

Im glad he mentioned what happened with his dji when he flew through that score board. some people think that nothing affects dji's singnal in anyway

[@JohnCuppi]

Kris is such an amazing guy to allow smaller creators like Kelly to collab on his channel and join in on the review. 😊

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

Omg, John 😂

[@SCAerialsSteveCarpenter]

Too Funny, John! 😝

[@OriginaldoBo]

I’m here for Kris!!!!! This is the future

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

Wow thanks, Ken! 👊

[@jasonpatterson8091]

The reason it doesn't stall is that hdzero and analogue are one way communication and dji and walksnail are two way. One way - the drone keeps sending and the goggles just display whatever they get, even noise. Two way - if there is a dropped packet the goggles request that it is resent and if there are lots of dropped packets it just fails rather than displaying a snowy picture

[@readysetdrone]

Makes sense! 👍 Thanks for the comment.

[@NorthsideHawk]

Excellent work Kris 🎉 I’ve never flown FPV but watching videos like this is enticing

[@readysetdrone]

Thanks, Dom 👊

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

Excellent review Kris! I've seen that guy who was flying the drone in other videos before. Nice of you to let someone else review your goggles.

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

Oh goodness, Marcus! 😅

[@bugsy742]

Brilliantly put across mate 👍 thank you 🙏

[@readysetdrone]

Thanks very much! 👊

[@SCAerialsSteveCarpenter]

Howdy Kris and Kelly, Thank you for your review, comments, and test with the HD Zero Goggles. Looking forward to seeing you guys at SpinUp!

[@RyanQuellet]

Carl really should do something about the stock foam. The sky04x foam is a perfect replacement (its what I use). Make sure to clip the face plate in all the way. Great antenna choices by also. Had the same problem with x2-air falling off. I used e6000 to glue them to the 3d prints and it's rock solid now

[@readysetdrone]

Thanks for the tips. I just got the Sky04x foam to try and will see if it's any better. I haven't installed it, but it seems like it could use more thickness. We'll see, though. I bought some double sided tape for the antennas, but that glue might be a better option. 👍

[@JohnCuppi]

@@readysetdrone the Sky04x foam is really good, hope it works! I tried HDzero goggles for the first time today at Mindfield since Edrone was cool and let me fly his setup - the foam was literally perfect. 😎 04x foam is what he said he had on his.

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

​@@JohnCuppiAwesome that Erik let you experience his HD Zero setup. 🤘 I'll try the sky04x foam tomorrow. I hope it works for me, but just in my hand, it feels kind of sharp on the edges. I'll definitely put a video, even if just a short, about my experience.

[@JohnCuppi]

@@SunriseWaterMedia actually I misspoke, it is not the original Skyzone Sky04x foam but _a_ foam for Sky04x that just fits. It’s blue. I’m not sure which brand it is, sorry!

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

@@JohnCuppi I bought this one. It happened to be the black color though a.co/d/iT06wLs

[@JDDupuy]

I just received my second set yesterday. Been using a batch 1 set for last 6 months. I fly all 3 HD systems, DJI, Walksnail and HD Zero. Still fly some analog also. I understand all 3 systems and how they work so, I fly accordingly. Long Range, Freestyle and Bando. As for your antennas and keeping them stuck, a simple solution..buy a bigger case to put your goggles in.

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

Do you have any case suggestions that could work? That case was for snow goggles, I believe, so I'm curious what you like to use.

[@JDDupuy]

They go in my backpack. Torvol and Rotor Riots bag. @@SunriseWaterMedia

[@carlosr.2027]

Where there issues with batch 1 goggles like range/penetration and snow flakes Vs later batches having better video improvement hence you got a second pairs of Hdzero goggles ?

[@PowderMill]

You nailed it.! I have a pair of the HD-Zero just for the HDMI input feature. I don’t fly FPV and love using goggles when I fly my Mavic-3 drone w/RC-Pro controller. The RC-Pro gives me HDMI out and I feed that into a distribution splitter and send it to my goggles and to a wireless video transmitter to send it to a remote field monitor. The best goggles in every way EXCEPT the thin crappy foam and sharp “Velcro” piece that holds the foam. I have a huge nose and small brain… so the pain is brutal after more than 10 minutes of wearing the goggles. The original DJI Goggles RE (Racing Edition), the goggles 2 and v2 goggles. All fit so much better for me (except the goggles 2 don’t curve enough around my face), but the RE, while it has HDMI in, is way too heavy for my neck (I have ankylosing spondylitis) and the v.2 and goggles 2 do not have HDMI in. Did you ever try the SkyZone foam? Thanks !

[@readysetdrone]

Thanks for the comment. I still need to make a video about the foam replacement. I tried a Skyzone compatible foam from Amazon. This is what it was called: QWinOut Compatible for SKYZONE 04X SKY03 FPV Face Mask. It's definitely more durable, but again on the bridge of my nose the new replacement foam itself has a backing that is a little bit sharp and digs into my nose if I'm not careful when I put it on.

[@TheCivildecay]

The biggest downside of hdzero at the moment is that their vtxes only go to 200mW except for that huge bulky freestyle vtx. But there are some hints that we might get a smaller (made for 3" frames) freestyle vtx soon.

[@readysetdrone]

That would be cool! Slow progress, but definitely trending upwards.

[@WildpixFPV]

Well done, very informative video. For better sound recording you can plug in an extended mic, detaches the fan noise totally.

[@readysetdrone]

Very true. 👍 Thanks for the comment.

[@mxracingunlimitedltd7784]

What about when the VTX power is higher than 200mW? Or does it not make much of a difference for Range? Doesnt seem to be too great as far as rage, but it was also hard to tell how far away the pilot flying was.. I do like having the Video LQ up on top, i know you said its digital but it seems like Analog with a much better picture basically lol..

[@readysetdrone]

It's pretty much "HD Analog" lol The range isn't great at 200 mW. Agreed. We haven't tried a higher powered system yet, but it should provide better range.

[@FullMetalFab]

Great video. Looking in to buying my first set of FPV goggles and don't want to be cheap but also don't want to spend money I don't have too. I like the versatility of the HD Zero, lots of options for analog or video so if I wanted I can use my of video equipment that is already on my ground station. Still a toss up with this or the DJI goggles 2 :/ One thing I would like is head tracking for anything that has a controllable camera gimble.

[@readysetdrone]

Thanks for the comment. The DJI system is really hard to beat. Good luck with your decision! 😎

[@fusiondecor]

Hdz does beat DJI systems with the lowest latency and long range.

[@Mediamarked]

Recording HDMI input wpuld be great too if you want to show your mates that sim session on the field. I sim with GTA5 and RDR2, to keep up my sticktime, would like to show them how high I can make horse carts fly.

[@nicolassantibanez182]

U2 are great thanks for the honest review

[@readysetdrone]

Thanks so much. We appreciate it!

[@loicader56]

Thanks for this test. I'll keep my 04X because it records the OSD :)

[@readysetdrone]

Ha! Yeah, that's a handy feature. Thanks for watching.

[@loicader56]

@@readysetdrone Thanks

[@pacospete4299]

Just unboxed my hd zeros and differently will need better face cushioning .... you mentioned SkyZone replacement foam ? Any luck with that ?

[@readysetdrone]

I'll be doing a video soon about that, but in a nutshell, the SkyZone foam seems more durable, but comfort-wise, they are a toss up. I wish they offered more padding.

[@pacospete4299]

Thank You for the reply @@readysetdrone

[@jmcjmc5587]

He fly probably at 700mw or more with O3.

[@BAMDrones-MichaelBelshe]

Awesome video! HDZero has come a long way that’s for sure! #DJIfanboy

[@ItsRenderInnit]

What’s the face pad that you have on there?

[@readysetdrone]

It's the stock one, but it doesn't provide ample padding around the bridge of the nose.

[@johnnymac26]

they do look like well made goggles

[@mfrfpv9079]

Nice review 👌

[@SJMDronesMedia]

You do a wonderful job Kris, # DJI fanboy lol, regards

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

Thanks, Steve! 👊

[@andreastornesel8404]

You get a foam cover to protect from sun burn

[@readysetdrone]

Good point! I didn't think of doing that. 👍 But now that my foam is falling apart, I'll need to find a replacement. I'll have to see if it'll still work for that purpose with any new foam I find.

[@h2o40fpv]

How the best goggle in the market is inexpensive. Right now they got them on sale with a set of antenas.

[@fly249g]

HD Zero 4 the win 👍👍

[@gbower1]

#DJIFanBoy

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

😉🤘

[@imothy]

why is HDZERO so pixely? Seems like there is a lot of unnecisary breakup, like I can't even count to 3 without seeing some kind of breakup.

[@KOrnhOliO1]

Sorry, but that's just HDZero. It got the nickname of ANALOG2 because it's analog, but slightly sharper. Not much in the way of improvements, and it's the most expensive digital system too! 😳 They optimized this review by flying in an open field! You should see it fly through a forest, or even at a tree laden Park, or around anything solid, like buildings. It almost can't do it. No buildings for sure, but it can fly around trees if you don't fly very far from yourself... Like 100 feet. More than that and the colored sparklies overwhelm your image! Go farther and the rainbow 🌈 screen of death ☠️💀 comes and you're done! Picture is gone. It's great for racing, as HDZero has the lowest latency, and racers fly in an open field with gates set up... Typically within 100 feet or closer. Any objects and you're in for trouble and I mean quick! Imagine you sit down 20 feet from a wooded area. You could actually fly into the wooded area and if it's thick, lose signal or go to rainbow screen of death within another 20 - 50 feet of yourself! The penetration of objects is awful... Actually slightly worse than plain ole analog. To the point where it's honestly almost non existent. Therefore range with objects, is very short. Sure, you can fly way up high with nothing in-between you and your quad and fly far. But, to me anyway, that's like flying in an open field - BORING! Flying around objects and through tight gaps in trees, bushes, any plants, buildings, etc, etc is what makes FPV super friggin fun! Stick with open field racing with HDZero... Wanna do more? Don't race?... Buy another digital system! 🤷💯🤦

[@readysetdrone]

Yeah, that's why Kelly said, "it's not digital" during his fight. It seems like HD Analog.

[@imothy]

@@readysetdrone this hobby is difficult, being on the cutting edge of every piece of technology crammed into everything its hard to get a consistent product that really does everything you want it to and more. The technology is developing so quickly, losing weight, losing cost, getting higher res, lower latencies, better battery life, faster, stronger etc... But you can't have it all in one bag.

[@readysetdrone]

It's an exciting time to be alive and watch tech progress! 👍

[@ifeetz7612]

I cannot get video from my hd zero freestyle vtx. The rx and tx wires should only be for OSD correct? I should be getting video as long as vtx is powered up. When I scan for channel, nothing is found. I have carefully followed updating procedures, but I am getting nothing. Do I have a faulty vtx maybe? Any suggestions would help, thanks.

[@readysetdrone]

That's concerning. As mentioned in the video, our experience with HD Zero is very limited, but it sounds like you are correct. HD Zero support has been very responsive to issues / questions I've had, so you might want to reach out to them. Let me know if you figure it out. I'm curious now.

[@DivisionRc]

I moved from analog to Hdzero and dji at the same time. Hdzero was a waste of money. Now moving to walksnail

[@KOrnhOliO1]

Unless you primarily race, you are definitely 💯% correct! $600 for the HDZero goggles, then $30 for the pop on analog adapter to be able to accept an analog module, then another $20 for a lipo to power them on ... That's one HELLA lot of money for performance that's essentially a slightly sharper analog. It's ANALOG2. Between DJI and HDZero, DAMN! You're seeing the difference between the very best, DJI, and the very worst, HDZero. Only analog is slightly inferior, and I mean just slightly because it's not as sharp, but for $600+ bucks? ... For that small of a noticeable improvement over plain ole analog? Sorry, but that's a horrendous, terrible, value for your dollar! So much for so little! Racing, sure buy HDZero. Anything else, buy something else. 😎🤘

[@chriswedgworth]

👀

[@chriswedgworth]

#DJIFANBOY

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

​@@chriswedgworth👀

[@LoneStarUAV]

Slightly firm but with plenty of padding, things you can only say about goggles 😂😂😂

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

Or Kelly's belly 😜 I am totally fired now!

[@LoneStarUAV]

@SunriseWaterMedia I don't even want to know how you got by that information, must be all those road trips you guys take together. Is it time for separate rooms?

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

@@LoneStarUAV Lmao 🤣

[@RookieRay]

#djifanboy

[@faithinparadise351]

Honestly it looks like the camera isn’t in perfect focus.. as focused it could be anyway

[@KOrnhOliO1]

Nope.

[@KOrnhOliO1]

This is exactly the way most channels represent HDZero... They fly out in an open field! Analog would give the same results, but not be quite as sharp. The real key to auditioning HDZero is to fly it where there is no open field, and there's objects to fly around and buildings to go around. Any system can fly an open field and get great results. But, as soon as you fly in a forest, a tree laden Park, a business park with lots of buildings to fly around and between, EVERYTHING CHANGES! As soon as you go around the VERY FIRST corner of a solid building, boom! ... Signal becomes completely filled with colored sparklies and very quickly you get the rainbow 🌈 screen of death! ☠️💀 You're done. And I'm talking typically with 20 - 30 ft of the corner, surely by 50 feet. You're never going all the way around any solid building, like the other two digital FPV systems can do. Flying through and around trees is the same thing but to not such an almost instant effect... You'll get tons of colored sparklies, the new flyer is incorrect ... It's Not like analog snow ... The particles are much bigger, colored, and with the excellent LED screens very bright. Some say it actually hurts their eyes, they're so bright and there's so many of them. Again, when flying through and around trees it's almost impossible to go very far because those colored sparklies are everywhere making it tough to see where you're going and get back to where you are. You have little range. Any solid objects and you might get 100 feet, but only with quite a bit of clear area and not solid groves of trees, bushes, etc. Bottom line: Anything solid in-between you and your quad and it's gonna be tough to go very far without gobs of colored sparklies and then, out of no where, complete loss of picture when the rainbow 🌈 screen of death ☠️ ends your flight. Best recommendations: Buy the very nice, but very expensive HDZero goggles if you race. Then, you'll be flying in an open field with gates set up. Typically, races feature tight courses so you are usually flying within 100 feet of yourself, if not much closer. This will give you almost no break up, just like this new flyer had in this video. Beyond racing, fly within 100 feet of yourself when you can, and the less solid objects the better. Sure, flying in an open field isn't fun for very long, unless you are a brand new beginner, but HDZero goggles have one advantage: low latency, so racing is their forte. Anything else and you'll get performance kind like plain ole analog. It's why it got the nickname of Analog2. It performs just like analog, but a little shaper. IMO, it's a whole lotta money for the very small advantages over analog. Compared to the other digital FPV systems, there is no comparison. It comes in dead last, and by a huge margin, in everything but racing. Range and penetration is not even in the same league as DJI or Walksnail. Not close! Stick to racing and you'll love them. Not a racer, buy someone else! 😎🤘

[@readysetdrone]

Good points, and yes, we actually have done an analog flight right after an HD Zero flight, and can confirm that analog seems to have more stable signal. We are planning to make a video comparing the two, side by side, with obstacles like buildings to demonstrate each system's penetration range. Thanks for the comment.

[@3dmaxers]

Hdzero have no hard coded distance limit, and there is no 2 way communication. Video feed can be retranslated. And if you loose your video on 15km you catch up it instantly while dji and wailksnail have problems with that

[@KOrnhOliO1]

@@readysetdrone Your welcome! And i look forward to that test! :)

[@danielvasiliusus5658]

hey man just #DjiFanBoy

[@readysetdrone]

Guilty as charged! 😄

[@MrUpchukov]

Bruh,. Foam? You’re complaining about the foam? You kids. Try strapping a small television glued to the back-inside of a large box to your head and then get back to me about your “nose foam problems”, bud. smh

[@readysetdrone]

Lol