Toughest Freestyle Frame: Botgrinder Demibot vs. Rotor Riot Tanq?

Uncertain about what to buy? Check out THE ULTIMATE FPV SHOPPING LIST: www.fpvknowitall.com/ultimate...
SUPPORT ME ON PATREON at: bit.ly/2Ep5Sia
THIS IS MY FULL TIME JOB. Here are other ways that you can support me: www.fpvknowitall.com/support-me/
---
I receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase after clicking one of the affiliate links below.
Buy the Botgrinder Demibot at:
* Ummagawd - bit.ly/3MZIngR
* RaceDayQuads - bit.ly/3XJYcOd
* MyFPVStore - bit.ly/3JTXyb9
MANDATORY DISCLAIMER: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
---
00:00:00 - Botgrinder crashes HARD.
00:01:04 - I love simple frames
00:01:47 - Install press nuts
Why that driver is so great! - • This tool changed how ... "
00:03:43 - Install the center square
00:05:21 - Arms are completely symmetrical
00:06:13 - Wish the press-nut screws were longer
00:07:13 - One-screw arm changes
00:08:37 - 6mm arms. 3mm plates.
00:09:09 - Install stack screws
00:09:52 - Thicker, beefier standoffs
00:10:25 - 3D printed camera mount
00:11:24 - Install the top plate
00:11:53 - FINALLY a grippy battery pad!!!
00:14:13 - Have I earned your support today?
00:15:21 - Tanq vs. Demibot head to head
00:19:56 - Is the Demibot the frame for you?
My review of the RR Tanq - • Unbreakable Quadcopter... "
My review of the Flyfish Volador - • I only hate one thing ... "

[@LetsFlyRC]

Thanks for the honest review, Joshua. :) Just incase anyone is looking at the TanQ - I want to be upfront - it will not accept 20x20 stack - only 30x30. The frame that Joshua has in this video is a new version, that has already been strengthened around the break point from the Rotor Riot - straight into the ground video. I literally called the manufacturer the next day and revised the design. Always improving. Please tag me, anyone who has broken the TanQ and I will continue to make it the most durable frame on the planet. :)

[@LetsFlyRC]

I think Bot and I totally have similar needs and I think he did a great job with his frame. Congratulations, Botgrinder on making a super durable frame. Love it. :)

[@jessehoffman5302]

​@@LetsFlyRClove the humility. You've always seemed like a great dude.

[@matthewpequignot1026]

@LetsFlyRC I broke one in two different places in two different flights. I wrote RotorRiot about it just yesterday. Happy to provide details but prefer not to put them here.

[@LetsFlyRC]

@@matthewpequignot1026 please message me on Facebook if you have it, or email [e-mail]. I would love to know where it broke so I can make sure we fix the issue, if it already hasn’t been fixed. So far, I have updated the bottom plate, the arms, and more changes are coming in the next batch. Everything is backwards compatible. My goal is to keep making the TanQ better with each iteration.

[@matthewpequignot1026]

@@LetsFlyRC Hey Shawn - will do. Appreciated.

[@edrone_]

So much to like about the Demibot and with the collaboration between Bot and Tommy it's the clear winner for me. The extra room and mounting in the back is more HDZero freestyle friendly. Great video Joshua 🤟

[@Voyajer.]

Makes sense too, since bot likes using hdz

[@PixelFPV]

That's exactly why I bought this frame because I upgraded to HDZ and wanted something that wouldn't shit the bed

[@TheJadyn123]

Thanks for the review JB! It was a pleasure working with BotGrinder and Ummagawd on this frame. I feel we really came up with a great frame.

[@10111115]

Hi, Mechanical engineer here, having more threads through a nut gives some redundancy if it backs out at all, but the entire load is carried by the first 3 threads, so as long as you have 3 threads through, it’s as strong as it will be

[@gqp4800]

Older machinist here. Always depend on application. 12.3 button head. I ran machines long ago we used metric and standard Allen wrenches with six foot pipe to tighten the strongest black thick bolts, most expensive.get what you pay for.

[@Hobz79]

Absolutely, and I'll just add to that that that's 3 full threads (tips of screws don't count) and into a steel nut. Into Al or plastic I go 1.5-2x the diameter of the bolt respectively as a rule of thumb, but in a lot of cases you might not even need all that clamping force. It also assumes you want the bolt to fail, it's a lot easier to replace a bolt than a threaded part.

[@10111115]

@@Hobz79 You are both correct. I suppose I was saying that as more of a fun fact. It was certainly not design advice. I would always recommend at least having the screw all the way through the nut. Preloading plastic like that isn’t usually to the advantage and will more likely cause failure of the plastic fixture. Bolts are the most easy thing to replace

[@gammagonad1657]

I love it when they have a little extra room in the rear to put things 😊

[@7NecroWolf7]

Thank you for the years of knowledge JB and community

[@patrickbacon1723]

Flown the botgrinder frame for the last few months and ive broken 5 backplates, the design and placement of the holes + no standoffs means it breaks quite easy, never broken an arm but 5 bottom-back plates

[@MountaineerFPV]

Same

[@gqp4800]

Old here. Thick and quality matters😊

[@MallyFPV]

A center standoff at around the base of the bottom-back plate would have done the trick, no prob with the bolt head if you use a battery pad. Leaving it unsupported like that even with 3mm CF is asking for trouble.

[@patrickbacon1723]

@@MallyFPV yup or even better good old 2 standoffs in the back right after the stack would of made it unbreakable..not its built like a lever increasing force on the backplate

[@Brian-S]

Pro tip, you can run the ummagrip pads under water for a bit and rub the dirt off and theyre good as new

[@deathlocus1571]

Isopropyl alcohol wipes do the same thing.

[@miroheymann5882]

@@deathlocus1571 Rather use water, my pads got some damage from the isopropyl alcohol.

[@johnkurpiewski3996]

I concur it works great!!

[@Cinebon]

Usually I take a damp sponge and wipe it over my ummagrip, comes out good as new

[@llickmogan]

yeah i used to just spit on it lol

[@Joeyzoom]

I’ve been flying the demibot all summer and have been LOVING it. I’m much more likely to try difficult tricks because of how unlikely I’ll break something. It’s definitely giving me a lot more confidence that I wasn’t getting from my old Nazgul5X. Despite being significantly heavier, I’ve tuned it to fly pretty damn well in comparison. Props to Ummagawd and Botgrinder for this frame 🙌

[@gqp4800]

Being a very old machinist, anything can be made,fast, cheap. Bot's the best. No bs with that boy. I am 66and say that with all due respect. Love his life story. The man among men

[@MCsCreations]

Awesome review, Joshua! Thanks! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@Vampir4997]

There is different 3d prints for the camera on Thingyverse.😉

[@Smagsfpv]

So happy you did this video. Love both frames,they are just really tight, fitting stack,especially the tanq

[@CaptainKazi]

Shawn just hit me up to test a new print he's making for the Tanq. I love how he's always improving the frame and prints.

[@su_K3N]

Tommy makes the best frames. So well thought out.

[@time_4_flight]

I have the Tanq and it’s great! As far as the battery it is very secure it is a toilet tank style mount the holes in the top plate are for the strap.

[@SlamDunc_FPV]

I fly both frames, have only had to replace a few motors with my Demibot and the bottom plate on the Tanq! They both pass a durability test that’s for sure.

[@azphat1246]

I have a Demibot, and it is my favorite quad. DJI 03, and Imperial motors. Survived many many crashes. Picked up a 3d print kit from Brain3D. Can't wait to get the 3.5".

[@flywithafatguy5825]

I have a tanq I built... with botgrinder v2 motors... it's a beast.

[@KOFPV]

I'm flying the volador right now. Im really enjoying it. I haven't gone bando bashing with it yet, though. I almost got the demebot instead. I love Bot!

[@DylinSnedden]

I went with the tanq for one main reason: Now obviously they're both intended to be indestructible but the Tanq protects the camera way better and the o3 camera is freaking expensive.

[@blizsgarage8487]

I bought that DeWalt driver based off your video. What an amazing tool.

[@byronrobinson8633]

All I do know imo bot did it wrong with the park. Went from donate and if he doesn’t get to 70 grand in a certain timeframe he will give it all back. Broke his promise on that.I knew it wasn’t going to go good from there.Then he said the park would be for everyone to go fly at. Now he buys a landlocked land that he will take 10 people he picks once a month for the summer only. Haha, so basically he bought land for himself that we get to go fly whenever it works for him. I see him say he’s doing with what money he had to work with. That’s exactly why you should have given everyone money back when you didn’t hit your goal like you said you would anyway. I don’t hold any hard feelings but I’ll go back to my never donate money to people because some people just can’t keep a promise on what they say.

[@DroneMee]

I didn't like the whole hand select 10 people a month for a private trip thing at all either. When I heard that I was disappointed because now it feels like it will be hard to get permission to go to what was supposed to be a park for the people. Oh well reality sets in I guess. I still respect him for what he is doing and enjoy the content.

[@serval_fpv]

That's bollox

[@byronrobinson8633]

@@serval_fpv yeah I thought the same thing.

[@serval_fpv]

@@byronrobinson8633 seem's a standup guy but deffo handled that wrong especially since it was other people's money and went back on his word..

[@byronrobinson8633]

@@serval_fpv yeah he’s trying to do a good thing he just went the wrong way with doing it.

[@albinodinofpv]

The Tanq is designed for the battery to be mounted in a toilet tank orientation. Hence the two holes for the battery leads/strap in the top plate, and the lack of indents on the side of the top plate for a strap.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

That's a fair point. I just don't like doing it that way.

[@jessehoffman5302]

​@@JoshuaBardwellI think flying that way makes it a little easier to tune, personally.

[@Mupshot]

Love the Demibot frame. I was gifted one at Christmas this last year. my only complaint is the battery strap placement seems to be VERY far forward. I would prefer if it were about 10-15 mm back.

[@jayzzz1234]

Finally a build video

[@EDerable1]

Nice and stealthy looking frame, I would go for the Demibot

[@Ice-FaceMedia]

BOTH GREAT FRAMES.......BUT I JUST FINISH BUILDING THE DEMIBOT .......LITERALLY JUST DID A TEST FLIGHT......I LIKE THE WEIGHT BALANCE....WILL DO A 6S FLIGHT IN THE MORNING......THANKS JB

[@blackjungle308]

Silly thing: I guess you actually only need 4 pieces for replacement. I think the arms are interchangeable! Edit: JB figured it out at 5:40 . Im dumb, ignore this comment!

[@AtradiesInc]

The battery strap for the tanq is pretty good spot if you know where it goes and it's called a toilet bowl style. It is impossible to slip or eject your battery

[@jessehoffman5302]

Just wanted to say in regards to the tanq battery strap retention cutouts (or lack of) is because it is built for "toilet tank" battery mounting.

[@alainassaf]

My preference goes for frames that use a cage to protect the camera. Also 8mm arm feel cool. I am very satisfied with my armattan rooster rooster except for the fact I stripped one of its holes (titanium cage hole lost the battle with stainless screw).

[@buccia185]

i’m really loving your content and i’m thinking to sell my mavic pro to get an fpv drone, i was thinking about the geprc mark5, the o3 version, studying electronics at school, i come across lots of sensors, i saw in one of your videos of betaflight that it could be hooked up a sonar sensor, could you do a video about this topic?

[@dhbfpv]

I broke a bot back mid plate and my first bottom plate had delaminated at the counter sunk screws. I like it but for the price I switched my 5"s over to RDQ Source one v 5's. when one brakes I will just grab another. Also my tpu mounted camera would end up looking more at one prop then the other after a crash. Had to e6000 it to prevent it from moving.

[@Ethan-de7xd]

Hey Mr. Bardwell, I have this drone I built but have been trying to tune it for weeks and trying to get the odd to work. Could I have help Plz

[@neilfpv]

WOW, looks like Tanq is going to win! I'm going to buy that instead. And from my years of experiences flying several types of 5 inch frames, arms always broke.

[@neilfpv]

And for the screw ripping off the hole of the bottom plate, the solution to that is to use a metal washer. A single m3 metal washer might be around 0.5-2g. That's light!

[@LetsFlyRC]

@@neilfpvsince the “three full throttles into the ground” video, the bottom plate has been reinforced in that area, and won’t break there anymore. The frame Bardwell has in this video is the updated version. The version in the RR video had less meat around the screw.

[@neilfpv]

@@LetsFlyRC Awesome!

[@Flexo3D]

Needs longer screws for the arms on demibot. I put longer ones in mine after ripping out a few of the originals. Slightly longer screws are holding up way better

[@mcronfpv8736]

it's crazy how the Apex design has imposed itself as the oubvious best, and every strong frame nowadays is a variation of the apex. Love the looks of the demi-bot frame.

[@Nanoblaster77]

Bot is my hero. He got his drone park land!!!

[@KWADFLYFPVproductions]

I think the tanq suppose to be toilet tank batt mounting? Possibly why it doesn't have that waistline?

[@MountaineerFPV]

At 5:11 what is Botgrinder sending me that you speak of JB?

[@alessandrodimartino1872]

I broke 7 arms in the demibot. But behind the small screws. And also the screws bent and it was almost impossible to get them out

[@ChrisRiley3D-Everything]

i redesigned the demibot monster feet to fit the Tanq. i have a video on it and will give the stl files to anyone who asks.

[@_IN_OD_]

I really like the grl fpv pro2 for super strong frame… lifetime warranty on the arms too ;) interested to hear what you think?

[@CarbonGlassMan]

The Tanq does something that FPV Cycle does with their Fouride, although it's turned 90 degrees, that I think every frame should do. Slots in the top plate to weave the battery strap through the top plate to not only hold the strap in place, but it also keeps it from slipping around. I don't know why every frame doesn't do this.

[@PANICFPV]

And... the Demibot is sold out everywhere again!

[@QuandarNl]

Flyfish valador 5 & impulserc apex 5 & aos 3.5 sub 250 are the frames I love the most.

[@lililililililili8667]

Is there any tanky LOS frames?

[@Alluvian567]

For weight you also have stack screws in the botgrinder frame when you weighed it, and not in the tanq. I would think those frame screws weigh more than the 3d printed bits, making the botgrinder frame more than 10 grams lightter.

[@IzzyBoop]

They must have shortened the arm screws because mine poke out of the arm screws by 1mm but ive had that slice a motor wire before lol

[@edclevel402]

Been wanting to build a Demibot if I could ever catch one in stock.

[@JPspinFPV]

I love my Demibot. Heavy? Yes. Breaks less than my bind n fly's. Definitely. I'm not a great pilot, I fuggin crash. A lot I'm always going a little harder than my skills. Usually around buildings and tall pnw trees. I appreciate the extra strength over a Roma or Nazgul. With some choice 3d prints it has saved me so much money and time in replacing arms and motors.

[@evilgeniusfpv4098]

The demibot is a very well thought out frame, not surprising with Tommy at the helm. A great mix of durability, bad ass looks, and features! The Tanq ain't no slouch either but I'd go Demibot

[@JustKeepLivingFPV]

Grim ripper broke an arm on his demibot 😅

[@ultratorrent]

Should have worn the "You're gonna burn something today" shirt fduring this build for this video.

[@Happyflyhigh]

I have dropped my TANQs from well over 40 feet because of stupidity and both times, no frame issue but bent motor shaft having to replace the motor. Something had to give. Arm is cheaper. Maybe 6mm would have broke and left the motor fine. Love the TANQ with 2506. Fly on.

[@RookieRay]

12:50 umagod battery pad can very easily be cleaned using duct tape. Just stick it on and rip it off to lift all the dust and debris. Your pad will be back to full health

[@cwwisk]

I just got one recently but haven't built it up.

[@zakaroonetwork777]

19:33 The TanQ has Strap Slots for a Sideways Battery Design intention.

[@TheExcile009]

I have 2 Demibots and it’s solid AF

[@forkbombfpv]

demibot for life.

[@michaelwilson3946]

The demibot looks awesome. Just wish the props were a little less in view. That much prop is distracting. Want just enough to know what's going on if I crash. It's all about preference.

[@SiNFPVGUAM]

Im excited for the grinderino...

[@demofpv]

I think the WoodChuck Wasp is also a frame that deserves to be on this list

[@Fly_High_FPV]

For sure, it's a tank

[@mosesm.3431]

Would you suggest one of these over an Armmatan for durability?

[@JoshuaBardwell]

The Armattan designs are solid, but a little dated in my opinion. I would expect this to be more durable, although Armattan does have a lifetime warranty that might make up a difference.

[@mosesm.3431]

@@JoshuaBardwell Thank you soo much for the reply and advise..you are the BESTEST my brother, the community appreciates all the work to put into it

[@ReRunTyson]

I think the Tanq is meant to be ran in a toilet tank configuration hence why there are those two slots on the top plate.

[@RobThomeBogeymanFPV]

DEMIBOT 💯% !!!! I love mine ....Go Botgrinder !!!

[@ltlblkcvc]

soo, we gonna get a video of you flying the demibot?

[@BrownSoloFPV]

Demibot over the Tanq anyday! 🤘🏼

[@Loki_FPV666]

The Demibot is totally the frame for me. It's beefy and has room for HDZero. The only problem is that it is sold out everywhere so I'm waiting for it to get back in stock.

[@visioneerone]

13:54 thought my glasses were changing color unexpectedly Lol

[@RickLaBanca]

Also sends??? 5:14

[@ImperialArmour]

Mmm well.. Demibot, simply cuz I think Botgrinder is a cool guy.

[@ChainsawFPV]

I would love to see the qualifications of the people that say your doing it wrong. Lmao

[@ZenoErwt]

"Way way better then the standaard battery pad I see ( on other frames).." including JB's Own new frame 😂

[@cflin4637]

I gotta say, I am not a fan of the lack of design of the tanq's top and bottom plates. As you stated it won't hold your battery straps in one place as reliably,but I also feel like the solid piece of carbon with no cuts it anything is kind of cheap/ugly looking. I know the battery mostly covers that area in flight, but I feel that having cutouts in the top and bottom plates aids in ventilation

[@ChrisRiley3D-Everything]

The Tanq can not take a 20x20 stack unless you drill extra holes for that like i had to do. or get a 30x30 to 20x20 adaptor plate. people should know this if they are thinking about getting the tanq. but it is still one of the best frames for bashing!

[@LetsFlyRC]

This is correct. The TanQ cannot accept 20x20 in std configuration. :)

[@ChrisRiley3D-Everything]

@@LetsFlyRC Brother i want to thank you for finally building a quad with such thick arms. it is amazing! the only quad i have found that is as tough as this quad is the kinfpv At6 all aluminum quad. i have that also and it is a tank as well. but i don't think you can buy that frame any more so it's your's or nothing. if you build another frame in the future please include 20x20 mounting in the front and 30x30 mounting in the rear for us analog guys that like to run the AKK 2,000mw VTX. but i was able to modify your tanq to accommodate all that pretty easy so thanks a million!

[@bosslifefpv]

U for got smooth style better then all

[@ericthered3446]

Catalyst machine works is the toughest frame builder hands down

[@flyingdutchmanfpv]

I just use a piece of 'cell phone sticky pad' under my lipo's. Dirt cheap and works just the same.

[@chasetran8592]

A toughest sub250 please.

[@hanni4795]

Try the armattan roster 5

[@theHotpointHoodlum]

Bortgander he’s the best!

[@tjburke79]

I still fly my trusted Aliens.

[@Deathdezine]

Demibot Demibot Demibot. Best frame I have ever had. Flys great and you can bash it a lot. May get a crack here or there but it keeps on ticking!! Pick one up if you can they go fast!! And fpvcycle 25mm motors are like a kiss on the butthole mounted on the demibot😘😘

[@T418RC]

DemiBot wins, Design and look (Imaging "JB kiss omuaaah"), one thing to notice is props will be in camera view in demibot more than Tanq.... that's only thing and for me it's fine. @Joshua Baredwell ...... It's out of stock in every link you provide. lol

[@ericaschner3283]

Need to make fifty of each and thrash them until last quad standing

[@LovesM855A1]

My Skyliner MK3 has been a tank itself! Ive had bad crashes and nothing has broke! La Drib did the damn thing!

[@mathew-street]

Nice to know, I went with the MK3 also and have been worried about it and even purched two extra arms :). so glad you posted so now I feel better, thank you

[@LovesM855A1]

@@mathew-street yes! Its a TANK plus! Ive had it fall from over 100 ft and only wrecked a prop! Had hard hits and frame shrugs it off! Ive not replaced one arm so far in a year and I fly hard….. you will love it! The problem with the two frames in this vid especially is the weight…. The Skyliner is in between the flimsy and heavy such a perfect combo!

[@mathew-street]

@@LovesM855A1 I have two skylites and now the MKS is coming in so now I need to work on my rates and his tune is cool, just too slow in the spins.

[@ataraxiafpv]

Lost my demibot in the river... Fitting. @botgrinder hates water more than cats.

[@SkeezyFPV]

I’ve got a DMR Thunder that seems tougher than both those frames…

[@projetcaribou7249]

What is thé ourpose of putting tour videi 50 minute early on patreon ? 24hour would make more sens

[@shotgun2063]

Demibot ftw!!!

[@RolandasLiuteris]

Im flying source one frame and thats unbreakable too 😅

[@DRONEPOISON]

Team maniacs oily rig

[@kennykobi]

Haha when I'm farming and someone can't muscle something. I say use a fulcrum and they look at me like I have ten heads. Lol pivot point men.

[@Fly_High_FPV]

Armattan Marmotte/ Badger for the Win! It's 40-60grams lighter, titanium camera cage to protect the front end and keep those expensive fpv cams alive. And most important, a lifentime warranty to just keep replacing the bits yoh do break. ImpulseRC Apex is another great frame for bashing concrete, and has a 2 year warranty. Anything you hit on concrete will eventually break, so a bit of balance will make yohr quad fly better and you'll be less likely to crash sooooo hard...and a lifetime warranty when you do explode the thing 🤣

[@joshrnorton]

Or you can buy 2 source one frames instead

[@FLYANDI]

DemiBot is the only one!!! Over a year! Multiple desert trips! So many crashes.. not ONE replacement! @Botgrinder

[@slappomatthew]

If the tanq had 6mm arms it would be lerfect

[@Jdslidez_]

Grinderinos unite !!!!!!😂