Fat Shark Behind the Scenes

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I went to China to visit the FatShark factory and ask the owner and CEO some questions. Here's the result!

[@ritchozBEATS]

I liked how the CEO said "This is a fun community" really captured his love for what he is doing.

[@tScruff]

Thanks for the interview JB. Mr French and the CEO seem genuine to me. I love my FatShark goggles and appreciate the effort the company is putting forth. Thank you for getting us here Sirs! Ohhhh , and your US customer support is great!

[@insitu1413]

CEI and Homies are intoxicated 100%.....production operations are top notch..

[@jamesswanson3231]

Thanks Joshua for all the hard work you do for the fpv community😊

[@PIDtoolbox]

I totally get it. We sometimes think FPV is a big market, but it's really not. Must be a risky business to get into. Even if the HDOs are not the greatest seller (yet), they still help to maintain Fatshark's position as the top goggle makers

[@p.chuckmoralesesquire3965]

i just modded my ev100's and added diopter, they're shit but im not going to spend that kind of money

[@DominiqueRatte]

BWFPV it's a big market for fatshark they own the Goggle monopoly so apple politics are in place. 90% of FPV users uses fatsharks among all other brands so thier milking it imo idk maybe cause I'm Canadian and it cost 2x more than my rent for a $799 plus tax and shipping and over $100 for a diversity module. They included firmware updating amongst all thing I think that will ruin the user experience way more than a physical power button etc... Just saying

[@PIDtoolbox]

ya, I hear ya, though I am not sure 90% of FPVers use fatshark, but it'd be worth a poll. They are no doubt friggin expensive (Im Canadian, and $799 is nuts), so the HDOs may never be in the price range for many FPVers, but for the extremely passionate FPVers with a little more to spend, HDOs might just be the thing. Personally, I probably would not have stayed in the hobby without a quality visual experience that a decent set of fatsharks give, but at any rate, wait a while and even the HDOs will get better and come down in price for the next great thing.

[@homiethefish]

That economy of scale is VERY important, FPV is nothing compared to other consumer electronics. The fact that there are no good half priced knock-offs struct home for me. How much R&D has Aomway and Eachine stolen from FatShark?

[@Kabab]

Great video and delicate balance. While they claim to be all about user experience, all they're doing is making sure that the user experience is not as good as it could be. I feel the basic things like an on/off button and fan wiring is something that should be able to be pulled off reliably in the year 2018.

[@gcutler15]

This, honestly. It's something as simple as an inline switch and a few inches of wire.

[@scootroter4859]

Yeah, how much R&D would it take to add an on/off switch and make the fan slightly better? Would it really take that much effort? Would it really potentially give them more places for a failure to occur... It's a switch, etc. ! Just think... If they had come out with the HDO's with the on/off switch and fan fix, what the reception to that new model would have been! Probably HUGELY popular and much more "worth the upgrade". Manufacturers need to listen more to the consumer, because I bet users would have been more excited about the 2 small additions than the upgraded OLED screens! Sometimes it's the small things that make all the difference! ;)

[@gcutler15]

Not to mention that OLED screens are something like $10 per diagonal inch currently. I highly doubt that the screens are what make up the majority of the cost of the goggles. So I wonder what the exact price breakdown of these goggles is. Maybe someone should buy a pair and send them off for cost breakdown analysis? Because I figure the cost of the injection molding is probably the only actual high dollar item that goes into these goggles considering the average cost to have an injection mold designed and produced is in the ballpark of $50k.

[@Kabab]

gcutler15 once the mould is made it usually costs next to nothing for each copy. The screens are actually quite expensive. The crappy screens in the attitude V? are well over $150. The Dom V3 is over $170 and the HD anything is nearing or more than $200 in low quantities. At least based on the best of my research. I wouldn't be surprised if the OLED screens are as much as $210 or more. These screens are generally also sold as a finished component with lens and drivers all in a neat little case that can fit into your product. Fatshark claims to make their own optics but I've gotten some screen samples from manufacturing sources that had the same optics as far as I can tell. The issue is that it's a low quantity high tech component is very expensive to produce. These screens have a higher pixel density than any other screen in any other consumer product. They're also not used in basically any other products. So it's a highly specialized component at this time. All that being said, for $100 extra after all the rest, you could add in a whole lot more tech. I feel they would have been much more successful had they made a $600 pair that was actually excellent rather than a $500 pair that has a marginal upgrade. But of course based on their self restrictions they would never change too much. This is really all just speculation however

[@p.chuckmoralesesquire3965]

agree 100

[@beau6521]

So obviously the economics of it all makes sense, but to not add simple features like an in built fan, or power button has nothing to do with “kinks” or working out issues... it has everything to do with them not wanting to pay to have their injection mold remade to accommodate the design requirements. I can’t fault them for price, but don’t make me pay a premium and then not offer a truly premium product. It’s not just about the screens. It’s about the entire experience when I’m flying. I’m also a first batch HDO owner, so I think I have proper ground to make this statement on.

[@RADERFPV]

Beau Very well said and on point. I couldn't agree more.

[@thlrock]

dude those injection molds are mid to high 6 figures to buy and 5 figures to modify $$$. it's not like they are selling millions of the damn things. I feel you but its still a balance.

[@beau6521]

Tom Lee they aren’t 6 figures to produce and 5 figures to modify. If you don’t know what additive printing is then you don’t realize how cheap the production of R&D assets can be. I literally just finished building a facility that can produce a perfect mold in 18 hours with tensile strength significantly higher than necessary.

[@DarynRod]

Tom Lee I'm a tool and die maker. They're not six figures. I MAKE that tooling. On the subject. A guy here in Texas makes frames out of his garage. FlightClubFPV You may have heard of them. Mike had his own injection molds made for the Tokio canopy. But this company, with a FACTORY in China can't afford to MODIFY an existing mold?! BULLSHIT. They're afraid to take risks because they haven't needed to because we keep buying them.

[@SurRealFPV]

I think they could have kept the same shell and made the fan power from the main port and put a rectangle on/off switch where the balance plug used to plug in. What do you all think any reason that wouldn't work?

[@TMacFPV]

You did an outstanding job on the "Two-Way Street!" Thank you.

[@wickedneurons]

Your flight was not for nothing. Goggles are the most expensive piece of kit I have for this hobby and I always felt that somehow it was a ripoff. It was good to hear the explanation about how if the price was bs, they would've been undercut by clones awhile ago.

[@JJFPV]

Great interview! The power button answer makes perfect sense. Fatshark customer support is second to none in my experience, they don't try stalling you or getting you to send pictures/videos like other manufacturers do. They just try their best to make sure you continue to enjoy their product.

[@JohnFHendry]

Amen to that.... when I had a driver issue with DOM HD1's after DVR upgrade that was only $30 with new DVR and return shipping they were replaced with HD2's rather than have to wait again... made my day and RMRC bent over backwards as well to make the dream of flying FPV work without INSITU's cash reserve on hand.

[@ArmattanQuads]

Both the owner and CEO made good sense to me. The CEO had more to say and he really seems to know what he is talking about. Very knowledgeable. Much enjoyed this edit. Thanks, Joshua.

[@mikeoleksa]

They seem to have a, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", philosophy. To hell with any innovation and adding any newer or better features. People mess up and make mistakes. If we didn't we'd never learn anything.

[@omarperchov6411]

people are not forgiving with big brands

[@xymaryai8283]

i agree, but I'd rather have them around to learn when they can push it, rather than seeing them flop and not be able to make anything. still, come on Fatshark, they can change a little more than they are now. Sure, don't touch the optics. stick with what works there, but the electronics and shells around the optics need work, and they have the engineering to pull it off.

[@opinionatedjam]

I am new to this hobby and have been relentlessly searching for reviews and comparisons on all FPV goggles; this video coverage of their facility and their history/future goals really helped to set the record straight. I very much appreciate all of your FPV content and thorough knowledge base. Thank you!

[@MCsCreations]

I agree completely, JB. It's not that overpriced (well... A little it is... But it's ok). What really makes me angry is the lack of real competition in this market. Because, if there was 3 other companies making good products (and today we only have FatShark, Aomway and Flysight - and Eachine too, ok, but only on cheaper box goggles) we would have all the changes we want. Because, if FatShark doesn't do it, another company will. But it's hardly FatShark's fault.

[@pippifpv]

MC's Creations you forgot about skyzone. But your right. We need a competitor to start pushing fs on the crown of quality, price and features.

[@MCsCreations]

Hrr Pippi Oh, granted. You're correct, I totally forgot! Thanks!

[@SimRacer101]

Just what I was going to say. Don't forget my Skyzones. :-)

[@francoism.S106]

In my opinion, there is another thing to keep in mind : is there enough customers in our hobby ? I mean the cake is not big enough to be cut in dozens of pieces... that’s why there is not dozens of companies making goggles... It is limitating the competition but those companies have to make a little profit to keep on releasing new products. We are not talking about mass production...

[@R-K61]

don't forget about skyflight falcons either.

[@EJ3.16]

Thank you Jos Nice job now we understand much better what’s going On....!!!!!!

[@yessir209er]

for 500 bucks can we get a power button😂😂😂😂😂 that got me 😂

[@bicky420]

I hit like right at "Can I get a power button?" It's awesome to see you Filming in this capacity you bring the knowledge like a boss. You have the power (like it or not) to break FPV companies. You could totally be the Dateline of the FPV world. Rock on Josh. Edit: I am so pleased to see it's not a sweatshop!

[@elliotgeddes5520]

My issue with Fatshark is not the price, but the fact of paying the premium price and not premium outta the box... no doubt the displays are amazing but it’s all the “extras” needed to have the premium FPV setup. Solely my thoughts, and being a NOOB may be completely out to lunch...

[@RADERFPV]

Elliot Geddes You're not out to lunch; your point is very valid.

[@thlrock]

That's totally fair, the AOMway commander v2's might be $439 but they come with GOOD diversity receivers Built in.

[@ralfobk]

Just as Apple...!!!

[@elliotgeddes5520]

Cinnamon Donkey don’t get me wrong, if they gave me a set for free I’d totally sing praises, but to spend $800 (Canadian) to get them to the level of some of their competitors included features at half the price cannot and will not pull the trigger.... jus sayin...

[@scootroter4859]

Elliot Geddes... I bet most noob pilots say the same exact thing! I bought the Aomway V1's when they were on sale for $289 because not only were they that low price, but that WAS THE TOTAL PRICE! Came with great receivers that everyone has said are the equal to any of the Fatshark modules. They work exceptonally well. Came with 2 antennas and we all know how good the Aomwat curcular polarized antenna are! And came with a cable to have any 2S to 4S battery mount in back of my head! So, no having to buy a battery, or even search for my goggle battery... Any one I already own will work! Complete goggle package for $289! Fatshark isn't even close, with all the extras you have to buy.

[@bjbollier1010]

So I'm brand new to the hobby. Thank you, Thank you for this,the 16 hour flight, the long days and nights. I always learn something, and that, that keeps me coming back for more. Thanks again.

[@theodorebear3434]

I think that this statement is completely accurate: "Fat shark goggles are not overpriced. They are just very expensive." That's why I use a single screen box goggle, which cost me 1/3rd the price. It works flawlessly. It has DVR. But it has one antenna, no diversity, no interchangeable parts, and there is no way to upgrade it.

[@elxero2189]

It's bloody overpriced plus no Rx modules pffff

[@andyjpolanco]

its possible to mod them to have diversity with a module

[@gabeoravitz]

Joshua, great video! Thanks for doing this. I've long said that Fatshark is not gouging us, and I'm glad you had the chance to show everyone what is involved. I think something they're not mentioning in regards to adding things like a power button etc, is the fact that doing so would require new/modified factory moulds/tooling that would also be quite pricey. Just changing the insides allows them to reuse the ones they have. Most don't realize how expensive factory moulds and tooling are.

[@fpv-droneracing3077]

For me not an big surprise. This is just how healty companies work. Also R&D is also were a lot off the money goes, producing is a relative cheap step (especially in China). To often we look to China and the way they compete. Sometimes products here are overprized but as long as there isn’t a Chinese alternative for min 50% of the price you know you buy a good value product. And the comparison should be fair. You can’t compare a $75 box goggle which is easy to produce to an Fat Shark HDO. I love mine HDO 😉. Thanks Joshua for again an very good informative video👍

[@p.chuckmoralesesquire3965]

jyuuuunk

[@mtyler2469]

I work at a hobby shop in Michigan (Nankin Hobby) and people always ask why is an Armattan frame $80 to $100 and why are Fat Sharks $500. My answer is you are paying for top quality product, a really good warranty with great customer service and this video totally proves my answer. Thanks for going there. By the way I tell people to follow you all the time. I have learned so much from you. Thanks! Regards, Murry

[@quadswallop2713]

The FatShark support is unbeatable, and well worth a premium, though I reckon they are pretty good value putting that aside.

[@JohnFHendry]

20 pages of email just for the record to see what it would take to get BG to fix a known issue causing ESC failures and often complete loss of aircraft.

[@JohnFHendry]

@@cinialvespow1054 The E Lizard 95 when the screws used were too long shorting out on the motors... mine is in a box waiting to replace the ESC if I ever get around to it... stock ESCs were weak so needs mod and better ESC, cam, vtx, probably just use frame and new motors with F4 stack... or put motors BG sent on something else but rather spend build time on something bigger. BG seems to have improved CService now and so many newer cool FPV toys probably will sit and use motors on a new project design... waste of money but it supported the hobby and BG supported the DEVO 4in1 upgrade board so it all works out seeing how far the hobby has come.

[@turbojoe2623]

My first pair of goggles were the fatshark focal v2s', i bought them Last february and used them until july of 2017. Since i was a new pilot i did not realize constant static wasnt normal. I tried on a friends goggles, the skyzone v2s, and couldnt believe how much better they were. Long story short, my goggles were defective, 400$ right down the drain. Since then i switched to the skyzone v2s and have had no problems. I know not all fatshark goggles are bad but i can say from experience that their quality control isnt as good as fatshark would want you to believe. Or atleast it wasnt when they made my focal v2s lol.

[@prudensky]

Why they have only one model 16:9? They can do HDO switchable between 4:3 and 16:9. So sad.

[@ianlu9962]

why you full of complaints, lil bitch

[@TheInfinium]

I started few mothns ago. I started with EV100 and Josh you are right. This was frustriting. I did what I could just to buy HD3s and now... I'm still here and my abilities are growing every day. I know it's not cheap but if you want something good you need to pay. Oh and one more thing. You don't broke your gogles so often like your drone. If you are carefull they should be working for very long time. So Josh, you are right... again. Happy flying :)

[@danjensen9425]

Thanks for the effort. My dom v3s work just fine but yeah a power button would be. Nice

[@markpfeifer1402]

I appreciate how my HD2's and Taranis have just kept working flawlessly for the past 2 1/2 years. During this time, I've gone through dozens of motors, 10 flight controllers, 30 ESC's, 10 frames....you get the point. The extra money is worth it in the long haul! Noobs, get a good radio and googles, then skimp on the quad if you have to (you'll probably bash it to bits in the first few months anyways).

[@bartinfpv4762]

Well you don't fly your goggles around at 100 miles per hour, I think that something to do with it. But you are absoluteley right, get a proper radio and goggle first, you'll destroy or lose your first quad quickly

[@TheQuadcopterReview]

Example of what Josh is saying on price = quality and why these things cost so much. Way back when i got a set of Eachine EV100's for review. I never even made a review good or bad. The first set arrived DOA and about 3 months later i had a working set. It shows you that to even try and make them cheaper involves garbage parts no QC process and so on. Remember if you can say hey i don't have to have the newest greatest fatsharks there are versions you can get into for more like 375 if you do the v3 route. It's still fatshark, its still the same high quality we expect and a perfectly fine entry level goggle.

[@licensetodrive9930]

My order of the EV100's were in the 2nd batch to be posted when they had that release date countdown, I paid a little extra for tracked shipping and I'm real glad I did because 8 weeks later I still hadn't received them. Never ever lost a package that was tracked until now, Banggood did send me another set that I did receive, but I still had to do the capacitor mod and then pester Banggood again to send me the fix kit to upgrade the firmware because it had an occasional half-second screen blank-out bug, that took an additional 3 weeks to arrive... Almost 3 months wait and all that hassle just for a set of properly working spectator goggles! Glad I already use Fatshark HD2's.

[@sjcajw7]

I think you did a great job asking the tough questions while not being obnoxious to Mr. Fatshark at the same time. No body argues about the price of a top of the line gaming computer, but yet the FPV community pitches a fit at the price for a top of the line goggle. I wish they were cheaper too, but you get what you pay for. That will never change.

[@tedhancock68]

What I saw was a clean, efficient factory, happy, engaged employees and executives who are clearly agonizing over every decision. Their history, engineering, and logic is sound. By giving a new FPV customer a positive experience, albeit at a premium, they helping the entire hobby and industry while demonstrating sound business practices. This is a DIY hobby. Put your own damn power button, on that quality set of goggles FatShark carefully engineered and tested for you. Signed, an Aomway Commander V1 owner.

[@moren0d1]

Ted Hancock Amen!

[@tedhancock68]

I just love modifying and improving things. I consider the challenge a big part of the hobby. That is my opinion though. Some just want to fly.

[@BaldmanFPV]

Teh! Manufacturing is usually rough especially over seas. What you see is dress up for a VIP visitor. Could be a pleasant place, could be unpleasant.

[@jawbfl]

3:13 workers sit on plastic chairs, those will definitely cause pains after a day of work, no factory shows its true face to a camera. FatShark is fine, a bit overpriced for sure, but not greedily overpriced, the cloning argument is true, but most competitors have inbuilt diversity receivers and extra features but not a support that matches FatShark's.

[@BombowaKunaFPV]

What you saw is that what they wanted you to see. I want to belive that this factory is as it seems. But in most "made in china" factories there are people that organize a good image when someone comes to a visit, and especialy when it goes to public. It's an invesment for them and even a guarantee that the product sales that they make parts for won't drop down even a 0,1% after seeing the conditions that they work in. What kind of company want's to show unhappy employes, dirty enviorment, bad working conditions? Company pays to the factory, factory want's the sales to be high couse for them that's also money. More gives more, and in most cases workers goods does not come in pair with that. I seserly hope that in that case everything is ok. But always there is a chance that it was made to look good, to make the buyers happy. Abaut FatShark strategy, This is my personal opinion - don't like it. For now it's good, it's stable, they give a good, constant product but even today it has the first symptom of getting to be not enough. Where are the risks? Where is the innovation, where is making trends, making new technology? I don't want to judge the CEO's, but how is the company made if there is no room for even one risky FatShark model. There is no room for downsale? Why can't they make just one headset with same screens as they have now, with changeable 16:9 / 4:3 ratio, integrated connectors, power on/off and other tweeks. Then take it to the public. Say with a loud voice that it's the first one made to try to be the best, and if you don't want to tak a risk get a different, earlier steady model. And if it does not work, shiitt discontiniue it of better...make another version, a better one. How safe is to make a new model after how much, 2 years from the earlier and change only the screens? So what will be in the next, on off button, and in 6 years we will have a fan connector changed? Don't be afraid, you have a big community support and if one bad model is a company shut down there is something wrong with a menegment. I imagine Fatshark as a good company, good products...for now. But after that what i heard I worry that they won't be able to go with the technology trends and custormer needs in time, and will delay a big part of community. But I hope for it to change. FlySky user with a future plan for FatSharks, when they make a best model one :)

[@drwtrex]

That was awesome ....big thanks to mr Greg and his people for everything they do .. I love my fat shark 🦈 goggles.. and by the way I. Have five pare

[@etienne_fpv8946]

Their anser in a nutshell: "we dont want to risk our quality" Other people's tought's in a nutshell: "What a pussy's"

[@owenk5926]

Your not wrong unfortunately.

[@DoubleRabbit]

Great video and thanks for taking the trip and giving the community an inside look. There is a reason that ever other goggle that comes out is first compared to FatShark. The guys behind the company seem like normal dudes, trying to be competitive in a super competitive Chinese market. Hats off to them from the start. Being the leaders in the industry is a lot of pressure!

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Enjoyed this, thanks!

[@scootroter4859]

CAPTAIN DRONE... I agree... Would have liked it to be longer! Interesting!

[@roughriderfishing7755]

What I saw was exactly what I needed to see. You asked the questions I was curious about and obviously Fatshark wants to put out a Quality product for the most reasonable price they can. I laughed when the CEO spoke about the unfortunate instances when people who just get into the hobby buy the cheap stuff and get out because it wasn’t a good experience. It boils down to this, you get what you pay for. I bought the HD3’s as my first goggle and ever since my experience has been awesome. Even if I had an issue updating my true-d to 3.7 and having a failure on it. But you did perfect on this and I commend you on the effort and time you spent to bring us this material. 🤘 Thank you!

[@nIkbot4000]

That zoom in/out seals the deal. Pro cam worker

[@JoshuaBardwell]

Kapper working the cam.

[@nIkbot4000]

Joshua Bardwell this behind the scenes stuff is great. Looking forward to more of this kind of content hopefully. *And asking them rough questions! Goodman!

[@DavidBarbarine]

Well put-together. I appreciate the investigation, questions & answers, and the virtual visit to Fatshark. Thank you.

[@TransAm2k4]

This was a great video. I always thought the fatshark price was steep but they are right about china making it much cheaper if they could. It took me quite a bit to finally breakdown and buy an HD3 but looking back i am glad i did. Great job on this video!!!

[@scootroter4859]

TransAm2k4... I don't agree with that statement in the least bit! The statement is BAD business! A company will always try to sell their product for as much AS THE MARKET WILL BEAR. Especially the KING OF GOGGLES, sitting happily on their throne! With very little competition! Why woukd they sell it cheaper if people are purchasing it for the price it's at?! No, they COULD sell them for much cheaper, but they don't have too! They sell now at the price they're at! You really think Fatshark is selling their goggles for the cheapest they possibly can? YOU'RE DREAMING!!!!! 😵 They're selling them for what THE MARKET HAS PROVEN TO PAY... and The Most they can get and still keep sales strong! That's the way good profitable, bottom line conscious, companies do things! They aren't forced to sell them for anywhere close to as cheap as they could BECAUSE THEY OWN THE MARKET AND HAVE VERY LITTLE TRUE COMPETITION! No way you should ever think anything different! Simple not a smart business decision. Nope, Fatshark knows exactly what they're doing... And won't lower prices until they need to react to serious competition that has impacted their market share and profit! Fact!

[@josepheustaquio5544]

I rarely write reviews but this was great. Asked the right questions and professional about it. Can’t argue with any of the answers either. Glad they stepped up and answered. Must be hard to make a premium product and not charge a premium price. FPV is awesome but we don’t have the massive consumer following volumes to really get volumes up and prices down. Loving the videos Josh... keep it up!

[@DarynRod]

The bottom line is, they're afraid to take the risk necessary to innovate.

[@1989inception]

Agree!

[@MadDragon75]

Watching this for the first time as a Fatshark Attitude V6 owner and this makes me feel even better for making the decision to go with Fatshark. Thank you JB from the future. 🌲😁🌳

[@theibault]

What's the freaking deal with the power button? I could not care less as it's the same movement to unplug as it is to push a button. You still have to reach up and use your fingers.

[@jdd1777]

Theibault People have to find something to bitch about. And it's so easy to complain online and feel right. I love my fatsharks and have never thought they needed any power button.

[@46449771]

agreed

[@jacksonsmith4648]

There have been tons of reports of the barrel connector wearing out over time because they're not designed for that many plug/unplug cycles. Most of the time it's the battery that needs a new connector to be soldered on, but sometimes it's the goggle itself. That'd be fine on a cheap goggle, but when people pay $500 for a set, they expect better.

[@theibault]

Jackson Smith Same goggles, 2 years, heavy use, no issues. I really don't pay attention to "reports".

[@droneartists6137]

I agree, power buttons are soooo overrated

[@alexkrause5737]

I'd say that was better reporting than anything on cable. Great job and thanks, Joshua.

[@TheLazyRocket]

I like my Cheap($55) Eachine EV800 with power button! Great interview.

[@kevins1552]

My cheap and heavily modded EV100's are just fine for the money. I'll probably never spend the money on fatsharks...

[@ponowai1]

Thanks JB, I agree with the price point. It's worth spending more for quality and service. Fatshark has a record of good customer service, being able to repair goggles in and out of warranty is what sold me. I don't agree about not installing a power button and not powering the fan from the main board instead of the balance lead. It's great to think about new fpv customers but keep your return customers happy too.

[@MattiaChiarelli]

Nice video as always. The audio quality is astonishing! Can I steal your audio skills for my videos?

[@bartinfpv4762]

Is this UAVFutures Stu in hiding ?

[@MattiaChiarelli]

BartInFPV nope, I would really like to be the Italian Joshua :P

[@JoshuaBardwell]

If you mean my studio mike, it's an NT-USB, and I use a compressor, de-esser and parametric equalizer in Premiere. If you mean the field mic, it was a lavalier that Kapper brought.

[@MattiaChiarelli]

Joshua Bardwell thank you!

[@playstationdogg]

My fatsharks are wonderful, especially coming from the eachine vr-007. I was reluctant spending 350 + module + battery for HD3', but 1 1/2 later I'm still happy with them. I've modified mine to have a power button, which was crazy drilling my headset. In spite of my drilling they still work great, its a great product that gets handled a lot and it just keeps working. not too many things made today will stand the test of time.

[@JohnCuppi]

15:28 someone get this man some antiperspirant

[@etienne_fpv8946]

He's more like Ohh Ohh shit he came prepared....

[@KingFPV]

I bought my HD3 at full price over a year ago & the only negative experience I have had with my pair is that it made one micro SD card unusable -- I had a lot of footage on that card. Besides this they have performed flawlessly & I feel worth the price point. I think they should all be shipped with the 18650 pack though... The battery lasts a lot longer while recording & use a different type of charger leaving the main one for the LiPos. (No having to wait) Nice BTS, thanks JB.

[@Krispykashew]

If you cant make simple changes or are simply unwilling to under the guise of quality control is simply ridiculous.

[@pauly2805]

Great interview Bardwell, think you covered it perfectly. Certainly gave Fatshark a good image in my eyes, the guys spoke well and gave well explained answers. My HDOs shipped yesterday and I should have a RapidFire module on the way soon too, this will be my first FPV experience and I'm getting pretty excited :) As an electronic engineer working on large scale automotive projects, I know all too well how much work is required in testing and QC for even a minor feature change or addition, so I can see how this is even more of an issue for a lower volume company, for a relatively minor feature. I think you're right in saying that it's just not a high enough priority for them to warrant the extra work required.

[@MU-xh8fu]

Goggles sold without a receiver are too expensive.

[@SurRealFPV]

Drone hero's Well said.

[@MU-xh8fu]

Drone Hero's I never mentioned build in. Just saying that a company has the ability to include another part at a lower cost or possibly free. How many people shy away from certain goggles or postpone their purchase because they will have to get a $80+ diversity? At least with a inexpensive receiver included(not built in) it would allow customers to use and appreciate their goggles.

[@SurRealFPV]

Lunar Mike the only problem is our options right now are buy goggles with a module already built in and can't be change or buy without one. Fatshark used to sell with a module a few years back but nobody kept that module anyways. Everyone ask for them to drop the price and keep there module so they did lol. There is no way to make everyone happy it's just not possible.

[@evanthevan]

I might agree with you (Drone Hero's) if all these new receivers were making a BIG leap in performance.. but they're just not. Furthermore, I'd argue that every other part of an FPV system makes a bigger difference. A good VTX and good antennas have much more of an effect than any new receiver tech since diversity became the standard. I mean, look more power to you for going that route yourself, but the future proofing argument is a little weak. By all means keep waiting for 'them' to make your new, vastly better and cheaper system; but I wouldn't hold your breath.

[@MU-xh8fu]

SurReal FPV How about including antennae?

[@Shaftoe76]

Still a good video today. Always nice to see a company that cares about the product and the community.

[@dobeyxxl2889]

Fatshark had nothing but lame excuses. They basically feel that they have the best product on the market and there is no reason to make costly improvements because there is not enough competition. We see the same thing with intel chips, unless they see market shares dropping due to new competition they just sit on there arse and produce much of the same product slightly improved.

[@WarmPudgy]

if this video has shown me anything, its that the higher ups at fatshark are completely disconnected from the community. right there at 15:50 few dollars more? try 5 times the price. and if i understand this right, they come with a basic receiver? so tack on all the other bells and whistles, and god forbid you wear glasses. whats that? another $100? gonna stick with my box set. its either fly cheap, or dont fly at all.

[@SteveO4478]

Dobeyxxl Very true. Apple went the same path with their iPhones.

[@holc123]

The point is there are not enough people who buy FPV stuff to allow FS to build enough lroduct to lower the price. Iphone are sold by the tensnof millions. FS goggles are sold by thousands.

[@RobertLeclercq]

Would you rather them risk the farm on a new product, and then when they possibly go under you lose warranty support for your other fatshark products?

[@frangalasso8301]

Michael Sharp 5 times the price of cheap stuff yes. They are right around everyone else when it comes to top of the line gear. Aomway v2 440 skyzones are what close to $500. Everyone wants top of the line quality without paying for it which will never happen

[@Grnhrnt29]

Fantastic video. This really helped give me better perspective about the fpv goggles part of the hobby and I am personally glad to understand why they cost what they do because it is hard to swallow when looking at my bank account. I work for a bicycle manufacturer and always get asked why bikes cost so much. This video describes the situation perfectly - we really don't make much money off of the bikes we design and build because we are trying to make them as affordable as possible while still giving the best possible experience to customers. I have always tried to avoid Fat Sharks because of the price, but now I am seriously considering getting some. I was one of the people who, not too long ago, got into the hobby and was frustrated at every turn, but I fought through it because the reward was so incredible when things did work. Thanks for your videos Josh. They were one of the biggest sources of information and help and they really kept me going.

[@thomashaley3830]

This was not a good interview imo. You didnt challenge them as i really thought you would. When they say we dont want to do xyz because it cost to much is bs. They are just sitting pretty at the top. Unfortunately there will be no further real development if someone else does not take their business. Honestly im waiting for them to fall from their throne, then we may see something really innovative from them. I was very excites to see the hdo release but quickly decided they were not worth the price. Maybe in 2 years...

[@mooosestang]

No manufacturer is quick to spend money in this hobby. I asked range video if they had plans to come out with a diversity headplay option and they said no, sad.

[@RCFlyer85]

Deasuma FPV yeah I think you're overestimating how many people are actually in this Hobby and more importantly how many people are buying new goggles currently

[@JoshuaBardwell]

There's only so much I can challenge them without just being a shit-head. If I ask them, "Why can't you put in a power button," and they say, "Because it's too risky," I can't say, "That's bullshit and you know it!" I don't run their business. I don't run any business. If he says it's too risky, that's your answer and you can like it or dislike it. My job is to ask the question and get the answer. I can only challenge the answer if it's factually inaccurate in some way, but assessment of risk or cost is not factual.

[@thomashaley3830]

Joshua Bardwell i understand your position but i guess i wanted more from the interview. It is what it is and im not developing goggle improvements so i really dont have a leg to stand on. Thanks for what you do!

[@thomashaley3830]

RCFlyer85 i disagree if they went one step further or could bring their price down for mediocre improvements id bet theyd sell quite a few more goggles. I stand by the fact that they will quickly get surpassed if they dont do something more innovative.

[@404ErreuR404]

i got hdo, hater mod on : -no on/off button, -no headtracker, -no vrx module, -then no antenna, -no 3D mode ( fpv isn't only for race/freestyle kwad), -no battery ( juste battery case without 18650), -fan connected by the balancing jack that prevents the use of an extension cord and puts the power battery in a strap bag ( battery on goggles kill my ears) . -no neutral lens that protect glass from scratch. for 500$ i got an Oled screen case and nothing more. otherwise the screen do the job, really an improvement for flying, fov is good, quality is good ( let see in the time how screen grown old), but all that missed point make this goggles really expensive that we can expected a little bit more high end product at this cost. hater mod off: thank you for this video JB, it's good to see the point of view of fatshark. you always make a good job, keep it in.

[@ShaunShearman]

It was worth the 16hr flight Josh ! I myself found the video informative, Fatshark is the undoubted market leader in FPV goggles and it was great to go behind the scenes and get an insight into their company ethos. I personally think that they are expensive but you do get what you pay for in this world (the FPV world especially, lol). One thing people seem to forget about is the 2nd hand market, my goggles came to me 2nd hand , at a reasonable price (considering the 'new' price that is ), work very well and have ultimately made my own quadcopter flying experience far better than the traditional LOS (line of sight) experience and this I put down to a manufacturer that builds a good quality and reliable product that can still hold it's value in the second hand market place. I for one think that Fatshark deserve their market position, we can all find negatives in any product (eg. not enough cup holders in a Bugatti veyron etc.), sometimes it's just a matter of using a product for the purpose that it was purchased for and in this example it's using the goggles for FPV flying, if they can do that job very well then top marks to the manufacturer, everything else is secondary (power buttons, increased IPD range etc.). Thanks for the video Joshua, a job well done, lets move on to much more important FPV matters please.

[@evanthevan]

Nice one! I feel like a lot of people who complain the loudest in this industry (generally) don't really understand the product development cycle, and this sheds some good light on it. I'm not saying they've operated flawlessly as a company, but their decisions have sound logic and seem to have been made thoughtfully.

[@oBseSsIoNPC]

Well composed video Josh, also, thanks for going to China for us! Interesting is the fact that I do like my EV100, you get exactly what you pay for and they are sooo much less than FatSharks. So for a starter goggle, the cheaper model is always preferred, as not everybody wants to dedicate $500 dollars to something that might not be a thing for you. I wish that FatShark with their experience could do an entry model and then their premiums.

[@drakelangston6135]

IMO FatShark has been the leader in the fpv goggles industry. If they want to maintain that, they need to take the risks that implement what the consumers are wanting for a better FPV experience. Other competitors are doing just that and may leave FatShark in the dust.

[@calvinmartini6914]

Thanks Joshua and Fatshark for this video. It really helps understand the FPV market and the values behind the Fatshark business. I'm really glad that Greg French is still the market leader with his engineering and businesses management. I've been using Fatshark goggles since I started FPV many years ago and appreciate the value and design. Thanks!

[@ken-kamm]

I thought this was pretty good, thanks Joshua. It was cool to hear Greg talking about how important the FPV community is to him, and how he’s genuinely interested in getting more people into the hobby.

[@Nick-85]

Oh wow awesome video thanks for that. My first pair of goggles were a pair of HD3 and after purchasing them locally I was a little bit disappointed as I have the blurry edges, one of the optics was slightly misaligned. That was where my disappointment ended. To my surprise I was able to pack them up send them express delivery within Australia just after the weekend and have them back in time to fly before the next weekend. Their customer service is awesome and their platform is solid!

[@joancarles2836]

Wow! That video was a cool surprise!! Nice job and thx for give our FAQ to FatShark company. I can understand their reasons and vision, and why they are not risking to much, and just improving their google screen's. Basically they have no reason to do it, they don't need it. If another company make, not even cheaper just at same price, a better product, be sure they will improve their googles. Thx again JB!

[@FPVLuke]

Great video Joshua, thank you for your time and effort as always. One thing I would like to add that I would have loved to get a comment on from Fatshark: I'm new-ish to the hobby and have recently started posting footage to youtube, I bought the eachine EV100's and think they are great for beginners but the FOV lacks and long story short I want what FatShark are offering, something that works well and won't be a hassle, but here is my dilemma; I want a large FOV, I thought 50 degrees but from great reviews posted by people such as yourself I understand that the 42 degrees from the HD 3's would be ideal and a nice middle ground, well I can't get the HD3 any longer which only leaves me the Dominator SE's, but they have no ability to add in HDMI functionality, which is an absolute must for as I really enjoying getting in some additional stick-time wherever I can, being in England the weather isn't great a lot of the time and so the reality is that if I want to fly, some days, it has to be on sim. If I'm paying £300 I should be able to do that, with Eachine I can with the EV100's and some additional kit which comes in below £150 all in. Which Fatsharks am I meant to get if I want the 42 degrees FOV and the HDMI functionality? I work as a network security engineer/cyber security engineer and am knowledgeable on screen technologies, OLED worries me as the lifespan is smaller than the LCD variants and I've already heard of issues with the HD0's, Samsung/LG only usually offer around a years warranty as they don't want to support the OLED technology for an extended period of time. Yes the argument can absolutely be made that the goggles will be used much less than say a TV but you have to keep in mind that we are then looking at a 37 degree FOV as well plus the premium price point. If yourself or anyone can make a suggestion based on the above not only would I be grateful but I would happily hand over the cash for a good bit of kit. Thanks very much to anyone who has taken the time to read my two cents and decides to chip in. Stay safe, be respectful and enjoy flying guys

[@brokemechanicfpv1420]

Ive gotta say that i have been in this hobby about 4 months now and it has been super frustrating and takes alot of patience not to just count your losses and get out of it. I come from a mechanical background so i watch your videos and build my own stuff because i just cant afford, like many people, to drop a grand on all the good stuff. The clones dont make anything better for someone that doesnt do their research and is promised the experience and it turns out to be crap.

[@josephlangley4494]

This is you best video. What a great insight into the manufacturing and business behind the product design process within the hobby. Most importantly, it is honest, but with tremendous amounts of hope and excitement for the hobby.

[@davidanderson6222]

I don’t need two pairs of glasses like my first box goggles, love my fatsharks , good investment. I just hold my breath every time I accidentally drop them. I couldn’t leave this hobby if I wanted, I’m kinda ADDICTED ! Thanks for the tour Bardwell

[@mrnobody9821]

I think I understand their problems for manufacturing. I work for an engine company and you will be surprised how many nuts and bolts designed in the 70’s are still used in this model years products. It’s cheaper to use the same parts than to design a new one every time creating a new part number, sourcing the vendor etc etc. They are designing products taking into consideration their vendor contraints (MOQ’s etc). But this is the catch 22 of being a small hobby supplier, until FPV becomes massive they won’t have the leverage to negotiate better MOQ’s on parts for example to produce different size housings. Interesting, thank you for the video Joshua :)

[@SeanDuffyProductions]

Great video Josh, very insightful hearing from the guys at Fatshark and seeing the factory.

[@JonE5FPV]

Thanks for asking about the Pixel Screen of Death. Hope they learn better testing for the future.

[@justingoodman1]

This was a great video. My first experience with FPV was the first gen of the Quantum single screen unit with all the velecro straps and wires. The image sucked and if you moved any of the wires your video was gone. It was almost a year before I tried again. My second set was the Fatshark Teleporter I think V2. Great experience out of the box. I think it was not quiet twice the price of the Quantum. I am now on my second set of FS's, the Attitude V4 anniversary editions. My point is the same as the video above. Fatshark is a small price to pay for the great Quality. Thanks for the video and insight. Great as always.

[@shize9ine]

Joshua - great video and I really enjoyed the insights. The CEO really knows the larger grand scheme of the company. Glad you took the long flight to China! The last part of the interview really hit home. I remember following along with projectbluefalcon getting beta flight setup only to end up breaking my eachine headset by running into a doorframe, not being able to find replacement parts..a lot of two steps forward one step back kind of situations that are disheartening for newcomers to fpv. I’ll have to check out a FS headset sometime soon.

[@jamiebox5194]

Good video JB. My first set were the Fatshark HDV2 which I loved and still do. I now use the Aomway Commander v1. There are slight differences which give of Fatshark the edge, but like you say Fatshark are made from better quality parts. My only qualm is when you but a pair of Fatshark, you cant go and fly as you need to purchase a receiver and antenna's. A note about the Aomway's would be that I am more than impressed with the DVR and think its better than the Fatshark DVR. My biggest issue with the Aomway is the ergonomic fit. LOL they just don't fit right. Keep up the good work JB.

[@kurzaqfpv2684]

I'm designing a power button for my own pair of Fat Shark goggles that would not require any modifications, just a little box with a switch that fits securely over the power input connector. Would you be interested in trying out one?

[@WHEATSFPV]

--really in depth and well worded dude, we expect nothing less than the best from you J.B. And you continue to deliver top notch quality content that we love. We trust your reviews, and you've built this hard earned trust with your valid arguments, great reviews, and solid commentary on things like this in our community. It's no wonder you get invited to see behind the scenes stuff like this ! KEEP IT UP WE LOVE YOU.

[@Coreycry]

Very good job, clean interview cutting, right to the point and everybody knows where to stand about this!

[@CopperTOPDave]

I don’t ever comment on your vids, but thank you for this one. It shed a lot of light on the challenges fatshark faces when developing new products and innovating the fpv goggle forward. 🧡👊🏻👍🏻

[@k-nickDTX]

Outstanding video, Mr. B. Would love to see more videos like this in the future.

[@KimboFPV]

Thx JB. My $80 Quanam V2 Goggles were a great starter goggle. However the Fat Shark HD3 absolutely made me a better pilot and it is totally worth it. Anyway great video,

[@imkputtz]

Great Video... I'm still using my FatShark SE's from 3ish years ago. Had a problem wit the display and warranty work took a little over a week. That's pretty great. Paid 350 and Still happy...

[@ds3656]

I've taken the plunge and bought my first pair of FatShark goggles today so watching this is actually quite reassuring that I've made an investment in a company rather than just bought a product that I'll throw away in about a year or so. Even though I don't have the goggles yet I can now see that I've made the right choice and it probably wont be my last pair. Thanks for sharing!

[@Droning-ON]

Did anyone else get that nervous feeling at 05:50 when hearing the Fat Shark 'Battery Low Warning' beep? :) interesting video +Joshua Bardwell, this is the kind of content that I (and many others) want to see you creating.

[@jackfufpv8134]

Took me 2.5 years to get my FatSharks. I wanted to spend my money building, fixing, upgrading my birds and just did not think there could be that much of a difference so why pay that much. I looked at many goggles that were all about the same performance. I was ok with the screen size and picture but not the range I was getting, then a friend made me try his FatSharks and explained how why they they were better than most. I have to say he was right. They were better in several ways . I am still glad I made the change. For those that have to have a button to be happy there are buttons you can buy for cheap and it is a fairly easy install, just know that it can drain your battery faster if it has a light

[@tonyh6438]

Main thing I realized about this hobby is the progress comes in small increments. When I heard about the rapidfire they made it seem like it was a whole New World. It is better but buy a small amount in my opinion. Now I come to appreciate the small amounts. I fly a pair of the FGO2 with the rapid fire module. I have all the same features that the rapidfire put out on screen display in the goggles and everything else. Now coming to appreciate the small amounts of progress I’m still getting a pair of the HDO. Even though I realize it’s not gonna be that much better but a little bit better.

[@HEATRACER24]

I just got my 1st Fatsharks, Focal V2 and I love them. Everything works great. I was afraid of the IPD because I have a big head but it works out just fine.

[@mmmasterscross7915]

Joshua, Thanks for sharing the FatShark tour with the rest of us.

[@CrashNBurnRacing]

The pricing issue makes sense to, though I would say there still a bit over priced and for that additional cost they should be willing to bring more improvements on each model they release. At their rate it will be 3 years before we have a power button and an internally powered fan.

[@pauliman1098]

Such an opportunity Joshua! I'm glad we get to see the face on a familiar channel, plus get all our questions answered!

[@Ken-hs5yu]

One of your better video’s with great info and questions. Thank you

[@user-zi5rs1by7b]

It's nice to know that the inventor of fatshark is an RC car guy... That's how I got into FPV.

[@scooterfpv8864]

Well to be honest for the current price of the Fat Shark Transformer bundle I am tickled pink . And especially with the image and FOV . Do you know with my RunCam Owl 2 Plus images within 25 feet almost look 3D with my Binocular setup ? And the night vision too ?!

[@MooseKnuckleTHF]

Good balance, Josh. After watching this i don't feel so "gouged" and am now thinking my next goggle will be the HDO. Thanks for the great content!

[@MindOfBoomBoom]

I really enjoyed this, i think you struck the right balance and i appreciate fatsharks honesty in answering the questions. great job all around!!!

[@EvoScort]

Best video you have made to date. Thank you Joshua!

[@thomastt3805]

From an electronics guy of view, it is easy to apply a power button or switch. To adapt the shell and make another one that suits is something quite different especially in big quantities. For now they can use the shell of batches of the HD3's that they have. Like they say, they have to make an order of 5000 Sony OLED screens and take risks. So that means the risk of not being able to put in a switch because of the available space is there and having to change a mold just for a switch seems a waste of money. The chance of a button not working is low though. Most buttons can withstand a lot of pushes, some never fail and price is low. It's should be an easy modification if you want to do it yourself. That on the side, I love the new HDO's. Never had fatsharks before but the screen looks very good and the FOV is perfect for me. Just focussing is sometimes not 100%, that's what makes the EV100's so good => diopter adjustment. Although the screen is really small and bad quality compared to the fatsharks as is the comfort. A diopter adjustment system would be the way to go so everyone can enjoy without having to buy the separate diopter lenses. The premium price they ask is fair I believe, if more people would start into the hobby and buy the goggles, changes would go a lot faster. Nevertheless, the FPV hobby is not for the poor people on this planet. Chances that the market will "explode" and everyone wants the FPV experience isn't going to happen fast I believe. What are your thoughts?

[@raykeogh1972]

That was a very honest great video by you and fat sharks. When you see behind the scenes and see the owner and their staff it gives you more faith. That to me has done more for Fat Shark than any advertising video could ever do. Well do to you and Fat Shark. Ray K. UK

[@SpoonFPV]

I think as a person who works as an engineer who develops products for small scale production like FatShark I see things differently, but I think this was one of your best videos to date. Buying things 5,000 at a time is a real pain in the ass if you want to build a prototype, and then what do you do with the parts when you discover you don't like that or it doesn't fit the bill, well you buy another 5,000 of something else, not always the case, but usually is.