An FPV Beginner's Guide: What I Learned When Getting Started

When getting started with FPV drones, it's tough to know exactly what equipment you need, the best equipment to buy, and what information is actually important for a beginner to know. This is the first in a series of videos that I'm hoping are able to cut away the excess and make things simple for any beginners trying to make their first purchase and get started in the hobby.
Links
**I removed the original links for this video since a few years have passed and FPV tech has changed so much. I'll be making a new buyer's guide soon, but for now, I recommend watching my last one here:
• FPV Drone Bundles at A...
Here’s all the gear I currently use:
(links unavailable as of April 11, 2023. Will be back in a few days!)
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[@MattPochwat]

Wow, didn't expect so many people to see this! Here's AN IMPORTANT UPDATE: Since I posted this video SO MANY NEW PRODUCTS have been released and many of them could be more worth your money than the things I talk about here. With digital bind-and-fly drones being more accessible as well as new controllers, goggles, and accessories, make sure to do some research before you buy something right away! Check out my "FPV Drone Kits at Every Price" video for some updated gear!

[@AntonioRodriguez-fv6vt]

I was watching the video as you left this comment. I am trying to get into the hobby and I am doing as much research as I can. Have you tried the DRL simulator? I am between DRL and Liftoff. Any suggestion is highly appreciated! Keep up the good work!

[@MattPochwat]

@@AntonioRodriguez-fv6vt I have DRL and Velocidrone. I've spent most of my time in velocidrone though since I'm used to it and I like it a lot. Not too familiar with the others!

[@MattPochwat]

@@Danthorn76 I'm currently waiting for a few budget-friendly drones to arrive in the mail. Haven't tried anything out yet though!

[@wreckdproject]

@@MattPochwat Should make an update video

[@yourmommashouse]

Please make update video. PLEASE.

[@momp87]

Been flying for a few years, and I know the hobby well. Still watched your whole video - this was some great quality content. Will recommend it to other beginners. Thank you for your work! Got yourself a new subscriber 🙂

[@enricodesign619]

as a beginner i can confirm, great insight

[@lucasceleste4743]

As an intermediate pilot, I agree. He is fantastic!

[@Tuidkskiwjdhdbd]

This is perfect when you said you went down the rabbit whole showed all the other you tubers that i just watched last 2 days and i still don't know what to buy

[@conraddevera]

Ima get a simulator. Not just to learn, but more importantly.. To have an idea if I can fly without throwing up my cheese burger

[@lookinside1248]

Try not eating cheeseburger on the beforehand

[@Arvidman]

If you want a free one try FPV skydive

[@supertoygamingtime7652]

lol😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 i’m dying 💀

[@dongo6988]

So, can ya fly? 😂 2 years ago, now I’m wondering if you’ve mastered it

[@conraddevera]

@@dongo6988 sort of lol, I really didn't give it much time unfortunately.. other hobbies

[@troypham7844]

I've started to FPV from this video almost 2 yrs ago, watching this again gives me a nostalgic feeling. Thank you Matt!

[@OK-zn9su]

I started my FPV journey from this video and I glad I did. Best hobby ever. Now, three months later I an fully hooked, I fly acro inside and outside, have few hundred hours between simulator and real quads, can do flips and rolls and power loops and feel like I only scratched the surface. Thank you!

[@erikdewane3319]

This is absolutely one of the BEST introductions to FPV I've ever seen. Thanks for sowing the passion!

[@MattPochwat]

Thanks for watching! I tried to make the video I wish I had seen when I was first starting out. If you enjoyed it, please leave a comment, a like, or subscribe for more!

[@abdulrhmanalaryani8946]

hello Matt pochwat have just ordered the flight nazgual 5 4s racing drone I have ordered the one that is without receiver and I already have the fs-ia6b reciver can u please tell me which colered wires should I connect to the fc pads ??? please

[@abdulrhmanalaryani8946]

the first drone I missed up every thing I missed up the motors,fc, and also the frame so please I need the best help from u all thanks and please contact me on my instagram or email please I need help \ instagram:asm.588 email:[e-mail]

[@akshaykumargautam5289]

All I need to get started : *Moneyyyy*

[@lilianwatts7030]

I started drone,goggles,charger, batteries,controller,props for about 550

[@omnivorouscarbon4234]

@@lilianwatts7030 yo where

[@neonoir__]

@@omnivorouscarbon4234 probably banggood

[@omnivorouscarbon4234]

LittleR that’s where I’ve been looking.

[@unknown_9100]

I spent probably less than 550 and I have two quads

[@MicBergsma]

Thanks for sharing, been flying DJIs since 2013 when phantom 1 just came out , thinking about fpv flying

[@MattPochwat]

Thanks Mike! I've been a fan of your GoPro reviews for a while now. Hit me up if you need any advice getting started!

[@j.c.m5168]

You'll love it. It's absurdly addictive.

[@Quantify_Channel]

This deserves way more views! Great content and editing Matt, thanks for making such a comprehensive video about getting into the hobby. Wish I'd have found this months ago.

[@DrunkAncestor]

This is honestly one of the best introduction videos for FPV I've seen

[@SikhFPV]

Have you seen Botgrinder

[@RGMGFitness]

Nicely done! Agree with everything you said. I'm in so deep into this hobby and still can't fly without fear of crashing! But I'm determined to learn...brutal learning curve!

[@TheOnlySolipsist]

Thank you so much! You are a great teacher and stay so calm and easy to understand. I got into FPV but as you mentioned, found out it’s a bit more complex than I imagined. You’ve given me the encouragement I needed and am looking forward to watching more. Again, thank you, you have made a difference.

[@adaptivedigital]

Thank you for creating videos that are enjoyable to watch, are full of phenomenal information and get to the point! Really appreciate it man!

[@romanrudisuhli7028]

Great and detailed video, without going to much in the unnecessary stuff, exactly what I was looking for... I subscribed, thank you for the great work!

[@lorenzoquadrelli7237]

Oh boy! I don't often comment on videos but man... this was exactly what I needed! Props for the amazing video! You've just earned yourself a new sub 😁

[@thefeeps]

Cool this was the starting point I needed / was looking for. Thanks for taking the time to put this information together and share your knowledge!

[@DonnyP87]

You really break it down perfectly and talk in a very calm way so it's easy to listen to. For someone who just started researching about FPV drones, this video is 🔥

[@Marxgaray]

This one of the best in to fpv videos that I ever see. Laugh, wows and cool. Thanks so much

[@markwalhimer8972]

Dear Matt, I have spent the last few days trying to learn about FPV. Your video is the clearest and concise introduction to the hobby. Thank you !

[@nostromboli]

Dude, thank you. So glad I found this video. Appreciate the great info.

[@dod.fpv_]

man you got some quality content right here! well made video without any mistakes as far as i know :) allthou i am not a beginner anymore, i was rly enjoying watching your video :D Cheers! i will defo follow your progress, subbed

[@MattPochwat]

Thanks man, you're a great pilot! I also appreciate all the kind words. I'm trying to do my best to make content that's both educational and enjoyable to watch. Glad you like it

[@dod.fpv_]

@@MattPochwat 🙏

[@ShermanKenB]

Thanks for your series, it's been useful for me. There are gear choices and then there is the learning how to make every thing work together. Things like first time binding and not knowing there's a bind button on the receiver, updating firmware on all of your equipment, getting your radio set up, chaning things like your stick deadband in beta flight and more, trouble shooting things like video when it disappears, and brushing off your soldering skills because there's a good chance you'll need to fix something at some point in time.

[@wattanapoboonrueng8801]

amazing video! you motivated me to get into FPV and take the leap. Bought the Nazgul5 6S and loving it! Keep up the great work Matt!

[@RipcordHQ]

I really enjoy your presentation style and laid back tone, great vid! I learned a lot (from this and others you have done)

[@Theo22317]

Hi Matt just like to say thanks to you for making these very useful tutorials for beginners. I was very unsure about what to get starting out. I never regretted any purchase that you recommended and hope to see your channel grow.

[@shanedavis9996]

I know I'm a year late, but THANK YOU. I've been looking for a "getting started video" and haven't seen any as thorough or informative as yours. Thanks again!

[@fpvbynature7501]

This was the first basic FPV guide I watched, and 3 weeks later I bought my kit. Super happy to get into FPV, it is amazing! Thanks Matt!

[@LtCona]

What kit did you go with?

[@jadenlichtiy3164]

This is the most underrated channel on KZbin. Thank you for this video.

[@melmp29]

Amazing video brother! Super helpful, well explained and great info!! It really did make a difference instantly in my knowledge of drones.

[@SuperMegaMasterPlus]

Thank You 4 this video and links!

[@KimSOnni]

Thank you for this! I legit had no idea where to start and I did not want to keep bothering friends. Thanks! I’m buying today!

[@jasereynolds_]

Such an awesome video dude. I’ve always been nervous with the thought of building from scratch and this has definitely helped!

[@Ironman198908]

Just do it, pick something and build it. Doesn't have to be the most top of the line. My most favorite quad I fly is my little 3.5 in 2-3s. Built it for like 50 - 60 bucks. If you build it yourself it gives you more of a reason to say to learn to fly because you know what it took to create it.

[@markkupatjas8636]

Thank you for the video, this was exactly what I needed! Great job! 😊

[@vitorpetri1376]

Wow!! Thanks you! That was the best video on youtube I found about fpv. Congrats for the quality content! You deserve thousands of subscribers. Success! The best for you from Brazil :D

[@MattPochwat]

This is so kind. Thanks

[@johnvbal]

Thanks Matt for this video. I am a beginner and I learned really something big to what I wanted to do. I know there are technical things that I have to know and this is the reason why I bumped on this video. And somehow you made me see other things that I have to know. Great job on this video.

[@whiteharry6742]

Thanks for sharing, learn a lot!

[@SR89]

Great summary and high quality camera work for such a small channel! As a beginner this was incredibly helpful! Thanks a lot for making this!

[@MattPochwat]

Thanks you for watching!

[@LastChaosTyp]

I'm flying FPV for a couple of years now and just stumbled across your channel. Even though nothing in the video was really new to me, this is some pretty good content, subbed!

[@joshgeorge6362]

Brilliant bro thanks. Got me interested again . Much appreciated. Big up!!

[@JasonThakor]

Great video....Just got into the FPV world and learned many of these points after the fact...glad you put this together for new comers!

[@RossHasAdrone]

Really really great work. This is the video everyone is looking for. Well done!

[@cadefowler1559]

You deserve 100 times the subscribers you have. I just got recommended your videos and the quality is top tier. Keep it up man, I just subscribed

[@neilreid9005]

Really great vid for those seriously considering FPV. Well done and thank you.

[@pranjal3727]

I took the whole lockdown period to start. I know i can take some stress, so here's what i did for my first drone: X8 octacopter- redundancy. I took two carbon fibre 250 frames and combined them(just the arms part) to make a X8 frame. F3 deluxe- ms5611 barometer and gps for position hold Runcam v3 cam I just bought 15 lg hg2 lithium cells , made a 3S 5p pack myself.(i made a capacitive spot welder to sport weld batteries.) I bought fysky i6 transmitter modded it to 10 channel. Ia6b receiver modded for 10 channel and again a small mod to transmit the whole 3S voltage back to. There were a few things more. All in all, i modded the fuck out shit to make a drone with redundancy and a flight time upwards of 35 minutes. I lost sanity a fee times but now i can say i have a very nice endurance drone under 400 USD.

[@slavkobozic8922]

You should make a how too sound like an amazing setup

[@canadiangemstones7636]

Dear god make videos!

[@timlwin]

By far the BEST FPV drone how to video for beginners. Salute! Subbed and shared!

[@RafalGalinski_drony]

Matt, your films are awesome, thank you for both: helpful content and your positive attitude ;-) greetings from Poland

[@MattPochwat]

Czesc Rafal, thanks for the kind words!

[@MachineManGabb]

KZbin recommend gives you channel some good views now

[@MattPochwat]

Haha it'll definitely recommend more if you've watched one of them before. I appreciate the support though!

[@ShivamPatel-hl9ys]

@@MattPochwat why are their 2 cameras I already have the fpv micro cam on my drone do I need the go pro attachment?

[@hughhou]

I just want to say you are awesome - thank you for doing this from filmmaker perspective - and with such high production value!

[@asawalker8249]

Tried LiftOff, 15 min of gameplay, refounded it. FPV Drones are not for me : (

[@farazahmed2357]

I have been watching many fpv guides but found this easy to understand very nicely

[@underfeed]

I just wanted to skim it, but ended up watching it all. Good helpful vid, good work! thumbs up!

[@skinnyboneslassor]

I’m only a minute in and I already love you and I see great things to come with your KZbin channel amazing edits and the youtubers got me

[@MattPochwat]

Haha thanks man

[@SimonCrowther1]

Well made. Good content, nicely paced. Solid video. Thank you.

[@alanesa1003]

Really helpful video. Thank you!

[@fid29801]

Thanks for the info. The video is great.

[@mr.h.4501]

What a great video. Gives info if good places to start. Production of video was great too.

[@Artbymykell]

This was the PERFECT video. I quickly became overwhelmed looking into this new hobby and this answered all my questions. THANK YOU

[@MattPochwat]

Check out my "FPV at every price range" video. It has some newer gear and I think it'll be equally helpful

[@markiebear]

Although I found this video later in life after you posted, it was still so helpful and informative. Thank you. New sub right here ✨✨

[@CorrupteddSanity]

What a great guide. Thank you!

[@Xogirlproductions]

That was very helpful thank you so much!

[@dondupuis5524]

Great job, being a beginner the information really helps. Thanks

[@felixghiringhelli5852]

awesome content, love the shots and the editing. You gained a new subscriber bro!!

[@prayashshakya9770]

Best information shared ever :)

[@furballkimfpv9365]

This was awesome info and a great video Matt. Helps many out there just beginning. Very cool. Left a like enjoyed watching bless

[@MattPochwat]

Glad you liked it!

[@athermahmood1065]

Excellent mate. Thank you.

[@DobuDobuDobuDot]

Great content for new people in the hobby, subbed.

[@deltatechdrcroft]

Luv your approach

[@mrgalio522]

Thank u! More videos like that

[@ultraproduction2524]

Keep going man!

[@ADITYAKUMAR-yt2ry]

very informative... thank u man

[@vantobicoke]

i really need a new hobby so i chose drones because they are fun to play with and i won't get bored.

[@sethwillishair]

Your content is amazing man. Just got my first set up and my god it is hard but fun. I’ll be looking for future vids to get me up to speed. I really want to make my own, and setting up a work space to attempt assembling myself. I will look for a local group in Las Vegas to see if I can get some tips. Keep up the good work

[@Chris-xt7rs]

excellent, realistic advice thanks.

[@barry_dalive]

Fantastic video brother!

[@Tv1Apple]

Wonderful review! Thank you! Throughout this video I had a feeling that you are gonna burst into laughter in just a second)

[@MattPochwat]

Hey man, filming yourself on camera is weird 😂

[@SevenSlotSociety]

Thank you! Great video!

[@MaxTheDog167]

I appreciate your insight on the fact that you don't have to be crazily knowledgeable about drones to learn to use them and other stuff or even feel the need to be an engineer like soldering and all that. I am going to purchase the simulator when I get paid and mess with that for a week to see how I like it. Thanks!

[@jaki2024]

Thanks for helping me (: keep it going!!

[@sjohnston4272]

He looks like he is going to burst out laughing at any moment during the whole video.

[@essencetall]

hahaha i thought i was the only one who notice pahahaahahha

[@anusharao3835]

I kinda smiled back at him :D

[@kennethrjurekjr]

Very informative. Thank You.

[@Supden90]

Wow great video, Thank you!

[@matty7801]

Great advice Matt!

[@SimonMain]

8:26 My drone😍 And I love it!!!

[@satorugojo9221]

What kind of googles do you use?

[@Mullerfruit]

Brilliant video.. Thank you so much

[@QuincyHatch]

Awesome bro! So much amazing information!! Definitely subscribing!!

[@TheGravitywerks]

Great video...needed this years ago...

[@OysterSalad]

This is about as solid a beginner FPV tutorial as you could hope for. Super thorough. Just wish I'd watched it before I threw $200+ at a Neo 2. (But maybe I'll love it. We'll see.) Thanks for the great walk-through.

[@Retipster]

I’m lucky I found this before buying anything. This video is GOLD. Keep this up and you’re gonna get a lot more subscribers!

[@MattPochwat]

Glad you like it!

[@cluistube]

I always find it comforting when I look into something and A: find someone like you, there is always a few folks out there that remember getting into something and want to help folks avoid the mistakes they made. and B: Seeing the video is a bit dated. I like the idea I missed a big push or fad, and that folks prolly have some SOPs going for all this stuff by the time I get into it. Good stuff, will be visiting the channel often as I curse my way through the journey.

[@ThatFlyinRyan]

you killed this explaining things to a noob good job brooo!

[@JesseGarciaM]

THIS WAS AMAZING!!! HELPED OUT SO MUCH

[@MattPochwat]

I'm glad, man. It's all I wanted to know when I was starting out.

[@AydenChing25]

Bro thanks so much I have been wanting a new hobby to do this was berry helpful

[@nateyesowitch]

Very useful video sir!

[@truteki]

Thanks for the video my dude. I subscribe to the drones subreddit and quadcopter subreddit and it seems like people will post amazing videos but when you ask them anything, they just want to keep their knowledge all to themselves so its hard to determine a good starting point. You really outlined everything well in this video on a good jumping off point.

[@Spooky_OG]

Great info, thanks !

[@caturlifelive]

I totally agree, I remember when I started getting into the FPV world in 2014/2015 and I had a lot to learn electronics because I built my own quadcopter. but now, it is not really necessary. Currently, there are many RTF kits for beginners, so I totally agree with you sir. thank you for sharing

[@pawelpelech9171]

Very cool and informative! Good job dude!

[@jonathanchhit503]

This video was very helpful, thank you.

[@MattPochwat]

Glad it helped!

[@YonnBurgos]

Great video!