Best RC Controller under $100! DumboRC DDF-350 Unboxing | Tested | Review

[@davidbertrand7069]

I’m my opinion the best budget radio is the RadioMaster M12. The ability to bind to any receiver, something no other radio does, gives it a leg up on all of them.

[@RoadsideRC]

You are right! That does have features literally NO other controller has. Last I looked, it wasn't under $100 though.

[@davidbertrand7069]

@@RoadsideRC yeah it’s $130, but comes with a carrying case and a lanyard that imo make up the $30 extra. Not to mention no need to buy a bunch of receivers to swap over your fleet more than makes up the $30.

[@RoadsideRC]

@@davidbertrand7069 Good point!

[@Plug4Fotos]

Feel like the only thing stopping it being super popular is the edgeTX software. Personally I don’t have an issue with it as I’m coming from a FPV drone background, my RC drifting friends who have gotten the MT12 have swapped back to their Futaba’s etc due to having a hard time locating and adjusting the settings common for drifting. I haven’t had any hands on experience with the MT12 so I cannot say. But from the census at the track locally here a few people got overwhelmed.

[@davidbertrand7069]

@@Plug4Fotos being open source, it can be overwhelming, especially to those that don’t have experience with edge. I fly FPV and use a Zorro so I’m not having any issue. But even if I was in my opinion, it would be worth spending the time to learn for all of the extra stuff that it is able to do.

[@derekjanleen8217]

Thanks for the detailed review!

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nieko3038]

Just got one delivered yesterday. I like it. Not too big. The lights and sound can be turned off. Got a 6 channel receiver with it. First controller I bought for a car. 58 Euro incl tax and shipping. Watched your video about the receiver with gyro and opted out on that.

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad the video helped. Hope you like it as you start using it!

[@frederickgrassie3383]

Thank you! I am looking at my first programmable radio.

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad I could help!

[@lixnnibblez3193]

Omg i been waiting for you to review this one !! I got it for 60.00 a year ago !! Keep up the good stuff !!

[@RoadsideRC]

Ooof! $60 is a STEAL for this controller!

[@brutka1317]

Was 48 £ for my one.

[@paulmcnamara2908]

Just bought a DDF-350 and as not fussed about the Gyro and metal steering wheel got it for $45!

[@RoadsideRC]

Nice!

[@KevinAlfth]

great review troy,been wanting to purchase one for a while now but wasn`t sure of its ability,now i know,thanks for the hel Omg i been waiting for you to review this one !! I got it for 60.00 a year ago !! Keep up the good stuff !!

[@RoadsideRC]

$60 is a GREAT price for it!

[@thomasblair7996]

great review troy,been wanting to purchase one for a while now but wasn`t sure of its ability,now i know,thanks for the help!!!

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad I could help! Hope you are doing well Thomas!

[@brucebaker0316]

Don't Radiolink make Dumbo..?? Heard dat.??

[@RoadsideRC]

I hear a lot of rumors, but never anything confirmed.

[@brucebaker0316]

👍 Thanks

[@BAYRAKTAR_MAN]

I bought a dumbo x6fg v1.2 receiver on AliExpress and I found the gyro was MUCH smoother than the x6dcg receiver that came with the radio. Eliminates all wobble and twitching with the sensitivity under 50%

[@RoadsideRC]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing!

[@jeraldlontoc4627]

Is it also a receiver with gyro integrated?

[@BAYRAKTAR_MAN]

@@jeraldlontoc4627 the dumbo receivers with a model name that’s ends in “G” have built in gyros yes.

[@brutka1317]

Try pairing it to old Dumbo RC(all brands and sister companies) receivers it works 🎉🎉🎉 at least for my one's 😂 making it really worth it price

[@RoadsideRC]

Good call! That would be helpful!

[@eprohoda]

yeah~what a insane unboxing. farewell,

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks!

[@jacobcervantes9513]

Never really got to use it to much since it was stolen from me after only having it for 2 days but man that radio was pretty damn good for under 100 from my experience.

[@RoadsideRC]

Dang! Sorry to hear it was stolen!!!

[@douggregoryHOTMotorsports]

you need to do a video on the '71. Me likey. Oh....just got a radiolink rc4gs to dip my toes into an aftermarket controller for my crawler. I have since learned I should have purchased a step higher so I could have a three-position switch for RWS which I am putting on my rig tonight. The VR knob doesn't have a center detent so it will take some skill to make it track properly. Live and learn.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks! Here is a video on the Chevelle: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nV7ViZ-epdeoY68

[@guest6423]

Could you mention the protocol, compatibility, and any availability of cheap receivers for multiple cars? This is the first video I've seen from you, and I like your presentation! Subscribed.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you, I appreciate that! I'm not sure the protocol it uses. Other folks have said that it will bind to the cheap DumboRC receivers, so that is a bonus!

[@codyandrews9207]

I’ve got one and love it!

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad to hear it!

[@DaddyDaughterRC-sw2zb]

Brilliant and detailed review 👍 have the rlaarlo ct-8a which is good for the rigs I use it on ( except being battery hungry and will consume batteries even when powered off) and can use one handed but looking at this dumbo but one feature I would like to know is can you drive this one handed? obviously everyone has different size hands but would like your feedback please. Keep up the great work 👍

[@RoadsideRC]

I can personally drive it one handed, but like you said, everyone is different.

[@DaddyDaughterRC-sw2zb]

@@RoadsideRC 👍 appreciate it.

[@jeraldlontoc4627]

Now I'm decided to give it a go with this one. As im planning to get the micro receiver of them and get a separate (smallest gyro possible). What do you think is the best smallest gyro that would work nicely with it? I'm going fit all of it to a 1/64 rc kit. The nez 1.0

[@jeraldlontoc4627]

Since most of the built in gyro doesn't work alright or smooth.

[@RoadsideRC]

Ooohhh 1/64 is super tiny! The smallest gyro I have used is this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnzPnoWGoJx3h9U

[@Rc-Adventurers]

Is it worth switching to the Dumbo… If u already have a Flysky gt5 with 5 crawlers programmed in it?

[@RoadsideRC]

Nope. I don't think so. This is better than the GT5...but not enough to make it worth the $$ in crawling.

[@matmac888]

I can't get over the name of it... Dumb Bro !!! ....... lol I decided to spend a bit more and get a Noble N4 instead :)

[@RoadsideRC]

Ha! I do agree - not sure what the heck they were thinking with the name. Noble is a great controller!

[@rogueFactor]

i got this when it was first on sale from Banggood for 69.88. lol the only caveat i find is the micro receivers like the one it comes with are 75% of the cost of a new controller w/included receivers. 🤨

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! I understand that as an issue.

[@Jay-Verallo]

Im surprised it cost 90.00 in Amazon. Online markets here only cost 60 usd still, shipped from china.

[@JUSTHAVEFUNRC]

Amazon marks stuff up a lot. It’s much cheaper through aliexpress and other sources.

[@jagergerg9771]

It’s $90 for the 10 channel and they include a 6 channel and some lights.

[@Calcapwn300]

Can you do independent rear steering with this? for crawlers

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! There are multiple switches that can be used to control the rear servo.

[@Calcapwn300]

@@RoadsideRC thats awesome! Thank you!

[@rcjudass7991]

Great review, question: What do the LED and B-/B+ ports on the receiver do?

[@RoadsideRC]

The LED port helps control lights. The B poets are an input from the battery so you can see the voltage on your controller.

[@rcjudass7991]

@@RoadsideRC Thanks, mostly clear now. How to control the LED port? Can’t find in the manual how to allocate a switch to it.

[@pbruteforce1]

How many characters does it have for naming different models? One of the things I don't like about my flysky gt5 is There's only four character spots So I have to abbreviate different vehicle names And half the time I forget what those abbreviations stand for. 😄

[@RoadsideRC]

That isn't something I had tried - so I just went and got the controller to see. I renamed this receiver as "Driiift 1111" and it still had space for more characters. Seems like that is not a limitation with this controller!

[@whitmanft]

does it have lap timer?

[@RoadsideRC]

I didn't see one.

[@billyb5057]

looks quite a good controller interesting to see the competition controllers too guess about money and what you want good review mate on test seems pros and con with the giro *🦘Au🦘💯full view always📺thumbs up👍have a good day😎*

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks Billy! You are right - I should do a controller comparison!

[@Duupje]

Can you use the controler in VRC Pro as a joystick via the usb port?

[@RoadsideRC]

I have not tried- but I do believe I have heard others do so.

[@Duupje]

@@RoadsideRC Can you test it for me please, connect to pc and see if it is recognized as a game controller?

[@fulltang1]

How do you feeo about the trigger spring? Is it ok or too weak

[@RoadsideRC]

Felt good to me - but that is all personal preference.

[@TheMitsosBlog]

Great video. I got mine today. It's my third Dumbo RC. I would like to put throttle reduce in channel 6. In my previous Dumbo I could put down the throttle by turning a nobe, so I could give it to my little son without fearing of him damaging it. I cannot find how to do it in the ddf 350. Scrolling in the menu every time is a bit frustrating. Any ideas?

[@RoadsideRC]

I was looking at the controller - trying to see as well. I feel like it would need to be throttle exponential or end points assigned to one of the side rotating knobs. I do not know immediately how to assign that.

[@steviesmith9797]

Any tips on tuning speed exponential? As you have to do each point individually it becomes a little hard to find where each point should be. Just now I have it at -40, -25, -17, -11, -8.

[@RoadsideRC]

It has a couple pre-sets on the controller. I started from one of those and then tweaked it slightly.

[@fernsolo]

👍

[@reprieverc]

How do you feel this stacks up against the radio link rc6g v3?

[@RoadsideRC]

I would 100% get this over the rc6g.

[@reprieverc]

@@RoadsideRC dude you're the best.ill get this ordered for the RDS. Gonna get an agfrc A59BHL, yokomo DP-302V4 and some good wheels and tires to go with it. Should be door to door soon I hope haha

[@RoadsideRC]

@@reprieverc Awesome! Good luck!

[@jonbootclifford1949]

Johnson Amy Lewis Kevin Walker William

[@M_i_n_d_W_a_r]

😍👍👍✌

[@Plug4Fotos]

In Canadian funny money the Radiolink is over 450$ the Dumbo def worth it. The Radiolink plastics feel like trash in the hand as well

[@RoadsideRC]

Sheesh - that conversion cost is tough.

[@superfabian143]

Is this one or the radio link rc6gs. Better? Pls help with the decision

[@RoadsideRC]

100% this one, no question.

[@jagergerg9771]

I got it a few months back, can’t complain. Love the throttle trim option. I got a Xmaxx Max 5 1100 kv 25/35 a blip of the throttle on the Traxxas transmitter it was on 2 wheels. Excellent controller

[@RoadsideRC]

Nice! Glad you like it!

[@themountain59]

100 dollar ?? What you are talking about? Its 45 euros at the moment with that receiver on Alix

[@RoadsideRC]

That is even better!

[@서혜린-k5q]

45 euros??? it's 40 USD include international shipping!!

[@jaidyn5363]

I gotta question I recently got a futaba transmitter does that mean I need a futaba reciever how does that work?

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes - you need to match the receivers to the transmitter.

[@InTheDogHouse3DPrinting]

I got one today, and the receiver is not working. The radio powers on, but there is no light on the receiver. Is there anything I need to check on the receiver? I'm trying to figure where to plug power into it to power the receiver, and it's for a gas powered rig, not electric.

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes - the receiver needs power to operate. For nitro vehicles, you typically run independent battery packs to power the electronics. Any free slot in the receiver should be able to power it.

[@MX-CO]

does this have throttle and steering expo?

[@402Racing]

around minute 8

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes sir!

[@alexandre5000ify]

Is there a way to use it in a racing game or simulator?

[@RoadsideRC]

It does have USB-C port in the side. In theory, this is for gaming, etc. I have not personally tried it.

[@mazdaman1982]

I have a arrma Vorteks 4x2 boost that I have upgraded like crazy from upgrading to 3s to 4x4 to metal diffs to you name it I have done it 😂 but I am looking for a remote that will read my Lipo battery’s ?

[@RoadsideRC]

What you are talking about is telemetry - and many of the controllers do this! I typically see no need to run it, as the car's LVC does the work - but see how it would be nice to have!

[@Boogie_the_cat]

You'd need some sort of plug going from the receiver into the battery balance lead, which is cumbersome, or you can solder the plug from the receiver into the ESC + and - terminals. Otherwise the receiver will have no way of talking to your battery.

[@gilflores789]

Thank you for this! How about indoor carpet racing? Do you think this will work ok or fantastic?

[@RoadsideRC]

Racing is all about latency - and I really don't have a good way to judge that.

[@steviesmith9797]

Thanks for the review. Got into the hobby a few months ago and I'm hooked. Getting as much seat time as possible and I'm doing fairly well but I've got the bug and budget upgrades for each payday depending on price every second payday 😅 I was on the fence if I should upgrade to a futaba 4pm or a sanwa mt5 due to the faster response (still can't choose which one which is why I haven't bit the bullet before this video) but now I'm wondering if I should change my order of upgrades. As you said this does 90% of what most other controllers can do. So far I have a mst rmx2.5s with tr60 suspension, Gyd470 gyro, rs-st servo, 10bl120 with v3 10.5t motor and this remote. Over time I plan on upgrading to the d10 pro motor and esc, a new radio and upgrade from plastic parts to eliminate slop (mainly steering) The order of upgrades is anyone's guess now 😂 If anyone has any opinions I'd love to hear them.

[@RoadsideRC]

Hi there - glad you are having fun with drifting! Since you asked my opinion on upgrades, here it is: - most of the time, the aluminum parts are a waste of your money. If you see a specific item that needs upgraded, then go for it. But in general, you don't need them. - this controller is really nice - but it is still a long way from a Futaba. If you were considering the 4PM, then you will be happier with that controller over a longer time period. Long-term, no-regrets move. - You plan to jump to the D10 motor and ESC. This is a waste of money. Motor and ESC are the least important items in drifting. The motor you have is already perfect. No benefit in changing it at all. The 10BL120 you have now is good - but it does lack some of the features of a nicer ESC. Still - you can get the XR10 stock spec for HALF the price of the D10 ESC and have 99% of the features. Save some $$$ there. Good luck in your drifting journey!

[@typer5566]

Thanks for the review. Was looking at this other day. QQ. Can you assign throttle dual rate and steering dual rate to the knobs?

[@RoadsideRC]

Interesting question. I don't think there is a way to custom assign a feature like that.

[@MysticRiverRC]

I have this and the Hot Rc radio on my wishlist. Big question no one ever answers: how easily can you steer while driving with one hand only? I want to drive and take video at the same time. Is it possible with either of these? Or would I need to modify the steering wheel. P.S. I have short thumbs, LOL

[@RoadsideRC]

Ha! I usually try that myself - but hard to say for others if they can one-hand drive. I have rather bug hands. Maybe if I measure the distance from the back of the controller to the wheel?

[@MysticRiverRC]

@@RoadsideRC I like both models, for their multi-model feature, and the whole end point thing. I'm also looking into the DumboRC X6PM-350, which lacks those features, but appears to be 'one hand' friendly. Also it looks like the Hot RC Ct-8A has a little thumb thingy on the wheel.... but I like the Dumbo DDF-350 a lot.

[@hamsterwolf]

I was wondering if at some point would you mind taking a look at the flysky fs-g7p Iv been looking to upgrade from a fs-gt5 I really like the gt5's built in gyro and stability management. the dumbo seems to come close but by the looks of things the gt5 might have a better built in gyro. I am curious to see what are your thoughts on the g7p.

[@RoadsideRC]

I might get it at some point. What are you using the built-in gyro for?

[@hamsterwolf]

@@RoadsideRC I like 2wd drive Traxxas vehicles on 3s to 4s and gyro helps a lot to calm those trucks down. On my drift car I've moved onto a standalone gyro but on other vehicles I like having it there as a quick way to change the handling of the car. I like being able to quickly flip the gyro in reverse for drifting and back to normal for stability.

[@WombleRCmodelsandhobbies]

Europe and the uk get the absima branded cr10p .basicaly a dumbo with a diffrent sticker . Even though the model shops and absima say only the 10 channel rx will work you can bind dumbo rx to the absima version . Hope this helps someone

[@RoadsideRC]

I tell you what - Abisma is a much better name than DumboRC!

[@WombleRCmodelsandhobbies]

😂 I agree . You would think a company that just gets things rebranded for them would do the full range of Rx rather than just the 10 channel version . And when I asked them they told me that they had no plans to add any to the range 😕.

[@WombleRCmodelsandhobbies]

Hopefully once word gets out that the Dumbo Rx will work more people will buy them ,they are a great tx for the price and give many options for adjustment to any build 👍

[@DSMOffRoad]

Guess I found my next transmitter to try. Hard to find ones that will run a winch easily in a momentary setup.

[@RoadsideRC]

You are right! Many give 3-position, but not momentary.

[@DSMOffRoad]

@@RoadsideRC Yup, which is very unsafe. My current favorite radio is actually the Spectrum SLT3, which comes with the Base Camp and several other Axial & Arrma vehicles. If you only need steering, throttle and winch control it's hard to beat. I like how you can easily adjust the speed with a switch on the back too, in addition to a big momentary rocker switch to run the winch with.

[@billylim127]

Going to love how these manufacturers name those transmitter functions 😅 I will always remember "Pros" and "Cons" 🤪

[@RoadsideRC]

Ha! Yes! I hope you are doing well Billy. Is your group still running the INr4 receiver & gyro from Flysky? How did that work?

[@billylim127]

I am great! Starting to focus more on P-tiles now 👍🏻 Yup, the drifters here who are using the Noble still using that build in gyro and is working great.

[@RoadsideRC]

@@billylim127 OK - I am going to get one ordered!