What are the best googles for around $350.00?

[Epoweredrc]

okay so i really need some goggles, i have only flown LOS for most part i do have a XK252 quad and it has the moniter attached to the tx and ive try to fly looking at it but its about inpossible. i am trying to mod that moniter now and turn it into a head band using some foam and other stuff. wont be prettiest thing when finished but it should work okay... but i want some real googles everyone say fat sharks are the best so are the Dominator v3 the best for $350.00?
I seen the new attitudes but it seems people are having issues with them..
i want the PIDs ( i think called where u can adjust the lens for ur eyes) and
I want a built in DVR so i can record
I really don't know anything else to say i want.. i would say a long lasting battery but seem none last long i do not mind charging the battery back up or maybe buying a extra pack.

is there anything else i would need to go with these as they come? any better antenna or anything?
at first i will just be flying at the house mostly.. i have a tiny whoop im getting and like to get a lil larger quad. 250 ish sized but mostly be smaller stuff and i just fly for fun..

these are the ones i was looking at. I like the blue and white.
https://www.getfpv.com/fatshark-dom...L_bL4GBPbv-bo9_x6bgKSWP08GttSTIQaAnxcEALw_wcB

 

[French]

The dominators don't come with a module, so they're not really $350. A module will be from $30 (single) to $80+ (diversity)
I have the Attitude V4s. They're good. They fit the face well. DVR is great. The module can be a bit temporamental at times. The 1000mah battery is weak.

I'd suggest trying to get the Aomway Commanders. They have a DVR and good diversity built in. I think they're the best value goggle. Some people say they are less comfortable on some faces. They don't come with a battery, but they use a balance board so you can power them with a variety of batteries you have laying around.

 

[Montiey]

Don't get stuck on the blue and white. There's much more important stuff behind each goggle. The Dominator series is probably the most famous. The only other series that Fatshark has been updating with modern tech is the Attitude line. The Attitude V4's are nice, but they are a bit different than some of the Dominator goggles that would do the same things. The module bay is different, so none of the popular modules will work, and not too many people make modules for the Attitudes. They do have a built in head-tracker, but you can get this separate for the Dominators if you really want to try it out (nobody ever uses it, though). I would recommend looking at the Dominator line.

Also, you can get really cheap Fatshark goggles that are still enjoyable to use at a much lower cost than $350. I got Dom V1's for $120. No DVR, IPD adjustment, but still 30deg FOV and full VGA resolution- not to mention the option for any of the new reciever modules. Really nice goggles (for the price). Just don't go too low... Some old Predator goggles and all goggles in the Teleporter line have a sort of half-vga resolution (not good, basically useless for modern aircraft), and no upgradable modules. They go for ~$100, but they're worth like $50 in my opinion.

Also avoid the Fatshark goggles sold through Horizon (Teleporter V4, Focal, Focal DVR). They have some of the most gimicky features you could imagine. Unless your willing to put down a large sum of cash for those few things, you'll just be happier sticking to the stock goggles that are more-worth their price tag.

You should consider buying used goggles, too. Not too many people are going to sell their Dominator V3s, or their HD3s at a reasonable discount, so if it's the ultra-high end you want, you'll probably end up paying full price unless you get lucky.

Dom V2s are pretty on-par with Dom V3s, but the DVR will corrupt your video file if you yank the power before stopping the DVR recording- something that I would regret on a regular basis, knowing my forgetfulness. The Dom V3 has a super capacitor circuit that will finish saving even if you yank the DC jack while recording (and, of course, different optics and other specs).

Regarding the HD line, Some people consider the older HD2 better than the newer HD3 because the HD2 has a higher FOV. This was reduced in the HD3 to add some new features. The even-older HD1 goggles are out there, too, but checking the spec sheet, you can get the same thing in a newer Dominator Vxxx goggle that maybe already comes with a face plate, battery, etc.

I forgot to mention the Dominator SE. It's got similar features to everything else, but some specs are different. It's got a receiver included, 50deg FOV, and some other stuff. Just be sure to compare all the specs.

~~~

I think you should check the RCGroups Classifieds, and then look up the specs for every single different goggle you can get, and consider all your options. Many people also bundle receivers with their goggles on RCGroups. Fatshark doesn't sell some goggles with a receiver (again, look at all your options and what each seller / goggle kit offers).

 

[PsyBorg]

I got my Skyzones when I first started. I would love to have the new Skyzone with the spectrum analyzer and other new features in them. I was never one to do the jump on the hype train thing. Fat Shark lost my even thinking about them when I saw the goggles were 500+ dollars and I STILL had to buy receivers.. NOT gonna happen here for sure.

Take a look at the new Skyzones they are well worthy.

 

[Epoweredrc]

Thanks everyone for all the info so far.... Sorry i am new to goggles this would be my first pair... What is the module you say they do nto come with you mean the one for the camera? i wasn't aware they didn't come with it that why i asked..
i was looking also at the Attitude V4 but those seem to be the ones ppl having issues with.

I have looked in the classified but seem the really good deals go soon as posted. not sure about buying used. im kinda funny about stuff like that i know you can clean them with rubbing alcohol

i do not care about recording or having HD... i am happy with normal video.. right now i do all recording with my cell or a cheapo camper i have..
I just want some good goggles and wanna be sure to know what all i need to make it work.. as said i like to not spend over $350.. as this most likely be a Christmas bday present from my parents this year. best bank for buck...
I have heard bad things about the cheaper Fatsharks the ones under 200 that's why i wasn't even looking at them

 

[Epoweredrc]

I got my Skyzones when I first started. I would love to have the new Skyzone with the spectrum analyzer and other new features in them. I was never one to do the jump on the hype train thing. Fat Shark lost my even thinking about them when I saw the goggles were 500+ dollars and I STILL had to buy receivers.. NOT gonna happen here for sure.

Take a look at the new Skyzones they are well worthy.

I am in the hobby on a budget for sure, but with googles ive often heard buy cheap buy twice. but i would like something nice. Right off it seen the skyzones are right up there in price with fatshark. found i guess the newer ones for $400
Can you suggest a place in the US to buy that brand i will look around google and see what i find.

 

[French]

Sorry i am new to goggles this would be my first pair... What is the module you say they do nto come with you mean the one for the camera?

The module is the 5.8 mHz receiver that is installed in the goggles to let you view the video signal being sent from the video transmitter in the quad. The Dominators do not come stock with a module, so they can't receive a signal straight out of the box. It just one of the things that you need to consider when purchasing them.

I just want some good goggles and wanna be sure to know what all i need to make it work.. as said i like to not spend over $350.. as this most likely be a Christmas bday present from my parents this year. best bank for buck...
I have heard bad things about the cheaper Fatsharks the ones under 200 that's why i wasn't even looking at them

You really can't go wrong with any of the sets discussed above: used Dominators, Attitude V4s, Aomway Commanders, or Skyzones. Some may have different features, but all will provide you the FPV experience you're looking for. We all understand that googles are a pricey purchase, so everyone wants the best they can afford. Sometimes you just need to decide about the features you want vs. the features you need (in your price range).

Here's a comparison of the fatsharks from Josh Bardwell:

Regarding the Attitude V4's, I hear the TrueD 3.5 diversity module will fit in the single bay without any modification. The TrueD 3.0 and La Forge do not fit without modification.

 

[PsyBorg]

 

[Montiey]

I have looked in the classified but seem the really good deals go soon as posted. not sure about buying used.

That's how good deals work :black_eyed:

A lot of the older goggles, or goggles w/o module, scratch & dent, etc. will hang around a lot longer i.e. my Dom V1s. High end goggles are still there, but if it's not worth your while than buying new is still perfectly acceptable

 

[Epoweredrc]

Thanks, Those Skyzone Sky02 FPV Goggles really look cool they have everything i think i want/need but there as much as the fatsharks at $400 unless you know a cheaper place to get them.

 

[flitetest]

A lot of GREAT options out there! I have had the SE's since they came out and I have loved em...unfortunately "special edition" does not work out for anyone else getting them! ha

As far as skyzones are concerned, we have not had a MASSIVE amount of experience with them, except for one pair I used for about 6 months and they worked fine, but little bit to narrow field of view!

I am ALL about field of view... and in my opinion THAT is what you pay for and THAT is what makes it feel more immersive! Lastly, diversity is awesome as well so definitely keep that in mind when purchasing!

Here is a link to all the goggles on the FT store: https://store.flitetest.com/fpv-goggles/


Good luck and cant wait to hear what direction you go!

Blessings,
Stefan

 

[Epoweredrc]

A lot of GREAT options out there! I have had the SE's since they came out and I have loved em...unfortunately "special edition" does not work out for anyone else getting them! ha

As far as skyzones are concerned, we have not had a MASSIVE amount of experience with them, except for one pair I used for about 6 months and they worked fine, but little bit to narrow field of view!

I am ALL about field of view... and in my opinion THAT is what you pay for and THAT is what makes it feel more immersive! Lastly, diversity is awesome as well so definitely keep that in mind when purchasing!

Here is a link to all the goggles on the FT store: https://store.flitetest.com/fpv-goggles/


Good luck and cant wait to hear what direction you go!

Blessings,
Stefan

Thanks for the post Stefan I am glad I found your site here, knew you had the store but just found the forum recently. I follow you guys on youtube all the time..
Looks like your out of most your goggles right now I am still trying to learn about FPV. it interests me a lot and i hope i can get my GF into it also as we was at a local funfly and she seen a couple guys racing on a course and really enjoyed watching and said looked like fun..
all these HDMI ports, and diversity and all i really don't understand yet what all that stuff is, or why its needed.

I think i still like the FS domiators V3 even if you do have to buy a module separate so unless i can find something for $350 with it build in i might just go with those.. i have seen lots of goof utube reviews on those.

 

[French]

An HDMI port is a universal HD video port that would allow you to hook up your goggles to some computers (think about flying simulators) or other HD signals (for instance a Connex HD FPV setup).

Diversity just means that your goggles can receive two separate signals and determine while one looks the best. You mount two antennas to your goggles such as a low gain omnidirectional (think round antenna) and a high gain directional antenna (pointed in one direction with a narrow beam of reception). A combination of both antennas allows you to fly very far in one direction, but to also fly around yourself. It's not a necessity, but very nice to have.

 

[PsyBorg]

I have to comment on the 16:9 vs the 4:3 point of view. Each has their own use. It all depends on what you are used to as well as what purpose you use them for.

16:9 is favored by a lot of the freestyle guys or the aerial photography guys specially the video gamers getting into the hobby. While I agree that wide screen has beautiful views it can be very distracting. There is a lot of extra things going by to pull your attention from where you are actually going. It also gives a false sense of speed because of that. Most cameras are outputting 4:3 video and that is getting stretched to 16:9. This skews the picture making parts of the image seem closer then it is and others further away. Add to that the lens used are circular and not oval so you get even more skewing specially out on the edges.

4:3 is the same aspect as most cameras so there is very little skewing and the perception of speed is normalized. It is also easier to match a lens so the edges are not so skewed. Granted without sophisticated complex lens or major digital manipulation all images are going to be off from what they normally are. This less skewed aspect is what a lot of racers use to be more accurate not only in getting where they want to be on their line but also gives a closer representation of their actual speeds.

Video games are a perfect example of this. Look at a lot of the early FPV Freerider videos posted. They were played on a very wide view. The pilots were flying with 20 -25 degree camera tilts and speed settings less then 50 for the most part. We all know you are not keeping the horizon in view while going fast on that low camera tilt so you are forced to fly slow. Still with the super wide angles they look pretty darn fast.

If you want to do an easy test to see what would better suit you fly any of the sims and set the camera FOV as wide as you can then fly for a bit.. wait a day or so then set the FOV down around 48 degrees for a more 4:3 feel and see how you do. This will show you what it is like. Now when you do this you should be flying at your best ability and fastest speeds to get a closer estimate to reality.

Personally I like the 4:3 for both and am used to it. When I started I was flying on a wide screen monitor and found the extra scenery along with that area being so skewed to be much harder to fly then after getting my goggles and flying 4:3.

Bottom line is it is still a personal preference and you will get used to what you fly with either way. This is all just things to think about when making a decision.

 

[Epoweredrc]

An HDMI port is a universal HD video port that would allow you to hook up your goggles to some computers (think about flying simulators) or other HD signals (for instance a Connex HD FPV setup).

Diversity just means that your goggles can receive two separate signals and determine while one looks the best. You mount two antennas to your goggles such as a low gain omnidirectional (think round antenna) and a high gain directional antenna (pointed in one direction with a narrow beam of reception). A combination of both antennas allows you to fly very far in one direction, but to also fly around yourself. It's not a necessity, but very nice to have.

Thank you for clearing those up. So if i did get the FS V3 what all modules could i use with them? I know i want a 5.8 mhz cause that is what both my quads and anything i plan to get will be.. I have heard in videos that some go with other mhz if they want extra long range... I do not plan to fly out of site.. Or well someone will always be able to see my quad LOS while im flying, for one i think that is still the AMA rules for FPV and if i ever went down well w/o someone knowing where i was i would be in impossible to find it.

So the normal Antennas that seem most the goggles come with arent that great the ones that look like whats on our 2.4 transmitters one of the round ones would be better? i have seen a few videos talk about left hand or right hand lean ones... i guess you try to fly to the one side of yourself.. I find myself with LOS flying always in front of myself but always left or right also depends on where i am flying.. I plan to fly the tiny whoop im getting inside the house while sitting in my bedroom.

I just got finished with my homemade googles. I have the 4.5 inch monitor from my XK quad and i fixed up a thing out of a piece of foam board and some regular thicker foam i had laying around, some elastic bands i picked up at walmart today and now i can wear it as a head band... My current quad is not flying right i was hoping to get to test it out. i think its going to be a learning experience and be different.. this is just what i had one hand till i can get real googles

This module would work on the domintor v3?
https://www.getfpv.com/fat-shark-5-...KSleS3IWFGn-Zgh6E9De12TDax2xXDQwaAn3KEALw_wcB

Are there any advantages to any of the other modules?

 

[ElectriSean]

Some antenna basics. IBCrazy on youtube has an excellent beginner series as well.

 

[RCMAN]

I use the Dominator V3. I like it, plus it doesn't come with a rx and that is nice to be able to choose your own. Great dvr feature.

 

[Epoweredrc]

I use the Dominator V3. I like it, plus it doesn't come with a rx and that is nice to be able to choose your own. Great dvr feature.

I think that will be the ones I end up getting.. what module do you use in yours?
What do you guys think a fair price for used would be a guy had some with a nexwave module FS for like $300 said they were like new.

Anyways here is what I am using for the time being.. and my gf will use these after i get some goggles to wear just as a passenger or maybe one day she will learn to fly a quad she was doing okay on the sim today

Even added a small PC fan tot hem lastnight with a 2s battery i had laying around to keep it a little cooler inside.my current quad is still being crazy,, I hope my tiny whoop will be here tomorrow. i set up a small FPV course today

 

[Epoweredrc]

I have really been enjoying this tiny whoop and these home made googles. i wish i had made them before when i first got my x252 quad.. only thing that stinks is no way to record the fpv flight on the tinywhoop.

so this camera on the tiny whoop is a all in one i guess you call it do they have larger ones that have all in ones? or do you have to have the camera and a tranmitter? to send the signal to the goggles? I am asking cause i like to get a camera for one of my bigger planes not a micro one that could work up to a mile or something.. not that i fly that far away but if i stuck it on my 48 inch plane i could see that for a ways away..

Thanks