Drones have really taken off this past year, with the entry-level Spark really stealing the show. And while DJI brought drone photography to the masses through 2017, Fat Shark is looking to replicate some of that success on a different front with its new first-person racing kit. As a way to make drone racing more accessible, the Fat Shark 101 includes everything you’ll need to get started.
Drone racing has broke into the mainstream throughout the year, with ESPN going as far to launch its own league. But for those looking to take their first steps into the sport, there hasn’t been a straightforward or intuitive way to get started. Most racing-spec drones are custom-built much in the same way gaming PCs are, so getting started can be pretty intimidating for newcomers. But that’s all about to change, or so hopes Fat Shark.
Fat Shark has been in the drone racing game for some time now. And as the leader in first person view headsets, odds are high that most early adopters of the sport are already using Fat Shark gear. But now the company is branching out to release an all-in-one starter kit to make drone racing more intuitive than ever.
With its new $249 starter kit, the Fat Shark 101 is designed from the ground up with both affordability and accessibility in mind, making it a great place to start for those interested in drone racing.
And as such, the kit includes everything you’ll need to get started racing; from the drone and FPV goggles to accessories like additional batteries, spare motors and propellers. What makes the biggest difference is that everything comes pre-assembled and ready to use straight out of the box, meaning that needing to solder all the components together is a thing of the past for newbies.
But in true tinkerer spirit, everything included in the kit is also upgradable. Meaning you can swap out the radio, its motors and more. This makes the kit even more impressive, as once you’ve mastered your first drone, there’s no need to replace it entirely.
The custom-designed Shark Quad drone packs progressional-grade gimbals to make flight as intuitive as possible for first-time racers. It’s said to be agile enough to fly indoors and strong enough for the outdoors. Battery life clocks in at just 5 minutes, which isn’t great, but still solid for an entry-level drone. This is all complete with an outer casing designed like a shark, of course.
Those looking to get into drone racing can now preorder the Fat Shark 101 starter kit for $249. Sadly it won’t be shipping until January, meaning it won’t make the perfect last-minute gift for the drone enthusiast on your list. As someone who has previously tried to get into drone racing, this kit looks super promising and with its relatively inexpensive starting price, might be exactly what’s needed to break the sport into the mainstream.
FTC: 9to5Toys is reader supported, we may earn income on affiliate links
Subscribe to the 9to5Toys YouTube Channel for all of the latest videos, reviews, and more!
