Drones

What to choose: 5 inch or 7-inch frame?

What to choose: 5 inch or 7-inch frame?

For any FPV Drone frame is the most important structural component. To preserve the delicate electronic components within the FPV Drone and to hold everything together, a sturdy frame is essential. The important details to notice in a frame is strength, space and HD camera mount if you are interested in filming. 

The diagonal length across motors is commonly used to measure frames. This determines the size of props that can be used on a given quad. The frame is measured in centimetres, whereas the props are measured in inches. Quads, on the other hand, are frequently referred simply by their prop size. For example, 5 inch or 6 inch.

Generally, people can’t choose between a 5 inch or 7-inch frame. For frame size of 210mm a 5-inch frame can be used such as Impulse RC or Reverb. This type of frame is largely dominant in the freestyle and racing scene. If frame size is greater than 280mm, a 7-inch frame is more efficient especially for long range. Mode 2 and Shredder 7’’ are some of the available ones. 

A 5-inch frame is preferred as it is the perfect combination of power, responsiveness and weight; it also gives great efficacy. Additionally, the frame’s weight is slightly lower, and the props’ centre is closer to the middle. This increases the amount of force exerted closer to the quad’s centre of mass, which has a favourable influence on the moment of inertia. In comparison to 7″, 5″ has been the standard for a long time, thus you have the most alternatives for frames, motors, propellers, and other components. On the whole it’s very nimble, manoeuvrable, effortlessly efficient, hence a great all-around FPV drone. The only issues with a 5-inch frame are precise motions, it’s difficult to slow down and not advisable for long-range shooting. 

As you step up and increase the size of the frame, you find air resistance playing a major factor. It becomes sizable and huge, therefore not very adaptable. But if you have parallelly bigger props pushing so power won’t be an issue. Considering your main motive is long-range flights hence more efficiency than power, so you can run on low-pitched props with better shape. They can run an average of 15-20 minutes depending on the battery used. At the same time, they are slightly more expensive to build or buy. It’s not suitable if you are a beginner as there is heavy risk involved with long-range flying. A 7-inch frame is best for cinematic long-range cruising. 

While frame shape can affect the size of props, you can make a choice depending on your frame size and use.

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