Joshua Bardwell runs fpvknowitall.com — the most frequently cited FPV shopping list in the hobby. He updates it when products change, includes notes on why each item is or is not recommended, and does not take money to include products. This is a summary of what his lists say as of 2025–2026, based on direct reading of his site.
The Radio: RadioMaster Boxer or TX16S
Bardwell recommends two RadioMaster radios depending on your use case. For most quad pilots, the RadioMaster Boxer ELRS is the better pick — it has a 1W built-in ELRS module (compared to 250 mW on the TX16S standard), a 5000 mAh LiPo battery, and is more compact and easier to carry. For pilots who want more switches and knobs — particularly those who also fly planes with retracts — the RadioMaster TX16S Mark II Max is the traditional full-size option with hall-effect gimbals and a large colour touchscreen. Both are available in our Bardwell Approved collection.
On ELRS vs. other protocols: Bardwell states that any new vehicles should come with ELRS or Crossfire. FrSky and Spektrum are not recommended for new builds.
For Receivers: Radiomaster RP Series
Bardwell’s receiver recommendations centre on the RadioMaster RP series for 2.4 GHz ELRS. The RP1 is the standard single external-antenna receiver; the RP3 adds dual-antenna diversity and 100 mW telemetry; the RP4TD adds full radio diversity and Gemini dual-band support. For most pilots the RP1 or RP3 is sufficient.
5-Inch Freestyle Frames and Motors
From his 5-inch freestyle shopping list, standout recommendations include the Lumenier QAV-S 2 Joshua Bardwell SE Edition frame — his own signature design. For motors, he lists the Emax Eco II 2207 (budget-friendly, proven reliability) and the T-Motor Velox V2207 V3 as quality mid-tier picks. For flight controllers, the TBS Lucid Stack (FC + 70A ESC) is listed as a complete integrated solution.
Batteries: 6S First
Bardwell’s battery section leans toward 6S packs for 5-inch freestyle. The CNHL SpeedyPizza 6S 1200mAh 120C and Tattu R-Line V4 6S 130C are both listed. Our store carries a LiPo battery as a starting option; 6S packs in the brands Bardwell recommends are worth sourcing from a specialist FPV retailer like GetFPV or ReadyMadeRC.
FPV Cameras and Video Transmitters
For analog freestyle systems, Bardwell recommends the Runcam Phoenix 2 JB Edition (his own signature camera), the Caddx Baby Ratel 2 for low-light performance, and the Foxeer Razer. For VTX he lists the TBS Unify Pro32 HV as the top analog freestyle transmitter. All this gear is analog and pairs with goggles like the Skyzone Sky04X V2 or the Orqa FPV.One Pilot.
Sub-250g Builds: The Lightweight Category
For sub-250g builds (legally lighter for many jurisdictions), Bardwell recommends the Quadmula Siren F3 Split and GEPRC ST35 frames, T-Motor F1404 4600KV motors, and the Hobbywing Xrotor Stack 40A or iFlight Blitz AIO F745 as flight controller options. Our existing FPV & Drone Building collection covers the basics; his site at fpvknowitall.com has the full exhaustive list with current links.
Start With a Simulator
Bardwell consistently recommends learning in a simulator before flying real hardware. The RadioMaster Pocket or Boxer plug into a PC via USB and work with Velocidrone, Liftoff, and DRL Simulator. The RadioMaster Pocket ELRS in our store is the entry point for this workflow.