RANKING
18
Rank 18 out of 50 Summarized in this category
Rankings based on:
• Pros-to-cons ratio
• Number of reviews
• Category average
Lumenier
QAV-R 5" Race Quad
around $129
i
All prices are estimates and may vary from actual prices.
Image source:
86 Pros
73%
8 reviews (1h 19m)
32 Cons
Premium 5-inch FPV racing drone frame kit popular for custom builds, showcased in many YouTube racing and freestyle videos....
100%
9 vs 0
Flight Performance
76%
16 vs 5
Features
82%
54 vs 12
Build Quality
40%
2 vs 3
Ease of Use
0%
0 vs 0
Camera Quality
Reviewer verdict
Across 8 YouTube reviews, the Lumenier QAV-R 5" Race Quad earns an Index score of 3.9/5, ranking #18 among FPV Drones. Reviewers most often praise its build quality, features, flight performance, while the most common criticisms concern build quality, durability.
The Lumenier QAV-R stands out for its race-oriented design, centered around an innovative quick-swap arm system that enables pilots to perform exceptionally fast field repairs between heats. This thoughtful engineering is complemented by high-quality materials, including stiff 4mm carbon fiber arms and durable aluminum hardware, resulting in a frame that is both lightweight and robust. Reviewers praise its excellent flight characteristics, noting the X-frame's balanced center of gravity makes for agile and responsive handling, even when carrying a GoPro. The build process is generally considered straightforward, with plenty of room for components and clever features like a tool-free camera mount and effective neoprene landing gear, making it a popular choice for serious racers.
The primary complaint against early versions of the QAV-R involves durability, with multiple reviewers experiencing cracks in the main base plate near the arm mounts after crashes. This weakness was compounded by the original aluminum hardware, which was prone to stripping and shearing, leading many to seek steel replacements. Some frustration was also directed at key components being sold separately, such as a needed reinforcement plate, or being inadequate, like a PDB without a voltage regulator. While later revisions addressed some durability concerns, these initial weaknesses were significant drawbacks for a premium frame.
Analysis based on 8 YouTube reviews (1h 19m of video) with 86 pros and 32 cons extracted.
Pros (86)
Build Quality (54)
- QAV-R XL top/bottom plates provide extra length/room to carry larger batteries (e.g., 1800mAh) and a GoPro while keeping CG balanced ▶ Lumenier QAV-R and QAV-R XL Frame Review @ 7:20
- Designed CG for typical payload (GoPro + ~1300 mAh) but XL gives flexibility for bigger setups ▶ Lumenier QAV-R and QAV-R XL Frame Review @ 7:44
- Designed to make pit repairs faster (race plate concept) so pilots can quickly replace arms/parts between heats ▶ Lumenier QAV-R (formerly RaceBlade) FPV Racing Quadcopter @ 0:14
- Iteration on popular QAV frames using familiar body with removable arms ▶ Lumenier QAV-R (formerly RaceBlade) FPV Racing Quadcopter @ 0:53
- All-aluminum hardware provided (black anodized) for durability/appearance ▶ Lumenier QAV-R (formerly RaceBlade) FPV Racing Quadcopter @ 1:34
- New neoprene pad landing gear is lightweight, provides damping on landing, and only adds ~1 g of weight ▶ Lumenier QAV-R (formerly RaceBlade) FPV Racing Quadcopter @ 2:27
- Innovative removable-arm hardware eliminates the need to hold nuts inside the frame, enabling very fast arm removal and changeovers ▶ Lumenier QAV-R (formerly RaceBlade) FPV Racing Quadcopter @ 3:27
- Custom internal aluminum hardware doubles as standoffs for PDB and flight controller, simplifying construction ▶ Lumenier QAV-R (formerly RaceBlade) FPV Racing Quadcopter @ 3:55
- One-tool arm removal using M3x10 mm aluminum screws; easy to remove and reattach arms ▶ Lumenier QAV-R (formerly RaceBlade) FPV Racing Quadcopter @ 4:18
- Quick-swap power distribution board accessory allows complete arm exchange without soldering ▶ Lumenier QAV-R (formerly RaceBlade) FPV Racing Quadcopter @ 5:21
- Pre-built removable arm concept enables swapping an entire arm (motor+ESC) quickly, preserving flight controller tune and setup ▶ Lumenier QAV-R (formerly RaceBlade) FPV Racing Quadcopter @ 6:14
- Arms are keyed/only fit one way so motor rotation direction is consistent and easy to manage ▶ Lumenier QAV-R (formerly RaceBlade) FPV Racing Quadcopter @ 6:57
- Set-screw connections on quick-swap PDB let you remove power and ESC connections easily (and bullet connectors can make it even faster) ▶ Lumenier QAV-R (formerly RaceBlade) FPV Racing Quadcopter @ 7:31
- Frame offered in 4in, 5in, and 6in arm versions to suit different prop sizes and preferences ▶ Lumenier QAV-R (formerly RaceBlade) FPV Racing Quadcopter @ 10:03
- Hard case accessory custom foam insert holds frame (with props), batteries, GoPro, antenna, and two pre-built arms for transport ▶ Lumenier QAV-R (formerly RaceBlade) FPV Racing Quadcopter @ 12:07
- Includes vibration dampening mount for GoPro/DVR camera ▶ Lumenier QAV - R build overview @ 0:24
- Build quality feels higher than cheap clones; materials feel more premium ▶ Lumenier QAV - R build overview @ 4:32
- Includes stickers and foam landing pads and useful small accessories ▶ Lumenier QAV - R build overview @ 4:34
- Arms are stiff and seem tough (less flex than previous quad) ▶ Lumenier QAV - R build overview @ 6:47
- Carbon fiber plates (top and bottom) are quite stiff and strong ▶ Lumenier QAV - R build overview @ 7:11
- Kit includes reinforcement cross to strengthen lower part (available as extra) ▶ Lumenier QAV - R build overview @ 0:44
- Wiring length planned to allow removing top cover without pulling pigtail out — gives some movement and play to lay wires out of the way ▶ QAV R BUILD PART 5 @ 0:12
- Wire length not excessive so it won't get chopped by propellers ▶ QAV R BUILD PART 5 @ 0:28
- Clear polarity labeling and checks (red positive, black negative) and double-checking ▶ QAV R BUILD PART 5 @ 0:41
- Power successfully routed to motors, ESCs, PDB and flight controller — system powered up ▶ QAV R BUILD PART 5 @ 1:48
- High-quality carbon fiber components; consistent material and excellent machining ▶ Part 5 - 5"MQSO - Lumenier QAV-R Build Summary @ 0:34
- Unique nailed finish on aluminium standoffs and good aluminium hardware included ▶ Part 5 - 5"MQSO - Lumenier QAV-R Build Summary @ 0:45
- Includes aluminium motor screws and other useful kit items (XT60 pigtail, foam pads, battery strap, stickers) ▶ Part 5 - 5"MQSO - Lumenier QAV-R Build Summary @ 0:56
- Reasonably stiff construction with 4 mm carbon fiber arms ▶ Part 5 - 5"MQSO - Lumenier QAV-R Build Summary @ 3:39
- Arms are designed to be easily removable/replaceable (three-screw removal) ▶ Part 5 - 5"MQSO - Lumenier QAV-R Build Summary @ 4:07
- Build went together pretty nicely; electronics (FC, ESCs, motors) fit well ▶ Part 5 - 5"MQSO - Lumenier QAV-R Build Summary @ 5:15
- Lightweight frame: ~100 g without PDB, 105–106 g with PDB ▶ Part 5 - 5"MQSO - Lumenier QAV-R Build Summary @ 2:55
- Really strong (compared to previous frames) ▶ Review//Lumenier QAV-R (Formerly RaceBlade) @ 0:31
- Steel replacement hardware provided by Good FPV resolved bolt failures ▶ Review//Lumenier QAV-R (Formerly RaceBlade) @ 2:19
- Flights great; plenty of room for components ▶ Review//Lumenier QAV-R (Formerly RaceBlade) @ 3:31
- Carries a GoPro very well (frame feels light even with GoPro mounted) ▶ Review//Lumenier QAV-R (Formerly RaceBlade) @ 4:59
- Likes the QAVR name and design lineage (QAV/QAVR) — feels appropriate for racing ▶ QAV-R : Review/Maiden Flight @ 0:06
- Top plate option is thicker (2 mm vs 1.5 mm) — improved durability ▶ QAV-R : Review/Maiden Flight @ 2:04
- Option/availability of an X sandwich base plate to further strengthen arms (optional upgrade) ▶ QAV-R : Review/Maiden Flight @ 1:35
- Provided GoPro mount fits top plate and supports velcro strap — easy attachment ▶ QAV-R : Review/Maiden Flight @ 4:52
- VTX wiring length allows convenient antenna mounting to top plate ▶ QAV-R : Review/Maiden Flight @ 6:37
- Landing gears are low-weight and effective — adds little weight and are 'awesome' ▶ QAV-R : Review/Maiden Flight @ 7:56
- Uses proven Cobra 2204 2300 KV motors which the reviewer is completely happy with ▶ Raceblade (QAV-R) Build Overview and maiden flight @ 0:16
- Direct-soldered motors/ESCs worked fine for the builder (neat, secure connections) ▶ Raceblade (QAV-R) Build Overview and maiden flight @ 0:46
- Careful wiring and stacking (Brotronics PDB and Naze Rev6) yields a clean, well-integrated build ▶ Raceblade (QAV-R) Build Overview and maiden flight @ 1:42
- OSD and Naze stack up perfectly (good mechanical/electrical integration) ▶ Raceblade (QAV-R) Build Overview and maiden flight @ 2:18
- Beeper and receiver directly soldered to reduce dangling wires and keep a low profile ▶ Raceblade (QAV-R) Build Overview and maiden flight @ 3:31
- Receiver fits snugly with foam padding (minimal movement) ▶ Raceblade (QAV-R) Build Overview and maiden flight @ 6:00
- Design intention: detachable arms for quick field repairs (good for racing) ▶ Raceblade (QAV-R) Build Overview and maiden flight @ 6:56
- Recognizable, evolved QAV-R frame design from Lumenier ▶ Lumenier QAV-R and QAV-R XL Frame Review @ 1:02
- Arms are 4mm and the metal brackets/joining method make the frame super rigid and very strong ▶ Lumenier QAV-R and QAV-R XL Frame Review @ 1:30
- Arm design makes them act as a near-unity structure somewhat independent of the bottom plate, reducing stress on the bottom plate ▶ Lumenier QAV-R and QAV-R XL Frame Review @ 4:18
- Intelligent integration of 4mm arms to take hits where needed without unnecessary weight ▶ Lumenier QAV-R and QAV-R XL Frame Review @ 4:35
- First-party frame innovation and likely better carbon/material quality compared to generic clones ▶ Lumenier QAV-R and QAV-R XL Frame Review @ 6:59
Features (16)
- Includes power distribution board compatible with QAV210/180 and supports common board cameras (e.g., CM650) with camera mounting options ▶ Lumenier QAV-R (formerly RaceBlade) FPV Racing Quadcopter @ 2:02
- Accessories: LED board with presets and Cleanflight integration for identification and patterns ▶ Lumenier QAV-R (formerly RaceBlade) FPV Racing Quadcopter @ 11:06
- Ready-to-fly option with Lumenier components planned, but frame remains open-design so you can mix and match components ▶ Lumenier QAV-R (formerly RaceBlade) FPV Racing Quadcopter @ 13:26
- Quick-swap system and open design make it compatible with many ESCs/motors (bare motor power wires and standard servo connector) ▶ Lumenier QAV-R (formerly RaceBlade) FPV Racing Quadcopter @ 13:54
- Flight controller (Omnibus F3) has nice specs and records flight ▶ Lumenier QAV - R build overview @ 1:59
- External switchable voltage regulator available (5V/12V) for reliable power ▶ Lumenier QAV - R build overview @ 2:48
- Satellite receiver binds to transmitter and mounting planned (using double-sided Gorilla tape) ▶ QAV R BUILD PART 5 @ 2:43
- Supplied Lumenier 4 power PDB included (convenient for builds) ▶ Part 5 - 5"MQSO - Lumenier QAV-R Build Summary @ 1:46
- 5 inch version of the Lumenier raceblade (QAV-R) — reviewer picked it up when available ▶ Review//Lumenier QAV-R (Formerly RaceBlade) @ 0:13
- Has a lot of features ▶ Review//Lumenier QAV-R (Formerly RaceBlade) @ 0:29
- Camera (HS177) integrates cleanly into side plate — tool-free mounting, easy angle adjustment, stays secure in flight ▶ QAV-R : Review/Maiden Flight @ 4:10
- Dragonfly 200 mW VTX is small, fits well, has on/off switch and push button channel cycling with LED display — convenient and prevents overheating on ground ▶ QAV-R : Review/Maiden Flight @ 5:41
- Integrated LED and buzzer on the flight controller (Seriously Pro) — flexible functions and clean integration with no frame interference ▶ QAV-R : Review/Maiden Flight @ 7:10
- Brotronics PDB has a nice current sensor and Vbat monitoring useful for telemetry ▶ Raceblade (QAV-R) Build Overview and maiden flight @ 2:08
- Uses an inexpensive, capable video transmitter (Eachine TS5823) and good camera options ▶ Raceblade (QAV-R) Build Overview and maiden flight @ 4:30
- Simple, clever camera mounting/tilt system with three screw holes for easy angle adjustment ▶ Lumenier QAV-R and QAV-R XL Frame Review @ 6:03
Flight Performance (9)
- Uses X design that brings center of gravity together, making flips and rolls easier ▶ Lumenier QAV-R (formerly RaceBlade) FPV Racing Quadcopter @ 1:20
- Motors (Arris RS2205 red bottoms 2300kV) provide good punch with batteries ▶ Lumenier QAV - R build overview @ 0:56
- Variety of props available to tune performance (good reviews for some types) ▶ Lumenier QAV - R build overview @ 3:13
- Motors spin in correct directions after setup ▶ QAV R BUILD PART 5 @ 3:28
- Successful maiden flight — quad hovers ▶ QAV R BUILD PART 5 @ 4:43
- Completed quad weight reasonable: 326 g without battery (light race build) ▶ Part 5 - 5"MQSO - Lumenier QAV-R Build Summary @ 8:39
- Overall enthusiasm: reviewer expects this to be main flyer for 2016 — positive confidence in platform ▶ QAV-R : Review/Maiden Flight @ 7:41
- Flies great; builder is proud of its flight performance ▶ Raceblade (QAV-R) Build Overview and maiden flight @ 0:09
- Frame is really light and agile ▶ Raceblade (QAV-R) Build Overview and maiden flight @ 7:48
Ease of Use (2)
- Build process and setup described as easy and enjoyable — reviewer happy with the assembled quad ▶ QAV-R : Review/Maiden Flight @ 2:22
- Easy-grip textured spacers to make fastening/replacing screws easier ▶ Lumenier QAV-R (formerly RaceBlade) FPV Racing Quadcopter @ 1:44
Durability (2)
- Been flown 40–50 flights and still functional after several wrecks ▶ Review//Lumenier QAV-R (Formerly RaceBlade) @ 0:58
- Manufacturer provided a fix: new base plate without lightening holes to strengthen the area and reduce cracking on crashes ▶ QAV-R : Review/Maiden Flight @ 0:50
Battery Life (1)
- Batteries (NanoTech 1300mAh 45–90C) give good punch with the motors ▶ Lumenier QAV - R build overview @ 1:12
Value for Money (1)
- Good price point and really light ▶ Review//Lumenier QAV-R (Formerly RaceBlade) @ 5:06
Customer Support (1)
- Good customer support from FPV (Good FPV shipped steel replacements and addressing issues) ▶ Review//Lumenier QAV-R (Formerly RaceBlade) @ 2:19
Cons (32)
Build Quality (12)
- Previous landing gear designs (standoffs) tended to snag, bend, or get lost — problem the new design aims to fix (implies prior models had this issue) ▶ Lumenier QAV-R (formerly RaceBlade) FPV Racing Quadcopter @ 2:30
- Top plate causes battery to stick out (design/fit comment) ▶ Lumenier QAV - R build overview @ 7:04
- Frame perceived as small/tiny and potentially fragile despite stiff carbon fiber ▶ Lumenier QAV - R build overview @ 7:11
- Concern about cutting wires too short (worry expressed about length) ▶ QAV R BUILD PART 5 @ 2:13
- Some supplied hardware uses light 16 AWG XT60 pigtail — user prefers heavier 12–14 AWG for high current ▶ Part 5 - 5"MQSO - Lumenier QAV-R Build Summary @ 2:00
- Minor manufacturing fitment issue: camera side plate was slightly too tall and had to be filed to sit flush ▶ Part 5 - 5"MQSO - Lumenier QAV-R Build Summary @ 7:40
- Weakness in bolt/button-head design (not enough material between allen key hole and rest of screw) ▶ Review//Lumenier QAV-R (Formerly RaceBlade) @ 2:05
- May have trouble fitting very large components (e.g., immersion 600 mW transmitter) due to limited internal space ▶ Review//Lumenier QAV-R (Formerly RaceBlade) @ 3:48
- Original top plate was thinner (1.5 mm) — implied weaker than new 2 mm top plate ▶ QAV-R : Review/Maiden Flight @ 2:04
- Uncertainty whether new batches include the strengthened base/top plates or X sandwich plate as standard — potential availability/option confusion ▶ QAV-R : Review/Maiden Flight @ 1:31
- Direct-soldering motors to ESCs can void ESC warranty and requires confident soldering skills ▶ Raceblade (QAV-R) Build Overview and maiden flight @ 0:51
- Current build method (direct soldering) limits usefulness of Lumenier's planned quick-release PDB ▶ Raceblade (QAV-R) Build Overview and maiden flight @ 7:40
Durability (9)
- Concern that using 4mm arms might shift breakage to the frame plates instead of the arms (mechanical fuse tradeoff) ▶ Lumenier QAV-R and QAV-R XL Frame Review @ 1:30
- Potential for the top/bottom sandwich plates to crack or show flex under leverage (example: top plate cracked where an arm broke) ▶ Lumenier QAV-R and QAV-R XL Frame Review @ 3:52
- Base plate area may crack before arms in a crash due to lack of sandwich layer; concern about durability at arm mounts ▶ Part 5 - 5"MQSO - Lumenier QAV-R Build Summary @ 4:03
- Original shipped aluminum hardware was weak — reviewer stripped/almost stripped almost every aluminum bolt in two crashes; one crash sheared all bolts off the arms ▶ Review//Lumenier QAV-R (Formerly RaceBlade) @ 1:43
- Bottom plate has two cutouts near arm mounts, leaving little material where stress is placed, causing cracking (affects reviewer and others) ▶ Review//Lumenier QAV-R (Formerly RaceBlade) @ 2:32
- Reviewer experienced small crack on top plate from a hard GoPro crash ▶ Review//Lumenier QAV-R (Formerly RaceBlade) @ 3:13
- Earlier production base plate had cracking issues reported by users around a specific area ▶ QAV-R : Review/Maiden Flight @ 0:50
- Some people have complained the bottom plate is too weak and can break when arms are stressed ▶ Raceblade (QAV-R) Build Overview and maiden flight @ 6:34
- Receiver antennas currently mounted low and exposed; they may get scraped or torn off on landings (needs repositioning) ▶ Raceblade (QAV-R) Build Overview and maiden flight @ 5:26
Features (5)
- Omnibus F3 flight controller does not include pin headers (must buy pins separately) ▶ Lumenier QAV - R build overview @ 2:17
- Power distribution board in the kit lacks a voltage regulator (needs replacement) ▶ Lumenier QAV - R build overview @ 2:40
- FPV camera mount may require an adapter — uncertain fit for some cameras ▶ Lumenier QAV - R build overview @ 6:12
- VTX connector type discrepancy: product listing said pSMA but received SMA — inconsistency between website listing and shipped part ▶ QAV-R : Review/Maiden Flight @ 6:55
- Reviewer still needs to do PID tuning and calibrate current sensor/voltage meter (not fully dialed in) ▶ Raceblade (QAV-R) Build Overview and maiden flight @ 6:18
Value for Money (3)
- Higher cost as a first-party frame compared to cheaper clones (implied - not everyone will pay the premium) ▶ Lumenier QAV-R and QAV-R XL Frame Review @ 5:07
- Reinforcement is not included in kit by default and is an extra that should be included at the price ▶ Lumenier QAV - R build overview @ 0:44
- Manufacturer frame lacked optional X reinforcement plate (sold separately) — extra work/expense to reinforce ▶ Part 5 - 5"MQSO - Lumenier QAV-R Build Summary @ 4:37
Ease of Use (3)
- Although an RTF version is offered, other RTF frames are closed designs; implication that truly ready-to-fly sold frames are less commonly adopted by racers (possible limitation of RTF adoption) ▶ Lumenier QAV-R (formerly RaceBlade) FPV Racing Quadcopter @ 13:42
- Some small screws included whose purpose is unclear (assembly minor annoyance) ▶ Lumenier QAV - R build overview @ 5:10
- Momentary confusion/mistake when connecting camera/VTX wiring (speaker: 'I may not be a genius but I am stupid') ▶ QAV R BUILD PART 5 @ 2:03
Review sources
- Lumenier QAV-R (formerly RaceBlade) FPV Racing Quadcopter 19 pros, 2 cons
- Lumenier QAV - R build overview 11 pros, 7 cons
- QAV-R : Review/Maiden Flight 12 pros, 4 cons
- Raceblade (QAV-R) Build Overview and maiden flight 11 pros, 5 cons
- Review//Lumenier QAV-R (Formerly RaceBlade) 9 pros, 5 cons
- Part 5 - 5"MQSO - Lumenier QAV-R Build Summary 9 pros, 4 cons
- Lumenier QAV-R and QAV-R XL Frame Review by Joshua Bardwell — 8 pros, 3 cons
- QAV R BUILD PART 5 7 pros, 2 cons
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lumenier QAV-R 5" Race Quad worth buying?
Based on 8 independent YouTube reviews, the Lumenier QAV-R 5" Race Quad scores 3.9/5 with 86 positive and 32 negative points mentioned by reviewers, placing it #18 in the FPV Drones category.
What do reviewers like most about the Lumenier QAV-R 5" Race Quad?
The most praised aspects are build quality, features, flight performance — Build Quality (54 mentions), Features (16 mentions), Flight Performance (9 mentions).
What are the most common complaints about the Lumenier QAV-R 5" Race Quad?
Reviewers most frequently criticize build quality, durability — Build Quality (12 mentions), Durability (9 mentions).
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