Spoiler alert: I love the Taranis X-Lite. I believe that Taranis makes some of the best radios and the X-Lite is my new favorite. I’ve long been a fan of the QX7 but find it a bit large, especially for taking it with me. The new X-Lite just feels right.
Taranis X-Lite
The Taranis X-Lite is a new, smaller game-pad style remote from Frsky. If you grew up playing video games then this remote will feel at home in your hands. It is much smaller and lighter than most typical full-featured remotes but is still fully capable of customization.
The Taranis X-Lite’s best feature, in my opinion, is its smaller size. Checking in around 380 grams it is both smaller and lighter than the other Taranis models. I was playing video games long before I was flying quads and the design and layout seem more natural to me than the larger boxy remotes.
I’m a big micro quad guy and to me, it was always moderately awkward to have a remote that seemed to be four times the size of my quad. This is an ideal remote my Tinyhawk. In fact, the Tinyhawk was the first quad I bound to my new X-Lite.
What is the Taranis X Lite?
The X-Lite won’t overwhelm you with switches and dials as it has two two-position switches on the shoulders, two three-position switches over the gimbals and a pair of dials in the center. There is also two directional pads and buttons for the LCD screen and menu. I found this assortment of switches more than enough as I typically set up for things on all of my quads: Arm, modes, beeper, and turtle mode.
The Taranis X Lite runs OpenTX so if you have had any exposure with a Taranis in the past you’ll feel right at home. It also has a module bay in the back so you can add a rapid fire module or a multi-protocol module if you so choose. It is not a standard JR module and is an X-Lite specific module so you won’t be able to swap from your other remotes. The X Lite is powered by two 18500 batteries that you’ll have to pick up separately.
X-Lite Bonus
The X-Lite comes with instructions, some switch covers, gimbal guards and even a carrying case. While this may not seem like much I think the gimbal guards and carrying case are a big deal. You can easily pack it away and throw it in a traditional backpack and not worry about it getting damaged.
Taranis X-Lite Cons
While I’m obviously a big fan of this remote it does have its shortcomings. I think this is a great remote for thumb pilots but the gimbals are a little short for pinchers. I feel like the two-way switches, in particular, are a little stubby and would have preferred them to be a little longer. The adjustment for removing the auto-centering feature on the throttle is an excellent idea, but it just didn’t work for me. It should be as easy as turning a bolt on the back, but there was a wire in the way.
I had to open up my radio and ended up removing the spring entirely. Some people have complained that it doesn’t have the range of the bigger Taranis remotes, but since I’m mostly flying micros this isn’t an issue for me.
Should you get the Frsky Taranis X-Lite?
Yes, I would have to say so. I personally love this thing. I definitely need to get in a few more flights but so far it has been awesome. I love the size. I love the portability. I even love the way it looks. If you are a pincher or you need a ton of switches then I’d suggest going with the Taranis QX7, but I think the Taranis X-Lite is the way to go. If you need something with multiprotocol function the Jumper T8SG will do the job, but there are also multiprotocol modules for the Taranis X-Lite. I have the iRangeX multiprotocol module on the way to test out with the X-Lite, so check back soon.
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What Is the BEST Drone?
So what is the absolute best drone out there? That question isn’t as easy to answer as you’d think. BUT…for most people the answer is the DJI Mavic Air. It is portable, has an awesome camera and excellent flight modes. Learn more about the Mavic Air HERE.
What Is Our FAVORITE Drone?
The Mavic Air is great but the drone that has us excited to go fly the most right now is the Parrot Anafi. The camera and gimbal setup on this drone allow it to do things that no other drone can. Plus, having the ability to zoom in on what you are filming is priceless. Learn more about the Parrot Anafi HERE.
What Drone Is the Best VALUE?
The best value on the market today has to be the DJI Spark. Now under $400, this little dynamo can do things that once upon a time cost over $1000. Learn more about the DJI Spark HERE. Still too much money for you? There are still some great options. Check out our list of the best drones under $200.
Want More Options?
Every month we update what we believe are the best drones on the market. Check out Best Drones Now. We have also created the one-of-a-kind Half Chrome Drone Cipher™. You answer a few questions and we’ll pair you with the best drone for you.
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Do you want to search by price? Click on your menu above or we can break it down for you. Check out drones under $50, from $50-100, from $100-200, from $200-500 or over $500. Maybe you like a good Top Ten list, we’ve got you covered.
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Learn More…
If you want to learn more about taking great pictures or flying FPV then check out our comprehensive guides on those topics. Also, take a look at our articles on how to choose the right drone for great aerial photos or for getting started flying race drones. Learn more about drones and how to get the most out of them in our Drone Academy. In the Academy, we also detail some of the advanced testing we do including drone thrust testing and camera quality testing.
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