5" Racing
Here you'll find links to the best performing products for 5" racing drones based on my testing over on AOS Labs and my own experience and research. Some of these links are affiliate links (affiliate policy).
Motors
AOS Supernova 2207
More torque, more power, and better efficiency. The Supernova is the first 5" Motor optimised using over 20,000 electromagnetic finite element simulations built on data from real world testing of 50+ 5" motors. This is the new performance benchmark for 5" FPV and is a step ahead of anything that has come before. Designed by AOS and built by RCinPower.
RCinPower Wasp Major 22.6-6.5 2020KV
One of the very best performing 5" Motors available right now in my testing. With strong performance in every category RCinPower have delivered an exceptional motor. Perfect for a high performance 5" freestyle or racing build. 2020 KV provides the maximum possible performance but will draw more current from your battery.
Electronics Stack
Skystars Fly Stack - F722 Mini HD Pro FC + KM55 55A AM_32 3-6S 4-in-1 ESC - 20x20
This is the dark horse of 20 x 20 mini stacks with a very special secret. F7 processor and 55A AM_32 ESC. AM_32 outperforms BLHeli_32 on my test stand and depite my best efforts torture testing motors I have been unable to kill this thing. For a high power 5" quad I wouldn't buy anything else today.
T-Motor Mini F7 Stack + F45A 3-6S BLHeli_32 4-in-1 ESC
T-motor have a great reputation for quality and reliability. This F7 stack and 45A ESC is a safe and solid choice with all the functionality you could want on a flight controller.
VTX
HDZero Race V3 VTX
If you're a racer then HDZero is the HD system for you and this VTX is designed for 3" and 5" racing quads. Make sure to use a flight controller with at least a 5V 1.5A / 9V 1A /12V 1A BEC. This VTX cannot be powered from battery voltages above 2S.
Foxeer HDZero Race VTX
Foxeer made a HDZero Race VTX! I actually prefer the specs of this VTX to the HDZero one because it can be powered from up to 6S LiPo voltage! Everything else is the same as the HDZero Race V3.
Receiver
MATEKSYS ExpressLRS 2.4GHz Receiver - ELRS R24 D
I've made my mind up. I'm only recommending ELRS moving forward. At this point it does everything better than any other radio link. LoRa for range and penetration, yes. 1000Hz update rate for crazy low latency, yes. Loads of manufacturers are making receivers for ELRS and I think this diversity offering from Matek is certainly among the best performing and most reliable.
Happymodel ExpressLRS Nano 2.4GHz EP2 RX
Happymodel were the first to bring out ELRS hardware and their EP2 receivers closely follow the developers reference design and are incredibly tiny. If you need the smallest size and weight at the cost of some range the EP2 with the ceramic antenna is the one you'll pick.
Happymodel ExpressLRS Nano 2.4GHz EP1 RX
Happymodel were the first to bring out ELRS hardware and their EP1 and EP2 receivers closely follow the developers reference design and are incredibly tiny. I lean towards the EP1 as the UFL antenna is much higher performing than the ceramic antenna on the EP2.
Props
HQ R38
For racing responsiveness, thrust and efficiency are key. The R38 offers similar or even more thrust to the R42 at higher efficiency so is my pick.
HQ 5x4.3x3 V1S
I've tested virtually every 5" prop out there and these were the best all rounders. They really stand out for excellent vibration performance and top end thrust while being lightweight and responsive.
Batteries
Bonka U2 1380mAh Ultralight Racing Battery
Difficult to find in retailers right now. This has all the hallmarks of a Halo product made from the very best cells available (similar to a top binned CPU/GPU). Incredible performance but it remains to be seen whether Bonka are able to make lots of these!
Ovonic Rebel 2.0 6S 1400mAh 22.2V 150 C Lipo Battery with XT60 Plug
This pack is at the top of the Ovonic Range. It lives up to it's rating providing enormous power and great energy density. Hard to find right now but a great performing pack.
DOGCOM MCK 1380mAh 160C
A larger pack with excellent burst performance and good energy density but a little on the heavier side. DOGCOM have good results in my testing so this is another solid option from them.
GNB 1300mAh 120C LiHv
These are High Volt packs that charge to 4.35V/cell. They have the best energy density for long flight times and deliver decent burst performance and minimal voltage sag.
Tattu R-Line Version 5.0 1200mAh 6S1P 150C LiPo Battery
Where battery performance is critical Tattu R-Line packs have a good reputation for delivering more power at a lighter weight. You pay a little more for the extra performance.