Walkera Goggle 4 review

I just published my first FPV goggles review and I already have here on my desk another model. On first impression, this Walkera Goggle 4 looks much better so I’m hoping that will perform better, especially since that is not the cheapest FPV goggles on the market.

Walkera announced their FPV Goggle 4 series in two versions, a premium one and a basic one. In my opinion, the most important features of the Walkera Goggle 4 Premium over the Basic edition are the HDMI input and the DVR function. HDMI connectivity is a must-have if you want to fly through FPV goggles consumer quadcopters such as the DJI Phantom 3 and 4. Unfortunately, the basic version is the one I received for review :(.

Over time, Walkera moved from aerial quadcopters to racing quadcopters. They release new racer models almost every 6 months, from small ones like the Rodeo 150 to big ones like the Furious 320. Lately, to offer complete FPV packages, they have also started to manufacture also FPV goggles.

As many times mentioned, FPV glasses are designed to provide the ultimate FPV experience, in my opinion, they are suitable only for experienced pilots. Frankly, it is much harder to control the quad through FPV goggles than the traditional way (at least to me).

Walkera Goggle 4 FPV goggles review

Before I get into details, I should thank Amy from GearBest for offering me this product. After we agreed on the review, the package was sent out quickly and delivered in 4 days. This is the first time that I have no complaints regarding DHL’s shipping services.

The FPV glasses come in an elegant cardboard box, which induces the feeling that we are dealing with a quality product. Inside the box, I found, besides the Walkera Goggles 4 and its battery, an AC/DC adapter, a micro USB cable, two 5.8G antennas, and a user manual.

In order to disperse the weight, the battery pack is located on the head strap in the neck area instead of being integrated into the goggles. The connection between the headplay and the power source is realized by a short USB cable.

Both design and build quality are excellent. Good work, Walkera! The straps are adjustable so it’s easily adapted for any head size. To allow good heat dissipation, on both sides there are vent holes. Anyway, in my opinion, they should add also fan cooling to prevent fogging.

In the front part, there is a black spot that firstly I thought to be a camera. Unfortunately it’s only part of the design without any real function.

Two SMA connectors are located on the top part of the goggles. The center one is dedicated to the LHCP antenna, and the left one is for the rubber ducky antenna.

An AV Input RCA plug is provided on the bottom of the FPV goggles to allow you to connect another video source (like a camera, TV or media player). Switching between external video and internal 5.8G receiver can be done using the big black button on top of the goggles. I’m planning to use this feature by attaching a small camera (like the RunCam OWL Plus) to the Walkera Goggle 4 in order to have a dual point of view (drone and pilot).

To allow easy and convenient settings, instead of tons of buttons, the goggles feature a stylish joystick. By pulling the little stick backward can be activated the configuration menu. By pressing the stick as a button, the current reception band (A, B, E, Race and IRC/FS). Toggle between the channels can be done using the CH-Up and CH-Down buttons.

Although the Walkera Goggle 4 basic doesn’t have a built-in DVR, you can add an external one through the AV Output. You can find the plug located near micro USB power socket (right side behind a flap).

Walkera Goggle 4 highlights

• Ergonomic design for comfortable usage;
• AV input/output for external DVR;
• Brightness, contrast, and hue adjustment;
• Automatic video format detection (PAL / NTSC);
• Automatic and manual channel search;
• 5″ LCD display (3 x 800 x 480 pixels);
• Built-in 40CH 5.8 FPV receiver;
• Double antenna technology for stable image reception;
• 7.4v 1200 mAh Li-Po battery;
• About 2 hours of operation time.

Walkera Goggle 4 review – Usage

While these FPV goggles were designed to work with Walkera racing quadcopters, I think that are compatible with mainly any other 5.8G systems. I tested it with my Cheerson CX-35 and XinLin X181, and it worked perfectly, just like with my Runner 250 Advanced and the Walkera F210 quad.

Wearing this Walkera Goggles 4, is more comfortable than my other FPV glasses. The only convenient spot is around the nose where the frame is slightly obscure.

Although I read on another review made by a fellow that there is enough room to use it with prescription glasses, I haven’t managed to do so. In my opinion, it is very hard to design FPV goggles that fit in eyeglasses.

In the introduction of my review, I said that the control stick is a great idea. After a few usage, I changed my opinion, and I would prefer a multi-button solution.

Thanks to the dual-antenna design, the video signal was very stable. I managed to fly about 300 meters far for me till the video signal started to be jerky (using 600 mW TX). Although the LCD screen is not HD, the image quality is more than acceptable.

The advertised operation time offered by the 7.4v 2000mAh is about 2 hours, which in my opinion is enough for FPV flights, but in case you want even more, you can attach any external USB power bank.

Unboxing and quick test video of the Walkera Goggles 4 FPV

Pricing and availability

Currently, this FPV goggles is on “flash sale” and can be ordered with free shipping for $150 (now $179) from GB. I’m hoping that the price will drop even more, taking into consideration that the Premium edition with many more features should be available for orders very soon.