This build is durable and can serve as both a freestyle or beginner racer (with lighter batteries). It is great for a beginner who has done their research learning to fly on a simulator. It features a soft-mounted FC, a recessed (protected) FPV camera, easy access to change and view VTX channel. With an upgrade to the new Mach2 Vtx for $5 more, you can also get smart audio and a built-in microphone.

This is my first quad. The lesson I want to share is this: if you want to start off right and not waste money, you can still ease yourself in without purchasing "beginner" parts that will just end up laying around after a few sessions.

1. Do TONS of research www.propwashed.com, www.oscarliang.com, Joshua Bardwell. Google those 3 and consume as much information as possible
2. Order a PC ready Transmitter that you will stick with
3. Learn on FPV Freerider along with Bardwell's videos <-- don't skip this. Learn it all. Don't forget to learn to land.
4. Order your parts and watch some builds. Get familiar with the parts through youtube build videos.
5. Learn to solder, order a beginner solder kit from amazon ($10) and just get used to how the solder runs, etc...
6. Build a durable quad that you won't outgrow or break
7. configure in betaflight and blheli. Don't forget to configure failsafe.
8. Fly
9. Fix your quad (good thing you built it, so you know how it works)

After a few dozen flights, I can replicate a lot of Le Drib and Skitzo's moves. Obviously I have much to learn. But this machine is durable, it can take hard hits and it has enough power to pull off any of their moves.

3 things I wanted.

1. Durability (carbon is warrantied)
2. Power - no 3s, no beginner props or motors, no waste to outgrow in a few sessions
3. Modular - no all in one's. The more work you put into building, the more familiar you will be to fix. (granted the FC has a PDB but that was because I liked the FC)

Things I learned:
Move the vtx antenna to the back. The original top mount left it too vulnerable when rolling on the ground. (before/after pic attached)
Move the rx antennas under the frame and zip tie them off the frame for full reception. (see Joshua Bardwell method)
Motors and ESCs can be bought in a pack of 4x for savings
Buy your expensive parts from local or US based retailers in case any issues they are usually resolved same day (RaceDayQuads is amazing)
I probably should have gone with the 2600KV motors
Replace broken props. Don't let a $3 part destroy your $300 drone.
Motorguards are great, but they make it a pain to tighten the props... also, tighten your props often.