If you’re into RC drifting, you know that having the right gyro can make a huge difference in your performance. So, which gyro should you choose for your rear-wheel drive RC car?
After reviewing 12 different models available on the market, I’ve selected the top four gyros that have received unanimous praise from experienced players I trust.
And now, without further ado, let me introduce you to the best gyros you can easily purchase: the Futaba 550 Gyro, DAIS Gyro (Ko Propo Collaboration) / KG-X Gyro, and the Reved Gyro RevoX. Don’t overlook the Yokomo DP302 V4 either – it’s a solid option for those on a budget. The Sanwa Sgs-02 may not be as popular, but it’s a quality pick nonetheless.
It’s important to note that the performance of your gyro is only as good as the set up of your RC drifting car.
So, make sure you fine-tune your ride before putting any blame on your gear. With the right gyro and a dialed-in car, you’ll be able to pull off some sweet drifts like a pro.
The most powerful gyro– the Futaba 550 Gyro Review.
This is a very intelligent gyro with an SR Mode (superior response）. All parameters of the gyro can be adjusted wirelessly through the transmitter (7px/R 10px 4pm).
Currently, both I and the drifting players around me are using this gyro, and everyone’s feedback and experience are great.
The 550 gyro is mainly used in 1/10 drift cars, but it can also be used in 1/24 drift cars. Our group of players even put this gyro on a 1/24 drift car and achieved very good results.
This gyro is very powerful. Once your chassis is well adjusted, you can fully experience the different characteristics of a car through the Futaba 550 gyro.
Based on your operating techniques, the gyro can adapt to your actions, allowing you to perform even better on the track.
Of course, if you are a beginner, as long as you set the parameters well, this gyro can help you quickly improve your drifting skills.
The downside is that this gyro needs to be used with several models of Futaba controllers to adjust more detailed settings.
If used with the CT700 servo, it can better play the role of this gyro. The price of this gyro is relatively expensive, and its setup is complicated, requiring stable driving skills and the need to learn more knowledge to adjust the parameters that suit you better.
The GYD550 is a high-quality and versatile option for RC drift enthusiasts who want precise control over their car’s drift angle and speed. It works with both analog and digital servos.
The gyro features advanced sensor technology that allows for precise control over a car’s drift angle and speed. It compensates for changes in the car’s orientation and movement, maintaining stability and control during drifts.
The GYD550 offers adjustable gain settings for customization. It has a remote gain adjustment function, allowing drivers to adjust gain on-the-fly while driving.
Pros:
- Intelligent gyro with SR Mode for superior response
- Wireless parameter adjustment via transmitter
- Positive user feedback and experience
- Powerful and adaptable to driver’s actions
- Can help beginners improve quickly
- Works with both analog and digital servos
- Advanced sensor technology for precise control and stability
- Adjustable gain settings and remote gain adjustment function
Cons:
- Requires specific Futaba controllers for detailed settings
- Complicated setup process
- Expensive
The Futaba 550 gyro is an intelligent and powerful device used in 1/10 drift cars and even 1/24 drift cars. It allows for wireless parameter adjustment via transmitter and has received positive feedback from users. The gyro is adaptable to the driver’s actions, making it helpful for beginners to quickly improve their drifting skills.
It works with both analog and digital servos and offers precise control and stability through advanced sensor technology.
However, it requires specific Futaba controllers for detailed settings, has a complicated setup process, and is relatively expensive.
Check on AmazonThe most cost-effective gyro– the KG-X Gyro/DAIS Gyro (Ko Propo Collaboration) Review.
In addition to the Futaba 550, the DAIS Gyro is also highly recommended. DAIS (Drift Assist Implement System) has been jointly developed by OVERDOSE and Ko Propo.
This was the gyro I used before switching to the Futaba 550. The gyro is very easy to adjust and allows you to easily adjust the sensitivity and intervention of the gyro, giving you enough control to adapt the gyro to your driving style.
This gyro can effectively reduce glitches. Additionally, after connecting the 3 or 4 channels of the remote control with a connecting wire, you can quickly adjust the gain volume on the remote control.
This gyro can be used quickly even by beginners, without too much learning cost. Although it doesn’t have the detailed adjustments of the Futaba 550, the DAIS Gyro can still help you perfect your drifting and chasing skills.
It features various settings including endpoint adjustment for the servo, which can be set differently for the left and right sides, and the ability to reverse the DAIS effect.
The system is adjustable and has three volumes that can be adjusted: PCA Volume (Priority Control Adjuster), AGS Volume (Anti Glitching System), and Gain Volume.
Pros:
- Easy to adjust and tailor to the user’s driving style
- Reduces glitches effectively
- Features various settings and three adjustable volumes
- Beginner-friendly and easy to set up
Cons:
- Limited detailed adjustments compared to the Futaba 550
- Effectiveness may vary depending on skill level and scenario
- Requires a connecting wire to adjust gain volume on controller.
The easiest and most user-friendly gyro — Reved gyro RevoX review
This is a new RC drift gyro called RevoX that has been developed by the Reve D company. The REVOX gyro is designed to help drivers achieve better control over their RC drift vehicles, and it features a new function called Gyro curve setting.
This function allows drivers to adjust the approach angle to the corner and control the vehicle’s posture more effectively.
The Gyro curve setting parameter is separate from gyro gain and can be adjusted in six stages. The gyro is easy to set up using a single button, and it covers all the necessary setting items.
The gyro can be easily changed with a push of a button, and it is suitable for both beginner and advanced drivers.
Currently, there are more than 5 car enthusiasts around me who are using Reved’s gyro RevoX, and they all agree that this gyro is very easy to use and feels very good to control.
This gyro can make it very easy to drift your car. The downside is that this gyro needs to be used with Reved’s servo to better play its role. Also the price of the RevoX is also expensive.
Unlike the Futaba550, it does not require a special remote control or setting card to set the parameters of this gyro.
I think Gary Evans, a highly experienced RC drifting driver, provided excellent feedback on the RevoX gyro’s performance in 6 stages.
Stage 1: agile and nimble, but loose on the rear
Stage 2-4: similar, with added stability to the rear chassis
Stage 5: good stability on the rear with strong front grip
Stage 6: strong front grip, planted and stable feeling when transitioning, no sloppiness or chattering in the front wheels.
Pros:
- Helps achieve better control over RC drift vehicles
- Gyro curve setting allows for effective posture control
- Easy to set up and adjust
- Suitable for both beginner and advanced drivers
- Provides different stability and performance levels
Cons:
- Requires Reved’s servo to maximize its use
- Expensive compared to other options
The most suitable gyro for novice beginners — Yokomo DP-302 V4 Review
This gyro is very easy to set up, which makes it perfect for beginners. Furthermore, its price is cheaper than the gyro introduced earlier, and its functions can satisfy both novice and advanced players.
I know some players who use this gyro, and their cars perform very well on the track. The gyro’s anti-shake function and adjustable options are also very rich.
Its newly developed circuitry offers 4 selectable modes, and it helps eliminate undesired steering shake.
The quad control system has “dual gain mode” and “dual gain control” functions that can be adjusted for different driving conditions. There’s also an endpoint adjustment button to prevent unwanted stress on the steering system.
Compared to the pricier gyro options, this gyro has a limited number of adjustable options. Moreover, it lacks the ability to fine-tune the level of gyro intervention versus steering input, forcing the driver to conform to the gyro’s behavior. Its sensitivity is also somewhat lacking compared to top-of-the-line gyro units.
Nonetheless, for aspiring drifters who are just starting out or those who are not yet competing at a professional level, this gyro should provide ample functionality.
Pros:
- Easy to set up, making it perfect for beginners.
- Cheaper than other gyro options.
- Functions can satisfy both novice and advanced players.
- Gyro’s anti-shake function and adjustable options are rich.
- Offers 4 selectable modes to eliminate undesired steering shake.
- Quad control system has “dual gain mode” and “dual gain control” functions for different driving conditions.
- Has an endpoint adjustment button to prevent unwanted stress on the steering system.
- Gyro’s performance has been validated by some players who use it, and their cars perform well on the track.
Cons:
- Limited number of adjustable options compared to pricier gyro options.
- Lacks the ability to fine-tune the level of gyro intervention versus steering input.
- Sensitivity is somewhat lacking compared to top-of-the-line gyro units.
More Gyro Reviews
Futaba GYD450 Review
There are various gyros that can be used for drifting apart from the popular ones mentioned earlier. One of them is the Futaba GYD450, but it is not easily available. Therefore, the GYD550 can be used as an alternative, and I will not be discussing it further.
Sanwa SGS-02 gyro Review
Another good option for drifting is the Sanwa SGS-02 gyro, but it is not widely used. I have only come across a few players who use it, and it can be difficult to set up properly. Hence, I will not delve into the details of this product.
Unity UR-710 Gyro Review
I personally used the Unity UR-710 Gyro as my first gyro. Although it is cheap, it causes the drifting car to shake excessively. Although it is possible to complete drifting with it, the experience is not satisfactory. This gyro is affordable and suitable for beginners.
Onisiki Daruma RC Drift Gyro Review
As I do not have any friends who use the Onisiki Daruma RC Drift Gyro, I am not well acquainted with it. However, according to my research, Roadside RC has introduced this gyro and has suggested that it feels similar to the Yokomo DP302 V4, but is cheaper. Those interested can check out their introduction.
PowerHD G1 Gyro Review
The PowerHD G1 Gyro provides a similar experience to the Unity UR-710 and is also a good option for entry-level use. However, for better performance, it is recommended to upgrade to a higher-level gyro. But the price is really cheap.
MST MGX Gyro Review
Although the MST MGX Gyro is cheap, it offers only average functionality and experience, and I would not recommend using it. Instead, it is recommended to upgrade to at least the DP302 V4 gyro.
SkyRC GC301 Drift Gyro Review
Similarly, the SkyRC GC301 Drift Gyro is also very cheap, but its performance is average, and I do not recommend using it.
Flysky gyro Rx for the NB4（Noble 4）Review
The Flysky gyro Rx for NB4 (Noble 4) was tested by some car enthusiasts and found to be somewhat effective for drifting when installed on RC drift cars. However, it does not allow for smooth completion of drifting maneuvers, making it more suitable for use on flat road racing cars instead of RC drift cars.
RC drifting Gyro FAQs
Can you use the built-in gyro of the receiver for drifting?
When it comes to using the built-in gyro of the receiver for drifting, it is not recommended. This type of gyro does not allow for sensitivity adjustments and may not be sensitive enough to maintain the drifting angle of the RC drift car.
Alternatively, it may be too slow to enable the desired drifting actions of the drift car. While some remote controllers with built-in gyros like Spektrum AVC, Traxxss TSM, and DumboRC X6FG are available on the market, they are mainly designed for stabilizing the direction of RC vehicles during normal driving and are not suitable for drifting.
Can a 1/24 drift car gyro such as the afrc v3 gyro be used on a 1/10 drift car?
As for using a 1/24 drift car gyro like the afrc v3 gyro on a 1/10 drift car, it is possible but not recommended. Since this gyro is primarily intended for use on 1/24 drift cars, its sensitivity is relatively low and the available options are very limited, which may not allow for smooth drifting on a 1/10 drift car.
Drifting – is a gyroscope necessary? Can it be done without a gyroscope?
When we talk about drifting, we mainly refer to rear-wheel-drive drifting, which includes two types of rear-wheel-drive drifting cars: 1/10 and 1/24. These cars must use a gyroscope to perform drifting.
If a gyroscope is not used, drifting cannot be performed. On the other hand, four-wheel-drive drifting or power sliding does not require a gyroscope to perform drifting.
However, this type of drifting can only be done as a stationary circle drift or figure-eight drift. It cannot perform the same drifting action as rear-wheel-drive drifting cars on a rear-wheel-drive drifting track.
Is a gyro required to work with a special servo?
No, as long as the gyroscope is used with a dedicated drifting servo, it can work. Currently, many gyros such as Futaba and Reved’s gyros can work better with their company’s servos. However, it is not mandatory.
What is the difference between expensive and cheap gyros?
Expensive gyros, such as the Futaba GYD550, have very fast response speeds and can allow users to independently set more parameters to adapt to different ground tracks. Meanwhile, the driving style of different drivers may differ.
This type of gyro can adapt to the driver’s operating style through parameter settings. On the other hand, cheaper gyros have lower sensitivity and very few adjustable options. It can only allow the operator to adapt to the gyro’s style and cannot give drivers full control.
How much do gyros cost? What is the most expensive and cheapest gyro?
The price range of gyros for RC drifting cars varies from tens of dollars to hundreds of dollars. The most expensive gyro, the Futaba GYD550, costs around $130, while the cheapest available gyro, the Powerhd G1 gyroscope, costs around $40.
Of course, there are even cheaper gyros, but they cannot smoothly complete RC drifting, so they are not listed.
However, I still recommend purchasing a gyro of at least Yokomo DP302 V4 or higher, which costs around $80. The gyro for drifting cars is a core component and is critical.
Is a gyro only necessary for drifting cars?
No, besides drifting cars, other RC models can also use gyros to assist with steering and stabilize vehicle posture.
Is it possible to use the gyro of a 1/10 RC drift car on a 1/24 RC drift car?
Yes, it is possible. Some of my friends have successfully installed the Futaba GYD550 and DAIS Gyro on their 1/24 rear-wheel-drive drift cars and have found that the drift effect is better and the posture is more stable than with gyroscopes specifically designed for smaller 1/24 cars.
The only potential issue is that the gyros intended for larger RC cars may be relatively larger in size, but this should not pose a significant problem.
Do all ready-to-run (RTR) RC drift cars come with a gyro?
Yes, all RTR RC drift cars come with a gyro such as mst rmx2.0 RTR，rmx2.5 RTR，yokomo yd-2z RTR，Redcat RDS RTR. Without a gyro, it is impossible to complete the drift. However, the gyro included with these RTR models is often not ideal and may need to be upgraded or replaced in order to achieve the desired level of performance. For this reason, I generally do not recommend RTR models. For advice on choosing a rear-wheel-drive drift car, please refer to my this article.
Why is a gyro needed for drifting?
RC drift cars are typically driven from a third-person perspective, and due to the small scale of the car, it can be difficult to accurately judge the timing of counter-steering maneuvers. This can lead to inaccurate drift actions. A gyro helps to solve this problem by allowing for quick and accurate counter-steering, resulting in more realistic and precise drift actions. A high-quality gyro is essential for achieving optimal performance.
Are there other gyro alternatives?
I have covered all the widely used and practical gyros available in the market above. I recommend selecting one from the listed gyros. If new and improved options become available, I will update the content accordingly.
In RC drifting, the gyro is a crucial electronic device for achieving precise drifts. I highly suggest utilizing a high-quality gyro device to enhance your drifting abilities and fully enjoy the thrill of drifting.
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