The new RadioMaster Zorro radio transmitter has been causing quite a stir in the FPV community. As one of the most eagerly anticipated radio releases of 2022, expectations are high for this gamepad-style radio aimed at FPV pilots.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on the RadioMaster Zorro ELRS version and have been thoroughly testing it out over the past couple of weeks.
In this in-depth initial impressions and review article, I’ll be going through everything you need to know about this radio – from unboxing, build quality, features and flying performance.
Whether you’re considering the RadioMaster Zorro for your next radio purchase or just curious to hear my thoughts, read on to find out if this gamepad lives up to the hype.
Table Of Contents
Unboxing and First Impressions
Let’s kick things off by taking a look at what comes in the box with the RadioMaster Zorro:
- RadioMaster Zorro Radio Controller – ELRS
- 18650 battery pack
- USB-C charging cable
- Neck strap
- Manuals/documentation
The first thing I noticed when unboxing the radio was the premium feel and solid build quality. The outer shell has a nice matte coating and the rubberized grips feel great in the hands.
At 226g without a battery, it has a substantial weight to it that screams quality.
Unlike cheaper radio controllers, there’s no rattling or creaking from the gimbals or buttons. The switches have crisp, satisfying clicks and the roller wheel turns smoothly.
Overall, the RadioMaster Zorro gives off the same vibe you’d expect from a high-end FrSky or TBS radio. The fit and finish seems on par with radios costing twice as much. Definitely a good first impression!
Design and Ergonomics
In terms of design and layout, the Zorro takes cues from modern gamepad controllers. The grips are curved inward for comfort and all the primary controls sit conveniently underneath your thumbs.
Despite the gamepad shape, the Zorro still offers 6 switches (2 momentary, 4 toggle) and 2 pots giving you ample ways to configure it. And it retains a module bay in the back for adding multiprotocol modules.
Here’s a quick rundown of the controls and ports:
- Top: USB-C port, microSD card slot, audio jack, amber backlit LCD screen, ExpressLRS antenna, trim buttons, navigation controls
- Left side: Speaker, power button, model menu buttons
- Right side: Switches 1-4, pots 1-2
- Bottom: 18650 battery bay, USB-C charging port, headset jack
- Back: Switches 5-6, module bay, adjustable stick tension screws
The grips are replaceable and use an 18650 battery on each side. Radiomaster includes a 18650 battery pack but you can use your own if you want.
Despite the compact gamepad size, the gimbals are full-size with removable caps and adjustable tension. The throws are smooth with hardly any looseness or slop.
Overall, Radiomaster nailed the ergonomics. The curved contour, rubberized grips, and balanced weight make the Zorro fit naturally in your hands. Nothing feels cramped or awkward.
Features and Hardware
Now let’s dive into the features and hardware packed into the Zorro. Here are some of the highlights:
Large 1.3″ Backlit LCD Screen
The backlit LCD screen is a standout feature on the Zorro. At 1.3″, it’s significantly larger than most radios in this price range.
The resolution is crisp and colorful making it easy to see your model settings. It also makes a big difference for viewing the built-in ExpressLRS screens.
EdgeTX Operating System
The Zorro comes pre-loaded with EdgeTX, a custom version of OpenTX made specifically for FPV. It offers faster response times and a more optimized menu system compared to stock OpenTX.
Of course, you can flash the radio with regular OpenTX if you prefer. But EdgeTX feels snappy and refined right out of the box.
Multiprotocol Support
Despite having ExpressLRS built-in, the Zorro retains a module bay for adding multiprotocol modules. This gives you flexibility if you ever want to control different receivers down the road.
Smart Audio Support
Thanks to the multiprotocol module support, you can use Smart Audio-equipped VTXs like the TBS Unify Pro32. Just plug in a Ghost or FPort module and you’re good to go.
Adjustable Stick Tension
No need to take apart the radio to customize stick tension – the Zorro includes adjustable stick tension screws on the back!
This makes it easy to fine-tune the feel of the gimbals to your preference. The includedtension screwdriver stores conveniently in the battery compartment.
Head Tracking Support
With a 3.5mm jack on top, the Zorro is plug-and-play ready for head tracking. Just plug in your TrackHat Clip or TBS Fusion and you’ll have hands-free head tracking in your goggles.
Bluetooth Support
Here’s a cool bonus feature – the Zorro has Bluetooth support for connecting wirelessly to simulators. No cable required!
Latency is usually higher over Bluetooth so a USB connection is better for serious sim practice. But Bluetooth is super convenient for casual practice sessions.
The Bluetooth functionality really sets the Zorro apart from other radios in this price range. Major props to Radiomaster for including it!
Flying Performance and Range
Of course, all the features in the world don’t matter if a radio doesn’t fly well. So how does the Zorro perform in the air?
In a word – fantastic!
From the very first flight, the Zorro felt natural and intuitive to fly with. The gimbals are smooth as butter and the ergonomics make it easy to grip comfortably.
Having owned multiple Radiomaster TX16S radios, the Zorro gives me the same locked-in feeling in the air. The controls are accurate and precise enough for technical flying and tight gaps.
The smooth adjustable stick tension also lets you customize the gimbals perfectly to your preferences. Whether you like light, medium, or heavy throws the Zorro has you covered.
The hall sensor gimbals combined with adjustable tension give the Zorro the same excellent control feel as top-tier gamepad-style radios.
Now let’s talk about that sweet sweet ExpressLRS range!
Like all ExpressLRS radios, the Zorro absolutely chews through obstacles and goes miles beyond standard RF links. I managed over 3km of range through dense trees and buildings with zero issues.
The built-in 250mW ExpressLRS module provides more than enough output power for FPV quads. And you can always add a 500mW or 1W external module if you really need extended range.
But for most pilots, the stock power will be fine. I was seriously impressed by the penetration and robustness of the link.
Battery Life
With the two included 18650 batteries, Radiomaster says the Zorro provides 6-8 hours of battery life.
For my testing, I averaged about 6.5-7 hours per charge with fairly heavy use. That’s total from both batteries combined.
Casual flying would likely stretch closer to the full 8 hours. Either way, that’s an impressive amount of flight time from just two 18650 cells.
The batteries load into the bottom of each grip, secured by Velcro straps. It’s super quick and convenient to swap them out.
You can also buy an extender cable to run the radio off an external 2S pack. This lets you charge while flying for unlimited battery life.
For most users though, the included 18650 batteries will provide more than enough juice for even the longest day of flying.
Customizability and Upgrades
One of the best things about the Zorro is how customizable it is. Here are just a few of the ways you can tailor it to your needs:
- Change grips – Radiomaster offers several grip colors and styles
- Upgrade gimbals – swap in M12 HALL sensor gimbals
- Add multi-protocol module – access other RX protocols
- Upgrade antenna – add 5.8GHz or 900MHz antenna
- Add battery extender – charge on the go from external 2S pack
- Add neck strap – multiple strap options available
You may not feel the need to change anything out of the box. But it’s nice having options down the road.
Radiomaster Zorro vs. Other FPV Radios
The Zorro enters a competitive field of FPV-focused radios like the TBS Tango 2 and Jumper T-Lite. How does it stack up against the competition?
Vs. TBS Tango 2 – The Tango 2 has excellent ergonomics but feels cheaper and less sturdy. The Zorro has a more premium feel at a lower price point. However, the Tango 2 offers Crossfire built-in if you need the extra long-range.
Vs. Jumper T-Lite – The T-Lite is an incredible value at just $80. But the lower price comes with some drawbacks like cheaper gimbals. The Zorro delivers a more high-end experience if you have the budget.
Vs. Radiomaster TX16S – The Zorro gives you nearly all the benefits of the TX16S in a gamepad form factor. The only thing it really lacks is an external antenna. So the TX16S still wins for extreme long-range builds.
Vs. FrSky X-Lite S – The X-Lite S feels great but comes with the downside of FrSky’s ecosystem. The Zorro gives you OpenTX flexibility and excellent ExpressLRS range at a much lower price.
So in summary, the Zorro hits a sweet spot between price and performance. It lacks some of the high-end features of the $300+ tier but outshines the more budget gamepad options. If you want a premium gamepad experience right around $100, the Zorro is tough to beat.
Who is the Radiomaster Zorro Best For?
The Zorro hits a great balance of features, customizability, and value. This makes it a fantastic option for:
- FPV pilots moving from gamepads like the Tango 2 or X-Lite looking for an upgrade
- Pilots wanting to switch from radio sticks to gamepad style
- Anyone wanting excellent ExpressLRS performance without a huge cost
- Beginners looking for their first quality radio that will last
- Intermediate to advanced pilots looking for customizable options
The adjustable tension, OpenTX support, multiprotocol module bay, and quality gimbals also make the Zorro suitable for fixed-wing pilots transitioning to FPV quads.
Its great value and features make the Zorro easy to recommend for almost any FPV pilot. The only ones who may want to look at other options are long-range pilots who need something like Crossfire built-in.
But for most FPV applications, the Zorro has you covered!
Final Thoughts
After several weeks of testing, I’m thoroughly impressed with the new Radiomaster Zorro. It exceeds my expectations in nearly every way.
The premium look and feel, excellent in-hand ergonomics, Hall sensor gimbals, and adjustable tension make it a joy to fly with. And the ExpressLRS performance is rock-solid with incredible range.
Add in the large backlit LCD screen, Bluetooth support, EdgeTX, multiprotocol capabilities, and upgrades options, and you have an extremely capable radio at a great price.
Radiomaster really knocked it out of the park with this one! The Zorro manages to deliver a nearly high-end experience at a mid-range price point. For around $100, it’s an amazing value.
Whether you’re a pincher like me or prefer thumbs, the Zorro strikes a perfect balance between the gamepad and radio worlds. It’s sure to become a favorite radio for many FPV pilots.
If you’re looking for your first quality gamepad radio or want to upgrade from an older model, the Zorro should be at the top of your list. Highly recommended!
