When it comes to flying FPV drones, one of the most debated topics is how to hold the sticks on your radio: pinching, hybrid pinching, or thumbing. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each style, who they’re best suited for, and whether you should consider switching your grip to improve your flying. Let’s break it all down and help you decide what works best for your flying style.
If you have your own unique way of holding the sticks that we haven’t discussed here, let us know in the comments!
Thumbing
If you’re coming from a gaming background, thumbing might feel like second nature. Just like using a joystick on a console controller, thumbing relies solely on your thumbs to manipulate the sticks on your transmitter. By resting your thumbs on top of the sticks, you hold the radio body securely with the rest of your fingers.
Advantages of Thumbing
- Simplicity: Easy to pick up, especially for those familiar with gaming controllers.
- Quick Movements: Ideal for fast, reactive flying styles like freestyle or casual cruising.
- Comfort: Requires minimal effort, making it suitable for long sessions.
- Switch Access: Easier to reach switches and buttons with your index fingers on some radios.
- Increased Stick Travel: Allows for greater stick movement range without restrictions from your index finger.
- Better for Smaller Radios: More practical and comfortable for compact transmitters.
Disadvantages of Thumbing
- Reduced Precision: Compared to pinching, thumbing can feel less precise, especially for small adjustments.
- Shaky Fingers: Thumbing can make shaky fingers worse, especially in high-pressure situations or cold weather.
- Grip Loss: Your thumb could slip, particularly during intense flying.
- Thumb Marks: Flying intensively could leave stick-end marks on your thumbs!
Pinching
Pinching involves gripping the side of the stick with both your thumb and index finger, offering greater control and finer adjustments. This style is often considered more advanced, providing superior precision for technical maneuvers.
Advantages of Pinching
- Enhanced Precision: Two fingers provide more control and smoothness over stick movements, especially for small adjustments.
- Stability: Helps to stabilize stick movement if you have “shaky fingers” from either nervousness or cold weather, also Reduces the chance of accidental slips compared to thumbing.
Disadvantages of Pinching
- Learning Curve: If you’re used to thumbing, switching to pinching can take time and effort.
- Wrist Strain: It’s harder to hold the radio in a pinch grip for extended periods can lead to discomfort or wrist pain, especially with smaller radios.
- Restricted Stick Travel: Achieving full stick throw can feel more challenging, potentially limiting your range of motion.
- Slower Response: May result in slightly slower reactions compared to thumbing.
- Radio Size Dependency: Compact radios can feel awkward to pinch, often requiring a neck strap for additional support.
Hybrid Pinching
Hybrid pinching is a mix between thumbing and pinching, where you place your thumb on top of the stick and lightly guide it with your index finger. This method offers a balance between comfort and precision.
This grip style brings the best of both worlds. It’s particularly suited for thumbers seeking improved control or for those wanting to reduce the impact of shaky fingers, enhancing smoothness and stability during flights.
Advantages of Hybrid Pinching
- Balanced Precision: Provides more control than thumbing but less strain than pinching.
- Ease of Transition: Easier for thumb pilots to adapt to compared to full pinching.
- Comfortable Grip: Reduces wrist strain while maintaining decent stability.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Pinching
- Limited Benefits: Doesn’t achieve the full precision of pinching or the simplicity of thumbing.
Which Grip Style is Right for You?
Choosing the right grip depends on your background, flying goals, and personal preference. Here are some factors to consider:
Comfort
- If comfort is your priority, thumbing is the easiest and least stressful option.
- Hybrid pinching provides a middle ground for those seeking better control without sacrificing comfort.
- Pinching may feel awkward initially but can become second nature with practice.
Precision Needs
- For casual flying, the precision differences between styles may not matter much.
- Racing or technical flying demands higher precision, making pinching or hybrid pinching the better choice.
Transmitter Size
- Smaller radios, like the Radiomaster Pocket, can be harder to pinch comfortably.
- Larger transmitters with extended stick ends are more suited for pinching.
Practical Tips for Experimenting with Your Grip
- Try All Styles: Spend a few sessions flying with each grip to see what feels most natural and effective.
- Change Stick Ends: Experiment with spiked or textured stick ends for better grip and tactile feedback.
- Adjust Transmitter Setup: Customize your transmitter’s gimbal tension and stick length to suit your grip.
- Start in a Simulator: Practice new grip styles in an FPV simulator to avoid costly crashes while learning.
Final Thoughts: Does Grip Style Really Matter?
Ultimately, the “best” grip style depends on your transmitter and personal preference. While pinching offers unmatched precision, thumbing is sufficient for most freestyle or casual pilots. Hybrid pinching provides an excellent compromise, delivering better control without the fatigue associated with full pinching.
Remember, your transmitter’s shape and size, the length of the sticks, can also influence what grip feels most comfortable. Focus on what allows you to fly confidently and enjoy your flights—after all, your quad doesn’t care how you hold the sticks!
Edit History
- Jan 2020 – guide created.
- Jan 2025 – updated.
