Review: Skyzone SKY04X Pro FPV Goggles – The Best Analog Goggles Just Become Even Better?

The SKY04X PRO is the upgraded version of the SKY04X V1/V2, improving the immersive FPV experience with new optics and OLED panels. Boasting a wider 52° field of view and 100fps displays, it supports certain digital system in low latency mode. Can Skyzone truly compete in an era increasingly dominated by digital FPV systems with these new analog goggles? This review dives into its features and performance to see if Skyzone remains a contender.

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The Skyzone SKY04X Pro supports both traditional analog FPV system and digital setups like Walksnail and HDZero. If you’re exploring FPV systems or goggles for the first time, I’ve got comprehensive guides to help you make an informed choice.

• FPV Systems Explained: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-system/
• Goggles buyer’s guide: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-goggles/

Where to Buy?

You can find the SKY04X Pro at the following retailers:

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DE7BPLf
• RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-2n2e
• Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-jf1k

Included with the goggles are the following accessories.

It comes with two faceplates to suit different face shapes.

There are also two types of foam pads for optimal comfort.

Specifications

• Screen: OLED
• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Aspect Ratio: 4:3 / 16:9
• FOV (Diagonal): 52°
• Focus Range: -2 to +6 diopters
• IPD Range: 58-71mm
• Receiver: 5.8GHz SteadyView V3.3
• DVR: H.264 60fps, AVI
• Voltage Input: 2S-6S Lipo
• HDMI IN: 1080p 60fps / 720p 100FPS
• Head Tracker: 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope
• Dimensions: 185x75x67mm
• Weight: 267g (without module and antenna), 340g with module and antennas

The original Sky04X V1/V2 had long been considered one of the best analog FPV goggles, competing head-to-head with brands like Orqa and Fatshark. The SKY04X Pro builds on this legacy with updates that enhance compatibility with modern digital FPV systems.

Let’s compare the specs of the SKY04X Pro to the SKY04X V2 and SKY04L.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the SKY04X Pro may appear very similar to its predecessor, yet it introduces a matte finish that both prevents fingerprints and reduces glare. This refinement is in line with Skyzone’s commitment to high-quality construction and design, ensuring the goggles not only look good but also feel comfortable during prolonged use.

Accommodating the majority of users, the inclusion of two faceplates allows for a tailored fit across diverse face shapes and sizes. The diopter and IPD adjustments are available, catering effectively to the majority of users.

In contrast to Orqa and Fatshark goggles, the Skyzone SKY04X Pro is equipped with a receiver module (SteadyView V3.3) and basic antennas, offering decent savings. While this module maybe not quite on par with top-tier modules like Rapidfire or TBS Fusion, it proves more than capable for the average user. The analog DVR now records at 60fps, marking a notable improvement from the V1’s 30fps.

If you’ve seen my review of the original SKY04X goggles, you’ll recall they were my preferred choice for analog FPV goggles: https://oscarliang.com/skyzone-sky04x/

So what are the differences from previous version?

Screens

The Sky04X Pro features 1080p OLED panels with a refresh rate of 100fps, presenting a notable enhancement over its predecessors and even offering a slight advantage over the HDZero Goggle‘s 90fps. Together with 720p 100fps HDMI input, these goggles ensure compatibility with high frame rate systems, such as Walksnail’s 100fps low latency mode.

Field of View

The Pro boasts a 1920×1080 resolution, 52° FOV with a native 16:9 aspect ratio, a substantial upgrade from the previous version’s 1280×960 screen and 46° FOV with a native 4:3 aspect ratio. Although both models are switchable between 4:3 and 16:9, the Pro version’s larger FOV in 16:9 enhances the immersive experience, particularly with widescreen digital video receivers.

How big is 52-degree FOV compared to other goggles? Check it using this tool: https://oscarliang.com/js/fpvgogglefov.html

Power Button

A notable addition is the on/off power button on the side, simplifying the process of turning the goggles on and off with a long press, while a short press turns the fan on and off.

Cooling Fan

Due to the upgraded displays which generate more heat, they’ve added a cooling fan to the bay in the right. That means you no longer can use two receiver modules like previous SKY04X.

Display and User Experience

The OLED displays deliver images with striking contrast and vibrant colors, significantly improving visual clarity over traditional LCD or LCOS displays. Moreover, the native 16:9 aspect ratio is a thoughtful change, aligning well with the widescreen preference of Walksnail FPV systems.

The standout feature of the Sky04X Pro is undoubtedly its 52° FOV. However some users might notice blurry edges, which makes it hard to read the OSD/text at the corners. However, when flying analog, particularly with 4:3 cameras, selecting 4:3 in the goggles effectively reduces the FOV down to around 46° (with both sides cut off), addresses the issue of blurry corners for me. If you select 16:9 in the goggles when using 4:3 cameras, your image will appear stretched and distorted, which is generally undesirable. For Walksnail cameras with a native 16:9 aspect ratio, choosing 16:9 in the goggles is advisable.

Overall, the SKY04X Pro’s controls and layout are designed for ease of use, featuring an intuitive on-screen menu system that enhances the user experience.

Battery Life

With the Steadyview module, the goggles draws around 0.45A of current at 16V (4S battery). Using a 4S 3000mah Li-ion battery, you can expect around 5 to 6 hours of battery life.

Compatibility with Walksnail and HDZero

Despite being analog goggles, the SKY04X Pro offers support for both Walksnail and HDZero systems.

Connecting to a Walksnail external video receiver, the goggles can operate in the 100Hz low latency mode. However, it’s not without its limitations, especially when used with HDZero’s lowest latency mode, as it can only achieve a 60Hz output. For those looking to the full HDZero’s 90Hz experience, this may be a drawback and you may consider getting the HDZero goggles.

An additional point to consider is the potential for added latency when using these digital systems through the HDMI input. While it’s a minor concern, it’s worth noting for those who prioritize split-second responsiveness in their flights.

My latency tests, using a GoPro 12 at 240fps, showed minimal differences between the SKY04X PRO and other high-end analog goggles when using these digital systems. For freestyle flying and casual use, I found the latency perfectly acceptable.

Limitations

One notable change in the SKY04X Pro is the removal of “quadversity,” a feature some may miss. This is because you can’t use two Steadyview receivers simultaneously as one module bay is now dedicated to cooling the displays.

The actual IPD adjustment measured about 60mm to 70mm, slightly narrower than advertised. This might be something to consider for those with IPDs outside this range.

Large field of view can introduce blurry edges and corners for some people. An option to adjust zoom would be nice, a feature that’s already available on the DJI Goggles 2.

The included basic dipole antennas are sufficient for short-range flights but leave room for improvement. For optimal performance, particularly for penetration and longer ranges, upgrading your antennas is advisable. I suggest a combination of a directional antenna, like a patch antenna, and an omni-directional antenna, such as a right-hand circular polarized antenna, for optimal coverage. For top recommendations on FPV antennas, check out my guide: https://oscarliang.com/best-fpv-antenna/#The-Best-FPV-Antennas-for-FPV-Drones

Compatibility with 3rd Party Receivers

For those seeking the absolute best in receiver performance, you can upgrade the included Steadyview module to the ImmersionRC Rapidfire or TBS Fusion by swapping out the module.

One caveat: this might require a 3D printed cover for your chosen module. In my case, I had to print a custom cover for the Rapidfire since the original covers weren’t compatible.

Final Verdict: Is the SKY04X Pro for You?

The SKY04X PRO is primarily designed for pilots who are predominantly flying analog. However, its enhanced compatibility makes it an attractive option for those who occasionally venture into digital realms with systems like Walksnail and HDZero.

At $599.99, the Sky04X Pro is competitively priced, especially when compared to the HDZero goggles, which are at the same price tag. However, it’s important to factor in the additional costs for those who wish to run analog systems with HDZero Goggles, which could add up to an extra $150 or more for an analog receiver module and antennas.

Get your SKY04X Pro from these vendors:

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DE7BPLf
• RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-2n2e
• Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-jf1k

It all comes down to what your main focus is. For those flying mostly analog, the SKY04X Pro is a compelling choice. For those mostly fly HDZero, the HDZero Goggles are the way to go. For those mostly fly Walksnail, Walksnail Avatar Goggles X is your best choice.

The beauty of the current FPV market is its flexibility. Even if you change your mind, you can keep using whatever goggles you bought with a different FPV system, and continue flying. All these goggles mentioned are very versatile.