RadioMaster Boxer
The RadioMaster Boxer is the $150 prosumer FPV radio that pairs traditional handle ergonomics with internal ExpressLRS 2.4 GHz, premium AG01 Hall gimbals, and a JR-size external module bay for TBS Crossfire, ELRS 915 MHz, or multi-protocol. EdgeTX firmware, USB-C, wireless bluetooth trainer support, and 2x 18650 user-replaceable cells.
The right upgrade from a Pocket once you outgrow internal-only ELRS — premium gimbals + the module bay make it the do-anything FPV radio under $200.
Where to Buy
Pros
- Internal ExpressLRS 2.4 GHz (up to 250 mW) plus a full JR external module bay — every FPV protocol is supported
- AG01 Hall sensor gimbals with 4-bearing construction — premium feel that matches radios twice the price
- Traditional handle ergonomics — works for thumber, pincher, and pinch-and-thumb styles
- EdgeTX firmware with bluetooth wireless trainer support — train a student over BT without wires
- 2x 18650 user-supplied cells deliver 15-20 hour runtime; spare batteries cost $5 each
Cons
- $150 vs $80 for the Pocket — significant jump if you don't need the external module bay
- 572g + larger physical footprint — less travel-friendly than the Pocket's 320g pocketable design
- External cells not included — first-time buyers need to add 2x 18650 batteries ($10-15) before flying
Why the external module bay matters
Internal ELRS 2.4 GHz handles 95% of freestyle and racing — but the remaining 5% of FPV use cases need different RF. TBS Crossfire (868 MHz / 915 MHz CRSF protocol) was the dominant long-range standard before ELRS shipped — many existing receivers and fleets still run on it. ELRS 915 MHz is the open-source long-range equivalent — penetrates RF-congested race venues better than 2.4 GHz and reaches further outdoor. Multi-protocol modules (4-in-1, 5-in-1) talk to FrSky D8/D16, Spektrum DSM2/DSMX, FlySky, FrSky V8/V9 — useful for hobbyists with mixed-protocol fleets.
The Boxer's JR-size module bay accepts any of these without modification. Slide the module in, secure with the latch, EdgeTX detects the module type via the protocol byte and configures itself. No re-flashing required. The Pocket has no module bay — you're stuck with internal ELRS only. For TBS Crossfire users specifically, this is the only reason to choose Boxer over Pocket — Pocket simply cannot do Crossfire.
AG01 gimbals — what makes them premium
The Boxer's AG01 Hall sensor gimbals use 4-bearing construction (vs 2-bearing in the Pocket) and CNC-machined aluminum centering springs (vs plastic). The result: smoother gimbal motion, more consistent center detent, longer stick travel without slop. For freestyle inputs (fast roll/pitch flicks, throttle hold for power loops), the gimbal smoothness translates to more precise PID inputs and less stick noise in the FC's RC trace.
For racing where inputs are aggressive and consistent — peak roll/pitch rates, full-throttle launches — gimbal quality is the difference between qualifying at a race meet and bowing out in heats. Pro race pilots often upgrade further to AG02 or Frsky M9 gimbals ($60-150 swap) but the AG01 in the Boxer is sufficient for amateur and intermediate-level competitive racing. Casual freestyle pilots probably won't feel the difference vs the Pocket's stock gimbals; serious pilots will.
Battery, runtime, and the 18650 supply chain
The Boxer ships without batteries — you supply two 18650 Li-Ion cells (3.6-3.7V nominal). Common choices: Samsung 30Q (3000 mAh, ~$5/cell), Sony VTC6 (3000 mAh, ~$8/cell), LG HG2 (3000 mAh, ~$6/cell). Stick with name-brand cells from reputable sellers (18650BatteryStore, IMR Batteries) — counterfeit cells flood Amazon and many show 50-70% of rated capacity in real testing.
With 2x Samsung 30Q (6000 mAh total parallel-wired), expect 15-20 hours of typical use at 100 mW ELRS power, dropping to 8-12 hours at maximum 250 mW. Charging is via USB-C — the Boxer charges its own cells when plugged into any 5V/2A USB-C charger. Spare cells fit in a $5 plastic case in any bag pocket — swap batteries in 30 seconds at a race meet without packing a charger. This battery strategy is more flexible than the Pocket's slightly-larger built-in pack: when 18650 cells eventually degrade after 500+ cycles, replace cells ($10) instead of buying a new radio.
Full Specifications
Connectivity
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| rc_protocol | ExpressLRS 2.4 GHz (built-in) + CRSF + 4-in-1 multi-protocol module on some variants [1] |
| tx_power | ExpressLRS up to 250 mW internal; external module via JR bay up to 1W [1] |
| channels | 16 channels via CRSF; 12 channels stick + AUX [1] |
| protocol_compatibility | ELRS, CRSF, Crossfire / Tracer (external), Multi-protocol (external) [1] |
I/O & Interfaces
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| gimbals | AG01 Hall sensor gimbals (premium 4-bearing) [1] |
| Display | 128x64 monochrome LCD with white backlight [1] |
| USB | USB-C (joystick mode + charging + sim) [1] |
| trainer_port | 3.5mm TRS PPM/SBUS in/out + bluetooth wireless trainer [1] |
| external_module_bay | Standard JR-size external module bay (supports Crossfire, R9M, 4-in-1) [1] |
| switches | 6 switches (4x 3-position + 2x 2-position) + 4 trim buttons + 2 sliders [1] |
Power
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| battery | 2x 18650 Li-Ion cells (user-supplied) — ~15-20 hours runtime [1] |
Physical
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 195 x 155 x 95 mm [1] |
| weight_g | 572 g [1] |
| Form Factor | Traditional handle radio (thumber + pincher friendly) [1] |
Who Should Buy This
The canonical upgrade path. You've outgrown the Pocket's internal-only ELRS and gamepad form factor, you want premium AG01 gimbals for smoother freestyle and racing inputs, and you want the JR external module bay so you can experiment with TBS Crossfire, ELRS 915 MHz long-range modules, or multi-protocol modules for older receivers. EdgeTX model files import from the Pocket directly.
If you know you'll be flying FPV seriously for years, skipping the Pocket and going straight to the Boxer is the right move — premium gimbals, external module bay, traditional handle ergonomics. For pilots unsure whether FPV will stick, the Pocket at $80 is the lower-risk entry point.
Better alternative: RadioMaster Pocket
Boxer is 572g vs Pocket's 320g, and the larger handle form factor takes more bag space. For travel or as a pack-light second radio (race meets, sim sessions on the road), the Pocket fits in jacket pockets and weighs less than half. Keep the Boxer as your home daily-driver.
Better alternative: RadioMaster Pocket
Frequently Asked Questions
RadioMaster Boxer vs TX16S Mark II — which one?
Boxer ($150): handle radio, 572g, 18650 cells, monochrome LCD. TX16S Mark II ($230): full-size 'pro' radio, 740g, internal Li-Po pack, 4.3" color screen, expandable storage. Both run EdgeTX with internal ELRS + JR bay. For most pilots Boxer is the better buy — TX16S's main advantages (color screen, larger size) matter mostly for pro sim use or hardcore competitive racing. Boxer feels less 'cumbersome' for everyday flying.
What 18650 batteries should I buy?
Samsung 30Q, Sony VTC5/VTC6, LG HG2, or Molicel P26A — all proven cells. 3000 mAh capacity, 15-20A continuous discharge (way more than the Boxer needs). $5-8 per cell from reputable sellers (18650BatteryStore, IMR Batteries, Liion Wholesale). Avoid 'fire / 9900 mAh' counterfeit cells on Amazon — they're 800-1500 mAh inside the wrapper.
Can I use the same EdgeTX models from my Pocket?
Yes — model files export from the Pocket via SD card or USB-C and import directly into the Boxer. EdgeTX uses YAML model files that are firmware-compatible across all current RadioMaster radios. Re-binding receivers may require a fresh ELRS bind (rebind via WebUI on the receiver) but the model setup transfers cleanly.
Does the Boxer support bluetooth wireless trainer?
Yes — built-in Bluetooth supports EdgeTX's wireless trainer protocol. Pair Boxer (master) with a student radio (slave) over BT and stick inputs pass from the student to the master radio's models. Useful for FPV flight instruction at race meets or club events. The wired trainer port (3.5mm TRS) also works for traditional PPM/SBUS trainer setups.
Can I add a Crossfire module later?
Yes — that's the point of the JR module bay. TBS Crossfire Lite or Crossfire Micro TX both slide into the Boxer's JR bay. EdgeTX auto-detects the module and configures itself for CRSF protocol output. Pair with TBS Crossfire receivers (Diversity Nano, Nano RX) for 868/915 MHz long range with 1W output.
How does the Boxer compare to the older Jumper T-Lite or T-Pro?
Boxer has a JR external module bay (Jumper T-Lite / T-Pro have proprietary single-channel module). Boxer has 250 mW internal ELRS (T-Pro is 100 mW). Boxer's gimbals are better build quality. T-Lite is smaller and lighter ($80, similar to the RadioMaster Pocket). For modern FPV the RadioMaster line has displaced Jumper as the default — wider community support, more EdgeTX updates.