The highly anticipated BetaFPV Air65 Champion Edition has finally arrived, with an exclusive run of only 1,000 units available. This limited-edition Tiny Whoop option features excessive KV motors equipped with twin ball bearings, designed to deliver exceptional FPV thrills and experiences.
I’ll delve into what sets the Air65 Champion Version apart, examining its exceptional build quality, impressive performance, and determining if it’s a valuable addition to your collection.
You can obtain the Air65 Champion Version from:
The battery should not be included in the product. Get your hands on the exceptional BetaFPV Lava 1S LiHV, a top-notch choice for any drone enthusiast.
The Air 65 Champion Edition arrives equipped with the following components:
Initially, the Air65 Champion Version appears to be a straightforward iteration of the original model, distinguished primarily by its unique colour scheme and upgraded motors. Notably, BetaFPV has introduced significant enhancements to the Champion model.
- While these enhanced KV motors deliver additional power and speed, they do so at the expense of some efficiency.
- The upgrade to twin ball bearings in the motors has resulted in significantly smoother performance and enhanced velocity compared to previous iterations. Additionally, they reduced friction and wear, rendering the Champion Version consistently potent and resilient as it ages.
- Unlike its predecessors, the 5in1 board boasts a distinct exterior receiver, streamlining wiring and repairs with unprecedented ease. Weighing in at a comparable scale to the 4-in-1 configuration when paired with an exterior ELRS receiver.
- BetaFPV incorporated a discreet sticker on the rear of the digital camera, designed to address minor leakage issues prevalent in previous models.
- BetaFPV has discreetly revised its digital camera mount by precision-trimming the cover adjacent to the UFL connector, fortifying durability and crash resilience through this subtle yet effective modification.
One potential drawback is the increased weight caused by the dual-bearing motors’ added heft. The Champion version tips the scales at approximately 17.9 grams, while the Air65 Freestyle and Race Editions come in a single, lightweight option of just 17.1 grams.
When aiming to trim excess weight, I recently engineered a bespoke Whoop model that shaved off an impressive 1.1 grams from its Champion counterpart, leveraging innovative materials and techniques to achieve this feat. What’s missing to make your Champion Version even lighter?
Velocity and Agility
Without a doubt, the Air65 Champion Version is an exhilarating experience to pilot outside of its usual confines. The 0702 30,000 KV motors provide exceptional responsiveness, significantly boosting the drone’s velocity and agility with a noticeably enhanced sense of immediacy. With the increased energy input, this setup excels at facilitating complex freestyle moves and rapid directional changes, especially within confined indoor spaces. The Champion Version’s pace feels remarkably brisk, rendering it an unlikely yet attractive option for both racers and freestyle enthusiasts.
Battery Life
With the BetaFPV Lava 1S’s fully charged 300mAh battery, I consistently achieved just under four minutes of aerial adventure. While this motor boasts an impressive 10-15 second reduction in time compared to the 27,000 KV counterpart, its enhanced efficiency is well worth the sacrifice for those prioritizing faster lap times and an even more thrilling ride. For those seeking extended periods of effortless flight or a more leisurely cruising experience, consider the Air65’s lower KV motors for a tailored flying style.
The Air 65 Champion Version doesn’t represent a significant improvement over its predecessor, with the primary distinction lying in the upgraded motors.
For those who have already invested in an Air65 Race or Freestyle variant, a straightforward upgrade involves purchasing the 30,000KV motors separately and swapping them out; the soldering process is relatively uncomplicated. Consider replacing the body with a lightweight alternative, such as the NewBeeDrone Cockroach Lite AF, to reduce weight by approximately half a gram – an adjustment I incorporated into my custom build.
When choosing among Air65 fashion options, the Champion Version stands out for its exceptional performance within the lineup. This 5-in-1 all-in-one (AIO) board welcomes cover modifications that prove to be effective enhancements. However, don’t wait – with only 1,000 Champion models available, seize the opportunity quickly. If you do decide to pass up on other options, the Air65 remains an excellent choice, offering slightly extended flying times at a cost savings of around $10.
Get the Air65 from:
Please note that the battery should not be included in the purchase. Discover the exceptional performance of the BetaFPV Lava 1S LiHV – a top-tier choice for any aerial enthusiast.