The NewBeeDrone Hummingbird RaceSpec V2 represents an formidable refinement of an already high-performance platform. On this evaluate, I’ll stroll you thru my hands-on expertise flying and organising the RaceSpec V2, present an trustworthy and sensible analysis of its professionals and cons, and assist you determine whether or not this drone matches your flying type.
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The place to Purchase
You should purchase the Hummingbird RaceSpec V2 instantly from NewBeeDrone: https://oscarliang.com/link-h9ba
Within the field comes with:
- The Hummingbird RaceSpec V2 Whoop (with props pre-installed)
- Two additional units of propellers
- Prop remover instrument
- Spare cover
- Spare screws
- USB-C adapter
- Stickers
Not for Newcomers
This is among the first FPV drones I’ve encountered that explicitly states on their product web page it’s not meant for rookies, and new FPV pilots ought to keep away from buying it. That candid warning tells you all the things you might want to learn about this drone: it’s extremely quick, difficult to manage, and never notably forgiving by way of sturdiness. When you break it, repairs are fully on you.
Specs
- Flight Controller: AT32 F4 (ICM42688 Gyro)
- ESC: 18A 4in1 ESC (Bluejay Firmware 0.19 48KHz)
- Motors: HMB RS 0702 30000KV
- VTX: Adjustable Outputs (25mW, 100mW, 400mW)
- Receiver: UART-based ELRS with WiFi settings
- RX Antenna: Ceramic SMT for sturdiness and weight financial savings
- Digicam: BeeEye V2 800TVL (10x10mm PCB)
- Battery Connector: A30 (suitable with BT2.0)
- Really useful battery: 1S 300mAh LiHV
- Firmware: Betaflight 4.5.1 RacePro
- Weight: 16.5g
First Impressions on Design
Out of the field, my first concern was the intense 45° digital camera angle. Given earlier expertise with the Air65’s extra modest 35° angle—already difficult indoors—I feared fixed crashes can be inevitable with out changes. Beforehand, I needed to cut back my digital camera angle to about 20° to comfortably fly indoors.
On a constructive notice, the body is notably versatile, which successfully absorbs impression from crashes and improves sturdiness in comparison with extra inflexible conventional whoop frames.
One other important enchancment over the V1 is the cover redesign, which positions the digital camera additional ahead. This solves a crucial difficulty skilled by many V1 customers, the place the digital camera PCB may hit the flight controller throughout impacts, inflicting injury. The up to date cover appears sturdy, with minimal jello throughout flight.
Nevertheless, the cover materials (TPU) is sort of versatile and might deform barely after sitting within the field for some time. Utilizing a hairdryer to heat up the fabric and straighten the cover earlier than flight could also be obligatory.
Designed particularly for hardcore racers, the RaceSpec V2 options ultra-light 0702 30,000KV motors, instantly soldered to the FC board utilizing ultra-thin wires to save lots of weight. Nevertheless, changing these motors may be difficult, particularly for pilots who aren’t assured with soldering, because of the extraordinarily tiny solder pads.
Moreover, these motors use common magnets relatively than curved magnets, a minor element however noteworthy for racers in search of each doable efficiency edge.
Electronics: A Nearer Look
The Hummingbird RaceSpec V2 introduces a brand new AT32-based F4 flight controller, providing superior specs on paper in comparison with the BetaFPV Matrix 5-in-1 used within the Air65. Listed below are some notable upgrades:
- AT32 F435 MCU: This quicker microcontroller replaces the older STM32 F411.
- ICM42688 Gyro: Upgraded from the earlier BMI270 gyro.
These modifications seem primarily pushed by price and provide chain concerns relatively than a dramatic efficiency leap. Personally, I didn’t discover a major distinction in flight dealing with in comparison with the V1.
The AIO FC board additionally incorporates a powerful 18A 4-in-1 ESC, which is definitely overkill for a 1S tiny whoop. Nevertheless, having additional headroom is reassuring, particularly for voltage spikes throughout crashes. Clearly, sturdiness and robustness had been key concerns, even when most pilots received’t ever push the ESC to its full potential.
The flight controller integrates each a VTX and receiver (RX), with the FPV digital camera conveniently related by way of a plug-in connector, considerably minimizing soldering.
The upgraded 400mW VTX is a substantial enchancment over the V1’s restricted 25mW transmitter.
One other welcome improve is the change from an SPI-based to a UART-based ExpressLRS receiver. This transition is a major enchancment for long-term firmware assist, in addition to permitting receiver updates independently from Betaflight.
For weight discount, NewBeeDrone eliminated the onboard USB connector, changing it with a small exterior USB-C dongle related by way of a 4-pin header.
Lastly, it’s nice to see the transition from the older PH2.0 connectors to the extra environment friendly A30 connectors, which give higher energy supply and total efficiency.
Flight Efficiency
Indoors
Even throughout preliminary hovering assessments indoor, the Hummingbird RaceSpec V2 clearly was extra highly effective than the Air65. It feels extremely light-weight and punchy. Nevertheless, the intense 45° digital camera tilt made indoor flights practically not possible. All through indoor flights, it felt like I used to be virtually at all times staring on the ceiling; each time I pitched ahead to see forward, the drone shot ahead at such excessive velocity that it shortly grew to become uncontrollable. Ultimately, I made a decision out of doors flights had been obligatory to check this drone correctly.
Outside
Utilizing advisable 1S 300mAh batteries, I received simply over 2 minutes of flight time. The RaceSpec V2 is notably power-hungry resulting from its excessive KV motors and 48kHz ESC setting. Even one punch-out instantly triggered voltage warnings, but it stays undoubtedly one of many quickest and most responsive 1S whoops I’ve ever flown.
Surprisingly, this tiny quad handles windy circumstances remarkably properly. Flying confidently in 15MPH wind, it genuinely felt extra like a bigger 2-inch freestyle drone relatively than a small 1S whoop. The RaceSpec V2 is exceptionally fast, agile, and impressively snappy round corners.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that this distinctive efficiency compromises sturdiness. With minimal protecting construction, this whoop received’t endure repeated laborious crashes as gracefully as typical tiny whoops. Take into account this rigorously if aggressive flying and frequent crashes are a part of your FPV journey.
Downsides
In my view, probably the most important draw back is the intense digital camera angle, which is just too aggressive for snug indoor flying. Whereas I perceive the drone is designed for hardcore racing—because the identify clearly implies—this severely limits its versatility and attraction to most of the people. Together with an non-compulsory cover with a decrease digital camera angle would enormously broaden its usability, permitting extra pilots to comfortably take pleasure in this whoop.
One other minor difficulty entails the brand new A30 battery connector. Whereas I’m glad that NewBeeDrone has lastly transitioned away from PH2.0, the straight connector and comparatively quick cable aren’t supreme. When utilizing a typical 1S 300mAh battery, the connector pushes the battery ahead, offsetting the quad’s heart of gravity. A 180-degree connector, just like the one used on the Air65, can be a more sensible choice.
Lastly, I’m not against utilizing an exterior USB dongle to connect with Betaflight—BetaFPV additionally makes use of this strategy to save lots of weight and house on the FC. Nevertheless, NewBeeDrone’s implementation feels overly excessive. As an alternative of a correct connector, the FC has solely 4 tiny holes on the PCB, requiring exact alignment of the adapter’s pins. If the USB cable is wiggled barely throughout connection, you danger dropping contact, making the method fiddly and irritating.
Learn how to Setup for First Flight
To configure the drone, if that is the primary time you ever encountered FC with AT32 processors, you would possibly want to put in drivers (if you happen to can’t hook up with Betaflight after plugging in USB cable).
To attach the FC to Betaflight, you additionally want to make use of the USB adapter offered within the field, be very cautious when plugging it in.
The FC comes with Betaflight 4.5.1 RacePro, and the FC goal is HUMMINGBIRD_RS_V2.
Firstly, bind the receiver, receiver firmware goal is NewBeeDrone 2.4GHz Micro RX. Firmware model is 3.5.3. Observe this information if you happen to don’t understand how: https://oscarliang.com/bind-expresslrs-receivers/
For maiden flight, listed here are the Betaflight configurations:
- Load ExpressLRS Preset
- Set Your Charges
- Set Arm change, angle mode change, turtle mode change
- Set OSD (disable “Core Temperature” beneath warnings, change RSSI with RSSI_dBm
- Alter your VTX channel and energy (25mW to 400mW) based mostly in your flying surroundings.
Vital:
The RaceSpec V2 makes use of a customized model of Betaflight firmware (Betaflight 4.5.1 RacePro), particularly tuned and optimized by NewBeeDrone. The default settings are tailor-made for the Hummingbird RaceSpec V2 and differ considerably from Betaflight’s customary defaults. NewBeeDrone explicitly warns towards flashing customary Betaflight firmware for that reason. When you ever want to revive the drone’s manufacturing facility settings, merely click on the “RESET” button in Betaflight’s Setup tab.
Nonetheless Not the Absolute Lightest
At 16.5 grams, the Hummingbird RaceSpec V2 is among the many lightest tiny whoops available on the market (for comparability, the BetaFPV Air65 weighs 17.1 grams).
Regardless of its minimalist design, there’s nonetheless room for additional weight discount. Beforehand, I weighed particular person elements from each the BetaFPV Air65 and Hummingbird RaceSpec V1. Combining absolutely the lightest components from every may lead to an ultra-light whoop at round 15.6 grams—virtually a full gram lighter than the RaceSpec V2. Take a look at my detailed breakdown right here: https://oscarliang.com/best-tiny-whoop/#The-Lightest-65mm-Analog-Tiny-Whoop-Construct-2025
Closing Verdict
The Hummingbird RaceSpec V2 is arguably one of many quickest BNF tiny whoops at the moment out there. When you’re a talented pilot and have ample house to fly aggressively, it’s actually a dream—agile, responsive, and impressively highly effective. Nevertheless, in case your purpose is informal indoor flying or relaxed flights in smaller areas, this whoop could also be too aggressive and difficult to manage, with comparatively quick flight instances.
Sturdiness is one other consideration. Its minimalist construction and aggressive efficiency imply diminished crash resistance and extra complicated repairs. Until you’re extremely skilled and comfy dealing with intricate repairs, this most likely isn’t the only option for informal bashing or frequent crashes.
Finally, the RaceSpec V2 is a superb choice for severe racers trying to shave fractions of a second off lap instances. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re new to FPV, I strongly suggest selecting a extra beginner-friendly drone with sturdy development, less complicated repairs, and plug-and-play comfort. Take a look at my detailed tiny whoop suggestions right here: https://oscarliang.com/best-tiny-whoop/#Greatest-65mm-Tiny-Whoops