The NewBeeDrone Hummingbird RaceSpec V2 represents an formidable refinement of an already high-performance platform. On this evaluation, 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 show you how to determine whether or not this drone matches your flying fashion.
Try our suggestions for Tiny Whoop gear right here: https://oscarliang.com/best-tiny-whoop/
The place to Purchase
You should buy the Hummingbird RaceSpec V2 straight from NewBeeDrone: https://oscarliang.com/link-h9ba
Within the field comes with:
- The Hummingbird RaceSpec V2 Whoop (with props pre-installed)
- Two further units of propellers
- Prop remover instrument
- Spare cover
- Spare screws
- USB-C adapter
- Stickers
Not for Newcomers
This is without doubt one of the first FPV drones I’ve encountered that explicitly states on their product web page it’s not supposed for freshmen, and new FPV pilots ought to keep away from buying it. That candid warning tells you all the things you have to learn about this drone: it’s extremely quick, difficult to manage, and never significantly forgiving when it comes to sturdiness. In the event you break it, repairs are solely 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
- Digital camera: BeeEye V2 800TVL (10x10mm PCB)
- Battery Connector: A30 (appropriate with BT2.0)
- Really helpful 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° digicam angle. Given earlier expertise with the Air65’s extra modest 35° angle—already difficult indoors—I feared fixed crashes could be inevitable with out changes. Beforehand, I needed to scale back my digicam angle to about 20° to comfortably fly indoors.
On a optimistic word, the body is notably versatile, which successfully absorbs affect 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 digicam additional ahead. This solves a vital challenge skilled by many V1 customers, the place the digicam PCB may hit the flight controller throughout impacts, inflicting injury. The up to date cover appears sturdy, with minimal jello throughout flight.
Nonetheless, the cover materials (TPU) is kind of versatile and may 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 vital.
Designed particularly for hardcore racers, the RaceSpec V2 options ultra-light 0702 30,000KV motors, straight soldered to the FC board utilizing ultra-thin wires to avoid wasting weight. Nonetheless, changing these motors could be difficult, particularly for pilots who aren’t assured with soldering, because of the extraordinarily tiny solder pads.
Moreover, these motors use common magnets quite 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 sooner microcontroller replaces the older STM32 F411.
- ICM42688 Gyro: Upgraded from the earlier BMI270 gyro.
These adjustments seem primarily pushed by price and provide chain concerns quite 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 certainly overkill for a 1S tiny whoop. Nonetheless, having further headroom is reassuring, particularly for voltage spikes throughout crashes. Clearly, sturdiness and robustness had been key concerns, even when most pilots gained’t ever push the ESC to its full potential.
The flight controller integrates each a VTX and receiver (RX), with the FPV digicam 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 swap 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 general efficiency.
Flight Efficiency
Indoors
Even throughout preliminary hovering checks indoor, the Hummingbird RaceSpec V2 clearly was extra highly effective than the Air65. It feels extremely light-weight and punchy. Nonetheless, the intense 45° digicam tilt made indoor flights almost not possible. All through indoor flights, it felt like I used to be virtually at all times staring on the ceiling; at any time when I pitched ahead to see forward, the drone shot ahead at such excessive pace that it shortly grew to become uncontrollable. Ultimately, I made a decision out of doors flights had been vital to check this drone correctly.
Outside
Utilizing really useful 1S 300mAh batteries, I bought simply over 2 minutes of flight time. The RaceSpec V2 is notably power-hungry as a consequence of 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 situations remarkably nicely. Flying confidently in 15MPH wind, it genuinely felt extra like a bigger 2-inch freestyle drone quite than a small 1S whoop. The RaceSpec V2 is exceptionally fast, agile, and impressively snappy round corners.
Nonetheless, keep in mind that this distinctive efficiency compromises sturdiness. With minimal protecting construction, this whoop gained’t endure repeated exhausting crashes as gracefully as typical tiny whoops. Think about this fastidiously if aggressive flying and frequent crashes are a part of your FPV journey.
Downsides
For my part, essentially the most important draw back is the intense digicam angle, which is just too aggressive for comfy indoor flying. Whereas I perceive the drone is designed for hardcore racing—because the identify clearly implies—this severely limits its versatility and enchantment to most of the people. Together with an elective cover with a decrease digicam angle would significantly broaden its usability, permitting extra pilots to comfortably get pleasure from this whoop.
One other minor challenge includes the brand new A30 battery connector. Whereas I’m glad that NewBeeDrone has lastly transitioned away from PH2.0, the straight connector and comparatively brief cable aren’t very best. When utilizing an ordinary 1S 300mAh battery, the connector pushes the battery ahead, offsetting the quad’s middle of gravity. A 180-degree connector, just like the one used on the Air65, could 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 avoid wasting weight and house on the FC. Nonetheless, 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 threat dropping contact, making the method fiddly and irritating.
Tips on how to Setup for First Flight
To configure the drone, if that is the primary time you ever encountered FC with AT32 processors, you may want to put in drivers (for those who can’t connect with Betaflight after plugging in USB cable).
To attach the FC to Betaflight, you additionally want to make use of the USB adapter supplied 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. Comply with this information for those who don’t understand how: https://oscarliang.com/bind-expresslrs-receivers/
For maiden flight, listed below are the Betaflight configurations:
- Load ExpressLRS Preset
- Set Your Charges
- Set Arm swap, angle mode swap, turtle mode swap
- Set OSD (disable “Core Temperature” below warnings, change RSSI with RSSI_dBm
- Alter your VTX channel and energy (25mW to 400mW) primarily based 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 because of this. In the event 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 parts from each the BetaFPV Air65 and Hummingbird RaceSpec V1. Combining absolutely the lightest components from every may end in an ultra-light whoop at round 15.6 grams—virtually a full gram lighter than the RaceSpec V2. Try my detailed breakdown right here: https://oscarliang.com/best-tiny-whoop/#The-Lightest-65mm-Analog-Tiny-Whoop-Construct-2025
Last Verdict
The Hummingbird RaceSpec V2 is arguably one of many quickest BNF tiny whoops at present out there. In the event you’re a talented pilot and have ample house to fly aggressively, it’s really a dream—agile, responsive, and impressively highly effective. Nonetheless, in case your aim is informal indoor flying or relaxed flights in smaller areas, this whoop could also be too aggressive and difficult to manage, with comparatively brief flight instances.
Sturdiness is one other consideration. Its minimalist construction and aggressive efficiency imply lowered crash resistance and extra complicated repairs. Except you’re extremely skilled and comfy dealing with intricate repairs, this in all probability isn’t the only option for informal bashing or frequent crashes.
In the end, the RaceSpec V2 is a superb possibility for severe racers trying to shave fractions of a second off lap instances. Nonetheless, for those who’re new to FPV, I strongly suggest selecting a extra beginner-friendly drone with sturdy development, less complicated repairs, and plug-and-play comfort. Try my detailed tiny whoop suggestions right here: https://oscarliang.com/best-tiny-whoop/#Greatest-65mm-Tiny-Whoops