The NewBeeDrone Hummingbird RaceSpec V2 represents an bold refinement of an already high-performance platform. On this overview, 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 resolve whether or not this drone matches your flying type.
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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 additional units of propellers
- Prop remover software
- Spare cover
- Spare screws
- USB-C adapter
- Stickers
Not for Inexperienced persons
This is without doubt one of the first FPV drones I’ve encountered that explicitly states on their product web page it’s not meant for learners, and new FPV pilots ought to keep away from buying it. That candid warning tells you every little thing it is advisable 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 completely 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 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 constructive be aware, the body is notably versatile, which successfully absorbs affect from crashes and improves sturdiness in comparison with extra inflexible conventional whoop frames.
One other vital enchancment over the V1 is the cover redesign, which positions the digicam additional ahead. This solves a crucial concern skilled by many V1 customers, the place the digicam PCB may hit the flight controller throughout impacts, inflicting harm. The up to date cover appears strong, with minimal jello throughout flight.
Nonetheless, 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, straight soldered to the FC board utilizing ultra-thin wires to avoid wasting weight. Nonetheless, changing these motors may be difficult, particularly for pilots who aren’t assured with soldering, as a result of extraordinarily tiny solder pads.
Moreover, these motors use common magnets somewhat 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 here 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 value and provide chain issues somewhat than a dramatic efficiency leap. Personally, I didn’t discover a big distinction in flight dealing with in comparison with the V1.
The AIO FC board additionally incorporates a formidable 18A 4-in-1 ESC, which is definitely overkill for a 1S tiny whoop. Nonetheless, having additional headroom is reassuring, particularly for voltage spikes throughout crashes. Clearly, sturdiness and robustness had been key issues, 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 digicam conveniently related through 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 big enchancment for long-term firmware help, 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 through 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. Nonetheless, the intense 45° digicam tilt made indoor flights almost inconceivable. 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 obligatory to check this drone correctly.
Outdoor
Utilizing beneficial 1S 300mAh batteries, I obtained simply over 2 minutes of flight time. The RaceSpec V2 is notably power-hungry attributable to 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 nicely. Flying confidently in 15MPH wind, it genuinely felt extra like a bigger 2-inch freestyle drone somewhat 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 received’t endure repeated onerous crashes as gracefully as typical tiny whoops. Take into account this fastidiously if aggressive flying and frequent crashes are a part of your FPV journey.
Downsides
In my view, probably the most vital draw back is the intense digicam angle, which is just too aggressive for snug indoor flying. Whereas I perceive the drone is designed for hardcore racing—because the title clearly implies—this severely limits its versatility and enchantment to most of the people. Together with an optionally available cover with a decrease digicam angle would tremendously broaden its usability, permitting extra pilots to comfortably take pleasure in this whoop.
One other minor concern 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 quick cable aren’t superb. When utilizing a normal 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, could be a better option.
Lastly, I’m not against utilizing an exterior USB dongle to connect with Betaflight—BetaFPV additionally makes use of this method to avoid wasting weight and area 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 shedding contact, making the method fiddly and irritating.
How you can 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 (in the event you 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 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. Comply with this information in the event you don’t know the way: 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” beneath warnings, substitute RSSI with RSSI_dBm
- Alter your VTX channel and energy (25mW to 400mW) based mostly in your flying atmosphere.
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 commonplace defaults. NewBeeDrone explicitly warns towards flashing commonplace Betaflight firmware for that reason. When you ever want to revive the drone’s manufacturing unit 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 in the marketplace (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 elements from every may end in 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
Ultimate 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 area to fly aggressively, it’s actually a dream—agile, responsive, and impressively highly effective. Nonetheless, in case your objective 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 occasions.
Sturdiness is one other consideration. Its minimalist construction and aggressive efficiency imply lowered crash resistance and extra advanced 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 choice for severe racers seeking to shave fractions of a second off lap occasions. Nonetheless, in the event you’re new to FPV, I strongly advocate selecting a extra beginner-friendly drone with strong building, 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/#Finest-65mm-Tiny-Whoops
