BetaFPV Air65 Champion Edition is here, only 1000 available. This limited edition little screamer is equipped with dual ball bearing high KV motors and the power needed to handle some real FPV fun. Today I’m going to dive into what makes the Air65 Champion Edition stand out, from build quality to performance, and whether it’s a worthy addition to your collection.
Here are the Tiny Whoop parts and accessories I recommend: https://oscarliang.com/best-tiny-whoop/
Where to buy
You can get the Air65 Champion Edition from:
Note: Battery not included. Get the recommended BetaFPV LAVA 1S LiHV here:
The Air65 Champion Edition comes with the following accessories:
How is the Champion Edition different?
At first glance, the Air65 Champion Edition looks identical to the previous Air65 models, just with a different color frame and engines. However, BetaFPV has also made some notable improvements to the Champion:
- 0702 30 000 KV motors: These higher KV motors deliver more power and speed but come at a slight cost in efficiency.
- Double ball bearings: Double ball bearings in the motors provide smoother performance and higher speed compared to previous versions. They also reduce friction and wear, making the Champion Edition powerful and durable over time.
- 5 in 1 AIO Flight Controller: Unlike the 4-in-1 board in previous models, the 5-in-1 board includes an external receiver for easy wiring and repairs. It’s similar in weight to a 4-in-1 setup with an external ELRS receiver.
- Improved camera design: BetaFPV has added a small sticker to the back of the camera to help eliminate the light leaks seen with earlier models.
- Camera Cover Modifications: BetaFPV has made a small change to the camera mount by trimming a bit of the canopy around the UFL connector, which improves crashworthiness.
One disadvantage is the increased weight due to the heavier twin-bearing motors. The Champion Edition weighs approximately 17.9g, while the Air65 Freestyle and Race editions are only approximately 17.1g.
Lightening the construction
If you are looking for weight reduction, I recently built a custom scream that is 1.1 grams lighter than the Champion Edition using a few different parts and techniques. Check out my build guide here for tips on how to make the Champion Edition even easier: https://oscarliang.com/how-to-build-tiny-whoop/.
Flight performance
Speed and agility
The Air65 Champion Edition is absolutely exhilarating to fly right out of the box. The 0702 30,000 KV motors provide exceptional responsiveness and give the drone a noticeable increase in speed and agility. The added power makes it ideal for freestyle maneuvers and fast turns, especially indoors. The Champion Edition is incredibly fast, making it a fantastic choice for racers and freestyle enthusiasts alike.
Battery life
With a fully charged BetaFPV Lava 1S 300mAh battery, I averaged just over three minutes of flight time. While that’s 20 to 30 seconds less than the 27,000 KV Race model, the increased performance is worth it if you’re focused on faster lap times and a more exhilarating experience. If you prefer longer flights or a more relaxed travel style, you may prefer the original Air65 with lower KV engines.
Final Verdict: Is the Air65 Champion Edition Right for You?
The Air65 Champion Edition is not a dramatic improvement over the original, mainly just the engines.
If you already own the Air65 Race or Freestyle versions, an easy upgrade is to simply buy the 30,000KV motors separately and swap them out; soldering is quite simple. Another tip is to replace the frame with a NewBeeDrone Cockroach LiteAF to save about half a gram, which I did in my own build.
For those deciding between Air65 models, the Champion Edition offers the best performance in the range. Its 5-in-1 AIO board and cabin tweaks are also a welcome upgrade. But with only 1,000 units available, act fast if you want a champion. And if you miss it, the original Air65 is still an excellent choice, offering slightly longer flight time and saving you about $10.
Get Air65 from:
Note: Battery not included. Get the recommended BetaFPV LAVA 1S LiHV here: