A 17g FPV drone for beginners

This video reviews the Beta FPV Air65 and Air75 drones, assessing their suitability for beginners in FPV flying.

Beta FPV Air65 vs. Air75 #

• Weight Comparison: The Air65 weighs about 17g, comparable to two chocolate pieces or an ice cube, half the weight of Cedus or Tiny Hawk drones.
• Size and Power: The Air75 is a larger version of the Air65 with more powerful motors and bigger propellers.
• Upgrades: The presenter made significant upgrades to his Air75, which will be discussed later.

Key Advantages for Beginners #

• Safety (Size & Weight):
  • Extremely small and lightweight, making crashes less damaging ("padded room" effect).
  • Can bounce off objects without significant damage.
  • Stays put after a crash, even if not disarmed.
  • Offers simulator-level safety in real life, unlike larger/heavier drones.
• Versatility of Flying Locations:
  • Quiet operation (inaudible 5-15m away), allowing flying in public spaces like parks without disturbing others.
  • Facilitates flying through small gaps.
• Combined Safety and Flexibility: These are the biggest pros for beginners.

Flight Time (Pro/Con) #

• Battery Options:
  • Air65: 260 mAh or 300 mAh batteries.
  • Air75: 450 mAh or 550 mAh batteries.
• Flight Duration:
  • Air65: 3-4 minutes of reasonable flight time.
  • Air75: 5-6 minutes of flight time.
• Comparison: Good flight time relative to other drones its size, but short in general.
• Reality of FPV: Continuous 30-minute flights are rare for any FPV drone.
• Cost of Batteries: Batteries are inexpensive, allowing users to stock up.
• Conclusion: Low battery prices help offset short flight times, making it a neutral point for beginners.

Price & Repair Costs #

• Initial Cost: Both drones cost $95, making them among the cheapest FPV drones available.
• Included Features: Fully equipped with ELRS and a decent analog video system; no recycled parts.
• Spare Parts Affordability:
  • Frame: $5
  • Canopy: $3
  • Set of 4 motors: $40
• Benefit: Inexpensive to buy and repair, a major advantage for beginners who are likely to crash.

Video System (Analog vs. HD) #

• Out-of-the-Box: Drones come with an analog camera and VTX (video transmitter).
• Analog Quality:
  • Reasonable quality for a first drone.
  • Sufficient range (around 100m) without major breakup.
  • Enough detail for flying around obstacles.
  • Considered a "pro" for beginners, as worse analog systems exist on more expensive drones.
• Upgradeability Issue:
  • The flight controller is an all-in-one board (flight controller, motors, ELRS receiver, video system).
  • Cannot easily swap out or upgrade the video system (camera/VTX) without replacing the entire flight controller.
  • Stuck with analog unless willing to spend significantly on upgrades.
• Personal Upgrade Example: The presenter upgraded his Air75 with an HD0 all-in-one board ($100) and an HD0 camera ($45), turning his $95 drone into a $240 setup.
• Impact for Beginners: For a beginner, analog is usually sufficient. The lack of cheap/easy upgradeability is a "con" for future-proofing.

Power, Control, & Skill Growth #

• Power: Both drones offer significant power, enough even for pro pilots.
• Indoor Flying (Air75): Air75 can be challenging indoors due to its power; Air65 is better for tight indoor spaces.
• Outdoor Flying:
  • Air65: Manageable in wind, though it can be pushed around.
  • Air75: Handles light breezes well, but not strong gusts.
  • Both are fine for park and backyard flying.
• Performance: The presenter's Air75 outperformed his Meteor 75 Pro.
• Skill Development: Excellent for practicing tricks, chasing RC cars, and light racing.
• Throttle Limiting: Beginners can limit throttle power for easier handling, then increase as skills improve.
• Conclusion: Drones "over-deliver" on power, control, and potential for skill growth.

Design & Durability #

• Canopy Design:
  • Lightweight and durable but has a flaw.
  • Camera angle is adjustable only between 25° and 50°.
  • 25° can feel too steep for slower indoor flying.
  • Fix: Can be lowered further with a wire or zip tie, but it's not ideal for a beginner-focused option.
• Frame Design:
  • Ridiculously thin, lightweight, and durable.
  • The presenter has crashed both models extensively, breaking only one Air75 frame.
• Motor Issue: One motor on a pre-release Air75 unit stopped working; potentially an early firmware issue that has since been fixed.
• Overall Durability: Takes hits and survives crashes well, minimizing repair time for beginners.

Final Recommendation & Future Considerations #

• Air65: Recommended for beginners primarily flying indoors.
• Air75: Recommended for a mix of indoor and outdoor flying.
• Beyond "Perfect": The question is not if it's "perfect," but if it's the "right" drone for you and your long-term FPV goals.
• Future Investment: Choosing the wrong first drone can be costly and discouraging.
• Resource: The presenter offers a separate video with a checklist to help choose a drone based on goals, budget, and upgrade path.