Baby hawk 2 is amazing for people who don’t have large fields to fly around. For city parks nothing beats this thing. I’ve had it fall 200 feet from a tree and no damage at all. Great drone to learn on, handles every trick in the book.
Love my baby hawk but honestly it’s only meant for mild flying no bando smashing or anything like that I’ve already replaced 6 aio boards because the power and ground leads rip off even when I zip tied to the stand off. I also messed a vista up because of the design lol also make sure you go through it with lock tight on every screw or you will learn it vibrates every one of them loose.
Interesting review. I love my Babyhawk 2 I have just bought a rekon 4 FR after watching Ur review so be interesting to see the difference also interested in the geprc smart 35
The strut frame is very good in terms of vibration/resonance mitigation and should also be pretty strong in crashes - it reminds me of Chris Rosse's AOS frame (which also comes as a 3.5 inch). As for Vista being used as a structural part - some reviewers actually praised this solution (Kabab) and even implemented it in their own designs (Tooth fairy 2). I agree with you about the motors - thery are underwhelming at freestyle - my 3inch 3s toothpick performs way better. But on the other hand, with a good 4s li-ion battery the BH2HD can fly for 20+ minutes, which shows its versatility - from light freestyle to mid/long-range. I personally put Rcinpower 1507 motors on mine and have no complaints about the power any more...
Dave, thank you so much for your thoughts! I would love to know what you think of Chris Rossers AOS 3.5 frame? And what's your opinion in general when it comes to the "perfect" prop size for a sub250g freestyle machine: 3.5" or 4"? Grüße aus Erding 😉
He said in the video that he admits he is biased because he's comparing it to his own design but then explains why he feels his design performs better and it makes sense. So what's the problem with that? Dave seems to be straight up and honest in his reviews to me.
Hm... your conclusion about "fragility" of the bottom plate is sort of artificial. It is sub250 thus energy will not be so big to really destroy arms. In most cases impact absorber would be props and motors(bent shaft hahaha). Isn't it?
The Babyhawk HD's light flight ability was good. But when I look at the structure the fc seems to sweep the grass like a dustpan. So I had to clean the fc regularly. In the end, due to esc breakage, I disassembled my Babyhawk HD. The next 3.5-inch drone is made and enjoyed using smart 35 and sector30cr.(with 1505 motor) :)
I have GepRC Smart35 and Rekon 5.. ant the GepRC model does not feel underpowered at all in comparison. It actually delivers what it promised a freestyle feel and has an awesome tune much better than the rekon. I have a few 4" freestyle models, yes, more powerful but Smart35 still WAY BETTER TUNE, just feels right. 4" inch do not feel right for freestyle, again too floatty at 250g. And emax is a bugdget begginer brand. So again let's not compare the bottom of 3.5" trying to prove something about 4".. :)
I wouldn't say Emax babyhawk 2 hd is a budget 3.5 roughly same price as geprc smart 35. I have babyhawk 2 absolutely love it but very interested in smart35. Do u recommend it?
@@sheapyfpv8224 Emax targets beginners who will be more than happy with the model. And it's actually better to start with the less powerful model. They all cost about the same and emax saves pennies with some cheap decisions in their design. Including Rekon saving pennies on dumb things. Props exploded on the very first flight on my Rekon 5. It was $4 fix to get proper T mount props but again just a small unpleasant things rising questions about the brand. There GepRC are just killing with their latest models. Cinelog25 and Smart35 are two of my favorites currently. Work flawlessly out of the box and they have awesome tune and balance. Just feels right, fly almost like in a simulator. And I would take a well made, well tuned quad anytime over one with a little more power but issues with the tune or flight performance. I would definitely recommend Smart35 just be careful. GepRC has downgraded camera and motors because of the part shortage on many new models currently in stock.
@@MrTechcat yes u have some valid points I have nebula pro on my Babyhawk 2 which is great. I recently bought geprc crocodile baby 5 which I'm very impressed with the tune but they accidentally sent the nebula nano version when I paid for air unit. They refunded me and gave me Extra back for the inconvenience but the nano is shocking. Will replace with something better when I can. I have just bought a rekon 4 FR so interested to see what that's like. But yes geprc drones in general look best bnf models. I like iflight too have a protek35 which is a beast.
@@sheapyfpv8224 I have a video on my channel Cinelog25 vs Protek35.. and why I have sold Protek35 and all other cinewhoops after getting the Cinelog25. :)
With these 1404 one should use smaller batteries to have some performance. Big batteries = long range (-ish). Small batteries = freestyle/Race I use 450-650 4s on my racerx mutant (yes 4’’). 450 is a bit short flight time
Dave c can you help me I've got Diatone Roma L5 with Express LRS module jumper t lite abs ep2 not good at soldering plus got to take alert to solder tiny pads lots of harnases but some three wire and one plugs into flight contfoll board but has 5 wire witch one don't I need cheers Dave c you the man
I just wanted to point out something here…. Under the front of the vista are 2 nuts… the frame bent and slammed those into the board, and broke it…. Twice.
This is the first review that really shows how compromised is the durability of this design. It compunds. It's not only the frame, using the most expensive (and hard to get) piece of electronics as a structural element? All that and weak motors, proprietary props and (as far as I know) no Pro version of this camera. Thanks, but I'll pass this one.
I have 2 Babyhawk II HD's and I must say I completely disagree with your assessment here. You are undoubtedly the GOAT of long range frames, my Explorer LR is a fuckn gem, but youre way off here. Add some notch filtering and dial the pids in a little more and this thing is a freak. Seems like youre trying to sell your frame too hard.
@@PabloDeBiasi I installed customer ESC firmeware using JESC. You have to buy a license for each esc, so 4 licenses. its about $5 total. Bardwell has a video on how to install.
I think using the vista unit as a standof is a great idea ; the vista is such a big chunk of metal strong and heavy and instead of making it naked to save weight but is fragile and anoing u can use it as a structural part to save weight witout any problem
Probbably the most expensive standoff ever used ;) Motors: Roma 35 that I just saw on AlbertKims channel has some really BIG 22xx motors ;) funny, Albert also just recommended 1804 for future 3.5" copters Props / Motors: on the GepRC Smart35 I used HQ 3bladed T3.5X2X3 instead of the emax avan scimitar and I didnt feel much different while the HQ are not so agressive. This means the motors couldnt really serve the agressive avan props - so taking not so steep props doesnt feel different :) Did you also help design the Rekon 6"? I'm curious about that one currently. Wanna have something a bit more resistant to wind gusts for mountain missions... greets, Mario
Very good, could you share your filter and PID settings, for the rekon 4 FR. I have one and it comes with the PIDs as standard and it bounces after a quick roll. I would appreciate your help. Thanks.
![DDG & G Herbo - Nosey [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/I9Ra0Zc2NlQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Baby hawk 2 is amazing for people who don’t have large fields to fly around. For city parks nothing beats this thing. I’ve had it fall 200 feet from a tree and no damage at all. Great drone to learn on, handles every trick in the book.
Love my baby hawk but honestly it’s only meant for mild flying no bando smashing or anything like that I’ve already replaced 6 aio boards because the power and ground leads rip off even when I zip tied to the stand off. I also messed a vista up because of the design lol also make sure you go through it with lock tight on every screw or you will learn it vibrates every one of them loose.
Interesting review. I love my Babyhawk 2 I have just bought a rekon 4 FR after watching Ur review so be interesting to see the difference also interested in the geprc smart 35
Have you had a chance to compare them?
The strut frame is very good in terms of vibration/resonance mitigation and should also be pretty strong in crashes - it reminds me of Chris Rosse's AOS frame (which also comes as a 3.5 inch).
As for Vista being used as a structural part - some reviewers actually praised this solution (Kabab) and even implemented it in their own designs (Tooth fairy 2).
I agree with you about the motors - thery are underwhelming at freestyle - my 3inch 3s toothpick performs way better. But on the other hand, with a good 4s li-ion battery the BH2HD can fly for 20+ minutes, which shows its versatility - from light freestyle to mid/long-range.
I personally put Rcinpower 1507 motors on mine and have no complaints about the power any more...
Hi! Your quad looks much cooler but is it as beginner friendly as the max? What do you think about the geprc smart 35 HD?
Dave, thank you so much for your thoughts! I would love to know what you think of Chris Rossers AOS 3.5 frame? And what's your opinion in general when it comes to the "perfect" prop size for a sub250g freestyle machine: 3.5" or 4"?
Grüße aus Erding 😉
It is difficult not to have a bias review. You are very respected in this hobby but I think you are biased. You have conflicts of interest.
He said in the video that he admits he is biased because he's comparing it to his own design but then explains why he feels his design performs better and it makes sense. So what's the problem with that? Dave seems to be straight up and honest in his reviews to me.
Hm... your conclusion about "fragility" of the bottom plate is sort of artificial. It is sub250 thus energy will not be so big to really destroy arms. In most cases impact absorber would be props and motors(bent shaft hahaha). Isn't it?
I don't think its easy to break, but if it breaks it will be really annoying to replace compared to single arms :-)
@@DaveCFPV totally agree
The Babyhawk HD's light flight ability was good.
But when I look at the structure the fc seems to sweep the grass like a dustpan.
So I had to clean the fc regularly.
In the end, due to esc breakage, I disassembled my Babyhawk HD.
The next 3.5-inch drone is made and enjoyed using smart 35 and sector30cr.(with 1505 motor) :)
I love a good honest review! Thank you for that.
I have GepRC Smart35 and Rekon 5.. ant the GepRC model does not feel underpowered at all in comparison. It actually delivers what it promised a freestyle feel and has an awesome tune much better than the rekon. I have a few 4" freestyle models, yes, more powerful but Smart35 still WAY BETTER TUNE, just feels right.
4" inch do not feel right for freestyle, again too floatty at 250g.
And emax is a bugdget begginer brand. So again let's not compare the bottom of 3.5" trying to prove something about 4".. :)
I wouldn't say Emax babyhawk 2 hd is a budget 3.5 roughly same price as geprc smart 35. I have babyhawk 2 absolutely love it but very interested in smart35. Do u recommend it?
@@sheapyfpv8224 Emax targets beginners who will be more than happy with the model. And it's actually better to start with the less powerful model.
They all cost about the same and emax saves pennies with some cheap decisions in their design. Including Rekon saving pennies on dumb things. Props exploded on the very first flight on my Rekon 5. It was $4 fix to get proper T mount props but again just a small unpleasant things rising questions about the brand.
There GepRC are just killing with their latest models. Cinelog25 and Smart35 are two of my favorites currently. Work flawlessly out of the box and they have awesome tune and balance. Just feels right, fly almost like in a simulator. And I would take a well made, well tuned quad anytime over one with a little more power but issues with the tune or flight performance.
I would definitely recommend Smart35 just be careful. GepRC has downgraded camera and motors because of the part shortage on many new models currently in stock.
@@MrTechcat yes u have some valid points I have nebula pro on my Babyhawk 2 which is great. I recently bought geprc crocodile baby 5 which I'm very impressed with the tune but they accidentally sent the nebula nano version when I paid for air unit. They refunded me and gave me Extra back for the inconvenience but the nano is shocking. Will replace with something better when I can. I have just bought a rekon 4 FR so interested to see what that's like. But yes geprc drones in general look best bnf models. I like iflight too have a protek35 which is a beast.
@@sheapyfpv8224 I have a video on my channel Cinelog25 vs Protek35.. and why I have sold Protek35 and all other cinewhoops after getting the Cinelog25. :)
@@MrTechcat really ok will take a look 👍
I really like the Rekon 4 FR. Still can’t beat a 350g AUW 4-inch but that’s that silly weight restriction 🤷🏻♂️.
Yes, 250g seems super arbitrary :-( But not much we can do about it
What about upgrading the Emax with bigger motors? What do you think?
With these 1404 one should use smaller batteries to have some performance. Big batteries = long range (-ish). Small batteries = freestyle/Race
I use 450-650 4s on my racerx mutant (yes 4’’). 450 is a bit short flight time
FPV Cycle 16 mm completely changes how the Babyhawk handles, especially with analogue flavor. I bet the Rekon handles well, never flown though.
Dave c can you help me I've got Diatone Roma L5 with Express LRS module jumper t lite abs ep2 not good at soldering plus got to take alert to solder tiny pads lots of harnases but some three wire and one plugs into flight contfoll board but has 5 wire witch one don't I need cheers Dave c you the man
Dave, I really don't like 2 bolts to attach props, is there a way to use 1 nut prop like the 5" quads.
Yes check out what we used on the Rekon6
@@DaveCFPV cool, hey where do you get VTC6 cells in USA most of them are fake in the vape shops
I just wanted to point out something here…. Under the front of the vista are 2 nuts… the frame bent and slammed those into the board, and broke it…. Twice.
This is the first review that really shows how compromised is the durability of this design. It compunds. It's not only the frame, using the most expensive (and hard to get) piece of electronics as a structural element? All that and weak motors, proprietary props and (as far as I know) no Pro version of this camera. Thanks, but I'll pass this one.
AOS 3.5 is better option. Thx for review.
Its just a frame. Cant compare to an BNF.
@@chrisbee5481 LOL, I know
Can i have one of your fpv drone? . I want buy. I always dont have some money . Please help me to release my dream to have fpv drone
I have 2 Babyhawk II HD's and I must say I completely disagree with your assessment here. You are undoubtedly the GOAT of long range frames, my Explorer LR is a fuckn gem, but youre way off here. Add some notch filtering and dial the pids in a little more and this thing is a freak. Seems like youre trying to sell your frame too hard.
Agreed. This thing absolutely rips!
Hi, my Babyhawk II has lots of propwash too, can you please share your tuning tips to improve flight performance? Thanks
@@PabloDeBiasi I installed customer ESC firmeware using JESC. You have to buy a license for each esc, so 4 licenses. its about $5 total. Bardwell has a video on how to install.
I love mine
I think using the vista unit as a standof is a great idea ; the vista is such a big chunk of metal strong and heavy and instead of making it naked to save weight but is fragile and anoing u can use it as a structural part to save weight witout any problem
Great review and a cool quad, but I almost fell off my chair when I saw the price of the HD version, I think I'll build my own 3.5".
By the time you get a vista fc/ESC motors frame props and antenna it's actually not bad at all
Probbably the most expensive standoff ever used ;)
Motors: Roma 35 that I just saw on AlbertKims channel has some really BIG 22xx motors ;)
funny, Albert also just recommended 1804 for future 3.5" copters
Props / Motors: on the GepRC Smart35 I used HQ 3bladed T3.5X2X3 instead of the emax avan scimitar and I didnt feel much different while the HQ are not so agressive. This means the motors couldnt really serve the agressive avan props - so taking not so steep props doesnt feel different :)
Did you also help design the Rekon 6"? I'm curious about that one currently. Wanna have something a bit more resistant to wind gusts for mountain missions...
greets, Mario
Awesome review, Dave! 😊
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Very good, could you share your filter and PID settings, for the rekon 4 FR. I have one and it comes with the PIDs as standard and it bounces after a quick roll. I would appreciate your help.
Thanks.
Seems that GEPRC Smart35 is a way better ! I love it
What you recommend I go with, the babyhawk 2 hd or the iflight chimera4 hd ?
I would get the rekon 4 fr too, but there is always something new. So I am still happy with my babyhawk. Was probably better for me as a beginner.