Emax Tinyhawk 3 Plus Freestyle RTF Kit Review
The Emax Tinyhawk 3 Plus Freestyle RTF Kit aims to democratize high‑performance FPV freestyle, packing a 110 mm wheelbase frame, 7000 KV brushless power, and both analog and HDZero video options into a Ready‑To‑Fly bundle. In this hands‑on review, we’ll dissect its core specs—like the STM32F411 flight controller, 2.5″ AVAN Rush props, and 1 S 650 mAh HV battery—alongside the included E8 ELRS controller and Transporter 2 goggles. You’ll discover real‑world flight scenarios, community feedback, and expert testing, and see how it stacks up against micro freestylers like the Beta65 Pro and Happymodel Mobula 7. By the end, you’ll know if the Tinyhawk 3 Plus is the freestyle micro that elevates your FPV game.
Table Of Content
Quick Verdict
Overall Rating: 4.4 / 5
✔ Pros
- Balanced Freestyle Frame: 110 mm wheelbase offers nimble agility
- Powerful 7000 KV Brushless Motors: Responsive thrust for punchy maneuvers
- RTF Convenience: ELRS E8 controller & Transporter 2 goggles included
- Dual Video Options: Swap between analog 40 ch or HDZero Whoop Lite for crystal‑clear feed
- Lightweight & Durable: 62.5 g airframe tolerates crash landings
✘ Cons
- Short Flight Time: ~3–4 minutes on 1 S 650 mAh battery
- Limited Upgradability: Tiny 2.5″ props limit pushing to higher speeds
- Goggles Resolution: 480 × 800 screen is adequate but dated for HDZero
Key Features & Specifications
Specification | Detail |
---|---|
Wheelbase | 110 mm |
Weight (w/o battery) | 62.5 g |
Motors | 12025 7000 KV brushless |
Propellers | AVAN Rush 2.5″ (2 CW & 2 CCW) |
Flight Controller & ESC | STM32F411 F4, 6 A BLHeli_S 1–2 S Integrated ELRS (2.4 GHz) |
Camera | RunCam Nano (analog) or HDZero Whoop Lite HD digital |
VTX | 32‑bit 40 ch analog: 0/25/100/400 mW; HDZero: 0/25/200 mW |
Battery | 1 S HV 650 mAh (≈4 min flight) |
Transmitter | Emax E8 ELRS 8 ch, up to 100 mW, 800 mAh 18650 |
Goggles | Transporter 2: 4.3″ LCD, 480 × 800 resolution, 25 mW–200 mW input |
RTF Kit Price | US $289.99 (Analog or HDZero option) |
Real‑World Use Cases & Benefits
- Freestyle Practice Zones
The 110 mm frame and 2.5″ props let pilots weave through tight gaps and pop vertical snaps in abandoned warehouses or skateparks. - Park & Street Flights
Lightweight and crash‑tolerant, it’s ideal for low‑altitude urban freestyle—stick to “No Drone Zones”! - Indoor Racing & Freestyle Combos
Fast punchouts paired with agile cornering let you mix speed laps and trick runs in small courses. - Starter RTF Experience
Complete bundle (drone, controller, goggles) suits newcomers—no separate gear shopping required. - Videography & POV
Though not a cinewhoop, the HDZero variant provides smooth digital feeds for creative first‑person shots in tight spaces.
User Testimonials & Social Proof
“Super stable little quad. The PWM feel of the 7000 KV motors blew me away.”
— FPVLab user
“Got mine RTF. Hooked it up and was flying freestyle in five minutes. What a blast!”
— Reddit r/Multicopter
“Transporter 2 goggles are comfy, but HDZero feed is silky—worth the extra $40.”
— YouTube reviewer Philip Ng
Expert Insights & Industry Commentary
- Space.com calls the Tinyhawk 3 Plus “one of the best beginner freestyle FPV drones available,” praising its durability but noting the battery life trade‑off.
- PyroDrone highlights the precise ESC tuning and smooth throttle response from BLHeli_S firmware, ideal for micro‑acro maneuvers.
- RotorBuilds community endorses the analog kit for grassfield jousting and recommends the HDZero version for indoor flying with less noise.
Comparison with Top Alternatives
Model | Wheelbase | Weight | Video System | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tinyhawk 3 Plus FS RTF | 110 mm | 62.5 g | Analog/HDZero | $289.99 |
Beta65 Pro 2 HD | 65 mm | 31 g | Caddx Nebula, analog | $179.99 |
Mobula 7 | 75 mm | 27 g | Analog only | $99.99 |
EMAX Avan Rush 2.5’’ BNF | 110 mm | 59 g | Analog | $229.99 |
Pricing & Value Analysis
- RTF Kit: US $289.99 (choose Analog or HDZero)
- BNF Version: $249.99 (no goggles/controller)
- Upgrades: Spare props ($5), 1 S HV 650 mAh batteries ($9.99 ea)
- Value Verdict: At under $300, RTF bundle competes strongly against $400+ micro builds, offering all core components with a proven freestyle frame.
Who Should — and Shouldn’t — Buy
Ideal for:
- FPV beginners seeking an all‑in‑one entry kit.
- Freestyle pilots wanting a compact, agile micro.
- Indoor flyers craving HDZero clarity.
Avoid if:
- You need extended flight times (>5 min).
- You’re building custom builds—go BNF or DIY.
- You demand cinematic camera stability—invest in cinewhoops.
FAQs
Q: How long is the flight time?
A: Expect ~3–4 minutes on a 650 mAh 1 S battery; add spare batteries for extended sessions.
Q: What’s the difference between Analog and HDZero kits?
A: Analog uses a 32‑bit 40 ch VTX up to 400 mW; HDZero uses digital Whoop Lite up to 200 mW for clear, low‑latency video.
Q: Can I upgrade motors or frame?
A: You can swap to alternative 2.5″ props and 12025 motors, but frame geometry is fixed at 110 mm.
Q: Do the goggles support other drones?
A: Transporter 2 accepts analog or HDZero inputs; you can bind it to other Whoop HD or 32 ch analog systems.
Final Verdict & Next Steps
The Emax Tinyhawk 3 Plus Freestyle RTF Kit delivers a compelling blend of accessibility and performance. With robust brushless power, flexible video options, and a complete gear package, it’s hard to beat for micro freestyle newcomers. While flight times are brief, the instant readiness and crash resistance make it a worthy addition to any FPV pilot’s lineup.