DarwinFPV BabyApe Pro V2 V3 FPV Drone

TLDR:
I had a great time flying the pro. It arrived built very well with receiver installed (d81). Flew great, awesome punch out with a 450 70c. For analog camera range was good & it was clear. (I'm using FXT VIPER V2 headset.)

However, I had a run-off after approx 20 flights. (radiomaster r81 with a radiomaster t16s v1)

If you're buying I'd purchase the $1.00 20% off coupon to offset any QA issues. (I wish I did)

My Experience:

I've been flying quads & Planes (LOS 5y) FPV (2y). I primarily fly at an RC flying club field with a group. Occassionaly we will fly in other areas or local events.

I'm Currently running with a Radiomaster v1, FXT VIPER V2 headset.

In June, I purchased the BabyApe pro, and the sales department's Sarah noticed that I had purchased a Radiomaster D81 receiver with the quad and asked if I wanted it installed. I chose to have them install it, and they did an excellent job of soldering. (Darwin, a radio button in the shopping cart asking if you would like your receiver installed would be a great addition.)

The BabyApe was completely ready to fly out of the box. I just double-checked the failsafe and changed the angle mode's pitch to be more aggressive. Acro performed flawlessly, with no modifications required.

The construction is fairly sturdy. There were no loose connections on the board, and the hold downs were tight. It held up to crashes very well. I spiked it once in the ground from on high and it was fine and had a few minor crashes.

I would, however, suggest two things.

1.) Don't use the rubber bands to hold your batteries. It seems snug but they wear fast. Use 2 straps instead. (there are a couple included in box)

2.) Glue the 3d printed holder for the antennas or use a zip tie under it to hold it in place. It has a tendency to drop down when you're changing batteries and you will get a prop strike. I did get a wire strike because of this once on a minor crash. Easy fix though.

I had some of my drone club members look at it, and they were all pleased with the build quality. I took a few airplane guys for a ride at the field and they liked it. With a light 450Mah 70c battery, the punch-out is fantastic. 2 Minute flight times with CHNL ministars.

For the club, we were considering a Babyape pro group buy. We thought it would be beneficial for club activities. Bind up and go; everyone is on the same playing field for a race or simply freestyle.

Unfortunately, after about 20 flights of testing mine ran off on me yesterday (7/26/22). We were not able to recover it and after seeing some additional QA issues in recent review profiles we're a bit leary now.

That being said, if Darwin can get QA taken care of it I would not think twice about another purchase for myself. I was having a great time flying it. I loved the punch-out. More punch-out!

Very smooth and nimble easy to fly and set up. Nice if your looking to experience something new and light weight.
I did break off a motor (had a few crash and bound to happened) have new set on order.

Guys it totally with it for the price. I paid few hundred from drones I didn’t enjoy. This one kills it! Buying more

This is a great little flyer, especially considering the price.
I modified mine to carry a gps receiver by moving the smart audio onto softserial. This frees up a Uart for the gps connections.
Using a 1600mAh 2s lipo I'm getting 15 minute cruising flights. Very smooth and stable on the stock tune!!
A few flight tests to come using li-ion 2s power, hopefully I can extend the flight time.

Received this craft a gew days ago (batteries still on the way) BUT, I ordered some from The House of Besos. Maiden went fine and flawlessly. If you're getting this craft, go over EVERYTHING before flying and make sure screws and wires are buttoned up nicely. Darwinfpv, thank you so much.

Bought on a whim but very impressed by the tune out of the box!
I wish I setup the controller better as I crashed it from over 50ft in the air down on to tarmac!
The only damage was a bent motor.
This drone is great if you are just starting. Start on a 2s battery 450 mAh, as it is fairly fast for a mini.
Fpv is good if you bought the pro ONLY BUY THE PRO!!!!
Put a thumb cam 4k and you will get some great footage.
Great product at a stupidly cheap price.
Will definitely buy another Darwin fpv drone.
Definitely designed and not copied,
You can tell by its tune.
Make sure you use a decent radio transmitter I have used a radiomaster Zorro to feel the full tuning that Darwin fpv have achieved as I started with a radiomaster t8 lite which is ok but it feels slow and indirect.
Fast delivery as I live in the UK.
Great communication,any issues or questions have been dealt with in quick, helpful and respectful manner.
I hope that they grow and they keep their great core values as I am only writing a review as I truly believe that they have a great product.
The customer service I have received made me feel like I was only messaging my local shop, and not a business on the other side of the world!
To everyone at Darwin fpv many thanks for such a great affordable drone that made me enjoy fpv!

great for beginner pilots learning to fly- only weak link is the motors be sure to grab an extra set!

Be careful its easy to plug battery in backwards. Mine went up in flames

I had one arm that broke with a pretty mild crash in grass. I replaced the arm and I have been abusing this little guy for the last few weeks. Granted, Im hitting nature not concrete, but it has held up well and been a blast. Getting back to mobbing around with a 3' has been a blast, been missing this with my LR 6+ inchers.

I LOVED this thing out of the box. It flew super well, with my rates the stock rates are very very locked in. It did catch fire though. Heres a list of the mistakes I made before it caught fire:

1. Incorrectly soldered the RX and bridged something, had to desolder everything and plug into betaflight only to find out the FC actually still worked. Turns out RX was bad too.

2. Crashed into the snow, twice! Once I hit the antenna on my car and the other a tree. Always blow the snow off then used a hairdryer on it after it hit the snow.

3. Tightened the shit out of the bottom plate screws without looking to see if any were in contact with the board.

After all this, I went to takeoff on another flight got RUNAWAY and the poor AIO board caught fire.

All in all... worth it!!!!!

I will say their customer service is seems bad, still havent heard back from any emails..

..but whatever I ordered an AIO to replace the board and they responded to that so we'll see hah. Thanks for bothering to bottom line the market Darwin, I'll order again :)

Great little quad, flies amazing for the price. On arrival a standoff was stripped and many screws were loose likely from transport. Id suggest using loctite on the screws and double checking before flight. The frame is sturdy and looks to last a long time. (Be aware new pilots this quad requires some soldering and only comes with one set of props so be ready to order more.)

This little guy is a fantastic deal for the money. Quad flies great and is pretty nice for its price point. So good I bought a back up. I bought the PRO versions and will probably buy a couple more for friends over the coming months. Nice Job DarwinFPV.... new FAN right here.

I'm quite happy with this quad. It flies great on 2s and has a firm construction.

Would definitely advise buying one!

my second Darwin drone, this little ape is fantastic for the money, build quality top notch and components looks great, 69 dollar is a bargain.