Philip Halvorsen’s review of the iFlight Specter 7-inch FPV drone is nothing short of an adventure tale, fraught with unexpected challenges amidst snowy mountain vistas. Despite the drone’s sudden disappearance, the review manages to shine a light on the remarkable attributes of the Spectre 7, such as its Squashed X-shaped frame, Thunder H7 flight controller, and Xing2 2806.5 brushless motors. Philip explores five key aspects: design, build quality, performance, camera options, and battery life. Each chapter provides a comprehensive look at how the Spectre stands out in the crowded world of FPV drones.
Your curiosity is bound to keep going as Philip describes the Spectre’s innovative design elements like the upside-down GoPro mount and the user-friendly canopy buttons. The video also touches on the drone’s impressive agility, stability, and wind-handling capabilities, which make it a strong contender in its class. With candid insights on battery efficiency and performance with various camera setups, you’ll find yourself drawn into the question of whether the Spectre could indeed set the new gold standard for 7-inch FPV drones.
This evaluation didn’t exactly unfold as anticipated. While capturing the golden hour light, you took off without securing a GPS lock, and in mid-flight, you lost video connectivity. The drone vanished into the snowy mountains… and it remains unrecovered. 😔
Despite that mishap, you’ve compiled everything filmed up until that point, resulting in this video.
It took considerable time to produce, so it would genuinely mean a lot if you watched it — and shared your thoughts on the Specter 7.
The Specter 7 is designed on a Squashed X-shaped frame, featuring openwork arms like most of 2Raw’s creations. It measures 23.2 x 20.1 x 6.2 cm with a motor-to-motor diagonal of 30.6 cm. The flight controller integrates a Thunder H7 with a 4-in-1 Blitz E55 ESC (55A) for Xing2 2806.5 brushless motors at 1400KV, paired with Gemfan 7043 3-blade propellers.
Could this set a new gold standard for 7-inch FPV drones?
Let me know if you’ve flown it, and how it compares to your own setups 🙂
In this video, you break it all down into five parts — from design to performance — sharing your honest experience with the Specter before it wandered away.
To get your hands on the Specter, use this affiliate link:
https://shop.iflight.com/Specter-7-6S…
Your Instagram: / philip_halv
Gratitude to:
Ellis Van Jason / @EllisvanJason
Alexandre Coquoz / @AlexandreFPV
Adrian Grimelind / @grimelind
Julio Carvajal / @JulioCarvajal
Benjamin friant / @BenjaminFriant
Ask Johansen / @askjoha
Morten Hansen / @morten_mdesign
Batteries used for flights: (They are 1+ year old, so not peak performing)
6S 5200mAh 120c – Bonka Power
6s 4500mAh 95C – Gens Ace
6s 2800mAh 60C – Gens Ace
6s 1800mAh 180c – Bonka Power
Listed FPV Drones & equipment:
Iflight/2RAW 10-inch Helion: https://shop.iflight.com/Helion-10-O3…
Iflight Bob57 6-inch: https://shop.iflight.com/BOB57-Cinema…
GoPro 12 & 13
RadioMaster TX16S MKII MAX PRO Multi-Protocol 2.4GHz Radio Transmitter w/ AG01 Gimbals – – Lumenier Edition
DJI – Goggles 2
BDI Patch G2 5.8GHz Foldable Antenna for DJI Goggles 2 – LHCP
F-stop tilapia 50L with insert Pro Large (misstated as 70L):
Music From Artlist
Overview of iFlight x 2RAW Specter
Introduction to the iFlight x 2RAW Specter
The iFlight x 2RAW Specter is an intriguing addition to the FPV drone community, garnering attention for its innovative design and exemplary performance capabilities. Designed in collaboration with 2RAW, this 7-inch FPV drone is poised to elevate your flying experience. It’s crafted for drone enthusiasts who seek both agility and precision, making it a remarkable choice for both novices and seasoned flyers alike. In Philip Halvorsen’s review, various facets of the Specter are explored, highlighting its design, performance, and challenges encountered during testing in the snowy mountains.
Significance of the 7-Inch FPV Drone Category
The 7-inch FPV drone category represents a niche that balances size with performance. These drones are known for their ability to carry heavier payloads, such as action cameras, while still maintaining nimbleness in the air. This makes them ideal for capturing exhilarating footage in challenging conditions. Compared to smaller drones, the 7-inch models provide enhanced stability, especially during windy conditions, which is crucial for achieving high-quality aerial shots. The Specter aims to set a new standard in this category, promising both reliability and efficiency.
Design and Frame Structure
Squashed X-Shaped Frame Design
The Specter’s design is built upon a Squashed X-shaped frame that is both unique and efficient. This design helps distribute the weight evenly, contributing to the drone’s balanced flight dynamics. The openwork arms are a signature touch from 2RAW, which not only contribute to the aesthetic appeal but also aid in the reduction of weight, making the drone more agile and responsive in flight. This choice of design showcases iFlight’s commitment to combining functionality with innovation.
Durability and Rigidity of Carbon Fiber Material
One of the defining features of the Specter is its use of carbon fiber for its frame. This material choice is not merely for looks; it provides exceptional strength and rigidity which are vital for high-performance flying. Carbon fiber is known for its ability to withstand the stresses of aggressive maneuvers and hard landings, ensuring that your drone remains intact even after strenuous flying sessions. The Specter’s frame exhibits a robustness that inspires confidence, allowing pilots to push the boundaries of what’s possible without the fear of frame damage.
Innovative Features
Upside-Down GoPro Mount
The Specter introduces an upside-down GoPro mount, a strategic choice that offers unique camera perspectives and eliminates the issue of propellers showing in your video footage. This design variation allows for more creative filming angles, which can be particularly valuable when capturing dynamic shots like skiing or diving maneuvers. It’s a feature that encourages experimentation and gives filmmakers the tools to produce captivating content.
Quick Access Canopy Buttons
Another user-friendly feature of the Specter is the quick access canopy buttons. These allow you to open the canopy swiftly without the use of tools, simplifying the process of accessing the drone’s internals for maintenance or battery swapping. This small but significant innovation saves time and effort, emphasizing convenience and enhancing the overall flying experience.
Build Quality Assessment
Strength and Rigidness
In evaluating the build quality of the Specter, its strength and rigidity are immediately apparent. The craftsmanship of the carbon fiber frame means that each component fits seamlessly, creating a rigid structure that minimizes vibrations. This is crucial in ensuring stable flight paths and accurate maneuverability, which translates to better control and precision in the air.
Challenges with Foam Inserts and Electronic Layout
Despite the generally positive build quality, the Specter does encounter some challenges with its foam inserts used for electronic protection. While these inserts are lightweight, they can shift during flight, potentially exposing electronic components to dust and debris. Additionally, the compact electronic layout, while efficient in use of space, can complicate troubleshooting tasks like binding the receiver or addressing connection issues.
Performance Evaluation
Agility and Stability in Flight
The Specter shines when it comes to flight performance. Its agility is complemented by stability, making it not just fun to fly but also reliable in delivering precise results. The tuning right out of the box allows for smooth cruising and responsive controls, particularly in challenging environments like mountain ridges or low-altitude terrain.
Comparison with Other Models in Wind Handling
One area where the Specter outperforms its peers is wind handling. Compared to models like the Chimera 7, the Specter maintains a higher level of control in turbulent conditions. Its design and tuning contrast sharply with the more sluggish response of some other drones when faced with strong wind, giving it a competitive edge.
Technical Specifications
Thunder H7 Flight Controller Details
Central to the Specter’s performance is the Thunder H7 flight controller. This component is engineered to provide fast processing and robust handling, which are necessary for maintaining stability and precision. Its pairing with a 4-in-1 Blitz E55 ESC (55A) further underscores the commitment to high performance and efficiency.
Xing2 2806.5 Brushless Motors Overview
Complementing the flight controller, the Xing2 2806.5 brushless motors at 1400KV deliver the thrust and responsiveness needed for quick direction changes and aggressive flying. Their design supports sustained high power output while also contributing to efficient battery use, making them a formidable component of the Specter’s technical arsenal.
Camera Options and Flexibility
Compatibility with GoPro and O4 Air Unit
The Specter offers flexibility in camera options, supporting both GoPro cameras and the O4 Air Unit. This compatibility ensures you can choose the setup that best suits your filming needs, whether you’re aiming for pristine aerial footage with an action camera or a lighter setup for increased maneuverability without the camera.
Performance with and without Action Camera
When flying with a GoPro, the added weight stabilizes the drone, aiding in smoother video capture. However, flying without the camera liberates the Specter, boosting its responsiveness and agility. This versatility allows you to adapt the drone to your filming requirements effectively.
Battery Life and Efficiency
Flight Times and Battery Recommendations
With its efficient design, the Specter provides commendable flight times. Using a 6S 4,000mAh battery yields approximately 12 minutes of flight, suitable for capturing extensive footage without feeling rushed. Pilots are encouraged to invest in high-performance batteries to maximize flight durations and overall efficiency.
Impact of Heavier Batteries on Stability
Heavier batteries have a stabilizing effect, especially in windy conditions where extra weight can prevent the drone from being buffeted by gusts. This results in steadier footage and greater control, particularly in challenging environments or when carrying additional gear.
Challenges Faced During Review
Unexpected Disappearance in Snowy Mountains
A significant challenge during the Specter’s review was its unexpected disappearance due to losing video feed amid snowy mountains. This incident highlights the importance of ensuring strong signal connections and reinforces the necessity of precautionary measures when flying in remote areas.
Recovery and Impact on Evaluation
Despite the disappearance, which posed an obstacle in completing the full review, the experience provided crucial insights into the Specter’s capabilities and areas for improvement. The event serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of drone flying and the need for continual innovation in signal stability and recovery features.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Summary of Strengths and Innovations
The iFlight x 2RAW Specter stands out for its robust design, innovative features, and impressive performance attributes. Its strengths lie in its agile flight characteristics, wind handling capabilities, and user-friendly features like the upside-down GoPro mount and quick access canopy.
Positioning Among 7-Inch FPV Drones
Among 7-inch FPV drones, the Specter positions itself as a strong contender, offering a blend of endurance, agility, and versatility that appeals to a wide range of drone enthusiasts.
Final Recommendation for Potential Buyers
For those in search of a reliable, high-performing FPV drone, the Specter is highly recommended. Its innovations and adaptability make it a suitable choice for both hobbyists and professional filmmakers. While challenges exist, they do not overshadow the Specter’s overall efficacy and potential as a leading drone in its category.