by 485 reviews.
BETAFPV Cetus Pro FPV Drone Kit Review: A Beginner’s Dream or Just Hype?
If you’re diving into the world of FPV (First Person View) drones, the BETAFPV Cetus Pro FPV Drone Kit is a name you’ve likely come across. Designed specifically for beginners, this kit promises to take you from zero to hero with its user-friendly features and robust build. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s break it down based on real customer experiences.
Product Overview
The BETAFPV Cetus Pro FPV Kit is a brushless whoop drone that comes with everything you need to get started: a quadcopter, a LiteRadio2 SE transmitter, VR02 FPV goggles, two 450mAh batteries, a charger, and a portable storage bag. It boasts three flight modes (Normal, Sport, and Manual), altitude hold, emergency landing, and even a turtle mode for flipping the drone back over after a crash. With its durable design and beginner-friendly features, it’s marketed as the perfect entry point into FPV flying.
Pros and Cons: What Do Customers Say?
Durability: Built to Survive Crashes
One of the standout features of the Cetus Pro is its durability. Customers have repeatedly praised its ability to withstand crashes and rough handling. One user shared an extreme example: “This thing has been stuck in my tree, submerged in my dog’s water bowl, and still runs great. I’ve crashed it full speed into the ground and many objects, and it’s held up amazingly.” Another reviewer mentioned how the drone survived multiple hard landings, drops from high ceilings, and collisions with walls, all while looking and functioning like new.
Pros:
- Extremely crash-resistant.
- Can handle submersion in water (though not recommended).
- Frame cracks but remains functional.
Cons:
- Frame may crack after repeated crashes, though it doesn’t affect performance.
Flight Modes and Performance: A Mixed Bag
The Cetus Pro offers three flight modes: Normal, Sport, and Manual. While this versatility is great for beginners, some users found the Normal mode unreliable. One reviewer shared: “I could never get the Normal mode to work. When I tried it, the drone shot straight up into the air at top speed and hit our ceiling.” However, Sport and Manual modes received praise for their responsiveness and adaptability. Another user noted: “By my second day, I was able to pull off rolls and flips in full acro manual mode on the fast speed.”
Pros:
- Sport and Manual modes are excellent for learning and progression.
- Three speed settings (Slow, Mid, Fast) in each mode.
- Great for practicing acrobatic maneuvers.
Cons:
- Normal mode can be unpredictable and may lead to crashes.
- Some users reported drift issues after stopping the drone.
Battery Life: Short but Manageable
Battery life is a common gripe among users. The included 450mAh batteries provide only 3-5 minutes of flight time, which can feel limiting. However, many customers recommend purchasing additional batteries to extend flight sessions. One reviewer suggested: “Buy the pack of 4 Betafpv 450mAh BT2.0 batteries and the 30W charger. This way, you can have up to 30 minutes of flight time between 6 batteries.”
Pros:
- Batteries are easy to swap and charge.
- Flashing red low-battery warning is helpful.
Cons:
- Short flight time per battery (3-5 minutes).
- Only two batteries included in the kit.
FPV Experience: Decent but Not Perfect
The included VR02 FPV goggles provide a decent first-person view experience, though they’re not without flaws. Some users noted that the signal strength could be better, especially when flying through walls or multiple rooms. One reviewer mentioned: “The goggles could use an external antenna. My el-cheapo receiver with a small antenna holds up better than the goggles’ signal.” However, for beginners, the goggles are more than sufficient to get a taste of FPV flying.
Pros:
- Clear image for nearsighted users.
- Battery voltage display on the FPV screen.
Cons:
- Signal strength could be improved.
- No external antenna for better range.
Ease of Use: Beginner-Friendly with a Learning Curve
The Cetus Pro is designed for beginners, but it still requires practice to master. One user described it as “an unbelievable amount of fun” but noted that it’s not a toy and takes time to learn. The controls are sensitive, which is great for precision flying but can be challenging for absolute beginners. Another reviewer appreciated the drone’s self-protection features, such as emergency landing and turtle mode, which make it forgiving for new pilots.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly with room to grow.
- Self-protection features reduce the risk of damage.
- Turtle mode is a lifesaver after crashes.
Cons:
- Sensitive controls may be overwhelming at first.
- Lack of trim adjustments on the transmitter.
Final Verdict: Is the BETAFPV Cetus Pro Worth It?
The BETAFPV Cetus Pro FPV Drone Kit is a solid choice for beginners looking to dip their toes into FPV flying. Its durability, beginner-friendly features, and affordable price make it an excellent entry-level drone. However, it’s not without its flaws—short battery life, unreliable Normal mode, and limited signal range are notable drawbacks.
If you’re willing to invest in extra batteries and spend time practicing, the Cetus Pro can be a rewarding and fun introduction to FPV. As one user put it: “This is the perfect first drone to get into the hobby with. Beware, though—once you’re hooked, it gets spendy!”
Final Rating: 4/5
Whether you’re a complete novice or an intermediate pilot looking for a durable practice drone, the Cetus Pro is worth considering. Just be prepared for a learning curve and some minor frustrations along the way. Happy flying!
Specification BETAFPV Cetus Pro FPV Drone Kit with 3 Flight Modes Altitude Hold Emergency Landing Self Protection Turtle Mode with Radio Transmitter Goggles for FPV Beginners Player-to-Pilot:
Comments from Amazon:
I love flying the little thing in Manual mode. The signal is meh, but good for learning overall. That said it's impossible to fly in S mode and the auto correct mode straight up doesn't work for me. It just crashes immediately. I only wanted to practice manual mode so I'm okay with that. And it's cheap.
An unbelievable amount of fun! I would not consider this a kids toy, it take a lot of practice, and the controls are very sensitive (as they should be). But it IS great for (adult) beginners. It's worth noting that I could never get the "Normal" mode to work. Sport and Manual mode worked great though. When I tried Normal mode the drone shot straight up into the air at top speed and hit our ceiling. Haha, glad I wasn't outside or that thing would have been gone! Another great thing about this drone is that it is SUPER durable. Mine has already smashed into our high ceiling, dropped from the second floor onto the hardwood floor of the first floor, run into walls, flipped upside down, several very hard landings, etc.. Thing still looks as good as new and runs great. Only ONE fairly significant issue: the battery life. Flight time is only about 3min per battery. And you only get 2 batteries. Recharging the batteries takes about 20min-ish. So do yourself a favor and buy the pack of 4 betafpv 450mAh BT2.0 batteries and also the betafpv charger with 30W power supply that can charge 6 of the 1S 450mAh batteries simultaneously. That way you have more flight. Moreover, the better you get at flying the longer you can fly on each battery because your flying will be smoother and less "punchy" with less high-current events happening, which makes the batteries last a lot longer if you're just cruising around gently - you could get up to 4-5min with nice consistent smooth flight.
Likes: * Crash tolerant * Not going to damage furniture or innocent bystanders * Not too loud - tolerable for close-up indoor use * Clean, crisp battery shape slides in and out of battery holder easily (as opposed to generic bag batts that get hung up on other drones' retainers * For somebody moving up from the $20 toys, controls seem more "Real World". It's no DJI Avata, but it does respond consistantly and predicatbly to the sticks. * Flashing red low-battery warning * Whatever they are using as a BMS will not let you trash a battery - as in letting it get below 3.5v when stopped flying. * The voltage readout on the little battery charger that comes with it is a nice touch. * If you are nearsighted and able to read without glasses, the image on the goggles will be clear - unlike high-end goggles where corrective lenses or diopter adjustment are needed. * The FPV display shows battery voltage. * The battery connectors, once the tendency to stick wears off with 10-15 connections/reconnections, are more convenient than the de-facto standard JSTs. Also, according to Joshua Bardwell, they are significantly more efficient. Dislikes: * Lack or orientation light for LOS use. Just a little white light on front or back would help. The brass ring would be red and green running lights port and starboard. * This user is unable to get either the Windows or Android config utility to work. Windows, maybe a driver issue compounded by lack of instructions. Android is telling me that the firmware and Android app version are mismatched - and telling me to upgrade to the version of the app that is already installed. * Lack of Trim adjustments on controller. * The quad copter tends to drift backwards a few feet after it is stopped. Let it go for a few seconds and it stabilizes... not where it was stopped, but a few feet back. * The goggles could use an external antenna. I have an el-cheapo receiver with a small antenna that plugs in to my phone and it's image holds up better than the goggles' when I am a couple rooms away in the upper level of my wooden split-level house.
I've ordered this multiple times on Amazon and even directly from BetaFPV but it NEVER actually arrives. After waiting a month or two Amazon will just refund and say it was probably lost. More like never was sent. Direct from company is just as obnoxious. Too bad, as I really wanted to fly this thing.
This little guy is very very capable with good hv lipos. I also put 30000kv motors on it so it's super fast now.... This is the perfect 1st drone to get into the hobby with. Beware. Once you're hooked... it gets spendy, it's hard, it has a very steep learning curve, you'll get frustrated. Once you understand and can fly good in acro mode....... it's all worth it. Tough little guy too
When I got this kit I already had a Avata from DJI. Yes I had a 1200€ and bough this kit to be able to learn to fly manual. It was the best choice I've ever made. Super resistent I can not tell you how many times I crashed and this little beast still works like a charm! Thanks BetaFPV this was an amazing way to begin flying!
Big update. This thing has been stuck in my tree submerged in my dogs water bowl and still runs great. Durable as they can get i have crashed it full speed into the ground and many objects. I have no mercy for my drones and this one has held up great. Only lost 1 prop. Just make sure to push them down before and after every crash or flight. Frame wil crack but it still flys perfectly fine. Still amazed how it was submurged in water and only a hour later works perfectly fine again. Dont get dirt in the motors but if you do spin the motors by hand and get it out. My first fpv drone and drone with this type of controler where the throttle and yaw stick stays at the bottom. My second day of ownership is was able to pull off rolls and flips in full acro manual mode on the fast speed. Flying in it is a different story, gonna take some more practice to master but in the fast speed on sport mode for a beginner like me this thing is a absolute blast. Also knowing what the drone is capable of keeps me excited and encouraged to keep learning and flying. Battery packs last 5 mins but as advertised can't be mad buy yourself a extra 4 and be on your way to up to 30 mins of flight time between 6 batterys. I've ordered mine. Great drone and great price for affordable fpv. I have never owned a real fpv drone and didn't want to waste my money on somthing I was gonna crash alot. This thing takes big hits trust me 😂