BetaFPV has just released an enhanced version of the Pavo20—the Pavo20 Pro. While it closely resembles its predecessor, the Pro model features a slightly larger frame that accommodates bigger propellers and more powerful motors. But do these incremental upgrades make it a better drone? In this review, I’ll share my hands-on experience with the Pavo20 Pro, highlighting what makes it stand out and whether it could replace or complement your current drone lineup.
Learn more about cinewhoops in this buyer’s guide: https://oscarliang.com/cinewhoop/
Table of Contents
Where to Buy?
You can purchase the BetaFPV Pavo20 Pro from these vendors:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DE9zqXt
- BetaFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-0s95
The package includes screws for securing the canopy to the frame, DJI O3 antennas, and a LED strip, which is a familiar accessory if you’ve used other BetaFPV models like the Pavo25. You’ll also get an extra set of Gemfan 2.2-inch tri-blade propellers, and a USB-C adapter for connecting the flight controller to Betaflight.
Battery is not included, they recommend the Lava 3S 550mAh LiPo: https://oscarliang.com/product-vrfd
Get some spare 2.2inch propellers here: https://oscarliang.com/product-8nfq
Specifications
- Wheelbase: 93.7mm
- Supported VTX: DJI O3 Air Unit, Caddx Vista Kit, RunCam Link
- Supported Cameras: DJI O3 Camera, Caddx Series, RunCam Series (19mm/20mm)
- Camera ND Filter Installation: Vertical
- Battery Connector: XT30
- Battery Slot Width: 20mm
- Flight Controller: F4 2-3S 20A AIO FC V1
- Motors: LAVA Series 1104 | 7200KV Brushless Motors
- Propellers: Gemfan 2218 3-Blade Propellers (1.5mm Shaft)
- Receiver Options: ExpressLRS, TBS Crossfire
- Weight (Without Battery and FPV Setup): 70.1g
- Recommended Batteries: LAVA 3S 450mAh 75C Battery, LAVA 3S 550mAh 75C Battery, 3S 650mAh Battery
Design and Improvements
At first glance, the Pavo20 Pro looks very similar to the original Pavo20, but with some key upgrades.
The injection-molded plastic frame is slightly sturdier, and the carbon fiber plate is thicker now 2.4mm, improving durability.
Left: Pavo20 Pro; Right: Original Pavo20
The propellers have been upgraded from 2-inch two-blades to 2.2-inch tri-blades, and the motors have been upgraded from 1103 8500KV to 1104 7200KV, delivering more power.
The canopy design has also been refined, with additional antenna mounting options for the original DJI O3 antenna, as well as additional holes for camera installation, offering more flexibility in your setup.
The Pavo20 Pro weighs in at 70.1g without the DJI O3, or 108g with it, which is 14 grams heavier than the original Pavo20. However, this added weight comes with improved durability and performance.
Electronics Components
The flight controller remains the same—the F405 20A AIO FC V1, compatible with 2S to 3S batteries.
One point worth noting is that the flight controller doesn’t have a USB port, requiring a special dongle for connecting to Betaflight, which is something you don’t want to lose. This is the same adapter they use in the Air65 and Air75 whoops.
The ExpressLRS receiver is integrated into the flight controller, creating a simple and clean setup. However, the antenna is just a simple and bent copper wire hidden under the frame, which may limit range compared to a proper dipole antenna mounted externally.
Installing DJI O3 Air Unit
Out of the box, the Pavo 20 Pro doesn’t come with any video transmitter or camera, you have to install your own.
The Pavo20 Pro is designed with the DJI O3 Air Unit in mind. You could probably use other cameras and VTX’s such as Walksnail or analog, but you will need to get creative about how to mount them.
Installation of the O3 is straightforward and requires no soldering.
First, replace the original antenna with the provided dipole antennas, then install the camera in the plastic bracket.
The bracket holds the Air Unit securely without the need for any screws.
Fit the provided rubber grommets in the frame.
Then install the bracket with the O3 on the frame with the provided screws, that’s it.
Flight Performance
Here’s some raw footage (no stabilization) in 15MPH wind:
The new motor and propeller combination in the Pavo20 Pro delivers a noticeable boost in performance compared to the original Pavo20. The bigger 1104 motors paired with 2.2-inch tri-blade propellers provide more thrust, making the Pavo20 Pro faster and more responsive, and handles propwash better.
This setup makes it ideal for chasing moving objects like cars or bikes. The increased weight and power help the drone handle wind better, crucial for outdoor flying. Additionally, the larger disk area improves efficiency, offsetting the increased weight and maintaining flight time.
With a 3S 550mAh battery, the Pavo20 Pro offers around 5 minutes of flight time (with aggressive flying), similar to the original Pavo20.
This drone is clearly optimized for the 550mAh batteries, larger batteries might interfere with the propellers if not positioned correctly.
The default PID/filter tune is pretty good, with no visible jello in the footage, and the drone is easy to control. While there were minor wobbles in 15MPH gusts, using Gyroflow stabilization can eliminate most vibrations, resulting in silky-smooth footage. The stabilization also crops the footage slightly, which conveniently removes the propellers from the camera’s view—a bonus feature. However, for better performance in windy conditions, larger drones are still preferable.
Here the noise analysis in PIDToolBox.
Stock default CLI diff can be found here: https://intofpv.com/t-original-cli-diff-for-betafpv-pavo20-pro.
Conclusion
Overall, the BetaFPV Pavo20 Pro is a solid upgrade over the original Pavo20. The 0.2-inch larger propellers might not sound like much, but they offer better performance without sacrificing portability, making the Pavo20 Pro more versatile for different flying conditions. The upgrades, such as bigger motors and a sturdier frame, address some of the original Pavo20’s shortcomings, making this a compelling option for those seeking a more dynamic flying experience.
You can purchase the BetaFPV Pavo20 Pro from these vendors:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DE9zqXt
- BetaFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-0s95
Battery is not included, they recommend the Lava 3S 550mAh LiPo: https://oscarliang.com/product-vrfd
Get some spare 2.2inch propellers here: https://oscarliang.com/product-8nfq
10 comments
Hey , just bought had a few questions as you have tested it. What is range with stock elrs antenna ? And if i want better penetration Can we just upgrade the elrs antenna?
And also does those bipolar vtx works same as dji antenna or it’s short range? Currently i have used the dji antenna but it looks bit stressed fit on cables.
The unexpected parts was size. I didn’t expected it to fit in my small hands. It’s so tiny yet most of footage i have seen on internet doesn’t seem like it from such a tiny thing.
Great review, really love mine, perfect size and very capable.
Just be sure to setup your stage 2 failsafe to land or gps rescue if you solder a nano unit to the FC, otherwise it will just fall out of the sky if you go too far. (learned that the hard way, on the flipside it can take quite a beating, I was around 45m high when it fell right into the hard parking lot, just scratches and the LED connector got ripped out requiring some minor rewiring to get working again)
I have the Pavo 20 was thinking about upgrading to the Pavo 20 Pro, should I? I feel like the Pavo 20 is just not very powerful can you do some freestyle within reason? I know the Pavo 20 seemed like an upgrade to my darkstar 20.
Yeah you can def freestyle it. Did that this past weekend.
Any reason you can’t just get a 2.5inch whoop? It’s considerably more powerful than the 2inch size. The Pro is basically a 2.2inch, that’s why it’s more powerful, but it’s not that far from 2.5inch and I feel like if you find 2inch not powerful enough you should just get the larger whoop.
“The flight controller remains the same—the F405 20A AIO FC V1”
I did notice one difference: in the original Pavo 20, the O3 unit is fed 9V from a BEC. In the Pavo20 Pro, it is powered by battery voltage directly. Visually, both boards seem identical.
I think need to mount the unit with screws to the x-shaped frame that comes with the kit.
Thought so too at first, but nope, that is for the vista air unit (which using the Starlight or Night Eagle HD is a lot of fun at night). O3 just screws to the frame through the little rubber bushings.
By any chance the walknail avatar hd v2 install doesn’t work there?
Great review.