Review: Geelang Kuda 85X Pusher Whoop

The Geelang Kuda 85X is a 2″ whoop that weighs only 70g!

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Where To Buy?

3 receiver options: ELRS 2.4GHz Frsky XM+ Receiver TBS Crossfire Nano RX. I got the ELRS version.

Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-541w

LiPo batteries are not included, grab some here:

• Tattu 3S 450mAh: https://oscarliang.com/product-axb8
• GNB 3S 500mAh: https://oscarliang.com/product-8acw

Get some spare props here: https://oscarliang.com/product-u93q

It includes the following accessories in the box:

• TPU Insta360 GO 2 Camera mount
• Spare Battery Strap
• screwdriver
• Spare props (different blades)
• Manual (FC connection diagram)

Features and Specs

Here’s a list of specs of the Kuda 85X whoop:

• Wheelbase: 85mm
• FC/ESC: F4 AIO12APRO
  • STM32 F411CEU6 Processor
  • BMI270 Gyro
  • Betaflight OSD
  • 16MB memory for blackbox log
  • Built-in Current Sensor
  • Buzzer included
  • FC mounting: 25.5×25.5mm
  • 12A BLHeli_S ESC (15A burst)
  • ESC firmware target: G_H_30
  • ESC Supports 2S-4S LiPo input
• FPV Camera: Runcam Nano 2
• 400mW VTX
• Motor: GL1202 8700KV (For 2S and 3S)
• Gemfan D51 4-blade propellers
• ELRS receiver (V2 firmware)
• XT30 LiPo connector
• Size: 119x132x40mm
• Weight:
  • 70g (without HD camera and LiPo)
  • 144g with 3S 450mah and Insta360 GO 2
• Recommended battery: 2s 450mAh or 3s 450mAh

Closer Look at the Kuda 85X

The Kuda 85X is a lot smaller than a 2.5″ whoop like the Pavo25.

The motors are GL1202 8700KV, suitable for 2S or 3S LiPo. I will be testing it with 3S which would give you a lot more power than 2S. Motor shaft is 1.5mm so make sure to get props with 1.5mm holes.

It’s designed to carry an HD camera, and the power cables are already soldered to the FC. Cables for the naked GOPRO (3-pin), and the Runcam Thumb (2-pin).

The VTX is locked to comply with regulations, power is limited to 25mW and certain channels are not available. However you could unlock it by simply holding down the button on the VTX for 10 seconds, all 3 LEDs will light up for a brief second to indicate it’s been unlocked.

The quad is very light weight at only 70g, great for indoor flying as it’s much quieter compared to other 2.5″ whoops on 4S. Also it’s relatively safer to fly near properties and people as it’s less powerful. However because of that it’s not great flying in the wind, it will get pushed around.

I flew with the Insta360 GO 2 camera and it performed really well. I think an HD camera under 25g is a perfect fit (like the GO 2 or the Runcam Thumb Pro). Extra weight will have a big impact on flight performance.

How to Setup

The FC came with Betaflight 4.3.0 firmware (Apr 25 2022 release), the board target is GEPC/GEELANGF411. Here’s the original CLI dump.

Here’s my Betaflight config for first flight:

• setup switches for arm/angle mode/beeper/flip over after crash
• rearrange OSD
• bind ELRS receiver (connect power 3 times to enter bind mode)
• Enable Airmode in Configuration => Features (not sure why they didn’t do that in the first place)

My rate (copy and enter in CLI):

set rates_type = BETAFLIGHT set quickrates_rc_expo = OFF set roll_rc_rate = 80 set pitch_rc_rate = 80 set yaw_rc_rate = 120 set roll_expo = 8 set pitch_expo = 10 set yaw_expo = 20 set roll_srate = 65 set pitch_srate = 65 set yaw_srate = 50 save

The manual that comes with the quad, basically just the wiring diagram for the FC.

Flight Performance

The Geelang Kuda 85X whoop doesn’t have a ton of power and speed, but that’s not what it’s designed for clearly. It’s very quiet and nimble, in my opinion is great for beginners. It’s light weight and the frame is quite flexible so it can take some crashes, perfect for a park cruiser or for someone to learn how to fly a quad.

A 3S 450mAh gives me around 3:30 flight time.

It has enough power to carry a small light weight action camera like the Insta360 Go 2 and Runcam Thumb (Pro). However it gets pushed around by the wind, so it’s not as stable as the bigger counter parts such as the Flex25 and Pavo25 for smooth cinematic videos outdoor. It performs much better indoor in that regard.

Some fight footage here:

Even if you don’t carry an HD camera, it’s a fun little drone to practice your acro/freestyle skills in a small park. Flight performance by no mean is perfect, there are some propwash and it wobbles a bit when flighting the wind. But it’s safer and less intimidating to fly close to people than a powerful 5″ drone.

My main complaint would be the FPV camera, it’s really hard to look at, maybe I am just spoiled by DJI :)

And it’s $160… I wish it was cheaper, with around $40-60 more you can get a more powerful 4S whoop like the Pavo25, Venom Hexacopter and the Flex25 which are more suited for outdoor flying and can carry a heavier payload too (though they are not as light weight and stealthy). But if you want a  cheap sub-250 whoop that is more quiet, it’s not bad at all.