HappyModel Sailfly-x: Component Review and Discussion

The Sailfly-X is a new quadcopter made by Happymodel that is due for imminent release. The objective of this preview is to run through the specifications published and comment on their suitability for this build and expected performance. A review will follow as soon as the first round of reviewer samples are available.

Full, comprehensive review of the HappyModel Sailfly-X has been completed here: https://www.quadifyrc.com/reviews/happymodel-sailfly-x-review-best-value-quad-ive-reviewed-in-2019-so-far

I can't start this component overview without noting that this specific combination of parts (the Toothpick) was heavily researched by Bob Roogi at kababfpv.com

As you probably know, Happymodel's most successful launches have been based around the all in one crazybee board: the snapper7 (reviewed here), mobula7 (reviewed here), eachine trashcan (reviewed here) and the mobula7HD. The Sailfly-X is a departure from the ducted design in response to the massive performance gains shown by Kabab as above. Lets have a look at the specs below and I'll give you my thoughts and a conclusion based on the entire package.

Crazybee F4 Pro V2.1 Flight controller/ESC. This is the same unit used in the Mobula 7HD and key feature is it supports up to 3s. In addition it also has a more powerful 5V 1A BEC circuit, much better solder pads and has support for frsky, flysky, DSM or no receiver. This is the best integrated flight controller ESC currently available and is a great choice here.

EX1102 9000kV motor. I really like the look of this motor - larger size as per Mobula7HD but light weight with the same moundting pattern as the 08xx variants. 9000kV is a definite improvement on the 11000kV variants in the Mobula7HD in order to spin the larger props but think lower kV would have been better ESPECIALLY with 3s. I think this motor size and especially weight is a good choice but would have preferred a lower kV, perhaps 7000-8000kV

40CH 25mW VTX AIO 700TVL Camera. This is the same unit as used in the Mobula 7. The camera is better than people give it credit for especially in low light but limiting the Vtx to 25mW is a little short sighted given the speed this quad should hit and how quickly you can get some distance from yourself. On the upside this is a super-lightweight unit at around 3g camera and VTX. I think this is the best choice from a weight perspective but would have preferred an AIO unit with 50mW or 100mW options.

65mm two blade props. A lot of Bob's (Kabab) work has been centred around the performance of the 65mm prop, namely the King Kong version. These look to be those props via the image but it's difficult to confirm. Looks like 2 full sets are included The floss builds would suggest this prop size if not this exact prop is the secret sauce of the Toothpick-style builds.

105mm frame and 3d printed canopy. The frame is build from 2mm thick carbon fibre and the canopy is 3d printed TPU. Beyond that all I can say is that this combo must be quite light given it weight only 10g more than the Mobula 7 and includes 2g more worth of motor and a heavier xt30 power plug. Great news that camera angle is fixed (mush more solid mount than Eachine trashcan or mobula 7 especially since canopies with 30° and 40° camera angle are included This looks like a very light frame and canopy combo which is great news for flight characteristics but hopefully it is durable enought for the speeds this quad should hit

XT30 connector. I recently updated the mobula7 power connecter to a JST but given the bigger motors I think the XT30 justifies the extra weight here. I'm glad they went for the slightly heavier connector here given the current this quad should pull at full throttle.

3s 300mah 30-60c battery. Including this battery is a bold move by happymodel given these motors should be fairly thirsty at this kV with these props on 3s. It will really test the quality of the ESCs. My gut feel is the at top end of the throttle would offer little extra oomph for a lot more AMPs and would suggest a throttle limit as I blogged about here would help. I'm glad they included a battery (especially a more expensive 3s one) although personally think this will suit 2s batteries better.

Conclusion
That wraps up my review of the component specs. As a package it looks like the plan on retailing at $89 which represents really good value for money - that would only buy you the motors and flight controller right now even if they were in stock (which they are not!!). The overall build looks solid but my main complaint is too high motor kV and too low VTX power but in the scheme of things these are not major. The thing I am most pleased about is the light weight. This is VERY light for such a quad and is sure to perform in terms of flight. Of course, please take this preview with a pinch of salt, until I do my full review it is conjecture but does represent my best guess at this stage.

Video of the prototype in flight from the Happymodel youtube channel:

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