When BetaFPV launched the brand new LAVA II 1S batteries, I used to be skeptical. On paper, they provide a small improve in capability over the unique LAVA packs whereas sustaining roughly the identical weight. Nevertheless, my testing outcomes have been shocking—not due to the capability improve, however as a result of they really ship extra energy. So, do you have to improve? Let’s discover out.
Additional Studying:
Lava II vs Authentic Lava Comparability
The brand new model (LAVA II) makes use of a inexperienced label, whereas the unique LAVA makes use of a pink label.
Beneath is a comparability of dimension, weight, and discharge efficiency throughout totally different capacities.
320mAh
LAVA II Product Pages:
| Lava V2 | Lava V1 | |
| Marketed Capability | 320 mAh | 300 mAh |
| Actual Capability (my measurement) | 323 mAh | 316 mAh |
| Marketed C-Ranking | 95C | 80C |
| Measurement (my measurements) | 64 × 10.5 × 6.5 mm | 64 × 10.5 × 6.5 mm |
| Weight (my measurements) | 8.2 g | 8.4 g |
480mAh
LAVA II Product Pages:
| Lava V2 | Lava V1 | |
| Marketed Capability | 480 mAh | 450 mAh |
| Actual Capability (my measurement) | 484 mAh | 507 mAh |
| Marketed C-Ranking | 95C | 80C |
| Measurement (my measurements) | 61 × 15.5 × 6.5 mm | 60.5 × 15.4 × 6.6 mm |
| Weight (my measurements) | 12.7 g | 12.4 g |
580mAh
LAVA II Product Pages:
| Lava V2 | Lava V1 | |
| Marketed Capability | 580 mAh | 550 mAh |
| Actual Capability (my measurement) | 615 mAh | 595 mAh |
| Marketed C-Ranking | 95C | 80C |
| Measurement (my measurements) | 71 × 15.5 × 6.5 mm | 67.5 × 15.2 × 6.6 mm |
| Weight (my measurements) | 14.2g | 14.2g |
Different Capacities
BetaFPV additionally gives 280mAh and 680mAh variants. I don’t use these sizes as typically, however right here’s the place they make sense:
- 280mAh: Ultimate for aggressive racing the place low weight issues. Simply large enough to finish the laps required.
- Weight: 6.8 g
- Measurement: Similar width and top because the 320mAh, simply shorter.
- 680mAh: A very good choice for bigger whoops that profit from longer flight time.
- Weight: 16.2 g
- Measurement: 80 × 15 × 7 mm
Personally, I largely fly 320mAh on 65mm whoops, and 480–580mAh on 75mm whoops.
Connector
They’re nonetheless utilizing BT2.0, so that you don’t want to alter battery connector. It’s the most effective performing connectors in whoops, see my testing for element: https://oscarliang.com/micro-battery-connectors-testing/
Capability and Flight Time
Regardless of the totally different labels, the unique and new LAVA batteries even have very related real-world capability. In a approach, I really feel BetaFPV simply corrected the labeling to raised replicate precise capability, which I agree with. Because of this, flight time stays largely the identical between the unique LAVA and the brand new LAVA II.
Weight and Measurement
Dimensions and weight are practically an identical between the 2 generations. The small variations are negligible and unlikely to have an effect on fitment. In case your quad matches the unique LAVA batteries, it ought to match the LAVA II with none points.
C-Rankings
Don’t fear an excessive amount of about C-ratings. They aren’t standardized and are largely manufacturer-defined. Nevertheless, inside the identical model, C-ratings can nonetheless be helpful for relative comparability. The actual query isn’t the quantity on the label—it’s how the battery performs within the air, which is why I conduct these battery testing.
Remaining Ideas – Are the New LAVA II Value It?
Based mostly on testing, the efficiency enchancment is actual—not simply advertising and marketing. That mentioned, it’s not a night-and-day distinction.
- In the event you fly slowly and largely cruise, you in all probability received’t discover a lot change.
- In the event you fly quick, aggressively, and do a lot of punch-outs, the LAVA II batteries are clearly the higher alternative.
And in case you’ve been flying the unique LAVA packs for a very long time they usually’re beginning to degrade, it’s an ideal time to improve to the brand new LAVA II. Total, the LAVA II is a strong, significant enchancment for severe tiny whoop pilots.
Additionally contemplate getting the GEPRC WooPower charger, which might put your 1S batteries in storage cost simply and extend their lifespan: https://oscarliang.com/geprc-woopower-w63-charger/
