TLDR; The ImpulseRC Apex frame, while pricey, is absolutely amazing as are the Karearea TOA motors which are just...[chef's kiss]

This build started with the motors. Well, actually, it started with Max Beamer's YouTube channel and him raving about New Zealand designed Karearea TOA motors. However, at $37 (Canadian dollars) a pop they were far too pricey for someone like me who has a tendency to fly directly into stationary objects at high speed. 

Fortunately, I was able to pick up a set of the 'regular' (non-'Lite' and non turbine) 2207 motors for just over $20 each through a random Banggood sale which is much more in-line with what my wallet and conscience will allow! 

(Sorry they look dirty, I only took pictures after I'd smashed the quad around a bit)

When it comes to mini-quad sized motors (e.g. 2207s or 2306s), I'd previously flown ones made by iFlight (Xing), Emax, RotorGeeks and DYS. Within about 20 seconds of flying these motors I was wowed! I guess the biggest thing for me is the fantastic low-end throttle response - even for a beginner pilot like me I'm so much more confident dropping low to the ground knowing that I don't have to punch the throttle past 50% to stop myself eating concrete. They just feel so much more locked-in than other motors I've flown. 

Of course, this might just reflect that these are the first set of higher-end brushless motors I've used as I've never flown the more expensive T-Motor, iFlight and Amax motors. Perhaps this type of control is the norm for most motors over a certain price point? Regardless, I'm really happy I picked these up on sale.  

(Again, sorry for the dirt, dust and plant matter; I was attacked by a tree. Multiple times.)

Likewise, I was also able to get the Holybro Kakute F7 stack (with a 45A ESC) on sale at a reasonable price. I really like this flight controller, even though it was a 20x20 size and has those small 'holes' rather than 'pads' it was surprisingly easy to solder and set up. I'm running 4S and the ESC has held up to some significant abuse so far.

Random aside: Kakute - pronounced 'Kah-Coo-Tay" or "Kah-Coot"?

I splurged on the frame because I wanted something special for the motors and the Apex frame is truly fantastic. I used to think that premium-priced 5 inch frames were a rip-of. I've had used the TBS Source One V3 and a few other budget knock-off frames from China/Banggood and they've all been decent until I break them doing something stupid (i.e. flying). The Apex on the other hand, at least so far, has been an absolute tank. I've been 'attacked' by tree trunks, concrete pillars, and even had the damn thing fall out of a tree onto concrete from about 20 feet and yet everything survived!!  

The frame itself IS a bit more cramped than something like the Source One. I like to have a bit of room between the bottom of the frame and the bottom of the stack - nothing crazy, just a few mm - but in the Apex I wasn't then able to mount the VTX on top without it literally touching the underside of the top plate. 

Not the biggest deal as I mounted the VTX at the rear but that does mean you're limited to a 20x20 VTX as the the only 30x30 mounting holes are in the centre. 

That issue aside, everything about the frame screams quality from the moulded plastic arm guards to the metal VTX antenna support placed on the inside of the frame (which makes it far less likely for the antenna to be ripped off in a crash). 

I love Rush Tank VTXs and used the 20x20 Rush Tank Ultimate for this one with a Lumeniere antenna. For my FPV camera I chose a Caddx Ratel Mini. I find FPV camera image quality is very subjective and while I've tried cameras from Foxeer and RunCam I still prefer the look that the Caddx Ratel provides. Your millage will likely differ.

This was also the first quad where I used TBS Crossfire for the receiver and I have to say that for me the peace of mild you get from a rock-solid connection is worth the price. That said, I initially went with the TBS Tango 2 as my transmitter and as someone who is a 'pincher' rather than a 'thumber' (both of those terms sound wrong) I didn't think it was a good fit for me. The build quality is really good but I just thought it was too small and ended up adding the Crossfire Micro TX to my beloved Taranis Qx7. Also, if you've done any soldering on a micro quad the physical modification you have to make to the Qx7 for the module to work is a piece of cake. 

Overall, I really enjoyed building and flying this one - it's definitely my favourite freestyle quad.

L