I started FPV out with an HDZero Mobula8, but eventually had to use screws on the props because the press fits were free spinning too much. The extra moment of inertia from the screws was too much for the tiny 1103 motors, and I could definitely feel the decreased acceleration and top end thrust. So I decided to build a more freestyle oriented HDZero build that would handle like my 5" drone, but that would be quiet like the whoop for flight in urban environments.

This is my Urban Ripper, a 2s 2.5 inch drone built off the DarwinFPV Tiny Ape. It has a SuperF405HD 20A AIO paired with the HDZero Whoop Lite and Nano V3 camera. The Super405HD was used because of its IPEX connector, which allowed me to use a T-antenna instead of the pain in the butt direct solder copper RX antenna that's found on most other whoop-style AIOs. There is a TPU battery mount on top that was salvaged from my HGLRC Draknight 2" frame. On the rear, it has an HDZero omni antenna.

Frame-wise, I had to modify the front plate by cutting out the carbon from part of the front portion to make way for the camera as it was interfering with the plate. For makeshift skids, I cut out pieces of my old longboard spacers and used double sided tape to adhere them to the bottom of the drop (see pictures).

As it is right now, I think it's a tad bit too floaty and doesn't have enough thrust with such shallow props. I'm on the throttle at 40-50% most of the time, and for gentle split-Ss, I have to hop on full throttle to keep it from smacking the ground. It has 2512 triblades, but I have Emax Rush Avans on the way (2519 triblades) that will hopefully be a better middleground for the freestyle feel.

The larger 1404s are definitely overkill for most people, and have their own issues with acceleration, but I do want to run a Thumb 2 occasionally. The power overhead should be more than enough to run the camera and do acro.

I use Tattu 2s 550mah and GNB 2s 660mah batteries and am getting around 4ish minutes of flight. I'll update when when swap props.

Here's the my first flight on the drone: https://youtu.be/XdEr53Zwfz4?si=TBc6lHZsdw8SECqk

UPDATE (10/16/24): Tested with the Avan Rush props and it is an absolute night and day difference. I'm sure the larger motor size and shallow prop pitch hampered the acceleration before. Tempted to run some 2540s just to see how fast and grippy this will go. Definitely with 3s though. Currently running around 3 minute flight time when ripping it and 5 minute flight time when cruising. I have Tattu 3s 850mah batteries coming soon, so I'll provide updates when that happens. Here's some flight footage from my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBIXMwspMsk/?igsh=bWQ4YXZ3cnd4a3Bp