A New Flight Begins-BETAFPV Cetus X
The moment I purchased the BETAFPV Cetus X, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. As someone who has always dreamed of experiencing the thrill of FPV flying, this drone was the perfect opportunity to take my flying skills to the next level. With its sleek, snow-white fuselage complemented by black 1103 KV11000 motors and four-bladed propellers, the Cetus X instantly catches the eye, giving it a sharp, modern, almost futuristic feel. But it’s not just about aesthetics. The compact size, impressive design, and promise of smoother, faster flight make it ideal for anyone looking to delve deeper into FPV. I can’t wait to start experiencing it, as I know this drone will open up many exciting flying adventures for me!
The BETAFPV Cetus X: Compact, Powerful and Ready to Fly
Advantages of the BETAFPV Cetus X
The BETAFPV Cetus X stands out for several reasons, making it an excellent choice for beginner FPV drone pilots. It strikes a balance between performance, portability, and value, making it an ideal entry point into the world of FPV flying.
Portability and Versatility:
One of the key features of the Cetus X is its compact size. The lightweight and small frame make it incredibly easy to transport, whether you’re heading to the park or preparing for an indoor flying session. Unlike bulkier drones, the Cetus X fits easily into a backpack or even a large pocket, allowing for on-the-go flights without the hassle of carrying large gear. Its size doesn’t compromise its adaptability—this drone performs well both indoors and outdoors, giving users the flexibility to fly in various environments. Whether you’re navigating tight spaces indoors or flying in open fields outdoors, the Cetus X delivers a satisfying experience.
Longer Flight Time:
The Cetus X features two 1S 550mAh batteries, providing impressive flight time for its class. This combination ensures a longer flight duration compared to many similar drones, making it easier for pilots to enjoy extended sessions without worrying about frequent battery swaps. The extra flight time is especially valuable for beginners, allowing more practice and better control over the drone. The longer battery life means that even as a novice, you can refine your flying skills without interruptions, offering a smoother, more enjoyable flying experience.
FPV Transmission Experience:
The FPV transmission on the Cetus X, while not perfect, offers a decent experience for beginner pilots. The live feed through the FPV goggles delivers a fairly clear picture, allowing pilots to feel immersed in the flight. While the quality may not be as sharp as high-end models, it is more than sufficient for those just starting. The FPV transmission allows users to get a feel for the drone’s movements and gives them the excitement of flying from the drone’s perspective, a key part of the FPV experience.
Great Value for Money:
What sets the Cetus X apart from its competitors is its affordability. In comparison to other drones in the same category, the Cetus X is reasonably priced, offering a good balance of features and performance at a budget-friendly cost. For beginners, this drone provides an ideal starting point without a hefty price tag. The value it offers, especially with its portability, flight time, and FPV transmission, makes it a top choice for anyone new to the world of FPV flying.
BETA Cetus X challenges in flight
While the BETAFPV Cetus X was able to do a good job of helping me go from simulator to real flight, I still encountered some challenges along the way-especially when flying in more complex environments.
The effects of the wind:
As much as I enjoyed flying this compact drone, I have to say that the small size of the BETAFPV Cetus X makes it susceptible to the effects of wind. When I was flying outdoors on a windy day, I found that in addition to needing to operate normally for flight, I also needed to be aware of the effects of the wind, so I needed to keep adjusting the throttle to keep the drone stable in the air. It was like trying to control a kite in a storm – every time I thought I had it under control, a sudden gust of wind would push the Cetus X off course, forcing me to make a quick correction. Flying in the wind tested my skills and patience, and made me more proficient in using the BETAFPV Cetus X.
Battery usage time：
As I practiced operating the drone during the gusty winds, I noticed something else: the drone’s battery power drained much faster than usual. Because the drone had to work harder to remain stable, it consumed more power than it would have in normal flight conditions, resulting in significantly shorter flight times. What should have been a relaxing and enjoyable flight turned into a race against the clock as the battery power dropped faster than expected. It’s frustrating when you’re having a good time and have to land early because the battery has run out（If you want to know how to choose the right battery for your FPV drone, you can read the related article 4s Battery VS 6s Battery for Your Racing Drone）.
Camera Performance：
The FPV camera that comes with the Cetus X is the C04 FPV camera, and while I was able to use it properly, it was a mediocre performer and didn’t blow me away. The video feedback was clear enough for beginner flights, but I realized the gap with high-end drones when I tried to capture more detailed footage. The image quality was decent for basic flying but nowhere near as crisp and smooth as more expensive models. Instead of ruining my experience, this made me want to try further higher-end models and cameras. I will follow these factors to choose the best FPV drone camera.
From First Crash to Fearless FPV Pilot
Growing Through Failure
Learning to fly the BETAFPV Cetus X has been a journey of excitement, crashes and perseverance and ultimate victory. My first flight was unforgettable – not because of its success, but because of the epic failure that accompanied it. I wanted so much to see my BETAFPV Cetus X soaring in the sky that I unthinkingly turned the throttle up to maximum just after takeoff, and so the Cetu X shot straight up into the sky like a catapulted takeoff, and by the time I reacted it was out of control, and then I forced it to land by urgently shutting down the power, fortunately it was a test flight on a grassy field or I would have had to buy A new drone.
This made me realize that FPV flying requires skill, not brute force. Determined to improve, I started learning the three modes of flight: Angle (self-balancing), Horizon (semi-self-balancing) and Acro (manual). Each mode has its own way of practicing.
Angle Mode (Self-Leveling):
I began with Angle Mode, the most beginner-friendly option. The drone automatically stabilized itself, making basic hovering and gentle movements easier. I practiced maintaining a steady hover and performing slow turns, gradually building confidence.
Horizon Mode (Semi-Self-Leveling):
Ready for more freedom, I switched to Horizon Mode. The drone still auto-leveled when the sticks were centered but allowed for rolls and flips with sharper stick movements. This mode taught me balance and better control while performing more dynamic maneuvers.
Acro Mode (Manual):
Finally, I dared to try Acro Mode—fully manual control with no self-leveling. Every movement depended entirely on my skill and reflexes. Maintaining stability required constant adjustments, but the thrill of unrestricted flight was worth every crash. Mastering this mode felt like breaking free and truly flying.
Each flight brought new lessons, transforming me from a clueless beginner into a confident FPV pilot.
Discovering the Joy of FPV Flight
Looking back my journey to explore FPV flying with the BETAFPV Cetus X has been full of challenges, collisions and exciting progress. From my first clumsy attempts to confidently navigating through obstacles, each flight brought me new experiences and a deeper understanding of FPV flying. The Cetus X’s affordable price and beginner-friendly design make it a great choice for novices who want to explore FPV flying.
While mastering the Cetus X has been an unforgettable adventure, I’m ready to take the next step and build my own FPV drone from scratch. Stay tuned for my next blog as I delve into the exciting world of custom drone assembly!