The iFlight Cidora SL5 Advanced 4S / iFlight Cidora SL5 Advanced 6S is a 5 inch FPV Racing/Freestyle quadcopter; it comes both in BNF (Bind aNd Fly) and PNP (Plug aNd Play) version (no receiver). The BNF version offers three type of receivers:
- FrSky R-XSR
- Frsky XM+
- TBS Crossfire NANO RX with T type antenna
This is ideal if you have a Taranis transmitter (the third one needs TBS Crossfire module for long range), like the Taranis X9D Plus SE 2019, which is one of the best transmitters at the moment. Otherwise, you can choose the PNP version (without receiver) so you can equip the iFlight Cidora SL5 Advanced with your preferred receiver (for example, if you have a FlySky transmitter you can use the Flysky X6B 2.4G 6CH i-BUS PPM PWM Receiver for AFHDS, which is very good).
Package Contents
This is what is contained in iFlight Cidora SL5 Advanced package:
- iFlight Cidora SL5 Advanced 215mm FPV Drone 4S/6S;
- 2 x Battery strap;
- 4 x NAZGUL 5140 CW Propeller;
- 4 x NAZGUL 5140 CCW Propeller;
- Battery grip pad;
- iFlight stickers.
Specifications
iFlight Cidora SL5 Advanced specs are reported down below:
- SucceX F7 TwinG BT Flight Controller (TwinICM20689) with DSHOT 1200;
- SucceX 50A 2-6s 4-in-1 ESC;
- XING CAMO X2306 2450KV (4S) / 1700KV (6S);
- Caddx Ratel 2.1mm FPV camera;
- SucceX Force 5.8G VTX 800mW max power output;
- Nazgul 5140 propellers.
Frame
The frame is a standard X-frame and it is pretty similar to the iFlight Nazgul5 one. Each arm is replaceable since they are individually connected to the center of the frame.
There are many orange TPU parts offering a good protection in case of crash.
Each arm features a changeable color LED strip which can be configured through BetaFlight.
FPV Camera
Included FPV camera is the well know Caddx Ratel 2.1mm which is a constant in many BNF/RTF FPV freestyle drones at the moment. A good addition is given by TPU camera damping on each side. Frame allows multiple angle regulation to set camera tilt.
Unfortunately TPU GoPro camera mount is not included, which is a surprise since this is not properly an entry level product, so I expected it should be part of the package.
The bottom part of the frame on the front is protected with TPU.
Motors and Propellers
This is probably one of the best component of the iFlight Cidora SL5 Advanced: XING CAMO X2306 2450KV (4S) / 1700KV (6S). These brushless motors have high quality copper coils which are really thick and the bearings are pretty good assuring great smoothness. Both these features assures great durability over time.
TPU motor protectors have also a nice landing pad.
Like for the Nazgul5, the 5140 3-blade props included are lightweight and they are just a perfect combination with the motors.
If you want to have some spare props, you can find them here: iFlight Nazgul5 5140 5140 3-Blade Propellers.
FC and ESCs stack
iFlight Cidora SL5 Advanced mounts SucceX F7 TwinG BT Flight Controller (TwinG stands for twin gyro) loaded with BetaFlight 4.0.5. A nice features is the presence of bluetooth chip allowing connection to the aircraft via Speedy Bee app, so it is possible to change BetaFlight configuration directly from the smartphone: this is very useful if we need to modify settings on the field.
The 50A 4in1 ESC is positioned on the bottom of the stack.
VTX
VTX is SucceX Force 5.8G with adjustable power output (25mW/100mW/400mW/800mW): it is located on the bottom back of the drone, where there is also a TPU support for drone receiver antennas.
On the top part in the back we find the TPU mount for the receiver which also holds VTX RHCP antenna and XT60 battery connector in place. VTX antenna is connected to the VTX with an MMCX connector.
Battery
Since this quad is BNF, battery is not included, so you have to buy it separately. A good choice for the 6S version is the GNB 1100mAh 6S 130C LiPo Battery Pack or the TATTU 1300mAh 22.2 75C 6S LiPo Battery Pack. Otherwise, for the 4S version, a good option is the TATTU 1550mAh 14.8V 75C 4S1P Lipo Battery Pack.
They all have XT60 battery connector like the one on the drone itself.
HD Camera
Of course GoPro Hero 7 showed in the pictures is not included and neither the mount. If you do not want to spend much, a very good alternative is the Runcam 5, which can record FPV videos also in 4k@30fps (here you can find an overview of the camera).
3D printed TPU camera mounts for GoPro and Runcam 3/3S/5 are available at the links down below (comprehensive of ND filter and lens protection cap):
- iFlight Cidora SL5 Advanced TPU Camera Mount for GoPro Hero 5/6/7 with ND8 Filter & Lens Protection Cap
- iFlight Cidora SL5 Advanced TPU Camera Mount for GoPro Hero 4/5 Session and Runcam 3/3S/5 with ND8 Filter & Lens Protection Cap
- iFlight Cidora SL5 Advanced TPU Camera Mount for GoPro Hero 9 with Mounting Base
Conclusions
Build quality on the iFlight Cidora SL5 Advanced is stunning and every electronic component is high level. Probably one of the best feature is represented by XING motors which are super smooth. Everything on this quad has been cured extremely well and this is surely an FPV freestyle drone not only for beginners even if it is BNF: it is also targeting experienced pilots which are not in quad building.
The only thing to keep in mind, but this is true for every BNF and RTF product, is to check up every screw to verify they are well locked in place, preferably adding loctite.
You can buy the iFlight Cidora SL5 Advanced 4S version here, while the 6S version is available here.