Tattu has several battery lines, two of which are known as FunFly and R-Line. Both serve different niches and purposes, but which is best for you?
This article was submitted through the GetFPV Community Program by Aidan Henriques. You can follow Aidan on Instagram or YouTube.
Disclaimer: This article was written solely by a member of the FPV Community. Views and advice in this article are that of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of GetFPV.
Specification Rundown
Tattu FunFly 1300mAh 6S1P 100C Lipo Battery
- Capacity: 1300mAh
- Configuration: 6S1P / 22.2V / 6 Cells
- Discharge Rate: 100C
- Max Burst Discharge Rate: 200C
- Weight(±20g): 225g/unit
- Dimensions: 74mm Length x 35mm Width x 45mm Height
- Charge Plug: JST-XHR-7P
- Discharge Plug: XT-60
- Price: $27.99
Tattu R-Line Version 3.0 1300mAh 6s 120C Lipo Battery
- Capacity: 1300mAh
- Configuration: 6S1P / 22.2V / 6Cells
- Discharge Rate: 120C
- Max Burst Discharge Rate: 240C
- Weight(±20g): 208
- Dimensions:75mm x 38mm x 38mm (L x W x H)
- Charge Plug: JST-XHR
- Discharge Plug: XT60
- Price: $36.99
Credit for specs: FunFly R-Line
Initial Thoughts
Both the FunFly and R-Line series of batteries are very high quality but do have some significant differences internally. Most of the differences are concerning performance, however, the R-Line is also known to be slightly smaller and lighter in size.
Internal Resistance and Lifetime
The internal resistance of a lipo battery is a very big factor when it comes to lifetime and performance. A lower internal resistance means you can draw large amounts of current for longer periods of time due to the lower resistance. A higher internal resistance results in lower performance and can also indicate a good time to retire a lipo. For example, a good rule of thumb is to consider retiring batteries when their internal resistance exceeds 20mΩ. This measurement can typically be found in most newer chargers. Lipo batteries do not last forever, and it is better to retire them before any problems are caused. Even if you purchase the same brand and kind of battery, each one differs, but you can expect an average of 5mΩ-6mΩ from the R-Line while the FunFly averages around 8mΩ when brand new. This difference is quite significant in performance and also shows that the R-Line will have a longer lifetime.
Voltage Sag and Performance
A few tests were conducted without props on the drone between the two batteries. Testing the voltage sag without props ensures no disturbance in the results due to varying airflows. On average the tests with the R-Line batteries sagged to 24.8 volts from a fully charged 25.2 while the FunFly sagged to 24.6 volts. Although this is not much of a difference, this test was without props and drew very little current in comparison to what a motor with a prop consume. This gap will scale farther apart as the amount of current drawn is increased. This better voltage sag performance on the R-Line batteries is mainly contributed to their higher C rating. They have a C rating of 120C in comparison to the 100C rating of the FunFly batteries. Please note that these tests were performed on a 5-inch drone with no props and T-motor F40 Pro IV 1950kv motors.
Capacity Offerings
In the 6s variants of these batteries, FunFly only offers one capacity which is 1300mah while the R-Line offers 1050mah, 1300mah, 1400mah, and 1550mah. The flexibility of capacities is advantageous and allows for a greater variety of applications on different sized drones as well as different uses of each drone. For example, you may use the 1550mah on a 7-inch drone for longer range flying, while you may use a 1050mah for very acrobatic flying on a 5-inch drone where lighter weight is required.
Weight
Weight is a large factor that differs between the FunFly and the R-Line series. Although the average difference in weight is only 17 grams, that can still be a good amount of weight saved by using the R-Line instead of the FunFly without sacrificing performance. In fact, by choosing the R-Line series, you are gaining performance and losing weight! The lower weight can contribute to better performance as well as greater flight time as the motors do not have to lift as much weight. Lifting more weight draws more current.
Buying Guide
The one major downside to the R-Line series of batteries is the price of $36.99 which is $9 more than that of the FunFly batteries (in the 6s 1300mah variants). If cost is a major limiting factor for you, it may be wiser to get some of the FunFly series batteries. However, in the long run, it may still be more cost-effective to purchase R-Line batteries. They will have a longer lifetime than the FunFly series due to the higher quality and lower internal resistance. Along with the R-Line series you get better performance and weight. If you are a racer or serious freestyle pilot, I would definitely recommend the R-Line series because of the better performance. However, if you are constantly breaking batteries and are not able to take advantage of the longer lifetime, it may be more economical to go with the FunFly series. FunFly batteries are great for the casual flyer who does not need much performance. Overall, if you can afford a bit of money upfront, the R-Line series batteries are better in almost every aspect and will have a longer lifetime, making them more economical in the long term.
Quick pros and cons
R-Line Series
- Pros
- Better performance
- Better lifetime
- Smaller size and weight
- Cons
- High price
FunFly Series
- Pros
- Lower price
- Less concern about losing or breaking a battery
- Cons
- Less performance
- Less lifetime
- Larger size and weight
Where to buy
If you are interested in purchasing either the FunFly or R-Line series, please check out the links below.