iFlight Defender 16 Review: Should You Buy It?

The world of FPV drones is constantly evolving, with new models coming out that are smaller, faster and pack in more features. iFlight has been one of the leaders in pushing the boundaries of micro FPV drones, first with the popular iFlight Cinewhoop 25 back in 2020.

Now, in 2023, they’ve released the crazy fast iFlight Defender 16, an all-in-one FPV drone that weighs just 126 grams!

I recently got my hands on the new iFlight Defender 16 and have been thoroughly testing it out over the past couple of weeks. In this review, I’ll provide my thoughts on how it performs, the features it brings to the table, and whether it’s worth the investment for FPV pilots.

There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get to it!

Where to Buy the iFlight Defender 16

I purchased my Defender 16 directly from iFlight’s website, but any of these authorized dealers will provide the same genuine product. Be sure to shop around for the best pricing.

As of writing this review, the Defender 16 is a very new release, so inventory has been selling out quickly. If it’s unavailable, get your name on a waitlist or check back often to snag one once it’s back in stock.

This awesome little micro drone is in high demand!

Overview of the iFlight Defender 16

The iFlight Defender 16 is the latest edition to iFlight’s Defender series of micro FPV quads, joining the Defender 20 and 25 versions that were released last year. As you can probably guess from the name, the standout feature of the Defender 16 is that it uses 1.6 inch propellers, making it even more compact and lightweight than the prior models.

Here are the key specs and features of the Defender 16:

• All-in-one design with motors, ESC, flight controller stacked
• Uses 1.6 inch propellers
• 126 gram takeoff weight with battery
• Runs on 2S 900mAh smart LiPo batteries
• 6 minutes of flight time per battery
• DJI Air Unit with naked Go3 camera for HD video
• Capable of 4K 60fps video recording
• Caddx Ratel ELRS 2.4GHz video transmitter
• 25-500mW VTX power output
• Up to 10km HD video transmission range
• Programmable LED lights on quad
• Comes with storage case and spare propellers

As you can see, despite its tiny size, the Defender 16 packs a ton of performance and features into its compact frame. The use of ELRS and the DJI FPV system allows it to have incredible control range and HD video transmission.

And while 6 minutes of flight time per battery may seem short, that’s actually really good given the size of this micro drone!

Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout features of this micro quadcopter.

iFlight Defender 16 Features and Benefits

Incredibly Compact and Lightweight

One of the most impressive aspects of the iFlight Defender 16 is its diminutive size and featherlight weight. It tips the scales at just 126 grams, fully loaded with a battery and DJI O3 camera.

For reference, that’s about the weight of a baseball!

The tiny motors and frame allow it to come in at under 250 grams total takeoff weight, which means it can be flown in many areas without needing to be registered.

Being so lightweight also allows it to be extremely nimble and responsive in the air. It’s perfectly suited for ripping around small spaces and performing acrobatics. Just be prepared for how fast this thing can go – it’s easily the most agile micro drone I’ve ever flown!

Smart Battery System

The iFlight Defender 16 runs off proprietary 2S 900mAh LiPo smart batteries. These batteries feature LED indicators to show you the current voltage level, so you can easily see when you’re starting to run low.

The batteries snap securely into the rear of the quad. One of the best aspects of the smart battery system is that it will automatically discharge batteries down to storage voltage if they haven’t been used in a few days. This helps maintain long battery life by preventing swelling.

The Defender 16 comes with a dedicated USB charging base that allows you to charge the batteries in around 20 minutes. iFlight also offers optional high voltage fast charging cables to help decrease charge times even further.

While the flight times are on the shorter side at about 6 minutes per battery, the quick charging means you can be back in the air again in no time. It’s a very convenient system once you get used to it.

DJI Digital FPV System

The iFlight Defender 16 comes with the DJI Air Unit module equipped with a naked Go3 camera. This camera is capable of recording crisp 4K/60fps video directly to an SD card in the drone.

Having the DJI FPV system means you get excellent low latency HD video transmission. When paired with the Caddx Ratel video transmitter included on this quad, you can achieve HD video ranges up to 10km if running 500mW output power!

The naked Go3 camera performs surprisingly well in low light conditions. Footage remains clean and detailed even when flying at night. And the advanced stabilization built into the camera ensures buttery smooth footage during aggressive flight.

If you already own a set of DJI FPV Goggles, you can easily use them with the iFlight Defender 16 out of the box. Or you can bind any transmitter running 900MHz to the quad if you don’t have DJI goggles yet. The video transmitter is compatible with both DJI and regular FPV goggle systems.

Tunable LED Lighting

One of the newer features included on the iFlight Defender 16 is built-in addressable RGB LED lighting. There are small LEDs strips on the front arms and below the rear props.

Using the button on top of the quad, you can tune the lighting to display different colors and effects. This makes it easy to orient the drone at night or distinguish your Defender 16 from your buddies’ quads.

The LEDs also look fantastic while flying around at night! They add nice flair to an already sleek looking micro drone.

Durable and Protected Design

Despite its small size, the Defender 16 is built to last thanks to the durable frame materials and propeller guards. The prop guards are integrated nicely into the body design, so they don’t stick out or add much weight.

I’ve managed to crash this little tank multiple times, and it just bounces off walls and trees with minimal damage. The motors are small but quite robust. They handle grass and debris getting kicked up into them much better than I expected.

For its size, the Defender 16 is a surprisingly capable outdoor flyer. I wouldn’t recommend flying in heavy winds, but it handles moderate breezes with ease.

Unboxing and Contents

The iFlight Defender 16 comes neatly packaged in a handy carrying case. Inside the case, you get:

• Assembled iFlight Defender 16 quadcopter
• 2x 2S 900mAh smart batteries
• Battery charging base
• 4x spare propellers
• Prop removal tool
• Manuals and stickers

iFlight includes everything you need to start flying besides a controller and FPV goggles. The included case makes transporting it to the field a breeze.

One recommendation I have is to order some extra batteries and propellers. The Defender 16 is so fun to rip around that you’ll want to extend your flight sessions. Plus it doesn’t hurt to have spare props handy to replace any that get damaged.

Flying the iFlight Defender 16

Now for the part you really want hear about – how does this crazy fast micro drone fly? In short, the iFlight Defender 16 is an absolute blast to zip around with thanks to its insane thrust-to-weight ratio. This is hands down the most agile and nimble micro quad I’ve ever flown.

To give you an idea of what flying the Defender 16 is like, let’s step through what a typical session is like.

Prepping for Flight

Before taking off, I install a charged battery in the quad, then turn on my transmitter and DJI FPV Goggles.

After binding the quad to my transmitter, I double check all my settings, controls, and startup sequence.

One key thing to remember with the Defender 16 is that the video transmitter doesn’t turn on by default on startup. You need to assign a switch to power on the video transmission – otherwise you’ll just get a black screen in your goggles!

Once I see a clear video feed from the Go3 camera in my goggles, I know I’m ready to fly. The whole pre-flight process takes just a minute or two thanks to the simple all-in-one design.

Takeoff

To take off, I arm the motors, then slowly throttle up. The Defender 16 lifts off and hovers steadily. Outside, I usually take off in angle mode to counter any wind.

One thing that takes getting used to is the incredibly small, lightweight feel of this quad. Any stick movements translate into very quick movements in the air. Small precise stick inputs are key, especially when flying indoors.

Cruising Around

Once in the air, I’ll fly around casually to get a feel for the space I’m in. With a 2S battery, the Defender 16 has a good amount of punch out. Quick throttle bursts zip me from spot to spot effortlessly.

Despite the small size, the Defender 16 remains very stable, even in moderately windy conditions. The tuned PID values and rates keep it locked in, yet still extremely nimble.

The DJI FPV camera transmits a clear HD low latency feed to my goggles as I fly around. The large due to the excellent penetration from the transmitter.

Pushing the Limits

As I get more comfortable, it’s time to see what this micro beast can really do! Flipping into sport mode, I’ll punch out down a street or dive full throttle under some picnic tables at a park.

The Defender 16 absolutely screams across the sky, easily hitting over 60mph in open areas. Flying through tighter spaces like playgrounds and skateparks is a thrill thanks to the agile nature of this quad.

The prop guards protect the props as I brush up against walls, branches, and other obstacles. Despite some hard knocks and crashes, the durable Defender 16 just bounces and keeps on flying.

Towards the end of a battery, I try to squeeze every last bit of juice by practicing high speed racing lines and tricks like power loops and split S maneuvers. The quick flight times means you really learn to push the limits to maximize the fun!

Landing

As the battery voltage gets low, I’ll bring the Defender 16 back in for landing. The smart battery system status LEDs make it easy to gauge when power is running low. Landing is as simple as slowly descending and disarming the motors.

The entire flight is over in just 5-6 minutes, indicating the battery is exhausted. While the flight time seems short at first, that’s actually quite impressive given the diminutive size and power of this micro quadcopter.

Fun Factor

So how much fun is the iFlight Defender 16 to fly? In all honesty, it’s an absolute rip roaring good time! The intense thrust combined with the minimal weight makes this quad insanely quick and agile. It’s hard to wipe the smile off my face when carving around objects with this tiny powerhouse.

The DJI FPV system provides a fantastically immersive flight experience through the HD goggles. And the durable design means I can push my limits without worrying about destroying the Defender 16. Whether flying indoors or out, it’s quite simply a joy to take this quad to the skies!

Image and Video Quality

A huge part of the FPV experience is getting clear HD video streamed from your drone. The DJI Air Unit and Go3 camera combo on the iFlight Defender 16 delivers fantastic video quality.

The 4K 60fps video recorded onboard provides stunning crisp footage that looks amazing on larger screens. Here are some examples of clips I captured along with the Go3 camera on the Defender 16: https://www.youtube.com/embed/K5CZQqz-E28

The Caddx video transmitter streams a clear HD feed to my DJI goggles while in flight. Even several hundred meters away, the image remains sharp with minimal breakup or lag.

When flying in lower light conditions, the Defender 16 still manages to transmit a very usable FPV feed. Noises increases a bit in very dark environments, but overall the low light capabilities of the Go3 are solid.

All in all, I’m thoroughly impressed with the Defender 16’s video performance, especially considering its diminutive size. The DJI FPV system helps it punch far above its weight class when it comes to both recorded image quality and HD video transmission.

Configuration and Tuning

Out of the box, the iFlight Defender 16 comes tuned and ready to fly. But like any drone, taking the time to dial in the rates and settings to your preference pays major dividends in the air.

Here are some of the ways I customized my Defender 16 to match my flying style:

Rates – I lowered the stock rates a bit for smoother indoor flying. But I made sure to keep high maximum rates available by setting up rate profiles and switches to quickly toggle between them.

Prop Direction – I reversed 2 of the motor directions so that the front props spin outward for a bit more stability. This improved handling in punch outs and dives.

Camera Settings – I adjusted the camera tilt, ISO, shutter speed, and other settings for cleanest video output. Lower light needed higher ISO values.

LED Colors – The onboard LEDs can display different color patterns which is handy for orientation. I set a unique blue color pattern so I can easily ID my quad.

Battery Voltage Alarms – To prevent crashing from dead batteries, I set voltage alarms in my transmitter to warn me when the battery level gets too low.

VTX Table – For max video range, I tuned the VTX frequency, channel, and power output for legal settings in my area.

While not required, taking the time to customize the Defender 16 to your preferences really optimizes the flight experience and video quality.

Maintenance and Repairs

One benefit of the iFlight Defender 16’s tiny size and light weight is that repairs are quick, easy, and inexpensive. Simple bind and fly replacement motors only cost around $5-10 each. And props can easily be swapped out in seconds.

The frame itself has proven very durable, flexing rather than cracking when crashed at high speeds. I just used some super glue to mount motors after a particularly nasty crash sheered them off. Good as new!

For general maintenance, I make sure to inspect the motors after each flight and clear any debris like grass or dust. And I’ll check for any loose screws that could cause a vibration.

The batteries have been holding up well so far, but eventually their capacity will decrease. At that point replacement batteries are just $20 or so.

Overall the Defender 16 seems like it will have a nice long lifespan if basic maintenance practices are followed. Crashes happen of course, but repairs are straightforward for the mechanically inclined.

iFlight Defender 16 Price

Who Should Buy the iFlight Defender 16?

The iFlight Defender 16 is best suited for intermediate to expert FPV pilots looking for a super fast micro racing drone. Here are the types of pilots I’d recommend this quad for:

Freestyle FPV Pilots – The agile nature and protected design is perfect for freestyle pilots who like flowing through bands and trees doing tricks.

Race Pilots – This little rocket will help race pilots sharpen their skills on tighter tracks. It’s great for backyard and small space racing practice.

Park Flyers – With no worry about registration, it’s a blast to zip the Defender 16 around parks, under picnic shelters, and along walking paths.

Experienced Pilots – Thanks to its insane thrust and agility, the Defender 16 does best in the hands of pilots with solid controls. Beginners should start with something more tame.

While not the only quad that fits these roles, the iFlight Defender 16 really hits a sweet spot of portability, capability, and performance for intermediate to advanced FPV pilots. Let’s wrap up the review with my final thoughts.

FAQs the iFlight Defender 16

iFlight Defender 16 Alternatives

Final verdict: is iFlight Defender 16 right for you?

After several weeks of intense flying, I can confidently say the new iFlight Defender 16 has completely won me over. Its crazy power-to-weight ratio provides a pure adrenaline rush every time I take off. This is hands down one of the most exciting micro quads I’ve ever flown.

Despite the diminutive size, iFlight managed to pack in all the technology you need for HD digital FPV in a nearly indestructible frame. The smart battery and charging system makes it simple to swap packs and get back in the air quickly.

However, the minimal flight time does take some adjustment if you’re used to racing full size 5″ quads. And the ultra responsive characteristics require an experienced pilot who can handle the intensity. This is absolutely not a micro drone for beginners.

But if you’re looking for backpackable FPV fun that will put a huge smile on your face, the iFlight Defender 16 delivers in spades. This purpose built micro rocket will have you dipping through bands and blasting around courses faster than ever.

Whether you’re a developing racer, a traveling freestyle pilot, or just love the thrill of FPV drones, the Defender 16 is absolutely worth considering for your fleet. This little beast has secured its place in my drone collection for the foreseeable future!

Final Specs Overview

Here’s a quick recap of the key specs and features of the iFlight Defender 16 FPV drone:

Frame: X style, 125mm wheelbase, integrated prop guards

FC/ESC: iFlight AIO 25A BLHeli_32 2-6S

Motors: iFlight 1106 11000Kv

Props: Gemfan Windancer 1620 tri-blade

FPV Camera: DJI Air Unit with naked Go3 4K 60fps

VTX: Caddex Ratel 200mW (adjustable up to 500mW)

Receiver: FrSky SPI R-XSR (ELRS version available)

Batteries: iFlight 2S 900mAh 14.8V smart LiPo

Weight: 126 grams (with battery, no GoPro)

Flight Time: ~5-6 mins

Range: 1km+ (10km max with ideal conditions)

Additional Features: RGB LED lighting, USB-C battery charging

So there you have it — the complete review of this feisty little rocket of a drone, the iFlight Defender 16! From its nitty gritty specs to how it handles in the air, I covered everything you need to know about this impressive micro FPV quadcopter.

Let me know if you have any other questions about the Defender 16. And please share your thoughts if you’ve had the chance to take this speedy mini drone out for a ride yourself!

Clear skies and safe flying!