EMAX Babyhawk-R RACE Edition Guide: 136mm Specs & Setup
The EMAX Babyhawk-R RACE Edition is a purpose-built 3-inch micro racing drone built around the RS1106 power system, the Mini Magnum Tower AIO stack and a factory pre-tuned Betaflight setup. It is available in three versions: the 136 mm BNF at $240.22, the 136 mm PNP at $224.82 and the 112 mm PNP at $215.58. All three share a 40-channel 5.8 GHz VTX switchable between 25 and 200 mW, a micro CCD camera, a carbon fibre frame and 3S–4S LiPo power. This guide explains what each version changes, how to choose between BNF and PNP, and what to check before your first flight.
What Is the EMAX Babyhawk-R RACE Edition?
The Babyhawk-R RACE Edition is the dedicated racer of EMAX’s Babyhawk family — “made by racers, for racers”, as the product page puts it. Where the Tinyhawk micro whoop line targets beginners and indoor flying, and the Babyhawk R Pro 4-inch leans toward freestyle, the RACE Edition is a compact, aggressive quad for gates and speed runs. It ships with a pre-tuned Betaflight firmware profile, an OSD with integrated low-voltage detection, and a customizable shell canopy with adjustable camera positions. It is also compatible with EMAX transmitters, goggles and accessories, so you can build a matched EMAX ecosystem around one purchase.
136 mm vs 112 mm: Which Wheelbase Should You Choose?
The most important decision is the frame size, because the two wheelbases change the propellers, the weight and the handling character. Here is how the three versions on sale compare, using only the specifications published on the product pages:
| Specification | 136 mm BNF | 136 mm PNP | 112 mm PNP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 136 mm | 136 mm | 112 mm |
| Dry weight | 86.42 g | 85.4 g | 82.8 g |
| Motor | RS1106 | RS1106 | RS1106 |
| Propellers | 3-inch | 3-inch | Avan Micro |
| FC / ESC | Mini Magnum Tower AIO | Mini Magnum Tower AIO | Mini Magnum Tower AIO |
| VTX | 40 CH, 25/200 mW | 40 CH, 25/200 mW | 40 CH, 25/200 mW |
| Camera | Micro CCD | Micro CCD | Micro CCD |
| Battery | 3S–4S LiPo | 3S–4S LiPo | 3S–4S LiPo |
| Price | $240.22 | $224.82 | $215.58 |
| SKU | 0110001057 | 0110001065 | 0110001062 |
The 136 mm versions stretch the wheelbase by 24 mm and swing full 3-inch propellers instead of the smaller Avan Micro units. That extra footprint buys straight-line stability and typical 3-inch racing behaviour, while the 112 mm variant is a lighter, tighter machine — it saves 3.62 g against the 136 mm BNF. The weight ladder runs 82.8 g → 85.4 g → 86.42 g and the price ladder $215.58 → $224.82 → $240.22, so the top version costs roughly 11 percent more. For full gate courses, pick the 136 mm; for tighter spaces, the 112 mm remains a genuine racer rather than a compromise.
BNF or PNP: What Does the $15.40 Difference Buy You?
The second decision is the electronics configuration. The 136 mm BNF costs $240.22 and the 136 mm PNP costs $224.82 — a $15.40 premium for the bind-and-fly version. In practice that buys an integrated receiver: the BNF arrives ready to bind to a compatible radio, while the PNP ships without one so you can install the receiver that matches your own transmitter, for example an ExpressLRS or FrSky unit you already own. The published dry weights differ by only 1.02 g, so the choice is about your radio rather than performance. If you already fly with a quality radio, take the PNP and put the $15.40 toward props or batteries; if you want the simplest path to flying — or you are pairing it with an EMAX transmitter — the BNF removes a build step entirely. Note that the 112 mm version is offered as PNP only in this store.
How Does the RS1106 Power System Behave on 3S vs 4S?
All three versions use the same high-speed RS1106 power system and accept 3S or 4S LiPo packs. The practical difference is feel: on 3S the quad is more forgiving, with gentler throttle response that suits learning race lines and longer practice sessions; on 4S the same motors deliver noticeably stronger punch for straights and upper gates. EMAX does not publish a recommended battery capacity, flight time or thrust figure for these models, so treat any specific number you read elsewhere as unverified. A sensible approach is to start on 3S, learn the quad’s pre-tuned response, then step up to 4S once your lines are consistent — and confirm the pack physically fits the frame before ordering several.
What Do You Get in the Box?
Each package follows the same pattern. The 136 mm BNF includes the quad itself, a manual, two 3-inch propellers, a screw pack and a camera adjusting board. The 136 mm PNP lists the same contents, and the 112 mm PNP swaps in two AVAN-MICRO propellers instead of the 3-inch pair. Everything needed to finish the airframe is included — what differs is whether a receiver is already on board.
How Does It Compare With the Babyhawk R Pro 4-Inch?
If you are weighing the whole Babyhawk line, the clearest split is size and intent. The Babyhawk R Pro 4-inch is the larger sibling: a 4-inch freestyle-oriented quad built on the Mini Magnum III stack with RS1606 3300KV motors, better suited to flowy outdoor flying and slightly larger packs. The RACE Edition keeps the 3-inch (or Avan Micro on the 112 mm) footprint, uses the Mini Magnum Tower AIO, and is tuned for gate racing instead. Pilots who want one quad that can do both typically start with the R Pro 4-inch; pilots who already know they want speed runs get more from the RACE Edition. For a middle point in the EMAX range, the EMAX Buzz 245mm covers full-size 5-inch racing.
Setup Checklist Before Your First Flight
The RACE Edition arrives pre-tuned, so setup is short but worth doing properly. First, bind the radio: on the BNF this means pairing with a compatible transmitter, while on the PNP you install and bind your own receiver first. Second, set the VTX channel and power: the quad’s 40-channel 5.8 GHz VTX switches between 25 mW and 200 mW, and in many European countries 25 mW is the legal limit for 5.8 GHz FPV — check your local regulations before selecting 200 mW. Third, verify the OSD low-voltage warning so you land before the pack sags too far. Finally, set the camera angle to taste, double-check propeller direction after any swap, and hover-test in an open area before your first gate run.
Who Should Buy the Babyhawk-R RACE Edition?
The RACE Edition fits three kinds of buyers. Dedicated race pilots get a compact 3-inch machine with a real racing pedigree and pre-tuned firmware out of the box. Pilots graduating from a Tinyhawk-class whoop get a natural next step that keeps EMAX’s transmitter and goggle ecosystem while adding genuine speed — the EMAX Nanohawk X is an alternative if you want to stay in the 1S micro class longer. And club flyers with a good radio can take the PNP version, fit their preferred receiver and fly a racer that matches the rest of their fleet. If you want a more forgiving first quad, start with a whoop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Babyhawk-R RACE Edition suitable for beginners?
It can be flown by a careful beginner, but it is a racer first: the RS1106 power system and 3-inch props make it faster and less self-stabilising in feel than a Tinyhawk-class whoop. If you have never flown FPV before, learning on a whoop and moving to the RACE Edition after a few packs is the smoother path.
What battery should I use with the Babyhawk-R RACE Edition?
All versions accept 3S–4S LiPo packs. EMAX does not publish a recommended capacity for these models, so choose a pack that physically fits the frame and matches how you fly: lighter packs on 3S for practice, 4S once you want stronger punch. Watch the OSD low-voltage warning and stop flying when it triggers.
What is the difference between the BNF and PNP versions?
The BNF version includes an integrated receiver and is ready to bind to a compatible radio; the PNP ships without one so you can install the receiver that matches your own transmitter. The price gap is $15.40 ($240.22 vs $224.82) and the weight difference is just 1.02 g, so the decision comes down to the radio you already own.
Do I need to tune Betaflight myself?
No. The Babyhawk-R RACE Edition ships with pre-tuned Betaflight firmware for optimised flight performance, plus an integrated OSD with low-voltage detection. Most pilots only need to bind their radio, set the VTX channel and power, and adjust the camera angle before flying.
How much does the EMAX Babyhawk-R RACE Edition cost?
At the time of writing, the 136 mm BNF is $240.22 (SKU 0110001057), the 136 mm PNP is $224.82 (SKU 0110001065) and the 112 mm PNP is $215.58 (SKU 0110001062). Prices can change, so check the product pages before ordering.
Final Verdict
The EMAX Babyhawk-R RACE Edition is a focused 3-inch racer: RS1106 motors, the Mini Magnum Tower AIO stack, a pre-tuned Betaflight profile and a 40-channel 25/200 mW VTX in a carbon fibre frame weighing 82.8–86.42 g depending on version. Choose the 136 mm BNF at $240.22 for the fastest path to the gates, the 136 mm PNP at $224.82 if your own radio and receiver are sorted, and the 112 mm PNP at $215.58 for the lightest version of the same racing DNA.
Ready to pick yours? Compare all three versions on the 136 mm BNF product page, the 136 mm PNP product page and the 112 mm PNP product page, or contact the CSKYUAV team for a quote in 24 hours.