EMAX Buzz 245mm Guide: 1700KV or 2400KV, BNF or PNP?
The EMAX Buzz 245mm is a 5-inch freestyle and racing quad that you buy in one of two motor versions and one of two kit versions: a 1700 kV motor for 5–6S batteries or a 2400 kV motor for 4S, each available as a BNF with a FrSky XM+ receiver or as PNP without a receiver. For most freestyle pilots the 1700 kV version on 6S is the better all-round choice, because it runs lower current for the same power, stays cooler and holds voltage longer through a pack. Choose 2400 kV on 4S if you already own a 4S fleet or want the classic punchy 4S throttle feel.
What Is the EMAX Buzz 245mm?
The Buzz is EMAX’s 5-inch freestyle and racing machine, sitting above the 4-inch Babyhawk R Pro and below the long-range EMAX Hawk family in the brand’s line-up. It ships fully assembled with the flight controller, 4-in-1 ESC, motors, camera and video transmitter installed, so the only work left for you is binding a receiver (on the BNF version), adding props and setting up Betaflight. The 245 mm diagonal wheelbase and 358 g frame weight without a battery put it squarely in the classic 5-inch class, which is the most popular size for freestyle, park flying and local racing.
EMAX Buzz 245mm Specs at a Glance
The table below collects the published parameters from the product listing.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Diagonal wheelbase | 245 mm (without propellers) |
| Weight | 358 g (without battery) |
| Motors | FS 2306 — 1700 kV (5–6S) or 2400 kV (4S) |
| Propellers | Avan Flow 5×4.3×3 and Avan Scimitar 5×2.6×3 |
| Flight controller | F4 (Omnibus F4) |
| ESC | 4-in-1 45 A 32-bit, 3S–6S |
| Receiver (BNF) | FrSky XM+ 16 CH diversity |
| Camera | Caddx Micro S1 CCD |
| VTX | 0 / 25 / 200 mW switchable, 37 CH, SmartAudio |
| Price | BNF from $297.97, PNP from $325.69 |
1700KV (5–6S) or 2400KV (4S): Which Motor Version Should You Choose?
The motor choice is the single biggest decision on the Buzz, and it comes down to battery voltage. KV is the motor’s unloaded rpm per volt, so a 2400 kV motor reaches the same rpm on 4S (14.8 V nominal) that a 1700 kV motor reaches on 6S (22.2 V nominal). The practical differences show up in three numbers. First, current draw: for the same propeller and throttle position, the 6S setup pushes fewer amps through the 45 A ESC, which keeps both the ESC and the motors cooler. Second, voltage sag: a 6S pack sags less under load, so the last half of the pack still feels close to the first. Third, compatibility: if every other quad in your bag is 4S, the 2400 kV version means one charger profile and one spare-pack pool.
As a rule of thumb, pick 1700 kV if you fly freestyle, longer sessions, or want the most efficient setup on 6S. Pick 2400 kV if you race on 4S, are buying your first serious 5-inch quad and already own 4S packs, or prefer the sharper throttle of the classic 4S combination. If you want to understand how motor size and KV interact with propeller choice, our 2207 vs 2306 vs 2807 motor guide explains the trade-offs, and the FS 2306 motors on the Buzz sit right in the middle of that comparison.
BNF or PNP: Matching the Buzz to Your Radio
The BNF version includes a FrSky XM+ receiver with 16-channel diversity reception, so it binds directly to FrSky D16 radios and modules. The PNP version ships without any receiver, which makes it the right option for ExpressLRS, TBS Crossfire, Tracer or any other radio system — you install your own receiver into a free UART. There is one more difference worth knowing before you order: on the current listing the PNP is actually priced higher ($325.69) than the BNF ($297.97), so check both listings before checkout. If you fly a FrSky radio already, the BNF is the faster path to the field; if you are invested in ELRS or Crossfire, the PNP plus a receiver of your choice is the cleaner setup. Our FPV receiver guide covers the differences between the protocols in detail.
Camera and VTX: What to Expect from the Caddx Micro S1
The Buzz uses the Caddx Micro S1 CCD camera, a compact analog camera with solid colour reproduction and good handling of transitions between bright sky and shaded ground. Because it is a CCD sensor, it avoids the smeared, blocky artifacts that CMOS sensors can show when you fly towards the sun, which many freestyle pilots still prefer for analog flying. The video transmitter offers three power levels — 0, 25 and 200 mW — across 37 channels with SmartAudio control, so you can change channel and power from your radio or the Betaflight OSD without unplugging anything. Use 25 mW near other pilots, 200 mW for bigger terrain, and 0 mW as a safe bench mode. Our FPV VTX buying guide covers power levels and range in detail.
Battery Choices for the Buzz
EMAX does not publish a recommended battery capacity for the Buzz, so this part comes down to general 5-inch practice rather than official numbers. The ESC is rated for 3S–6S, so the pack must first match the motor version you bought: 5–6S packs for the 1700 kV build, 4S packs for the 2400 kV build. In the 5-inch class, packs in the 1300–1550 mAh range with a high C-rating are the common choice, because they balance flight time against the weight the 358 g airframe has to lift. Heavier packs give longer flights but dull the throttle response that freestyle depends on. Whatever you choose, confirm the pack fits the battery bay and start your first flights with conservative throttle while you check voltage sag. Our FPV LiPo battery guide explains C-ratings, sag and safe storage voltage in depth.
How the Buzz Fits in the EMAX Line-Up
The Buzz answers a different question than the other EMAX quads we have covered: the Tinyhawk micro whoop family is built for indoor and backyard flying, the Babyhawk R Pro is a 4-inch freestyle machine for parks and tighter spaces, and the EMAX Hawk family trades agility for 7–10 inch long-range efficiency. The Buzz is the purest 5-inch freestyle and racing option of the range, with full-size props and a 45 A ESC with 6S headroom. If your flying is freestyle lines in a park, local races or general sport flying, this is the model to start with.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 1700KV and 2400KV Buzz?
Only the motor winding. The 1700 kV version is meant for 5–6S batteries, the 2400 kV version for 4S. Both use the same FS 2306 motor size, the same 45 A 4-in-1 ESC, the same frame, camera and VTX. Everything else in this guide applies to both versions.
Does the EMAX Buzz include a battery?
No. The product listing does not mention an included battery, and EMAX does not publish a recommended capacity for this model. Plan to buy a pack separately — 4S for the 2400 kV build or 5–6S for the 1700 kV build.
Which radios work with the BNF Buzz?
The BNF version binds to FrSky D16 equipment via the included XM+ receiver, which supports 16 channels with diversity antennas. If you fly ExpressLRS or TBS, order the PNP version and install your own receiver.
Can I change the VTX power on the Buzz?
Yes. The VTX has three levels — 0, 25 and 200 mW — across 37 channels, adjustable through SmartAudio. Note that 200 mW output requires checking the legal power limits in your country before flying.
Is the Buzz a good first 5-inch quad?
It is a reasonable one, with one caveat: the analog video system keeps the price accessible, but you will need analog goggles. The 45 A ESC, 6S-capable power system and standard parts make later repairs and upgrades easy.
Why is the PNP version more expensive than the BNF?
On the current listing the PNP is listed at $325.69 against $297.97 for the BNF. Pricing on small-batch hobby electronics does not always track the parts count, so compare both listings at checkout and choose the version that matches your radio system rather than the price alone.
Should You Buy the EMAX Buzz 245mm?
The Buzz 245mm makes sense if you want a ready-built 5-inch freestyle quad with a 6S-capable 45 A power system, a proven CCD camera and two prop options in the box. Choose the 1700 kV version for a modern 6S freestyle setup, the 2400 kV version if your batteries are 4S, and the PNP kit if your radio is not FrSky. Compare the BNF version with the FrSky XM+ receiver and the PNP version without a receiver on our shop pages. Not sure which combination fits your flying? Contact CSKYUAV and we will help you match the motor version, receiver and batteries to your style.