Hook: Mads Tech strips the Evoque V3 down, flies it in bleak wind, and calls it the top off‑the‑shelf 5‑inch BNF again. He tests hardware, firmware and footage.
TL:DR: iFlight reworks the Nazgul Evoque into V3. New dual‑geometry frame, DJI O4 Pro install, Borg Mini F7 stack and a built‑in anti‑spark on the ESC. Flies silky; firmware quirks need care.
Overview — what changed
iFlight kept the Nazgul DNA but rebuilt the Evoque. Everything is new except the motors. You get a transformable frame that ships as Deadcat but converts to true X. The DJI O4 Pro comes preinstalled on the BNF O4 variant.
Frame, camera cage and cooling
Aluminium camera cage and silicon pads isolate the O4 camera. iFlight mounts the O4 ear unit on the top plate for easy SD and USB access. They routed antenna cables rearwards and added airflow channels to cool the stack and camera.
Antennas, receivers and radio choice
The kit ships with two Albatross LHCP 5.8GHz antennas on RP‑SMA. They claim 5.3–6GHz support, which covers most DJI O4 bands. The reviewed model used ExpressLRS 500mW receiver (SX‑based), single antenna, single band. Pick your receiver at purchase—Crossfire and others are options.
Core electronics — Borg Mini F7 and ESC details
Electronics centre on iFlight's Borg Mini F7 stack: STM32F722 MCU, ICM42688P gyro, SPA06 barometer, six UARTs and 32MB blackbox. The ESC is an STMG2 series Borg Mini flashed with BLHeli32 v32.9. Controller supports up to 8S; ESC rated to 6S and 60A continuous.
Anti-spark moved onto the ESC
The anti‑spark filter is no longer a separate PCB. iFlight integrated it into the ESC input using two FETs. That reduces parts and clutter but makes the ESC the single point of replacement if that circuit fails.
Build, accessibility and serviceability
Side panels slide out for access. Machined aluminium standoffs act as arm mounts. The FC‑to‑ESC link uses a flat flex ribbon cable. That tight integration saves space but forces you to replace the whole stack if an ESC fails—unless you source exact spares.
Firmware, Betaflight and BLHeli warnings
Ship‑state: Betaflight 4.5.2 and BLHeli32 v32.9. Do not rush to flash firmware. iFlight preconfigures a custom target to work out of the box; flashing can erase that and brick the BNF setup. Check failsafe defaults—they ship set to DROP, not RTH. Change it before flying.
First flights — windy beach test
Mads flew on a windy beach with DJI Goggles 3 and ND filters. Initial flights were cautious. He recorded both non‑stabilised and Rocksteady footage. The O4 footage looked stable even in gusts. Wind chewed battery life, not the Evoque.
Flight feel and tuning
The Evoque V3 delivered smooth stick feel and tight footage. Mads credits solid tuning from iFlight. He calls it cinematic by design—stable in gusts and predictable on sticks. Battery sag in wind limited longer test runs.
Price, variants and configuration options
Price varies by config. Naked Evoque F5 (no GPS) starts around $599. Add GPS and receiver and you reach about $655 for the reviewed ExpressLRS+GPS build. You pay for integration and a premium fit‑and‑finish.
Pros, cons and caveats
Pros: transformable frame, DJI O4 integration, strong build, well‑tuned out of the box. Cons: BLHeli32 32.9 leaves room for upgrade debate, anti‑spark integration makes ESC replacement more painful, single‑band receivers on some SKUs. None of these are dealbreakers for most pilots.
Verdict
Mads calls the Evoque V3 the current king of off‑the‑shelf 5‑inch BNFs. It is a premium product with premium pricing. If you want a cinematic BNF that just works and you value convenience, this is top of the list.
FAQ
Does the kit come with DJI O4 installed?
Yes—selected BNF SKUs ship with the DJI O4 Pro and ear unit preinstalled on the top plate for easy SD/USB access.
Can I convert the frame geometry?
Yes. It ships Deadcat but you can reconfigure it to a true X. The frame supports both geometries without buying a different model.
What receiver options exist?
iFlight offers ExpressLRS, TBS Crossfire and other receiver options. The review unit used a single‑antenna ExpressLRS SX‑based 500mW receiver.
Should I flash Betaflight or BLHeli immediately?
No. Fly stock first. iFlight ships a custom target configured to work. Flashing without matching settings can break the BNF behaviour.
How serviceable is the stack?
Moderately serviceable. Panels and the top plate are accessible. But the FC‑to‑ESC flex cable and compact stack mean replacing one ESC may force a full stack swap unless you source the exact Borg Mini parts.
Is the integrated anti‑spark a problem?
Not a performance problem. It reduces cable clutter. But if the anti‑spark fails, you replace the ESC rather than a small, removable board. That ramps repair cost and complexity.
Where to buy and price guide?
Buy from iFlight or authorised retailers. Expect $599 base, $639 with GPS, and roughly $655 for a GPS + ExpressLRS build at time of review. Prices change with options and region.
Who made the review?
Mads Tech reviewed the unit. iFlight supplied the drone for evaluation but did not control the review or edit. Opinions are independent.
Takeaway
- Silky flight, premium fit: Evoque V3 nails cinematic stability and build quality.
- Firmware caution: Don’t flash firmware on arrival—use stock settings and fix failsafe first.
- Servicing tradeoff: Tight integration saves weight but makes ESC/stack swaps harder.
- Pricey but justified: Expect to pay a premium for a ready‑to‑fly DJI O4 BNF.
Takeaway Box
- iFlight Nazgul Evoque V3 ships as a top‑tier 5‑inch BNF—transformable frame, DJI O4, solid tuning.
- Don’t flash the firmware on arrival; check and change the failsafe from DROP to a safer option first.
- Integrated anti‑spark on the ESC trims parts but ups the penalty if that circuit fails.
- Good for pilots who want plug‑and‑play cinematic footage; battery life still hits hard in strong wind.
If you want the video source, watch Mads Tech’s full review on YouTube for footage samples, step‑by‑step teardown shots, and live impressions.
This article was based from the video iFLight Nazgul Evoque V3 DJI O4 FPV Drone - The Best BNF You Can Buy ?
