These are two of the best sub-250g cinewhoops you can buy right now. The GEPRC DarkStar22 and the BETAFPV Pavo20 Pro II offer identical performance, similar flight times, and they both use the DJI O4 Pro, which makes choosing between them surprisingly difficult.
After owning, flying, and repairing both, if I was starting again and spending my own money, I would buy the DarkStar22. But it is not the obvious winner. The Pavo20 Pro II is cheaper, easier to repair, and arguably the better choice for beginners. So let me explain why I would choose the DarkStar22 and which one is actually right for you.
Table of Contents
What These Two Drones Have in Common
I flew both of these drones back-to-back to see if I could separate them. But before we talk about flight performance, let’s look in more detail at the similarities, starting with the video system, as they both support the DJI O4 Pro air unit.
However, with the Pavo20 Pro II, it also supports the O4 Lite, as you get the additional canopy included in the box. The DarkStar22 is only built around the Pro unit.
Now, both are 2.2-inch drones, but there is a slight difference in wheelbase. The Pavo20 Pro II is almost 94mm, whereas the DarkStar22 sits at 100mm. If you look at them head-on, you can clearly see the DarkStar22 is slightly wider.
Both have a canopy dampening system, with five-point dampening on the DarkStar22 and four-point on the Pavo20 Pro II. They both feature a carbon fiber frame with plastic ducts, though the DarkStar does seem to be more rigid. The motors are both 1104, but the DarkStar22 has slightly more powerful motors at 7500 kV compared to the 7200 kV on the Pavo20 Pro II.
Both are available in PNP or ELRS configurations, both use 3S batteries, and both have similar flight times of around 6.5 to 7.5 minutes depending on how you fly. Both sit easily under 250g, and even with the GPS I installed myself on the DarkStar22, it still comes in under that limit.
They are also at a similar price point, at $512 for the DarkStar22 versus $365 for the Pavo20 Pro II. One last thing these two drones have in common is that they both use a USB adapter, and I absolutely hate that thing. Please, just use a USB-C cable.
Design and Features
GEPRC DarkStar22 Design
Personally, when I look at this drone, I absolutely love it. I really enjoy the orange canopy. It just breaks up the color of the drone rather than the boring black we see on so many other drones on the market. The ducts are really rigid and feature integrated LEDs that come pre-installed when you buy it. These are single color and not configurable. You can simply turn them on or off.
The five-point dampening system is great for smooth footage, and I will cover more on that when we get to building and maintenance. The DarkStar22 is set up in a puller configuration, which is different from most other cinewhoops on the market that typically run a pusher setup, like the Pavo20 Pro II.
I really enjoy the integrated XT30 in the frame as it helps keep the cables tidy at the back. If you opt for the ELRS version of the DarkStar22, you get a dedicated antenna mount on the back of the canopy.
You also get the option to add a GPS. This is not something available pre-installed online, but if you pick up a nano GPS, it is a straightforward install with just some soldering onto the all-in-one board.
BETAFPV Pavo20 Pro II Design
The Pavo20 Pro II has a simpler design and is more beginner-friendly overall. The canopy is actually hot-swappable with its little brother, the Pico 2, which is a nice touch. It comes with Nightfire RGB LEDs that offer far more customization, either through the board at the back or directly through Betaflight.
As mentioned earlier, most cinewhoops run a pusher configuration, meaning the motors are mounted upside down, which allows for more stable flight, particularly at lower altitudes or when flying indoors.
This is also the lighter of the two drones. It does not have an integrated XT30 connector and instead just has a regular cable coming out the back. The wiring does look a little messy and is not as refined as the DarkStar22, but that is a minor thing overall.
Something worth mentioning that is similar between both drones is that they both use an under-slung battery mount.
The Best Analogy for These Two Drones
Think of these two drones as two cars, because this is the best analogy I can come up with. Think of the Pavo20 Pro II as a Golf R. It is reliable, easy to work on, and more affordable. The DarkStar22 is like a Porsche Boxster. It is agile, it is quick, but it can be a pain to work on. That sums them up better than anything else.
Build Quality and Maintenance
BETAFPV Pavo20 Pro II Maintenance
The Pavo20 Pro II is much easier to work on and has a much cleaner internal layout, making it beginner-friendly. It uses an F4 2-to-3S 20-amp AIO board, and the great thing about this board is that it uses plug-and-play motors. If you crash or a motor fails and needs replacing, the process is simple. Unscrew the motor, unplug it, put in a new one, and you are done.
The one thing I am not a fan of, as mentioned earlier, is the wiring at the back. You need to make sure you tidy it up to prevent the cables being chewed up by the rear prop. The props are push-on with nothing securing them. I have not had an issue with this personally, but if you experience props flying off, let me know in the comments.
Also Read: BETAFPV Air65II – Freestyle vs Racing vs Champion
GEPRC DarkStar22 Maintenance
The DarkStar22 uses a T-Motor F405 AIO board, which is suited for more power and can handle two to four-ish cell batteries. If you plan on using a 4S battery with the DarkStar22, and I have tested this myself, you may want to scale back the throttle to avoid burning out any components.
It is way overpowered on 4S. I would personally stick to 3S. There is also a dedicated antenna mount for the ELRS antenna, which I much prefer compared to the thin antenna cable setup on the Pavo20 Pro II.
I expected maintenance to be less frustrating on this drone, but I was wrong. It is a lot harder to strip down and access for any maintenance work. The rubber grommets are great for smooth footage, but they are such a pain to reinstall after a maintenance job when you are trying to put the drone back together.
My only wish for both of these drones is to drop the USB adapter entirely. Just use a USB-C cable. It would not increase the weight noticeably, and both drones would still comfortably sit under 250g. I would also like to see both BETAFPV and GEPRC start using C labels on their FPV drones to help with regulations and make it clearer for pilots flying in categories like A1 or A3 here in Europe.
Real-World Repairability Experiences
My DarkStar22 Repair Story
My motor randomly failed on the DarkStar22 and I had no idea why. The drone was fine out of the box. When Cyprus was hit with a temporary drone ban, the drone sat on the shelf for a while. The only thing I did during that time was install the GPS and ELRS antenna. It worked fine, I just could not fly. A month later, I went to fly, plugged in the battery, the motor sparked, and that was it.
After ordering replacement motors and attempting the swap, it turned out not to be the motor after all. I still replaced it given its condition, but that did not fix the issue. I had to order a new all-in-one board, which thankfully solved everything. The drone flies great, as you can see from the footage in this video.
However, the repairability process was genuinely frustrating. Removing the canopy does not give you full access as you might expect. You have to take the canopy off to unplug the O4 air unit and GPS unit, then unscrew everything at the bottom to release all the components and gain access for soldering. The most annoying part is by far the grommets.
They are great for smooth footage, but trying to reinstall them is a real challenge, especially the ones at the front. I have tried tweezers and destroyed them in the process because they just split. I tried the tool provided by GEPRC, also frustrating. We even tried dental floss. It takes at least 10 to 20 minutes to install them because it is that difficult. I would genuinely like to see an improvement here.
My Pavo20 Pro II Repair Story
It took me a long time to get the Pavo20 Pro II reviewed because when I received it, the AIO needed replacement almost immediately. One of the resistors was missing or had melted off.
I was setting it up and when I went to plug in the battery, nothing happened. I had to get a new AIO, plug everything back in, and re-solder the resistors and cables. But it was a lot easier to put back together and much quicker to get back up and running compared to the DarkStar22.
Importantly, neither of these issues were faults of my own. Both companies have good support in my experience, both as a customer who has purchased their drones and as a creator who has worked with these brands. BETAFPV did send me replacements since this was a review unit.
As for GEPRC, the drone was fine initially and the motor issue was random. It was not GEPRC’s fault. I bought the replacement components with my own money, and the support from both sides has genuinely been great.
Flight Performance
How the Pavo20 Pro II Flies
The Pavo20 Pro II flies great. It genuinely exceeded my expectations when I first reviewed it. I did not expect it to be that good. It flies noticeably better lower to the ground, which is largely due to its pusher configuration, and I think this makes it a strong choice for indoor flying.
However, I did notice it was not quite as stable as the DarkStar22. There is a little more wobble, and when you start pushing the drone with performance maneuvers, prop wash becomes noticeable more frequently than it does with the DarkStar22. It can still handle it, but it is definitely something you will notice.
How the DarkStar22 Flies
The DarkStar22 flies absolutely great. It is smooth, it is stable, and while there is still some prop wash present, it is not as significant as what you experience with the Pavo20 Pro II. It handles performance maneuvers a lot better, likely due to its puller configuration. Both drones are genuinely close in performance, but the DarkStar22 edges it, and that is why I enjoy flying it so much more.
It offers a better flying experience overall, which is why I keep coming back to the Porsche Boxster comparison. It has more agility and handles performance better. The Pavo20 Pro II has the performance too, but it tends to understeer a little more if you follow the car analogy through.
Flight Times and Battery Performance
Flight times are similar across both drones at 6.5 to 7.5 minutes depending on how you fly, and both have great flight times on 3S batteries. I do think the BETAFPV Lava 2 batteries are excellent, and even after installing the GPS on the DarkStar22, it has not degraded flight performance at all. It still flies great.
Having GPS on the DarkStar22 actually makes it a fantastic travel drone. You have the peace of mind that comes with GPS rescue if something goes wrong, and position hold means if you need to stop and deal with something like a mosquito attack mid-flight, the drone will simply hover in place until you are ready.
Flying under 250g also means you can operate in A1 and A3 categories. It is a shame the Pavo20 Pro II does not have a straightforward GPS option. You could potentially 3D print a TPU mount, but I do not have a 3D printer and I am not sure how it would affect performance.
Price and Value Breakdown
Both drones sit at a similar price point, so let’s look at this objectively. The Pavo20 Pro II is $365, which is a $35 saving compared to the DarkStar22 at $512. That $35 difference can actually get you two LiPo batteries, which is genuinely good value. The Pavo20 Pro II is also a fan favorite in the FPV community.
I have seen the comments, especially from when I reviewed it, and people absolutely love this drone. I get it too. I did not understand the hype until I flew it myself, and for the money you pay, it is a fantastic drone that will not disappoint.
As for the DarkStar22 at $512, that is not a significant price hike in my opinion. What you are paying extra for is build quality, design, better flight performance, and the option to add GPS. It is a well-thought-out drone and you will not be disappointed if you choose it either. The ease of repairability is what lets it down, but both of these drones are genuinely worth the money.
Comparison Table: GEPRC DarkStar22 vs BETAFPV Pavo20 Pro II
| Feature | GEPRC DarkStar22 | BETAFPV Pavo20 Pro II |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $512 | $365 |
| Propeller Size | 2.2 inch | 2.2 inch |
| Wheelbase | 100mm | 94mm |
| Motor Size | 1104 | 1104 |
| Motor KV | 7500 kV | 7200 kV |
| Video System | DJI O4 Pro | DJI O4 Pro / O4 Lite |
| Configuration | Puller | Pusher |
| Battery | 3S | 3S |
| Flight Time | 6.5 to 7.5 minutes | 6.5 to 7.5 minutes |
| Weight | Under 250g | Under 250g |
| Dampening System | 5-point rubber grommets | 4-point |
| Frame Material | Carbon fiber with plastic ducts | Carbon fiber with plastic ducts |
| LED Lighting | Single color, non-configurable | Nightfire RGB, fully configurable |
| GPS Option | Yes, nano GPS installable | Not straightforward |
| XT30 Connector | Integrated in frame | External cable |
| AIO Board | T-Motor F405 | F4 2-to-3S 20A AIO |
| Motor Replacement | Requires soldering | Plug and play |
| Repairability | More difficult | Beginner-friendly |
| Available In | PNP / ELRS | PNP / ELRS |
| Best For | Outdoor, performance, travel | Indoor, beginners, value |
Which One Should You Buy?
If this is your very first cinewhoop and you want something easy to repair, or you plan on mostly flying indoors, then the Pavo20 Pro II is going to be better value for you. You also save enough to pick up two extra LiPo batteries with that $35 difference. Buy the DarkStar22 if you want a better overall flight experience, especially outdoors, and if having the option to add GPS is important to you.
On paper, the BETAFPV Pavo20 Pro II is the obvious winner. It is cheaper, easier to maintain, and a huge fan favorite in the FPV community. However, after owning and flying both, the one I would prefer and the one I would spend my money on again is the GEPRC DarkStar22.
It flies great, it looks great, and the GPS option makes it a genuinely versatile drone for travel and outdoor flying. Both are excellent choices, but knowing what I know now, the DarkStar22 gets my vote.
Read More: 34 Must-Know Tips & Settings for DJI Neo 2 (Part 2)
