T-HOBBY F30 1404 Buying Guide: Is It the Right 3-Inch Racing Motor?
What Makes the F30 Different?
The T-HOBBY F30 1404 is not simply another lightweight 1404 motor. Its main purpose is to give a 3-inch FPV build a more aggressive power character without moving to a larger motor size. The F30 is designed around racing and freestyle, with over 300g of thrust per motor and a throttle response intended to make a small quad feel considerably more responsive in the air.
That makes the F30 particularly interesting for pilots who care more about acceleration, punch-outs, rapid direction changes, and throttle precision than maximum endurance. It is a performance-oriented 1404 rather than an efficiency-first 1404.
The F30 is available in 3S, 4S, and 6S versions, so the correct version should be selected according to the battery voltage and complete power system of your build.
F30 vs. T-HOBBY F1404: Racing or Efficiency?
Both motors use a 1404 stator and target lightweight FPV builds, but their intended flying styles are different. The T-HOBBY F1404 is positioned around lightweight 3–3.5-inch builds, long-range cruising, smooth throttle control, and efficiency. The F30 is much more focused on extracting aggressive performance from a 3-inch racing or freestyle setup.
| Feature | T-HOBBY F30 1404 | T-HOBBY F1404 |
|---|
| Primary Focus | 3" Racing & Freestyle | Long-Range & Lightweight Flying |
| Motor Size | 1404 | 1404 |
| Voltage Options | 3S / 4S / 6S | 2900KV / 3800KV / 4600KV |
| Weight | Check selected F30 specification | ~9.34g |
| Flight Character | Fast response, high thrust, aggressive | Smooth, efficient, endurance focused |
| Better Choice For | Racing, punch-outs & freestyle | Cruising & longer flight time |
Choose the F30 when you want the 3-inch quad to feel fast and aggressive. Choose the F1404 when efficiency, smoother throttle behavior, and longer flight time are more important.
If you are comparing the F30 with another performance-focused 1404, the RCINPOWER GTS V3 1404 Plus is a more useful reference than a generic 1103 or 1204 motor. The GTS V3 is offered in 2850KV, 3850KV, and 4680KV versions and is explicitly designed for 3-inch racing, toothpick freestyle, and lightweight cinematic builds.
The GTS V3 publishes detailed test figures, including up to 610g maximum thrust for the 2850KV version and 492g for the 3850KV version. That makes it a strong choice for pilots who want to compare motors using measured thrust and power data.
The F30 takes a different approach. Rather than competing only through published maximum-output figures, it emphasizes the overall 3-inch racing experience: rapid throttle response, more than 300g of thrust per motor, crash-oriented construction, and the flexibility of both single- and dual-screw propeller mounting.
| Comparison | T-HOBBY F30 | RCINPOWER GTS V3 1404 Plus |
|---|
| Main Target | 3" Racing & Freestyle | 3" Racing / Toothpick / Lightweight Cinematic |
| KV Options | 3S / 4S / 6S versions | 2850 / 3850 / 4680KV |
| Published Thrust | 300g+ per motor | Up to 610g depending on version |
| Prop Mounting | Single + Dual Screw | Standard motor mounting |
| Best For | Aggressive 3" racing & freestyle | Data-driven motor selection across 3" builds |
Who Should Choose the T-HOBBY F30?
Choose the F30 if your priority is speed. A 3-inch racing build benefits from fast throttle response and strong acceleration, and the F30 is specifically designed around that type of flying rather than long-range efficiency.
Choose the F30 if you fly aggressive freestyle. The combination of responsive throttle control, 300g+ thrust per motor, and a crash-conscious motor design makes it a better fit for pilots who frequently use punch-outs, rapid direction changes, and technical maneuvers.
Choose another 1404 if endurance is your priority. For long-range cruising or efficiency-focused builds, the T-HOBBY F1404 is the more logical choice. For 2.5-inch CineWhoop applications and smooth cinematic flying, the MEPS SZ1404 is more closely aligned with that use case.
F30 Buying Checklist
Before ordering the F30, check these four points against your build:
1. Propeller Size: The F30 is designed around 3-inch FPV builds.
2. Battery Voltage: Select the 3S, 4S, or 6S version that matches your complete power system.
3. Flying Style: Racing and aggressive freestyle are the primary reasons to choose the F30 over a more efficiency-oriented 1404.
4. Propeller Mount: The F30 supports both single-screw and dual-screw propeller mounting, giving you more flexibility when selecting your 3-inch props.
Bottom Line: The T-HOBBY F30 1404 makes the most sense when you want a compact 3-inch motor with a racing-oriented character. It is not trying to be the lightest or longest-range 1404 on the market. Its appeal is straightforward: strong thrust, fast response, and a design built around aggressive 3-inch flying.