THOBBY P1604 Motor Guide: Choosing the Right Setup
Choosing the right FPV motor is about finding the precise balance between power, weight, and flight control. For compact builds, a motor that is too small may lack throttle authority under heavier digital payloads, while a larger motor adds unnecessary weight.
The THOBBY P1604 (11.6g) is designed for pilots who need higher torque and smoother response in a lightweight package. It provides a balanced solution for 3" and 3.5" micro drones, especially technical freestyle, HD micro builds, and compact cinewhoops.
Why Choose THOBBY P1604?
Compared with smaller 1404 motors, the P1604 offers a larger active stator volume while keeping a compact form factor:
Better Low-Throttle Authority: Stronger low-end torque helps maintain immediate throttle response on builds carrying additional weight, such as DJI O3 Air Units, Walksnail, or Naked action cams.
Smoother Freestyle Performance: Featuring a 12N14P architecture, the P1604 delivers smooth motor response and improved control during aggressive maneuvers, including tight proximity turns and prop-wash recoveries.
Balanced Torque-to-Weight Ratio: At ~11.6g, the P1604 provides extra authority without the severe weight penalty of larger motors, making it easy to stay under the strict sub-250g AUW limit.
THOBBY P1604 vs. Other Motor Sizes
| Motor Class | Avg. Weight | Best Suited For | Flight Characteristics |
|---|
| 1404 | ~10.0g | Lightweight 3" builds | Ultra-light and efficient, but struggles under heavier HD loads |
| 1504 | ~11.8g | Standard 3" & light 3.5" | Decent all-rounder for light builds |
| P1604 | ~11.6g | 3"–3.5" Freestyle & HD Builds | Strong torque-to-weight balance with crisp low-RPM grip |
| 1804 | ~16.0g | Heavy 3.5" power builds | Extremely powerful, but heavy rotational inertia hurts agility |
P1604 3800KV vs. 2850KV: Which One Do You Need?
Matching the motor KV to your battery voltage and flying style is key to getting the best flight feel.
BEST SELLERP1604 3800KV — The 4S Freestyle Gold Standard
Recommended for pilots who want a direct, snappy throttle feel on 4S builds.
Target Setup: 3.5" Tri-blade props + 4S 850mAh battery.
Key Benefit: Fast throttle response, linear power band, and aggressive cornering pop.
P1604 2850KV — 6S High-Voltage or 4S Efficiency
Designed for pilots running higher voltage or prioritizing flight time.
Target Setup 1 (6S Micro Freestyle): 3.5" Tri-blade props + 6S 550–650mAh battery. Delivers explosive thrust-to-weight ratio and massive punch-out pop.
Target Setup 2 (4S Cruising & Endurance): 3"–3.5" Light props + 4S battery. Offers lower current draw, smoother throttle resolution, and extended flight times.
Recommended Applications
3.5" Sub-250g Freestyle: Excellent agility, snappy acceleration, and clean dive recoveries.
Micro HD & Naked Action Cam Rigs: Prevents throttle sag when flying heavier payloads like DJI O3 or Naked GoPro setups.
Compact Cinewhoop Platforms (3" to 3.5"): Smooth, predictable power delivery to handle duct drag and stable hover control indoors.
Direct Upgrade for 1404 Builds: Easily upgrades older 3" or 3.5" quads for better authority without swapping out existing 20A–30A AIO ESCs.