Recently, I received a drone for review, a 2-inch CineWhoop-style model compatible with 2S and 3S batteries. The manufacturer recommends battery capacities ranging from 450mAh to 800mAh. To thoroughly test the drone’s performance, I wanted to exercise with as many different types of batteries as possible to see how each would affect flight characteristics. After contacting CNHL, they kindly offered their MiniStar 2S 650mAh batteries, which seemed like a great fit for the test.
Despite their small size, the 70C/140C discharge rate promised to deliver plenty of power for high-performance flights. The batteries were lightweight, making them ideal for a 2-inch CineWhoop build while offering a good balance of capacity and power.
The C rating indicates the maximum discharge rate the battery can handle in terms of capacity. For example, a 650mAh 70C battery can provide a maximum continuous discharge of Max Discharge = 650mAh × 70 = 45,500mAh or 45.5A. Basically, the higher the C rating, the more current the battery can supply without overheating or suffering performance issues. This directly impacts the power and speed your drone can achieve.
CNHL 2S 650mAh MiniStar review
Disclosure: I received this 2S FPV battery in a product review collaboration with China Hobby Line (CNHL). Although the LIPOs were offered for free, all opinions in this article remain mine, and the sponsor did not influence me by any means.
CNHL is a trusted brand known for producing high-performance LiPo (Lithium Polymer) batteries designed for FPV drones, RC cars, airplanes, and other remote-controlled vehicles. Founded to deliver powerful yet budget-friendly batteries, CNHL has earned a solid reputation among hobbyists and professionals. The company offers five popular battery series, including the lightweight and efficient MiniStar (MS) series — which is ideal for freestyle drones. The orange MS family starts at 1S 450mAh and goes up to 6S 1800mAh, covering all types and sizes of FPV drones.
Last month, along with the 6S 3400mAh LiPos, CNHL also sent me two 2S 650mAh MiniStar batteries packed in the same type of blank black cardboard. To protect the batteries, they were additionally wrapped in a bubble sheet. The pack contains two cells connected in series in a 2S1P configuration and held together by a beautiful orange nylon wrapping.
The MiniStar 2S 650mAh battery measures 15X30X58mm and weighs around 50 grams. It has a 7cm long 16AWG discharge cable with an XT30U plug. As mentioned, the battery has a continuous 70C discharge rate and can deliver up to 140C (burst) for a short time. It has an average internal resistance of 11.65 milliohms, with no noticeable increase even after more than 25 flights, indicating stable performance and minimal wear over time.
These batteries are suitable for 2S-compatible drones with sizes 1.8-2.5″. Depending on the take-off weight, wind conditions, and your flight style, it can allow 2-5minutes of flight time. During my tests using the DarwinFPV CineAPE20 drone with a total weight of 115 grams (including the battery), I got an average flight time of 3 minutes.
CNHL 2S 650mAh: Technical parameters
| Capacity | 650mAh |
| Voltage | 7.4V /2-Cell / 2S1P |
| Power | 4.81Wh |
| Energy density | 0.177Wh/1gr |
| Discharge rate | Continuous: 70C Burst: 140C |
| Average IR | 11.65/mΩ |
| Output connector | 16AWG + XT30U |
| Balance connector | JST / XH |
| Size | 15X30X58mm |
| Weight | 44 grams (0.097lb) |
Price and availability
CNHL operates warehouses in China (Global), Europe, Canada, the UK, and the US to ensure faster order processing and timely delivery to customers worldwide. When publishing my review, the 2S 650mAh LiPo battery was priced at $13.98 when sold in a pair or $27.96 for a set of four.
Safety recommendations
Despite being very small, these batteries can cause significant damage if not used, charged, or stored properly. Here are essential safety recommendations to follow:
- Never Leave Charging Batteries Unattended: Monitor the charging process at all times. Most LiPo-related incidents occur when batteries are left unattended during charging. Consider charging your battery inside a fireproof LiPo safety bag or container to contain potential fires.
- Use a Dedicated LiPo Charger: Always charge your 2S LiPo battery with a charger specifically designed for LiPo batteries. Using incompatible chargers, such as those for NiCd or NiMH batteries, can lead to overcharging and potential fires!
- Balance Charging: Utilize a balance charger to ensure each cell within the pack charges evenly. This practice prevents overcharging individual cells and extends battery life.
- Verify Charger Settings: Double-check that the charger settings match your battery’s specifications, including cell count and voltage, before initiating the charge. Incorrect settings can result in overcharging and consequent damage to the battery pack.
- Over-discharge: During use (flight), avoid discharging the battery below 6.4V (3.2V per cell), as this may permanently damage the battery.
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