In the world of FPV, 2-2.5″ CineWhoops are gaining popularity for their smooth, cinematic footage and agile flight characteristics. Their compact size allows for quick turns, tight spaces, and smoother flight in challenging environments, making them perfect for indoor flying or tight outdoor spots like forests or urban areas. When it comes to micro builds, choosing the right motors is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of power, efficiency, and control. In this review, we’ll look closer at the MEPS SZ1404 FPV motors, exploring their performance, design, and how they stack up for your next FPV build.
Compact CineWhoops are typically equipped with 1103 to 1404 motors. You should consider factors like prop size, battery voltage, and flying style when looking for motors. This ensures an optimal experience whether flying indoors, in parks, or tackling technical freestyle maneuvers.
The MEPS SZ1404 motor codification follows a standard naming convention for brushless motors in FPV drones. It consists of four digits that provide information about the motor’s physical dimensions:
- 14 → The first two digits represent the stator diameter in millimeters (14mm in this case).
- 04 → The last two digits indicate the stator height in millimeters (4mm in this case).
MEPS SZ1404 motor review
Disclosure: I received these CineWhoop motors for a product review collaboration with MEPS King. Although the products were offered for free, all opinions in this article remain my own, and the sponsor did not influence me.
Since I received the motors, MEPS has changed its domain name from mepsking.com to mepsking.shop and completely redesigned its website. The new layout and features aim to enhance the user experience, positioning MEPS as a one-stop online store for all FPV needs. In addition to their own brand products, such as motors, flight controllers, and ESCs, you can order FPV products from renowned manufacturers—such as DJI, CaddxFPV, RunCam, T-Motor, FlyFishRC, RushFPV, and others—directly from their website.
In addition to the four SZ1404 3800KV motors, they sent me two sets of SZ1218 propellers, two battery velcro straps, and a bonus black basketball hat with the MEPS logo. While they recommend these motors for 2.5–4″ builds, I was surprised that they included 1.2″ props in the kit, which are typically suited for 1103 and smaller motors.
At a glance
The SZ 1404 motors are intended for 2-4 inch FPV drones. There are three-speed versions: 2900KV, 3800KV, and 4600KV, all intended for 4S builds. The number before the “KV” refers to the motor’s RPM (revolutions per minute) per volt when no load is applied. In simpler terms, it indicates how fast a motor will spin per volt supplied. Hence, the 4600KV will spin almost twice as fast as the 2900KV when given the same voltage.
The motors have a nice silver and green color scheme and come with two sets of mounting screws (4x M2 5mm and 4x M2 6mm) and two M2*7mm propeller mounting screws.
Featuring a Uni-Bell structural design, the Meps SZ1404 motors deliver exceptional crash resistance without adding unnecessary weight. They feature a solid stainless steel shaft, which offers a balance between lightweight design and strength. Additionally, the motors utilize N52H arc magnets (9N12P configuration), known for their strong magnetic properties and heat resistance, contributing to efficient motor performance.
The propellers are secured to the φ1.5mm shaft using two 2mm screws. To accommodate various frame thicknesses and designs, as mentioned, two lengths (5mm and 6mm long) of mounting screws are included. It’s essential to select the appropriate screw length to prevent interference with the motor parts. For instance, using screws that are too long can risk damaging the copper windings.
Pricing, availability, and bundles
The MEPS Space SZ1404 motors with three KV options can be purchased directly from the manufacturer’s new online store. During their Spring Flash Sale, one motor is just $14.90 (20% off the regular price). For a bundle set of motors with two sets of MEPS SZ1218 propellers, you must pay $61.35 ($100.54). You will receive two battery straps and a hat for free with your combo purchase.
MEPS SZ1404: KV comparison table
When comparing KV2900, KV3800, and KV4600 SZ1404 FPV motors, you’re looking at how fast the motor spins per volt applied and how that affects thrust, efficiency, and flight characteristics. While the KV2900 is best for long-range and cinematic builds, the KV4600 is better suited for racing and ultra-agile drones.
| KV | 2900 | 3800 | 4600 |
| Lead | ~150mm | ~150mm | ~150mm |
| Weight(incl. cable) | 9.5g | 9.5g | 9.5g |
| Motor Dimension | 18.66*15.5mm | 18.66*15.5mm | 18.66*15.5mm |
| Shaft Diameter | φ1.5mm | φ1.5mm | φ1.5mm |
| Lipo compatibility | 4S | 4S | 4S |
| Configuration | 9N12P | 9N12P | 9N12P |
| Internal Resistance | 72mΩ | 68mΩ | 48mΩ |
| Idle Current(10V) | 0.4A | 0.5A | 0.6A |
| Peak Current(60S) | 12.5A | 13A | 17.7A |
| Max Power | 313W | 325W | 442W |
| Max thrust | 276.6g | 385.5g | 420g |
I recommend the KV3800 for your next build because it covers both worlds and offers a good balance between power and control.
I installed the motors on the Foxeer Foxwhoop 25 frame, which was originally designed for Datura 1404 3850KV motors. I matched the MEPS SZ1404 motors with Gemfan Flash 2540-3 propellers. Here, I should mention that the included prop screws were too short.
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