When BetaFPV released the new LAVA II 1S batteries, I was skeptical. On paper, they offer a small increase in capacity over the original LAVA packs while maintaining roughly the same weight. However, my testing results were surprising—not because of the capacity increase, but because they actually deliver more power. So, should you upgrade? Let’s find out.
Further Reading:
Lava II vs Original Lava Comparison
The new version (LAVA II) uses a green label, while the original LAVA uses a red label.
Below is a comparison of size, weight, and discharge performance across different capacities.
320mAh
LAVA II Product Pages:
| Lava V2 | Lava V1 | |
| Advertised Capacity | 320 mAh | 300 mAh |
| Real Capacity (my measurement) | 323 mAh | 316 mAh |
| Advertised C-Rating | 95C | 80C |
| Size (my measurements) | 64 × 10.5 × 6.5 mm | 64 × 10.5 × 6.5 mm |
| Weight (my measurements) | 8.2 g | 8.4 g |
480mAh
LAVA II Product Pages:
| Lava V2 | Lava V1 | |
| Advertised Capacity | 480 mAh | 450 mAh |
| Real Capacity (my measurement) | 484 mAh | 507 mAh |
| Advertised C-Rating | 95C | 80C |
| Size (my measurements) | 61 × 15.5 × 6.5 mm | 60.5 × 15.4 × 6.6 mm |
| Weight (my measurements) | 12.7 g | 12.4 g |
580mAh
LAVA II Product Pages:
| Lava V2 | Lava V1 | |
| Advertised Capacity | 580 mAh | 550 mAh |
| Real Capacity (my measurement) | 615 mAh | 595 mAh |
| Advertised C-Rating | 95C | 80C |
| Size (my measurements) | 71 × 15.5 × 6.5 mm | 67.5 × 15.2 × 6.6 mm |
| Weight (my measurements) | 14.2g | 14.2g |
Other Capacities
BetaFPV also offers 280mAh and 680mAh variants. I don’t use these sizes as often, but here’s where they make sense:
- 280mAh: Ideal for competitive racing where low weight matters. Just big enough to complete the laps required.
- Weight: 6.8 g
- Size: Same width and height as the 320mAh, just shorter.
- 680mAh: A good option for larger whoops that benefit from longer flight time.
- Weight: 16.2 g
- Size: 80 × 15 × 7 mm
Personally, I mostly fly 320mAh on 65mm whoops, and 480–580mAh on 75mm whoops.
Connector
They are still using BT2.0, so you don’t need to change battery connector. It’s one of the best performing connectors in whoops, see my testing for detail: https://oscarliang.com/micro-battery-connectors-testing/
Capacity and Flight Time
Despite the different labels, the original and new LAVA batteries actually have very similar real-world capacity. In a way, I feel BetaFPV just corrected the labeling to better reflect actual capacity, which I agree with. As a result, flight time remains largely the same between the original LAVA and the new LAVA II.
Weight and Size
Dimensions and weight are nearly identical between the two generations. The small differences are negligible and unlikely to affect fitment. If your quad fits the original LAVA batteries, it should fit the LAVA II without any issues.
C-Ratings
Don’t worry too much about C-ratings. They aren’t standardized and are mostly manufacturer-defined. However, within the same brand, C-ratings can still be useful for relative comparison. The real question isn’t the number on the label—it’s how the battery performs in the air, which is why I conduct these battery testing.
Final Thoughts – Are the New LAVA II Worth It?
Based on testing, the performance improvement is real—not just marketing. That said, it’s not a night-and-day difference.
- If you fly slowly and mostly cruise, you probably won’t notice much change.
- If you fly fast, aggressively, and do lots of punch-outs, the LAVA II batteries are clearly the better choice.
And if you’ve been flying the original LAVA packs for a long time and they’re starting to degrade, it’s a perfect time to upgrade to the new LAVA II. Overall, the LAVA II is a solid, meaningful improvement for serious tiny whoop pilots.
Also consider getting the GEPRC WooPower charger, which can put your 1S batteries in storage charge easily and prolong their lifespan: https://oscarliang.com/geprc-woopower-w63-charger/
