Quick Answer
The T-Motor F90 (2806.5 stator) is a 6S long-range and cinematic motor available in 1300KV, 1500KV, and 1950KV. At roughly £23-28 per motor it costs two to three times more than budget alternatives like the Hobbywing XRotor 2807 at £9, but the F90 delivers tighter machining, better bearing longevity, and smoother throttle response on 7-8 inch builds where vibration ruins footage.
Why the F90 Exists on Our Shelf
The T-Motor F90 fills a specific gap: 6-8 inch long-range and cinematic builds that need more thrust than a 2207 or 2306 motor can deliver, without stepping up to the weight and bulk of a cinelifter motor. The 2806.5 stator sits in that sweet spot between a typical 5-inch motor and a dedicated 2812 heavy-lift unit.
We stock it because it consistently shows up on the builds customers bring in for repair work that have survived hundreds of flights. The cheaper motors arrive with gritty bearings and bent shafts. The F90s arrive with worn props and tired bearings but the shafts are still true. That machining precision is what you're paying for.
The Three KV Options, Decoded
The F90 comes in three KV ratings, and choosing the wrong one for your prop size will leave the build either sluggish or drawing excessive current:
| KV | Best Props | Cell Count | Weight | Peak Current |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1300KV | 7.5-8 inch | 6S | 46.6g | 45.1A |
| 1500KV | 6-7 inch | 6S | 36.7g | 47.4A |
| 1950KV | 5-6 inch | 5-6S | 46.6g | 53.6A |
For a 7-inch long-range build on 6S, we'd go with the 1300KV paired with 7.5 inch props. The lower KV keeps current draw manageable on long flights, and the 46.6g weight is acceptable for a build already carrying GPS, a larger battery, and potentially an action camera.
The 1950KV is the odd one out. It's the highest KV of the three, meaning higher top speed on smaller props. We'd only use it on a 5-inch build where you want the F90's build quality in a motor that can still spin fast enough for aggressive freestyle. For a deeper explanation of how KV interacts with voltage and prop choice, see our motor KV guide.
F90 vs the Hobbywing XRotor Alternatives
The obvious question: why pay £23-28 for the T-Motor F90 when the Hobbywing XRotor 2807 costs £9 and covers the same stator size? The answer comes down to what your build is for.
For a basher quad that will crash into trees, the XRotor 2807 is the smarter call. At £9, replacing a bent motor doesn't sting. It weighs 65g (slightly heavier than the 1300KV F90 at 46.6g) and comes in 1300KV, 1500KV, and 1700KV options.
For a cinematic rig where footage smoothness matters, the F90's tighter tolerances reduce micro-vibration that shows up as jello in recorded video. We've seen this difference on the bench: the same Hobbywing XRotor G2 65A ESC driving both motors, the F90 produced visibly smoother motor traces in Betaflight blackbox logs.
For builds pushing 8-9 inch props, step up to the Hobbywing XRotor 2812 at 90g with 900KV and 1100KV options. See our XRotor 3115 guide for cinelifter setups.
ESC and Flight Controller Pairing
The F90 draws up to 53.6A peak current on the 1950KV variant. Any 40A+ 4-in-1 ESC handles this comfortably, but we pair it with the SpeedyBee F405 V5 55A stack on most builds. The 55A rating gives headroom for punch-outs, and the F405 V4 has enough UARTs for GPS, VTX, and ELRS without needing an expansion board.
For a dedicated long-range build, our complete long-range build guide covers the full component list including motor selection by frame size. And if you want the broader context on how stator size translates to thrust, our motor selection guide breaks it down by build class. Browse our full range of long-range and cinematic motors in the brushless motors collection.
FAQ
Q: Is the T-Motor F90 worth the price premium over budget motors?
For freestyle bashers, no. For cinematic builds where smoothness and bearing life matter, yes. The machining quality difference shows up after 100+ flights, not on day one.
Q: Which F90 KV should I pick for a 7-inch build?
1300KV on 6S with 7.5-inch props. This is the most efficient combination for long-range flight times and keeps peak current under 45A.
Q: Can I use the F90 on a 5-inch freestyle build?
The 1950KV variant works on 5-inch with 5S or 6S, but at 46.6g per motor it's heavier than purpose-built 5-inch motors (typically 30-35g). You'll feel the weight in how the quad flies.
Q: What ESC do I need for the F90?
Any ESC rated 40A or higher per channel. The 1950KV peaks at 53.6A, so a 55A+ ESC like the Hobbywing G2 gives you safety margin.