AvantQuads Xero S5M - Review

on Avant, Xero, Frame, S5M, Unibody, light
Avant logo.jpg

Introduction

Welcome to my review of the Xero S5M "Silver Edition".
Before heading further into this review, I’d like to thank Eddie for sending over the frame for review.

Overview

The Xero S5M is a new frame by Avant designed to be used with the new generation of micro cameras, the Foxeer Arrow Micro and Runcam Micro Swift.
It sports a stretched-X configuration, making it ideal for racing, where the stretched-X profile has advantages over the classic true-x configuration.
Nothing on this frame feels cheap or poorly made. The carbon is cut in 45º degrees, offering more stiffness than a standard cut.
Both the bottom and top plates are chamfered, allowing for better resistance in case of heavy crashes, since it helps to prevent delamination of the carbon fibre layers.
The frame also allows for 20mm x 20mm and 30.55mm x 30.5mm mounting which is usefull nowadays since 20mm x 20mm eletronics are becoming more popular due to higher amperage AIO ESC and tinier flight controllers.
So last but not least, the frame features 3 motor mounting points instead of 4. This has been a recent update to the design to help add stiffness in that area since there have been some issues regarding heavy crashes.
The FPV camera can be screwed in two places, either closer or further away from the flight controller.
The frame comes in at 65$, which I consider to be a steal! It’s cheap when you factor in the quality you’re getting here.

What’s in the box:

  • 1x 4mm unibody main plate.

  • 1x 2mm top plate.

  • 2x 2mm camera mounting plate (28mm height).

  • Kit including bolts, nuts and spacers.

  • Battery strap.

  • Stickers.

Analysis

So what stands out on this frame?
One of the first things that stood out to me was the extremely good build quality of all the parts present in this frame!
The machining on the carbon is top notch. It even comes pre-chamfered from the factory.

CuN9njA.jpg

The carbon being cut in 45º also makes a huge difference. The flex is almost non-existent, allowing just for a tiny bit of flexing (this is good, because if a frame is too rigid it won’t allow for flexing in a hard crash).

CAocdVo.jpg

How does this all go together?
The Xero S5M is a very easy frame to assemble. It sports countersunk nylon screws on the bottom side of the main plate and countersunk high tensile steel screws on the top plate.
This makes for a very clean and aesthetically pleasing build.

wqltWGE.jpg
Yef4VSP.jpg
7wkJWro.jpg

Final build:
In order to save the most possible space I used a Racerstar StarF3S AIO FC + PDB + 30A ESC, making this a single stack machine.
A Foxeer Micro was also used along with a Eachine VTX03 w/ a dipole antenna.
BoltRC 2207 2450KV motors were also used, making this a super light and capable racer.

RtMyUSH.jpg

The build ended up weighing 259g w/ a strap and 4x Cyclone 5045C props.

SQsl134.jpg

Conclusion

Would I recommend this frame to anyone who’s looking for a premium build quality and durability?
Absolutely! AvantQuads has definitely hit a sweetspot here.
A good compromise of weight, durability, looks and most important price!
It’s sleek, good looking, great durability and has spare parts in case you ever need them.
Did I even mention you get 40% off in case you break something? Now that’s good business practice!

Pros:

  • Superb carbon.

  • Cut in 45º for maximum durability.

  • Use of high tensile steel + countersunk screws.

  • Great looks.

  • FPV camera is well protected.

  • Very lightweight (63g w/ hardware).

Cons:

  • Lower standoffs + camera mounting plates would be preferred (probably add an option with 20mm standoffs for ultra low builds).

If you’re interested in purchasing the Xero S5M, head over to AvantQuads!

Purchase link: http://avantquads.com