Best Battery for HobbyZone Carbon Cub S 2 1.3m Cleetus McFarland Special Edition – History, Features & Expert Power Tips

Why this special Carbon Cub has everyone talking

If you’ve been at the flying field lately, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Hey, did you see the Cleetus edition Carbon Cub S 2?” It’s not just the paint job. It’s that little thrill when it rolls off the grass and lifts into the air without any extra drama, tracks straight in Beginner mode, and then—once we’re feeling braver—we nudge it into Experienced and think, “Alright, let’s try a roll.” This isn’t some corporate announcement; it’s the kind of plane you end up talking about over coffee with other pilots. Here’s where the name “Carbon Cub / S / 2” came from, and why one particular battery keeps ending up in our Cub for this model.

So… where did “Carbon Cub” come from?

This name didn’t start in RC at all. It came from CubCrafters, the crew that took the old-school Piper Super Cub and turned it into a modern backcountry machine. Their full-size CC11-160 Carbon Cub kept that iconic Cub shape but shaved weight with carbon fiber and added more muscle so it could leap off in absurdly short distances. If you’ve seen one skim over a gravel bar and drop into a grass strip, you know the vibe. The RC Carbon Cub S 2 borrows that spirit—it’s comfortable creeping along at low speed, doesn’t mind a bumpy patch, and stays predictable in your hands.

What does the “S” stand for?

In our world, “S” means SAFE® (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope). That’s the technical label, but here’s what it’s like in the air:

• Beginner: You move the sticks, it follows but keeps you out of trouble. Let go, and it snaps itself level.
• Intermediate: A little more authority—turns look smoother, climbs feel stronger.
• Experienced: No limits. Roll it, loop it, fly it inverted if you’re feeling bold.

And the Panic button? Trust us, it’s a handy get-out-of-jail card—it’ll bail you out when you need it most.

And the “2”?

The “2” isn’t just for show. They’ve sped up assembly, added telemetry so you actually know what’s happening with the power system, and made it compatible with GPS add-ons for auto-land and virtual fence. You can also fit a Landing Assist Sensor to take the guesswork out of touching down. Same friendly Cub—just with more tricks up its sleeve.

What’s special about the Cleetus McFarland edition?

It’s the Carbon Cub S 2 you already know, but dressed in Cleetus’s full-size Carbon Cub colors—the kind that make people stop mid-sentence at the field. The real win, though, is how the extras solve rookie headaches. An upgraded Spektrum™ DXS with USB-C means you plug straight into RealFlight®—no odd adapters, no mystery cables. There’s a full RealFlight Trainer Edition license as well; call it a crash-free flight school you can open on your laptop. Plus, a spare prop is in the box because eventually everyone needs one. Honestly, it feels like something you’d pack for a buddy on their first flying day—nothing fancy, just what they need.

Choosing a battery that feels right

This Cub isn’t picky—it’ll fly on any 3S LiPo from 1300mAh to 2200mAh. Smaller packs keep it lively; bigger packs calm it down and stretch the clock. After a lot of sessions—and a lot of mid-day pack swaps—we keep circling back to one setup that hits the sweet spot for the way we fly.

The one we keep grabbing: CNHL Black Series 2200mAh 3S 30C with EC3

CNHL Black Series 2200mAh 3S 11.1V 30C LiPo Battery with EC3 Plug

• More sky time, less charging: 2200mAh is about as much airtime as you can squeeze in without making the nose feel heavy. A few relaxed laps, a pattern or two, and still juice for “one more approach.”
• Power when it counts: The 30C rating keeps launches confident off longer grass and gives the grunt to climb out when a circuit gets messy.
• Plug, arm, go: EC3 mates directly—no adapters, no soldering, no “we forgot the right lead” moments. That alone saves a field trip back to the car.
• Field-tough: The black wrap shrugs off dust and scuffs when we’re operating from less-than-perfect runways.

In real use? It lifts clean, settles into cruise without wandering, and still has punch on the last circuit. One of the flyers at our club calls it the “Sunday pack” because it makes the whole afternoon easy. We’ve had lighter packs fade right when throttle mattered—this one hasn’t let us down yet.

What the community is saying

The Cleetus collab has stirred up a mix of excitement and curiosity. Some folks love the look, others point out the value of the extras, and there’s debate about GPS features and swapping to metal servos. If you’re brand new, leaving SAFE Plus on is a good idea while you get the feel. If you’ve been flying a while, you might switch it off and enjoy how clean the airframe feels. And if you frequent rough fields, metal-gear servos could be worth it down the line.

Who it’s for

• First-timer: SAFE modes and tundra tires give breathing room for takeoffs and landings, plus there’s time on the sim before heading out. That combination calms nerves fast.
• Returning pilot: Telemetry, a gentle stall, and quick car-to-air turnaround make it an easy weeknight flyer, not just a weekend project.
• Weekend wanderer: Grass strips, gravel paths, even water with floats—this trainer doesn’t mind variety, and neither will you.

FAQ – straight from pilot chatter

Is this really different from the standard Carbon Cub S 2?

Under the skin it flies the same—which is a good thing. Differences live in the extras: Cleetus livery, upgraded transmitter, RealFlight key, and a spare prop. Think S 2 with starter-friendly bonuses.

Is SAFE Plus auto-land worth it?

For brand-new pilots, yes—it smooths out the learning curve and keeps stress down on windy days. Later on, many of us turn it off for a more natural feel.

Do we need metal servos?

Only if issues crop up or fields are rough. Some pilots swap after a failure; plenty never touch them. If extra insurance sounds nice, the upgrade is straightforward.

RTF Basic or BNF?

RTF Basic is the all-in path—radio and sim included. BNF suits anyone already flying a compatible Spektrum transmitter.

Can it really do grass, gravel, and water?

Yes. The tundra wheels eat up uneven ground, and floats turn it into a different kind of fun altogether.

How long will it fly with a 2200mAh 3S?

Roughly 10–15 minutes with mixed throttle. Fly gently and it stretches; always keep a buffer for a go-around.

Quick setup tips that help

1. Slide the 2200mAh slightly aft in the tray and check CG around 62–68mm behind the leading edge. That spot makes the flare feel natural.
2. First couple of flights in Beginner; move to Intermediate when turns start to feel too “held back.” That step alone smooths patterns.
3. If the grass is long, advance throttle positively to help the tundra tires roll out. For those who’ve done the popular flap mod, a touch of flaps helps even more—just remember, flaps aren’t stock on this model.
4. Land with about a quarter charge left. Your gear (and your wallet) will be happier over the season.

Pack comparison from the flight line

Between us at the club, we almost never reach for the 1300 anymore. The 2200 buys time to breathe, think, and set up landings without rushing—exactly what a trainer should offer.

Wrap-up

Whether you’re hunting for your first carbon cub rc airplane or deciding if another Carbon Cub S 2 deserves a spot in the hangar, the Cleetus McFarland edition has a lot going for it. It’s a respectful nod to the full-size CubCrafters Carbon Cub and a solid pick if you’ve been looking for a Carbon Cub for sale that’s friendly and versatile. Pair it with the CNHL Black Series 2200mAh 3S 30C EC3, and there’s enough airtime to turn early nerves into confident flights—and maybe even stick that first perfect landing.