Goosky S2 Ultra Review — What Changed, How It Flies, and Who This Micro Heli Is Really For

When Goosky first launched the original S2, it became one of those rare micro helicopters that felt genuinely capable. It was small, portable, mechanically simple, and surprisingly durable. Then came the S2 Max, a more affordable variant that traded a bit of refinement for accessibility. But the newly released Goosky S2 Ultra is different. It isn’t a refresh or a cosmetic update—it’s a complete rework of the platform, aimed at pilots who want a micro helicopter that behaves far closer to a competition machine than its size suggests.

After going through early flight footage, reading pilot feedback, and reviewing Goosky’s official specifications, one thing is clear: the S2 Ultra is not just another iteration in the S2 line. It is the most advanced version yet, with a carbon structure, upgraded power system, full-metal servos, and, most importantly, an open-source Rotorflight flight controller—a first for an official micro-heli release.

This review breaks down how the S2 Ultra is built, how it flies, what makes the Rotorflight system such a big deal, and whether it is worth upgrading from the S2 or S2 Max.

First Look — A Stronger, Sharper, More Refined Micro Helicopter

The most noticeable change on the Goosky S2 Ultra is its chassis. Goosky replaced the original plastic side frames with a high-strength full carbon fiber fuselage. At first glance the heli still looks compact, but the panels now follow a flatter, plate-style layout similar to modern 380–420 class helicopters. The result is a micro heli that feels significantly more rigid both in flight and in crashes.

Supporting the structure are brand-new full metal cyclic servos. While the internal gear sets remain similar to previous versions, the metal housings add durability and improve heat dissipation. They also tighten the servo response, which becomes noticeable when the head speed climbs or when executing fast transitions.

A new canopy completes the look. Goosky offers the S2 Ultra in both Amber Orange and Green, each finished with the brand’s Flow-Ink style graphics. The battery-swap design remains practical—you still don’t need to remove the canopy to change packs.

Rotorflight — The Biggest Upgrade Ever Put Into a Micro Heli

The true headline feature of the Goosky S2 Ultra is not its frame or servos. It is the flight controller: a compact, CNC-cased unit running Rotorflight 2.2.

For pilots new to the term, Rotorflight is an open-source flight control firmware built specifically for RC helicopters. While it evolved from the Betaflight ecosystem, its software logic and control loops are entirely optimized for collective-pitch helicopters—not drones. Unlike traditional closed FBL systems, Rotorflight allows:

• deep PID tuning options
• real-time sensor data reviewing
• blackbox logging (headspeed, voltage, current, gyro data)
• support for ELRS, SBUS, and DSMX receivers
• custom rates, governor tuning, and control feel adjustments

This level of control simply didn’t exist on micro helis before. Up until now, Rotorflight was mostly used by enthusiasts modifying bigger helis or adapting hardware from other platforms. The S2 Ultra is the first officially released micro helicopter to carry Rotorflight as part of its stock electronics, fully licensed and pre-configured.

The community reaction has been intense. Some pilots love the idea of an open tuning environment, while others worry the system may be too complex. As one pilot commented, “Rotorflight can fly better—but only if you know how to tune it.” Another pilot pointed out that the Ultra is “basically the original S2 again, just with RF… but that’s a good thing.”

Regardless of which side you fall on, the S2 Ultra’s flight controller is on a different level compared to the S2 Max or even the original S2. With its F405 processor, ICM42688P six-axis gyro, and 128MB blackbox storage, it behaves like a miniature competition-grade system.

Power System, Servos, ESC, and Cooling — The Hardware Behind the Performance

Goosky didn’t stop with the flight controller. The Goosky S2 Ultra ships with a newly designed brushless direct-drive main motor that produces smoother torque and runs noticeably cooler than previous versions. The tail motor has also been upgraded for better authority during pirouettes and hard collective changes.

The ESCs run AM32 firmware, which supports both signal and RPM telemetry over the same wire, giving Rotorflight the real-time feedback it needs to maintain clean, consistent control loops. On a micro heli, this level of integration is rarely seen.

Combined with the metal servos and carbon frame, these hardware upgrades make the Ultra feel more composed, especially at higher head speeds. It is easier to stop the heli cleanly, hold axial rolls, and maintain precise tail control through reversals.

Flight Performance — How the S2 Ultra Actually Flies

In our own testing, the Goosky S2 Ultra showed it can be pushed far harder than a typical micro heli. Fast forward circuits, high-energy tic-tocs, rapid flips, and clean inverted transitions all came together with a level of stability that feels much closer to a 380–420 class machine.

Our testers reinforces this the heli feels “stronger,” “more locked-in,” and “less twitchy” than the S2 Max. One tester joked, “I’d break it in three seconds,” highlighting how aggressive the test flights looked. Another pilot complained he couldn’t even see the heli during the flight video because it was moving too fast.

For average hobbyists, the takeaway is simple: the Ultra still flies like a micro heli in terms of convenience and safety, but it behaves more like a large heli when pushed hard. The Rotorflight controller is the reason—it filters noise better, resists overshoot, and provides a more predictable feel during abrupt pitch changes.

Goosky S2 Ultra vs Goosky S2 — What Actually Changed?

Some long-time S2 pilots have strong opinions: “S2 Max was the cost-saving version; Ultra is the real S2.” Another felt the upgrades were mainly for advanced pilots who would actually notice the tuning advantages of Rotorflight. Yet others pointed out that S2 Max can already fly extremely well in skilled hands.

The truth sits somewhere in the middle: beginners can fly the Ultra, but only experienced pilots will extract everything it has to offer.

Receiver Compatibility — ELRS, SBUS, DSMX, and Futaba Notes

By default, the S2 Ultra ships with a compact ELRS receiver, giving pilots an affordable and reliable radio option right out of the box. However, the flight controller also accepts:

• SBUS
• DSMX / DSM2 satellites
• ELRS 2.4GHz

Futaba users can also fly the Ultra, but will need a compatible S-FHSS micro receiver, or a standard receiver with a DIY adapter cable. A 9-channel micro receiver works best due to its wiring layout and stable signal.

Battery Choices for Goosky S2 Ultra — What Works Best?

Goosky lists the Ultra’s recommended battery as a 3S 750mAh pack, but in practice pilots often choose something slightly lighter or slightly larger depending on their flying style.

For a more agile, responsive feel, a lightweight 3S 650mAh pack works exceptionally well. For longer flights and a more consistent head speed during high-energy maneuvers, an 850mAh 3S pack becomes the better choice.

This is where CNHL MiniStar batteries naturally stand out. Their 70C discharge rating helps Rotorflight maintain clean control loops, and the XT30U connector fits the S2 series perfectly.

Recommended packs for Goosky S2 / S2 Ultra:

• 3S 650mAh MiniStar (lighter, faster cyclic feel)
• 3S 850mAh MiniStar (longer flight time, better consistency on Ultra)

For a full battery list, visit the dedicated S2 battery page: Goosky S2 / S2 Ultra Battery Collection

More options can be found here:

• Micro Helicopter Batteries Collection
• CNHL Helicopter Batteries

Who Should Consider the Goosky S2 Ultra?

The S2 Ultra is not aimed at a single kind of pilot. Instead, it works across a wide skill range but rewards different people in different ways.

New pilots will appreciate its stability and durability. Even though it looks like a high-end machine, the Ultra remains small and relatively safe to practice with.

Intermediate pilots will feel the biggest difference—Rotorflight’s control logic makes circuits, funnels, and basic 3D more predictable.

Advanced 3D pilots will immediately notice the improved precision, tail authority, and the way the heli holds its line under load. For them, the S2 Ultra is a convenient “everyday 3D trainer” that fits in a backpack but behaves like a larger model when pushed.

If you already own an S2 Max, the Ultra is worth upgrading only if you want Rotorflight or the stronger carbon frame. If you own the original S2, the jump feels more substantial, especially in responsiveness and control feel.

Conclusion — A Micro Helicopter With Big-Heli Ambition

The Goosky S2 Ultra is not a minor refresh. It is the strongest, most refined, and most capable version of the S2 platform to date. With its carbon frame, metal servos, upgraded motors, AM32 ESC, and Rotorflight flight controller, it brings true high-performance behavior into the micro-heli size class.

For pilots who want a micro helicopter that can take a beating, fly aggressively, and offer deep tunability, the S2 Ultra is one of the most exciting models currently available. And with the right 3S battery setup, it becomes even more predictable and enjoyable to fly.

Looking for battery options and tuning suggestions? Explore the complete collection here: Goosky S2 Ultra Battery Collection