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Swellpro SplashDrone 4 Review

Swellpro SplashDrone 4

If you are looking for a drone that is weatherproof in the true meaning of that word – snow, rain and waterproof, do not look any further than the SwellPro SplashDrone 4.

As you can guess, the “4” in this case stands for the fourth drone in a series. So yes, there is a SplashDrone 3. You can read our review for it.

If you already have the SplashDrone 3, you might be wondering what extras the 4 comes with. There are substantial differences. For instance, the flight range is three times longer, the payload is heavier and the flight time is almost ten minutes longer.

The SplashDrone 4 also has better specs than the SwellPro Fisherman. Of course, it also costs more money than its predecessors do, but no cost is too high if there are enough features to back it up.

Swellpro SplashDrone 4

SwellPro SplashDrone 4 Features & Technical Details

This drone promises many things such as a 2KG payload function, excellent camera, top wind resistance and so on. Still, there is a need to look at its features closely before you can make up your mind about it.

So, here goes …

Design and Build Quality of the SplashDrone 4

This is a waterproof drone so you expect it to be made of higher quality material than regular drones. It is made with industrial-grade ABS plastic, and every part of the quadcopter has been sealed to make it 100 percent waterproof.

Furthermore, the ABS plastic is rigid, offering enough protection to the interior electronic parts should the drone crash.

This drone also has a floating platform. Thuis, even if it drops in the water, it is going to float. Besides, you might want to use the drone for stunning underwater photography and videography when snorkeling or swimming in the open water.

The high quality brushless motors are not only waterproof, but they also have an extra anti-corrosion coating. This quadcopter is 100 percent waterproof as the manufacturer promises.

With an IP67 waterproof rating, this means that the drone can be submerged in up to 0.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes without it leaking.

The takeoff weight of this drone without a payload is 2.18KG. Thus, you definitely have to register it with the FAA before flying it.

Also, this is not a foldable aircraft by design, but the high landing gear is removable. It also comes with its own high quality carry case, so traveling with it should not be a problem.

Finally, the propellers are made of carbon fiber material. When they start spinning, they give the drone enough thrust to propel it on its way. Better blades also mean that the drone saves power when lifting off and when flying.

The orange fuselage is hard to miss even in low lighting.

Camera Quality

With a 4K camera, you can capture photos and videos in high resolution. Besides, this camera is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal, so it gets rid of all distortion, shaking and disorientation that is common with one-axis cameras.

The mechanical gimbal works even when you are using the drone to capture underwater action. In addition, this waterproof camera has Pro mode so you can capture Pro footage underwater. You can also filter your footage to make it more effective.

The SwellPro SplashDrone 4 supports the FPV function. You can see what the drone is seeing over your smartphone. Thanks to the Wi-Fi image transmission capability, the FPV range is quite long at 5000 meters.

Battery and Flight Time

The drone comes with a slide-in intelligent battery that lasts really long. You will enjoy a flight time of 30 minutes.

Since this is a high capacity battery at 5200mAh, you would expect it to charge for hours on end. However, that is not the case at all. To charge fully from 0%, it only takes 90 minutes.

For a longer flight time, there is an option to buy the quadcopter with more than one battery. It can be worth it especially if you like to record your outdoor adventures.

This battery is also waterproof and it has overcharge protection. As an intelligent battery, you will always know how much voltage is remaining so you can know when it is time to bring the drone home.

Waterproof Remote Controller

With IP66 waterproof rating, even if you leave the remote controller floating in the water, it will not sustain any damage. SwellPro also says that you can rinse the sand off the drone if you have been using it at the beach.

The remote controller also has incredible functions such as multi-device connectivity, GPS and automatic return to pilot. Also, the transmitter has a small screen in the middle that displays the vital drone statistics such as the height of the SplashDrone 4, the distance and even the voltage that remains.

The built-in rechargeable battery of the remote controller can give you a maximum 8 hours of operation. The transmitter also has a detachable (screw-on) smartphone holder and real antennas.

This is a bulky remote controller, so it might not be so good for a person with small hands.

Different Payload functions

Here, the SplashDrone 4 wins, with different options for payload. Thus, you can use the drone for different things such as shooting a movie or dropping fish bait in the water. Just ensure that the payload does not exceed 2KG.

For dropping fish bait, there is the PL-1 release, which allows you to mount your bait payload alongside accessories that are designed to release payload at targeted areas. Thus, from one payload, you can release bait in different locations all on one trip.

You get three payload function options for filming. First, there is the GC3-S option where you can mount a 3-axis gimbal, 4K camera for underwater and aerial shooting.

You also get the GC2-S option where you can mount a 2-axis night vision camera for night shooting. The night vision camera captures good footage in low-lit conditions.

Finally, there is the GC1-S payload option for waterproof 1-axis camera. This camera has RAW photo and Pro mode. You can capture excellent footage at 4K resolution.

So there, you get four payload options – one for dropping fish bait and three for shooting.

Flight Functions

The SplashDrone 4 has some automated flight functions to give the pilot moments of extra fun. They are as follows:

Dynamic Return Home

With this function, the drone will automatically return home where the pilot or the remote controller is at that particular moment. For instance, if you are taking a road trip, the drone returns to the pilot no matter what distance he has covered.

Swellpro SplashDrone 4 Dynamic Return to pilot
Dynamic Return To Pilot

Smart follow

With this function, the drone follows the pilot from the side, and it never loses focus with the subject. It can also follow the pilot from the back or from an angle.

Circle Mode

This function enables the drone to go around a landmark or monument in circles taking footage from all angles. It can also follow and keep circling a moving subject, making it very good for sailing and road trips.

Wind Resistance

The drone is equipped with a wind resistance function. It can fly well in winds of up to 60KM/H velocity.

Cruise Mode

You can set cruise mode on the NaviFly app. Set the direction as well as the speed you would like the quadcopter to fly at.

Tap to Fly

In this mode, you get to choose a location on the map where you would like the drone to fly. It will fly out and hover when it gets there.

Waypoint Mode

In this mode, you can get the drone to fly and stop at designated points along the flight route. You can set different speeds for different legs in the flight, camera angles and so on.

Grid Mission

On the app, you plan a grid mission by connecting up to 256 different points to create the area that you would like the drone to fly over. When you launch it, it will maintain the same speed and follow the flight path to the end.

Swellpro SplashDrone 4 Main Features

Feedback from Existing Owners of the SplashDrone 4

I thought I paid dearly for this drone, but when I unlocked so many functions, I was amazed. I think the features, the boat mode and other functions completely justify the price of the SplashDrone 4 from SwellPro. Harry G.

I owned the SD3 and I thought it was completely awesome. So, when the SD4 came into the market, I wanted to see what new extras they had added. I am not disappointed. As a stand up paddle boarding enthusiast, I can now record every moment in the water. Ali K.

From the moment I took it out and held it in my hands, I was convinced that this is a durable specimen. It has awesome wind resistance and the speed is tops. I intend to use it for fishing and other activities. Maddy W.

Everything about the SwellPro SplashDrone 4 is stunning. First, you will be impressed by the high quality case. Secondly, you will find it quite sturdy, the camera is high quality and boat mode is everything for water sports enthusiasts. Quincy T.

This drone is going to cost you a handsome amount of money. However, when you see what it can do and the different tasks you can put it to, you will be willing to buy a second one. Jim P.

Be keen if you have a Samsung mobile phone. The NaviFly app might not work with it properly, but the company says they will rectify this in the next upgrade. Neil A.

 

SwellPro SplashDrone 4 Pros

  • It has many automated functions
  • The battery charges fast
  • Remote controller battery lasts a long time
  • High quality carry and storage case
  • Night vision camera payload is awesome
  • 100 percent waterproof
  • High quality carbon fiber propeller blades
  • Beams it’s last location so you cannot lose it

 

SwellPro SplashDrone 4 Cons

  • It is expensive but worth it
  • App might not work with all smartphones

 

Who Should Buy The SwellPro SplashDrone 4?

This drone is built with adventures and especially watersports in mind. Thus, if you love sailing, snorkeling, swimming in the open water, surfing and windsurfing, go for it.

It comes in a full waterproof package, including the waterproof camera. If you are a beginner pilot, this is not for you. You will find the cost a bit prohibitive. If you love fishing, you can “program” the drone to drop bait at different locations on one trip.

Conclusion and Recommendation

This high quality drone can serve many functions. Thus, when you get it, start by reading the user manual thoroughly. Understand everything about it.

Also, do not do the full flight range the first time. Wait until you know how to use all the functions of the SwellPro SplashDrone 4. Take it easy with this expensive drone and learn how to fly it first before you can do full speed and distance.

Show me the price !

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