The Splash Drone
Specifications:
Size: 19.7 inches X 19.7 inches X 4.7 inches (Length X Width X Height)
Weight: 2.54 lbs.
Max Payload: 3.0 lbs.
Battery: 4S 4500mAh Lithium Polymer
Flight Time: 12 to 19 minutes
Controller: 8 Channel Telemetry Controller
Camera: Gimbal Kit for GoPro Hero (Gimbal and Camera case- sold Separately for DIY & RTF versions)
Max speed: 25 mph
GPS- enabled
Return- to- Launch feature
Autopilot enabled
The Splash Drone is not a typical drone that you can purchase in the market as it’s waterproof which makes it perfect for capturing videos and images above the water. This drone comes in four varieties; the DIY version, RTF version, PRO version and AUTO version.
The DIY version is perfect for users who are hobbyists as this unit is not ‘ready- to- fly’ and needs to be assembled first which is far more being enjoyed by hobbyists. The RTF doesn’t need to be assembled and you only to attach the propellers to make it ready for flying. However, it doesn’t have a waterproof gimbal, camera case and autopilot capability. As for the PRO version, it’s already ready to fly and it has GoPro case as well as waterproof gimbal and a 5.8ghz video transmitter. Lastly, the AUTO version has all the feature of the PRO version and has additional improved flight control system which lets you fly the Splash drone using your smartphone. Also, this version has ‘follow- me’ function as well as predetermined flight path function.
The Splash drone has features that allow it to float on water and it can also take off from it. this is the best drone to take with you for vacation and summer getaway or any activities that involves water. Its aluminum case (comes with RTF, AUTO and PRO only) makes it easier to carry around especially of you’re heading to the beach. The foam layer of the case is specifically designed to let the drone fit perfectly inside the case.
Others may become intimidated by its price tag especially with the PRO and AUTO variant but since it’s waterproof, you’ll be able to save more than buying part replacements when using a non- waterproof drone. Not only it can withstand water, it can also operate effectively in 25 mph wind gusts and rain storms without affecting the functionality of the drone.
Despite of all its good points, some of the users have encountered few issues upon getting and using the Splash drone. Its manual is quite hard to understand and bit of complicated especially for beginners. The GPS has also caused some problems as some of the drones fly in circles and they were only able to retrieve the drone when they turned off the GPS and flew it manually. Lastly, users have noted that setting up the drone’s GPS required two people to have it configured properly.
Despite of the reported issues with this drone, SwellPro, Splash’s drone manufacturer, said these issues are only isolated cases and they had addressed the customers’ concerns already.
PROS
– Great flying time of up to 17 minutes
– Waterproof; perfect for summer or water- related activities and adventures
– You can choose whether to control it using a remote control or your own smartphone
– Emergency flare adapter
– Waterproof camera compatible; comes with a case to mount your camera for capturing videos and photos while in the water
– Return- to- home feature
– Self- tightening carbon fiber propellers
– Payload release of 1kg
CONS
– Quite pricey
– GPS- related issues
– Setting up GPS needs two people
– Manufactured by a start- up company; quality and stability is yet to be tested
– Uncertainty on quality- since its selling point is the waterproof feature; other quality aspects of the drone might be decreased
