The key differences between the 3 models
As SwellPro recently released 2 new models, the SplashDrone 4 and the SwellPro Fisherman, I was asked about the differences between the drones. I was specially asked about the difference between the SplshDrone 4 to the 3+. Later on, I realized that the reason I was not asked about the Fisherman model was that people were not aware of this new model at all.
So, today, I will present you with the main differences between the SplashDrone 4, the SplashDrone 3+, and the SwellPro Fisherman.
This post should help you decide which drone is the best for you. However, keep in mind that the SplashDrone 3+ is not being produced anymore. The SplashDrone 4 is the latest model in the SplashDrone series. So, basically, it will help you decide between the SplashDrone 4 and the SwellPro Fisherman.
The differences in the SwellPro drones’ models will be divided into 3 main sections. The first section compares the aircraft itself. The second compares the remote control. And the third section compares the different attachments you can use with the drone.
| SplashDrone 4 | SplashDrone 3+ | SwellPro Fisherman | |
| Flight time (no wind & no load)
| 30 min | 22 min | 30 min |
| Max Flight Distance
| 5 km | 1.6 km | 1.6 km |
| Max Payload Capacity
| 2 kg | 1.5 kg | 2 kg |
| Max Wind Speed Resistance
| 72km/h | 20m/s | 39knot | 57.6km/h | 16m/s | 31knot | 72km/h | 20m/s | 39knot |
| Max Flight Speed
| 10 m/s (GPS); 22 m/s (ATTI) | 10 m/s (GPS); 18 m/s (ATTI) | 10 m/s (GPS); 22 m/s (ATTI) |
| Max Ascend Speed
| 4 m/s | 4 m/s | 4 m/s |
| Max Descend Speed
| 4 m/s | 3 m/s | 4 m/s |
| Max Height | 120 m (GPS) / ATTI – no limitation | 120 m (GPS) / 1.3 km (ATTI) | 120 m (GPS) / 1.6 km (ATTI) |
| Max Tilt Angle | ATTI: 12.5°; ATTI (fast): 25° | ATTI: 25° | ATTI: 12.5°; ATTI (fast): 25° |
| Power Flip | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smooth+ | Yes | Yes | No |
| Boat Mode | Yes | No | No |
| Follow Me | Built-in GPS module in Remote Control Full direction follow | No GPS module in Remote Control Follow the moble phone | – |
| Flight Mode | GPS ATTI Sport Cruise Orbit Headless+ Manual + | GPS ATTI Cruise | GPS ATTI Cruise |
| Return | Dynamic Return-to-Home One-Key Return-to-Home Signal Lost Return-to-Home Low Battery Auto Return-to-Home Low Battery Auto Payload-release | One-Key Return-to-Home Signal Lost Return-to-Home | One-Key Return-to-Home Signal Lost Return-to-Home Low Battery Auto Return-to-Home |
| Anti-Pendulum Feature | Yes | No | Yes |
| Battery | Intelligent Battery 6600 mAh 97.68 Wh14.8V 4S LiPo (#18650 cell inside) Durable & Easy to maintain Slide-In / Out | Standard LiHV Battery 5200mAh 79.04 Wh15.2V 4S LiHV Install from the top cover | Standard LiHV Battery 6500 mAh 99.8 Wh15.2V 4S LiHV Install from the top cover |
| Waterproof
| IP67 | IP67 | IP67 |
| Motors
| #3509 – 740Kv | #3510 – 620Kv | #3509 – 740Kv |
| Digital Video Transmission | Yes | None | None |
| Operating Frequency | 5180 – 5875 MHz | 2405 – 2475 MHz (drone) 5645 – 5965 MHz (video link – VTX) | 2405 – 2475 MHz (drone) 5645 – 5965 MHz (video link – VTX) |
| Transmitter Power (EIRP) | FCC/IC: ≤ 24 dBmCE/SRRC/MIC: ≤ 20 dBm | Less than 20dBm for drone control25~600 mW for Video Link | Less than 20dBm for drone control25~600 mW for Video Link |
| Open API
| Yes | No | No |
| APP features
| Live-View Camera Control & Setting Tap to Flight Route Planning Grid Flight Planning Intelligent Circle Historical Route Auto Take-off / Return | Point Flight Route Planning |
SwellPro Drones Differences – Remote Control
| SplashDrone 4 | SplashDrone 3+ | SwellPro Fisherman | |
| Waterproof
| IP66 | – | – |
| Screen
| 2.68 inch, 128×64 | 5 inch, 800×480 | 3 inch (for telemetry) |
| Real-time Video Transmission
| 720P@30fps | 640×320 | 800×480 (Via GL1) |
| Operating Frequency
| 5180 – 5875 MHz | 2405 – 2475 MHz | 2406 – 2475 MHz |
| Transmitter Power (EIRP)
| FCC/IC: ≤ 24 dBm CE/SRRC/MIC: ≤ 20 dBm | 25~600mW | Less than 20dBm |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot
| Yes | None | 4 m/s |
| Battery
| 2S LiPo 3600mAh | 2S LiPo 2300 mAh | 4 x AA Batteries |
| Working Time
| 7 hours | 2.5 hours | 3.0 hours |
| Charge time | 3 hours | 1.5 hours | – |
SwellPro Drones Differences – Attachment
This part of the comparison is super important since it advises you on how you can upgrade your drone in the future.
| SplashDrone 4 | SplashDrone 3+ | SwellPro Fisherman | |
| Waterproof Camera
| 1axis 4K gimbal camera (GC1-S) 2axis low-light gimbal camera (GC2-S) 3axis 4K gimbal camera (GC3-S) 3axis gimbal thermal camera(GC3-T) Fixed angle camera (FAC) | GC3 (3axis 4K gimbal camera) | None (available with payload releases) |
| Payload Release
| PL1-S TrollSafe | PL1 (payload release) PL2 (with FPV camera) PL3 (with 1axis gimbal and 2.7K camera) PL4 (with 1axis gimbal & low-light camera) TrollSafe | PL1-F (payload release) PL2-F (with FPV camera) TrollSafe |
Conclusion
The SplashDrone 3+ was around for a long time, and now, the SplashDrone 4 presents great features and upgrades we all waited for. The Fisherman model seems to be a bit similar to the SplashDrone 3+ and I highly recommend it, in case you want to get into drone fishing without paying a lot for it.
If you consider having a fishing drone along with great filming abilities, I will recommend you to consider the SplashDrone 4, as it has great options and upgrades.
I hope this helped you decide which drone you should get. Again, SplashDrone 3+ drones are not available in stock anymore, and their production was stopped. But it can help you decide in case you consider buying a used one. Let me know what you think in the comments section below.
