Blade Nano QX 3D Overview
Nano drones are becoming a big thing in the world of helis. The mini quadcopter niche is proving to be a lucrative market, particularly because of people who just want to fly and play without the bulky, box-like contraptions of the regular big drones. This is the advantage of the Blade® nano drones, particularly the latest version, the Blade Nano QX 3D.
The Blade Nano QX quadcopter was already a great consumer drone. The company decided to take it up a notch with the Nano QX 3D, and it has quite a few noteworthy improvements. Here’s our QX 3D quadcopter review to give you an idea how this ultra-micro quadcopter performs when it comes to specs and features.
Blade Nano QX 3D Specifications
This ultra micro drone is marketed as a mini quadcopter that breaks the barriers of maneuverability with its high-speed flips, hair-pin turns, and inverted flight. And for the most part, the unit delivers on most of its promises. The small size enables it to perform complicated flight moves, but don’t forget it’s a nano drone—it can only do so much.
| Dimensions | 5.12 in x 5.12 in x 1.65 in |
| Weight | 0.95 oz (27.0 g) |
| Battery | E-flite® 200mAh 1S 3.7V 30C Li-Po flight battery |
| Camera | None |
| Flight Time | 5 minutes |
Case in point, battery life and lack of camera and camera support. Strictly speaking, it’s a good drone for users who just want to have fun.
What’s in the Box
The Nano QX 3D is available in two options, which also means one comes out of the box ready to fly while another needs some configuration with a transmitter. Both the BNF and RTF versions do not require assembly.
The Ready-to-Fly version comes with everything you need to get the nano qx rtf with safe up in the air. The package includes the drone itself, the E-flite batter, compact USB battery charger, ultra-micro 4-in-1 DSMX receiver, and replacement rotor blades.
The Bind-N-Fly® version comes with pretty much the same parts and accessories, with the exception of the transmitter. Users will need to buy a multi-function 4-channel 2.4GHz transmitter with Spektrum™ DSMX technology on their own.
Battery
The Nano QX 3D boasts of an E-flite® 200mAh 1S 3.7V 30C Li-Po flight battery, but it’s really not that impressive considering it only provides 5 minutes of flight time, which is average for nano drones.
A compact USB charger is included in the package. Most quadcopter reviews agree that it’s recommended to buy extra batteries for convenience.
Build
The Nano QX 3D resembles a flying spider, but without the creepy factor. It has four legs (flexible guards) under which lies the rotors. Most Blade Nano QX 3D reviews agree the design is clever but could have used a little more streamlining. Its build supports the reverse motor technology and allows the unit to be strong and light, taking in most falls and collisions without much damage.
The flexible guards provide adequate protection for the rotors, whether you fly it upright or inverted. These also allow for smooth landing, provided you’re landing it upright. At the core of the unit is a composite frame that packs the mechanical and electronic parts into one simple structure.
Overall, it has a decent, durable build. Just know that with its size come a few limitations. It may be able to withstand a few bumps and crashes without any bruises, but don’t make collisions a habit. In particular, the LED lights prove to be bothersome, as they pop out easily, according to several drone reviews. The frame could also use some improvement strength wise, but replacements are fairly cheap.
Camera
One of the biggest weaknesses of this drone is that it has no camera. It’s not really a bad thing, but the addition of at least a camera support would have done a lot to boost its credibility and marketability.
Both the RTF and BNF versions do not have a camera, but Blade® does have a unit that comes with a camera—the Blade® FPV Nano QX. The FPV Nano QX is basically the same as the Nano QX and Nano QX 3D, but with the addition of a Spektrum ultra micro FPV camera.
Navigation
The Blade® Nano QX 3D has been getting a lot of praise in forums and review sites. Many drone reviews say it’s ideal for both beginners and more experienced pilots.
It features Horizon Hobby’s SAFE™ (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) technology, which allows for easier flying and navigation. The tiny unit can surprisingly handle moderately windy conditions, which is a plus over the Estes Proto-X. There are also multiple flight modes so you can fly it in different conditions without worrying about control and protection.
Landing and takeoff is relatively easy. The drone can easily walk it off after a crash, taking off without any complex inputs. The rotors are designed to provide decent lift power in both positive and negative thrust.
Arguably the biggest selling point of this Blade® drone is its namesake feature, the 3D agility mode. This technology allows full-range maneuverability without any self-leveling assistance. You can make it do flips, turns, and other complicated maneuvers without losing control.
The EVO mode, meanwhile, lets you flip the heli 180-degrees from upright to inverted and back without any problem. Flight control stays the same no matter the orientation, and SAFE and self-leveling features are maintained.
The stability mode is also worth mentioning. This function kicks in the moment you release the controller sticks. It also allows you to flip the unit 360-degrees in any direction with just a push of a button.
Overall, it provides quite a fun experience, that is, if you don’t mind taking a break every five minutes for battery replacement or charging.
The Verdict
Like the Estes Proto-X, the Blade® Nano QX 3D is just for fun. It’s a great unit for flying, but that’s it. Don’t expect it to fly up to the level of aerial photo/videography drones, but don’t blame it for that. The quad is a great trainer for beginners and is very durable, considering its size.
When you buy this, you’re basically buying the Nano QX with the addition of the inverted flight feature. Our Blade Nano QX 3D Drone review is neutral on this one. It’s a hit-and-miss product, which can be really popular due to its size and fun factor, or could be forgotten soon as users look for more feature-packed drones.
There are no comments yet, add one below.