Review: Aerix Vidius HD Drone Hugs The Curves
Pros: Well-priced at $75, ready to fly out of the box, very durable and fast, carry box fits neatly into a bag or backpack, and has above average performance in tight spaces.
Cons: Lack of a quick swap battery.
What's better than keeping an Aerix Nano video drone in your office desk for late nights and rainy days? How about Aerix Drones latest model, the upgraded $75 'Vidius HD' with live streaming HD video. We got a chance to test one of these and put the drone through its paces. (Note: We didn't have the goggles that are available with the drone so couldn't test them.)
A while back I gave my initial impressions of the Vidius stating that experienced pilots might be a bit underwhelmed or grow tired of it after a few flights. I'd like to take that back as I found myself reaching into my top shelf to get a quick late night drone fix more often than I expected.
Unboxing the drone
The Vidius HD is a four rotor, ready to fly FPV (first person view) drone that includes a transmitter, and is capable of recording 720P video which you can view on a smartphone. Because of it's size and weight, the drone does not need to be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is also a plus for beginners.
The drone improves upon the original in more aspects than just the image quality. The HD now has rubber propeller guards, seemingly faster and more efficient motors (and some of the best I've ever seen), and an awesome reusable travel box that keeps everything you need ready to go and protected if you toss it in your bag.
The Vidius HD also adds Altitude Assistance which helps you from needing to adjust your height manually, handy for beginners and tight spaces. Normally this would be a turnoff for me. But between the Altitude Assistance Module and the prop guards I was able to fly full speed around the office focusing more on the other axis' rather than height. So I would say that even experienced pilots would enjoy this drone.
Flight time
The new app definitely provided better control than the original. However I personally still prefer the included controller for a more hands on feel. The 720P video was also a big step up providing clear vision to creep under a low chairs, over ceiling fans and through makeshift race-gates.
The drone also flew well outside. Because of its weight and size, the Vidius would do best on calm days, and within eyesight. For FPV, it's best not fly further than you can see the drone, maybe 100 to 150 feet.
Battery life was very good at a solid five minutes before I felt I should pull it in to cool off and recharge. I don't doubt claims of seven minute+ flights either. I just like to baby my LiPo batteries to extend the amount of cycles I get in the long run.
Overall this is a great office drone, rainy day FPV fix, or holiday gift for anyone looking to get started or fly through the winter.
-Jeremy Wyckoff is GearBrain's drone review and an expert FPV and freestyle drone flyer, builder and racer. Wyckoff's spends 4 to 6 hours a week flying drones, including five that he built on his own. Riding motorcycles for the past 16 years, Wyckoff starting stunting in 2004 after a crash left him with 70 staples in his leg. He still pushes the limits, but in "..closed areas like parking lots, where there are no cars, obstacles or other distractions." Although bikes of all kinds are his passion, you'll also likely find him on a skateboard, snowboard, unicycle or rollerblades.