When comparing 3DR Solo vs AirDog, the Slant community recommends AirDog for most people. In the question“What are the best follow drones?” AirDog is ranked 9th while 3DR Solo is ranked 12th. The most important reason people chose AirDog is:
This drone is made to work in its own, automatically, while you're practicing your sport. When you turn on the drone, it will offer various sports modes to optimize the drone’s behavior for the best results. For example, it will follow your exact trajectory downhill and will land next to you when a sport like snowboarding or mountain biking is selected. For windsurfing, it will take a wider filming approach and will return to the starting point instead of landing with you. The list of sports is constantly being updated.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Portable
Portable, weighting 3.3 lbs. (1.5 kg) as a standalone or 3.9 lbs. (1.8 kg) with a GoPro and Solo Gimbal.
Pro Really fast
It is really fast, the maximum that the Solo can do is 55 mph (89 km/h). Made possible by its design and four 880 kV motors.
Pro Good range
It covers a good range, 6 miles (9.5km). Makes it suitable for almost anything you might want to do with it.
Pro Good flight time
The 3DR Solo can fly up to 20 minutes or 15 minutes with payload (camera).
Pro Works on its own, with behavior adjusted to each sport
This drone is made to work in its own, automatically, while you're practicing your sport. When you turn on the drone, it will offer various sports modes to optimize the drone’s behavior for the best results. For example, it will follow your exact trajectory downhill and will land next to you when a sport like snowboarding or mountain biking is selected. For windsurfing, it will take a wider filming approach and will return to the starting point instead of landing with you. The list of sports is constantly being updated.
Pro Compact, wearable controller, made for sports
The included controller is wearable on your wrist and it acts as a beacon to tell the drone where you are. Additionally, it has a couple of sensors to send data to the drone about your speed, position and altitude among others. It is waterproof and even allows you to change a few settings while in the middle of the action.
Pro GoPro compatible
The drone doesn’t have a built in camera, but it is GoPro compatible. Since a lot of sports enthusiasts already have a GoPro, they can use their existing ones, ensuring high quality content.
Pro Travel friendly
The drone itself is lightweight and has a fully foldable body small enough to fit in a backpack. Just remove the propellers, fold the landing gear and arms and you’re all set. Folding the arms also turns the drone off.
Cons
Con Doesn't come with a gimbal or camera
The basic pack of the drone doesn't come with a camera or gimbal.
Con Stability problems
Other users have reported that the drone may drift away even if you hit the stop button. This appears to be linked with the GPS problem.
Con GPS problems
Users have reported having GPS problems. This issue is likely due to the positioning of the module. Instead of having a small mast on top of the drone for GPS and dual GPS modules (one for US satellites and the other for Russian satellites), the single GPS is located under the battery, blocking signals from some angles.
Con Vulnerable to interference
Operates on 2.4GHz frequency, which is not ideal for drones if you fly it in a city where there is a lot of interference. Normal wifi networks use the 2.4GHz so interference occurs where there are many wifi networks.
Con No collision avoidance system
The drone doesn’t have any collision avoidance systems, so it is important to select the right sport mode and evaluate the surroundings to minimize potential damage to the drone.
Con Lengthy, regular calibrations needed
The drone needs to be calibrated every once in a while, which can be a lengthy process and might keep you from filming straight away.
Con Adapter needed for the GoPro 5 models
To use a GoPro 5, you will need to get an adapter.
Con GoPro controls are separate from drone controls
The controls for the GoPro are separate from the controls of the drone, so you’ll have to turn the camera on and off manually.
Con Camera needs to be purchased separately
This drone doesn't come with a camera, it needs to be purchased separately.
