Blade Nano QX 3D Review

Blade’s Nano QX 3D, a version of the Nano QX that has larger 7mm motors and the ability to fly upside down, was released in January. I had my doubts about whether the flight times would be long enough. If the motors would die every few flights. But I still bought it…

Note: Because this is a quadcopter review, I can’t review takeoffs and landings. Basically, a quadcopter goes up. And comes back down. I will review how it felt on the first takeoff instead.

Backstory:

There really isn’t one… I just saw the NQX 3D and it looked like it would be a quadcopter that preformed well, but with significant battery life and motor life problems.

First Impresions:

When I opened the, as always from Horizon Hobby, nicely designed box and packaging, I didn’t really know if it came out of the box right side up or upside down… The NQX 3D was packaged in nice, clear plastic with a 250 mAH 1S LiPo and USB charger.

Assembly/First Flight Preparation:

Before doing anything, I looked at the manual to see which side was the top. (Hint: the props face down). I then charged the battery. This took about 20 minutes.

Tip: Get the Celectra charger that came with the original mCPX helicopter. This just plugs into a normal outlet and you get a second charger for your second battery (definitely get a second battery).

I then bound it to my wonderful Spektrum DX6 and got ready to fly…

First Takeoff:

As I lifted off, I heard power. Lots of it. And it sounded smooth. Kind of like one of those speedboats when they are going really slowly. I knew, at this point, that this was going to be one of my favorite aircraft.

Flying:

In beginner mode, this quadcopter was like a Nano QX in Stability mode. Intermediate mode was like beginner mode, but it’s a lot faster. And, finally, advanced mode is like a regular RC helicopter, with the motor direction changing on either side of 50% throttle.

Recommended timer settings if using a Spektrum computerized transmitter:

Dx6i transmitter:

Timer: 4:30 minutes

Any Other Spektrum Computerized Transmitter:

Timer: 4:30 minutes; start/stop at 10% throttle

The Specs:

Skill Level: Intermediate

Length: 130 mm

Width: 130 mm

Height: 42 mm

Flying Weight: 1 oz

Full Specs Here

Equipment I Used:

1. Thunder Power TP103CQ-ACDC Charger (link)

2. Spektrum DX6i DSMX Transmitter Only (link)

Verdict:

This is a great all around quadcopter, and it is excellent if you have mastered the original NQX and want high preformance fun.

Rating:

10/10

Thanks for reading the much-delayed Nano QX 3D review. Comment, share, enjoy, and forgive me for the lack of pictures 🙂 ! Reader’s Opinion will be posted this Sunday, so check back…