4th place in our ranking. The cheapest route to 4K and a 100 metre depth rating. Conventional controls, a solid package, and a gripper claw in the “Flash” package.
- Affordable for 4K and 100 m
- Up to 4 h runtime
- Slow motion in Full HD
- Remote control with HDMI
- Less light
- No movement in all directions
- Hard to get in Switzerland
Rating in detail
The grades are based on the manufacturer's figures and our rating scheme. We will add our own hands-on test in the water later.
Introduction
Chasing, from China, is one of the best-known makers of underwater drones. The Gladius Mini S sits between the small beginner drone, the Dory, and the larger M2 series. It is aimed at hobby pilots who want more than a few metres in a swimming lake but do not need professional kit. The drone moves like a small submarine and can tilt its camera 45 degrees up and down.
Technical specifications
| Depth rating | up to 100 m |
| Cable | 100 m or 200 m |
| Camera | Sony 1/2.3" sensor, F2.8, 150° field of view, electronic image stabilisation |
| Video | 4K at 25/30 frames per second, Full HD up to 120 frames per second |
| Tilt | ±45° |
| Lighting | 2 × 1,200 lumens |
| Battery | 2 × 4,800 mAh, up to 4 h runtime, charging time approx. 3.5 h |
| Weight | 2.7 kg, cable reel 1.8 kg (100 m) |
| Remote control | with Wi-Fi and HDMI output, holder for devices up to 10 inches |
| Accessories | Gripper claw and backpack in the “Flash” package, action cam mount, 64 GB memory card |
| Price, Germany | approx. €1,260–1,500 (100 m), approx. €1,700 (200 m) |
| Price, Austria | approx. €1,510 (100 m) |
| Price, Switzerland | currently unavailable from large retailers |
Chasing gives no official figures for top speed or the number of thrusters.
Pros and cons
- 4K camera with image stabilisation and slow motion in Full HD
- 100 m depth, enough for almost every hobby outing
- Up to 4 hours of runtime
- Remote control with HDMI for a large monitor
- Cheapest way to 4K and 100 m at Chasing
- Moves conventionally, no sideways hovering in all directions
- Less light than the FIFISH V-EVO
- No official figures for speed and current
- Currently hard to get in Switzerland
Use cases for hobby pilots
- Exploring Alpine lakes: With a 100 metre cable you can reach greater depths even on steep shores, for example sunken trees or rock formations.
- Boat owners: Check anchor, chain and hull quickly. The camera tilt helps you look under the hull.
- Anglers: Observe fish stocks and the structure of the bottom before you cast your rod.
- Holidays by the sea: 4K videos of seagrass meadows and shoals of fish that you can show later on the TV.
In video
The Gladius Mini S in CHASING's official videos:
Verdict
The Gladius Mini S is the right choice if you want 4K and 100 metres of depth for as little money as possible. It covers almost everything hobby pilots in German-speaking countries have in mind, and the “Flash” package even comes with the gripper claw.
If you mainly want to film and value plenty of light and free movement, you should also take a look at the FIFISH V-EVO. It costs a little more but shines much brighter.
Frequently asked questions
How deep does the Chasing Gladius Mini S dive?
Up to 100 metres. The cable is available in 100 or 200 metre lengths.
How much does the Gladius Mini S cost in Germany, Austria and Switzerland?
In Germany roughly €1,260 to €1,500 with a 100 metre cable and around €1,700 with 200 metres. In Austria about €1,510. In Switzerland it is currently unavailable from large retailers.
How good is the camera?
A Sony sensor (1/2.3 inch) films in 4K at 25 or 30 frames per second and in Full HD at up to 120 frames per second. The field of view is 150 degrees, and there is electronic image stabilisation.
How long does the battery last?
Two 4,800 mAh batteries last up to 4 hours according to Chasing. Charging takes around 3.5 hours.
Gladius Mini S or FIFISH V-EVO?
The Gladius Mini S is cheaper but moves conventionally and has less light (2,400 versus 5,000 lumens). The V-EVO moves freely in every direction and films in 4K at 60 frames. With a grade of 2.5 the Gladius ranks 4th in our ranking.
You can find reactions and comments on this article in the Unterwasserpilot forum (in German, English posts welcome).
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