FD1-S Released – Exceptional Flight Stability
SwellPro Fisherman FD1S vs FD1+ – Is It Worth Upgrading?
The SwellPro Fisherman FD1+ became one of the most popular entry-level fishing drones thanks to its waterproof design, impressive bait carrying ability and simple camera-free operation. Now, the new Fisherman FD1S takes that same proven formula and improves the areas that matter most: flight stability, battery management, landing protection and reliability.
The Fisherman FD1S builds on the FD1+ with smarter flight control, improved stability and better battery management.
At a Glance: FD1S vs FD1+
| Feature | Fisherman FD1S | Fisherman FD1+ |
|---|---|---|
| Payload Capacity | 2.2 kg | 2.2 kg |
| Waterproof Design | Yes | Yes |
| Flight Controller | S10 New Flight Control | S9 Flight Control |
| Flight Stability | Significantly Improved | Standard |
| Battery Maintenance | Automatic discharge to storage voltage | Manual discharge |
| Landing Protection | Soft landing protection | Manual control descent |
| Flight Time | Increased by 22% | Standard flight time |
| Charging | 150W ultra-fast charger | Old charger |
| Magnetic Interference Handling | Precise calibration mode | Basic algorithm |
The Biggest Upgrade: Much Better Flight Stability
The most noticeable difference between the Fisherman FD1S and the older FD1+ is how much more stable the new drone feels in the air.
The FD1S uses SwellPro’s newer S10 flight control system, which has been optimised specifically for carrying heavy bait loads. This helps reduce swaying and oscillation, especially when flying with heavier rigs or operating in coastal wind.
For anglers, this makes a big difference. A more stable drone is easier to control, more confidence-inspiring over water, and better suited to accurate bait drops at distance.
Smarter Battery Maintenance
Battery care is one of the most important parts of owning a fishing drone, particularly if it is not used every week.
The FD1S introduces auto-maintenance battery technology, meaning the battery can automatically discharge to storage voltage when required. This makes ownership easier and helps protect the battery when the drone is stored between fishing sessions.
On the older FD1+ model, this process was manual. For occasional users, this is a very useful upgrade.
Flight Time Increased by 22%
Another major improvement is endurance. The FD1S benefits from an upgraded battery system with smart management and additional redundancy, giving it a claimed 22% increase in flight time compared with the previous generation.
That extra margin is valuable when flying offshore, carrying bait, dealing with wind, or making multiple drops from the same battery.
Better Heavy Load Handling
The S10 flight control system is better optimised for carrying bait and lead weights.
Less Battery Hassle
Auto-maintenance helps protect batteries when the drone is not being used regularly.
More Confidence Offshore
Improved stability and longer flight time make distance bait drops feel more controlled.
Soft Landing Protection
Beach landings are not always perfect. Sand, stones, uneven ground and wind can all make landing more difficult than expected.
The FD1S adds soft landing protection, using smart sensing to help protect the airframe during touchdown. This is a welcome improvement over the older FD1+, which relied more heavily on manual descent control.
150W Ultra-Fast Charging
The new FD1S also includes a 150W ultra-fast charger. It is plug-and-play, requires no complicated setup, and helps reduce downtime between flights.
For anglers running multiple batteries during a long session, faster charging means more time fishing and less time waiting.
Improved Calibration in Difficult Locations
Fishing drones are often launched from challenging environments such as rocky beaches, harbours, sea walls or areas with magnetic interference.
The FD1S includes a more precise calibration mode designed to improve positioning accuracy and assist take-off in stronger magnetic interference zones.
What Has Stayed the Same?
SwellPro has not changed the core purpose of the FD1 range. The FD1S remains a straightforward, purpose-built fishing drone designed for anglers who want reliable bait delivery without the added complexity of cameras and advanced imaging systems.
Like the FD1+, the FD1S still offers a strong waterproof airframe, simple operation and an impressive 2.2 kg bait carrying capacity.
Should FD1+ Owners Upgrade?
If your FD1+ is still working well, it remains a capable fishing drone. However, if you are buying your first fishing drone or your current FD1+ is starting to show its age, the FD1S is the better choice.
The improvements are not gimmicks. They directly affect the way the drone flies, how easy it is to maintain, and how confident you feel when sending bait out over water.
Final Verdict
The Fisherman FD1+ earned its reputation by being simple, rugged and effective. The new Fisherman FD1S keeps that same formula but improves it in the areas that matter most.
With much better flight stability, smarter battery maintenance, longer flight time, soft landing protection and faster charging, the FD1S is a clear upgrade over the older FD1+.
Interested in the SwellPro Fisherman FD1S?
The FD1S is ideal for anglers who want a simple, waterproof and reliable bait delivery drone with improved stability over the previous FD1+ model.
