Subnado first impressions: slim and sleek
The Subnado strikes a perfect balance between sleek aesthetics and practical functionality, making it stand out in the crowded underwater scooter market. The main body and battery are just 2.4 inches (6 cm) wide, making it thinner than a can of Pringles potato chips.
The Waydoo Subnado is airline-friendly and, with its slender design, it easily slides down the side of a backpack and snugly fits into an exterior water bottle pocket. It weighs only 3 pounds (1.4 kg) making it the lightest model we’ve ever tested, followed by the LEFEET S1 Pro at 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg).
The slim profile isn’t just for looks, though—this design greatly enhances handling and maneuverability underwater, boosting the overall diving experience. The Subnado’s minimalist-yet-robust build reduces drag and maintains stability, even at higher speeds. Its design can effectively support even younger users like our tester Carl, who was able to reach high speeds and still maintain control effortlessly.
Waydoo Subnado test results
Over the years, DIVEIN has tested out a range of underwater scooters. Our favorites are those on which we can upgrade the power and/or run time. That may mean popping in a larger battery, like with the LEFEET P1, or attaching two scooters together, as we can with the Subnado.
We ran a range of speed tests in a 25 m pool with both the single Subnado and the double unit. The units do not sync together, so using two at the same time will increase the power and speed, but the run time is the same.
During the test, we measured how long it took to complete one length of the pool with our founder and editor-in-chief Torben, his 10-year-old son Carl, and again with Torben in full scuba gear. Each of those runs was completed three to four times to get an average. Below are our results, all in meters/second.
| Torben | Carl | Scuba gear | |
| Waydoo Subnado | 1.01 | 1.28 | 0.76 |
| Waydoo Subnado Double | 1.27 | 1.74 | 0.89 |
Waydoo quotes the speed of a single Subnado at 1.35m/s and the double at 2m/s. In the 25-m pool, we achieved top speeds of 1.28m/s and 1.74m/s. Though not as fast as Waydoo’s data, considering the constraints of a small pool, we were still impressed by how fast we went.
One other note about the speed—we’ve been using Subnado scooters for a long time. Carl loves to bring them on vacation, and we think his familiarity with the unit shows itself in the data.
On the battery test, the Subnado did fall short. Waydoo says that these scooters last 30 minutes at full speed, whereas we only got 12 minutes. After those 12 minutes, it ran at a lower speed for 13 more minutes, which is closer to their 30-minute mark.
For this reason, we do think the Subnado is better suited for freediving or shallow fun dives—if you need a serious scooter for exploration dives, don’t rely on the Subnado.
Prioritizing safety
The Waydoo Subnado has a smart start-up system that needs a double-click to get going, which means no accidental switch-ons. The clear indicators for battery life and speed help you keep tabs on how your scooter is doing. The indicator light is at the end of the unit, though, so it’s tough to see during active use.
There is also a guard around the propeller to keep fingers safe, which is a great feature if kids are using the scooter.
Price/Quality Ratio
Priced at $500, the Waydoo Subnado positions itself as a mid-range underwater scooter. When compared to its higher-priced counterparts, the Subnado holds its ground, with robust durability and functionality.
The trade-offs, such as the shorter high-speed battery life, are minor when considering its price point, making it an excellent value for aquatic enthusiasts looking to enhance their scuba game. If you’re looking for more power you can always combine two Subnados and the price point of around $1000 is still in line with many higher-end scooters on the market today.
Do we recommend the Waydoo Subnado?
We highly recommend the Waydoo Subnado to those looking for a fun, affordable underwater scooter. Its ease of use makes it accessible to novices and older kids, while its robust capabilities satisfy the demands of more experienced users.
While it may not cater to every diver’s needs—especially those looking for extensive high-speed use—it stands out for offering a well-rounded performance at a reasonable price. Whether for snorkeling adventures or casual dives, the Waydoo Subnado adds a dynamic layer to underwater exploration, making it a worthy addition to your aquatic gear.
Specs & Features
| Weight | 3 pounds (1.4kg) |
|---|---|
| Number of speeds/gears | 3 |
| Advertised top speed | 1.35 meters/second (single) & 2 meters/s (double) |
| Our top speed | 1.28 m/s & 1.74m/s |
| Torben | 1 m/s & 1.27 m/s |
| Carl | 1.28 m/s & 1.74m/s |
| Scuba | 0.46m/s & 0.76m/s |
| Advertised battery time | 30 minutes (high speed), 56 minutes (low speed) |
| Our battery time at full speed | 12 mins |
| Carry-on safe | Yes |
Take a moment to look at this.
How do you buy one? Looked all over the internet for pricing and/or way to purchase one. No luck. Do you have to contact wayloo?
Hi David. We were lucky enough to get a Waydoo One+ via Waydoo’s homepage. But there are some supply issues that can’t keep up with demand (because it’s one of the least expensive boards out there). It should be made available again soon.
Sorry but a scooter where you cant change the battery is no good to me as i dive 3 times in one day so i only get to use this thing one dive s day so useless its a toy also the S1 pro has more power and better battery live plus remote control with one remote running multiple units and replaceable battery and also airline compliant this is just trying to copy the lefeet and not nearly as good