Here is one of the most advanced pool robots on the market. He comes from China, he is wireless, very efficient and covered with sensors. Cleaning a swimming pool has never been easier. Or almost. Our opinion on AIPER SCUBA X1 Pro Max.
AIPER continues to push its ambition on the wireless pool robots market. After a very convincing SCUBA X1 and already much smarter than many of its wired competitors, the Chinese brand tackles at the top of the range with a model that is not in half measures.
After testing the Scuba X1, here we are facing his big brother: the Aper Scuba X1 Pro Max. This high -end wireless robot promises maximum cleaning efficiency, even if it means sacrificing the compactness of its little brother.
We put it to the test for several weeks in different configurations to assess its real performance. Spoiler: it is a monster of efficiency, but which requires some concessions.
Here is our full test of Scuba X1 Pro Maxthe most ambitious robot in the range, both over -equipped, overpowered … and surprisingly frustrating sometimes.
Design: a template that impresses as much as it complicates life
You might as well be clear from the start: the Scuba X1 Pro Max is a juggernaut. With its 15 kg (and much more once full of water), it has nothing to do with the more compact format of the Scuba X1 that we tested a few days ago. Here, everything breathes the escalation: nine engines, a reinforced chassis, a suction at 32,000 liters per hour, and a cleaning capacity both at the bottom and on the surface.
This XXL template is not without consequences. The robot is difficult to wear alone, unless you opt for the optional caddy. You really have to plan it if you have a large swimming pool and you plan to take it out often.
Fortunately, the finishes are excellent, with good plastics of good quality, well -placed handles, and a very sober shiny black dress which contrasts with the garish colors of certain competitors.
Application and connections: a connected experience always as convincing
As on the Scuba X1, the Bluetooth then Wi-Fi connection is done without a hitch. The AIPER application remains simple to handle, with the possibility of launching cycles, programming regular cleaning, following the remaining autonomy or even modifying the robot settings.
The application offers several cleaning modes: intelligent, background only, walls, water line, surface and a special mode for swimming pools with several surfaces and depths. The latter also ready to confusion: what difference with auto mode?
One of the big added value of the brand, (as on the little brother Aper X1) is compatibility with theHydroComm Proan accessory that makes it possible to dialogue with the robot even when it is underwater, thanks to a radio link.
During our tests, he was amazing: we can change fashion, force a rise, or simply stop the robot without having to dive or wait for him to go up. This little tool quickly becomes essential once you have tasted it.
But the version HydroComm Pro Go much further. Thanks to two integrated modules, it also allows Water quality monitoring in real time from your pool. The first module measures the pHthe Oxydoreduction potential (redox) and the temperature. The second takes care of Solids total dissolved (TDS) and electrical conductivity (a good indicator of stabilizing or chemicals). Pool compatible with chlorine, or salt.
The AIPER application allows you to consult these values at any time, with a statement history and notifications in the event of a suspicious imbalance. This makes Hydrocomm Pro a real intelligent interview assistant, much more than just a gadget.
But everything is not perfect. These probes must be re -stated every 60 days To guarantee reliable measurements, with an automatic recall in the application. Unfortunately, we cannot force a calibration if necessary.
Their lifespan is limited to approximately one yearand replacing them implies a still vague cost, not to mention the environmental impact linked to their renewal. In use, this remains more restrictive than a simple test strip kit, but much more practical on a daily basis.
Above all, the hydrocomm incorporates small solar modules on the top so that it recharges in the sun. In the middle of summer, his battery never fell under the 60 % load. To see what it gives for winter.
Aiper also offers regular OTA updates on its robots. During our test, several updates improved navigation and autonomy management. A real added value, less and less rare in this sector.
Performance: simply spectacular cleaning
On this point, there is no debate. The Scuba X1 Pro Max is by far one of the most effective robots we have tested. It sucks everything: leaves, sand, insects, seaweed, and even micro-debris.
Its behavior is fluid, its coherent trajectories, and its very homogeneous cover. It climbs to the walls, rubs the water line, and can also clean the surface thanks to its floating mode. It is a real plus, especially in summer, when the leaves and pollens accumulate on the surface.
Better yet: at the end of the cycle, the robot rises to the surface and remains afraid until you recover it. Pro Max can wait for a long time while floating. It is a significant comfort, especially given the weight of the beast.
The filter basket has also been revised. It is easier to extract and clean than on the X1. The filters are interchangeable according to the desired degree of finesse. Small flat: the plastic used seems fragile, and the clips can be brittle if you force too much. We recommend that you carefully handle, but you have to force to remove them.
Finally, if he is able to clean the submerged steps, he does so imperfectly. His too impressive template embarrassment, and he can zap some. Damage.
Sensors: finally intelligent behavior?
The Pro Max incorporates a new generation of sensors, called Omnissense+. Behind this marketing name hides a reality: obstacle detection and the perception of the environment are much better than on the Scuba X1. During our tests, the robot avoided steps, submerged spots or lively angles with good agility.
Even more impressive: its trajectories are adapted in real time, and it almost never remains stuck. He fell from the steps. Positioned on his left flank, he managed to get straight.
He also managed to adapt to complex basins, with several areas of depth or atypical forms. It remains perfectible, but we feel that the robot finally “understands” its environment.
Autonomy and recharging: strong, but perfectible
AIPER announces up to 5 hours of autonomy in background mode, and more than 10 hours in surface mode. In fact, we rather observed between 4 am and 4:30 am by mixing the fashions. This is more than enough for a swimming pool up to 150 m².
The recharge is done via a very well thought out magnetic base. No need to struggle with dry connectors or narrow sockets: the robot fixes itself and recharges in 3 to 4 hours. It’s simple, clean and without risky electric handling.
Sustainability: solid, but beware of details
Construction inspires confidence: precise assembly, good quality plastics, solid handles. The robot gives the impression of being able to last several seasons without blinking.
On our side, nothing to report after several weeks of intensive test, if not the breaking plastic of the basket bindings. Regular software monitoring lets hope a product kept over time.
Price, availability and competition
The Scuba X1 Pro Max is displayed at 1,899 euros on Amazon. It is a very high price, up to its ambitions, but which places it in front of Dolphin Liberty 600, cheaper and less technological but very effective. The Beatbot Aquasense 2 Ultra (3,000 euros) will be more efficient … but much more expensive.
Faced with these mastodons, the Scuba X1 Pro Max has a well -thought -out connectivity, a real surface cleaning, and a more intelligent behavior. But its weight and size can put up some users.
If you have a tighter budget, the SCUBA X1 (€ 999) remains an excellent alternative, just like the Scuba X1 Pro (€ 1,100). But you will lose the automatic rise, surface cleaning, and a little power.
To go further, you can take a look at our Robots Piscine buying guide.