Just a couple of decades ago, no radio-controlled helicopters existed. Then it was impossible to imagine that in the near future we would expect not only helicopters flying freely around the room, but also quadrocopters flying away for a couple of kilometers from you. Modern radio-controlled helicopters have at their disposal a gyroscope, thanks to which the electronics do not allow the toy to roll over. They also know how to fight the wind, which allows them to be used even on the street. They are able to boast of high reliability - their blades are made of durable materials, and in the box with a helicopter you can often find parts.
Content:
Which firm’s radio-controlled helicopter to choose
When choosing such a toy you need to focus not on the brand. The fact is that now release a decent toy can any electronics manufacturer. In the end, the main parts of the device are a gyroscope and a radio module, and you can get them from any supplier of components for smartphones. Be better guided by the characteristics of the product and its reviews. In particular, you should be interested in the number of control channels, the size of the toy (a large helicopter at home does not fly) and the type of moving installation (preferably an electric motor - it is more environmentally friendly and does not require fuel). You can also pay attention to whether the helicopter has a camera - the child will not need it, but you may well want to look at the surroundings from a bird's-eye view.
If the brand is important to you, then look for helicopters under the following brands:
1. WL Toys
2. HUBSAN
3. Syma
4. Align
5. Pilotage
Again, high-quality specimens go off the conveyors not only of these companies. Their products are simply the most popular.
The best radio-controlled helicopters in the budget segment
Syma CH-47
This copy can be safely called the most original. It is designed as a transport helicopter equipped with two sets of blades. On each of its sides there are five portholes. Landing takes place on a four-wheel chassis. The body of the toy, like the main blades, is painted in color close to brown. In short, this model is very similar to a military helicopter.
The toy can be launched immediately after purchase - no additional settings will be required. You may only need to recharge the battery with a capacity of 800 mAh. In addition to the helicopter and the battery in the kit there is a three-channel remote control, charger and operation manual. The remote control uses channels 27, 40 and 49 MHz - this indicates that the range does not exceed 50 meters. The length and height of the model are 46 and 18 cm, respectively. The first helicopter was created for flying indoors. But you can take it to the street, provided that there is no or very little wind. Flight time is approximately 10-12 minutes.
Advantages:
- Reliable collector motor;
- Included is a three-channel control panel;
- Theoretically can be used on the street;
- Very low price;
- Original appearance;
- Easy control.
Disadvantages:
- Battery recharging lasts 120 minutes;
- Flight time is clearly insufficient;
- Small range of the remote.
Silverlit Stormtrooper
A more familiar model of a radio-controlled helicopter. The case of the device is as light as possible - in fact, these are just pieces of thin plastic, painted in black and silver colors. There are also options with red-silver and light green-silver colors.The helicopter flies up into the air with just four blades of different diameters. To change the direction of motion, use a small screw on the tail. Under the case are hidden metal parts that look very reliable.
A three-channel remote control is used to control the toy. Inside the helicopter there is a gyroscope. Its presence allows not to worry about the fact that the toy will turn over in the air and fall to the ground. However, this can still happen with a gust of wind. Therefore, Silverlit Sturmovik is not recommended to take out on the street - the helicopter is designed to play in large rooms. Most of the product will appeal to boys aged 10 to 14 years. The buyer can not only like the way here is implemented management. The remote sends a signal using the IR transmitter. Do I have to say that this leads to a sharp reduction in the range?
Advantages:
- Charging time - only 30 minutes;
- Convenient remote control;
- Compact size;
- Cute design;
- Relatively low cost;
- There is a LED backlight;
- Gyro works without any complaints.
Disadvantages:
- The console does not support radio communication;
- The range is only 10 meters;
- The helicopter is afraid of the wind;
- Minimum flight time.
Syma S107
Already a little more reliable helicopter, which also has several modifications. The basic version comes only with a remote control, and its weight does not exceed 40 g. A variant called Syma S107P is supplemented with a bubble generator. Such a toy will definitely appeal to children! Finally, Syma S107C incorporates a simple camera. It allows you to record a flight. Although there is not much point in this, since the resolution of the camera is too low - soon you will want to delete such a poor-quality recording.
The helicopter from the company Syma boasts a miniature size. This allows you to take a toy with you to work, especially if you are working in a separate office. Want to relax for 5-10 minutes? Start the helicopter, let it fly around the room! Then you can put it on charge - for this purpose even the USB port of the computer will fit. As for the appearance of the toy, then everything is familiar. The chassis and tail boom are made of metal, the system of screws is coaxial. The engine is a collector, and a stable flight provides a gyroscope. Unfortunately, the three-channel remote has only a 10-meter range. It does not allow to take out a toy to fresh air. But you shouldn’t worry about it, because on the street it could easily have blown away even a light breeze.
Advantages:
- The small size of the helicopter;
- Stable gyro;
- The battery charges in 40-50 minutes;
- Reliable design;
- Inexpensive.
Disadvantages:
- The console requires 6 AA batteries;
- Minimum radius of action;
- Flies from one charge no more than 10 minutes.
The best radio-controlled helicopters in the top segment
Align T-Rex 600L Dominator Super Combo
This is no longer a toy. This helicopter has at its disposal a processor of a new generation, as well as smart software. All this allows the processing of human commands as quickly and accurately as possible. Setup of the device is carried out using a computer, tablet or smartphone. Also noteworthy is the fact that the flight is provided by brushless servo drives with high torque and long service life.
Theoretically, even a novice can use such a helicopter. But its cost suggests that the product is primarily intended for experienced pilots. They will appreciate the customizable fly-free G-Pro system. They should also like the seven-channel control panel. Interestingly, in theory, the helicopter also supports a larger number of control channels.
Advantages:
- Included are three servos;
- JR and Spektrum satellites are supported;
- Instant response;
- Custom software;
- Brushless motors almost do not heat up;
- Very high reliability;
- Decent range;
- The length of the helicopter is 116 cm;
- There are different types of complete sets.
Disadvantages:
- After the purchase is to build a helicopter;
- Very rich equipment will cost a lot of money.
Hubsan Westland Lynx FPV 2.4G - H101F
This helicopter can not be called particularly expensive and advanced. But under the concept of "budget" it does not fit. Unlike the other models discussed above, this toy has a 5 megapixel camera on board. Of course, the clarity of the picture will be far from ideal, but the helicopter is much cheaper than any GoPro Hero - so you shouldn’t judge the creators.
As expected, the helicopter is equipped with a gyroscope. Its management is four-channel. This means that control is performed by pitch, roll, heading and altitude. The creators have implemented two launch modes: the first is for beginners, and the second is recommended for experienced pilots only. Video from a 5 megapixel camera is saved on the SD card. It can also be received in real time on the display available on the remote. You can watch the picture even in sunny weather - a special visor saves. But with such a broadcast, the helicopter is not able to move very far from the console, since communication breaks can occur, this should be remembered. You must also understand that the helicopter is afraid of strong wind.
Advantages:
- The remote is equipped with a screen and a sun visor;
- You can connect video glasses to the console;
- Four-channel control;
- Separate startup modes for novices and experts;
- There is a rotor with a fixed frequency step;
- It can fly a distance of 100-300 meters;
- There is a camera;
- There is a slot for SD-card.
Disadvantages:
- The console needs as many as 8 AA batteries;
- The flight duration is just ten minutes;
- Enough long recharging.
Align T-Rex 600 Nitro DFC Super Combo
This helicopter differs from others in that it uses gasoline as fuel. He is also able to surprise with its size - its length is 1160 mm. The diameter of the main screw here is equal, it is terrible to think, 1350 mm! The cabin of the helicopter is plastic, it is painted in a variety of colors. The frame "toys" is made of carbon fiber. Also in the composition of the helicopter includes a gas tank, the volume of which is 440 cubic cm. Even without fuel, this giant weighs 3.2 kg!
The creators have tried to reduce the center of gravity. As a result, the helicopter ceased to be afraid of a strong wind. Well, the cooling of the engine is engaged in a small fan. Like other products from Align, the helicopter received thoughtful software. It can be configured using a computer or even a smartphone. Unfortunately, the creators failed to increase the flight time - it does not exceed 10 minutes. But refueling the tank takes less time than recharging the battery, so progress is still evident.
Advantages:
- Lifter-free G-Pro system;
- Dimensions inspire respect;
- Not afraid of even strong winds;
- Stably functioning software;
- Carbon fiber and plastic construction;
- Seven-channel control;
- Able to fly far enough.
Disadvantages:
- Even without a remote control is very expensive;
- Short flight time;
- Great noise level;
- Unable to use indoors;
- After the purchase will require assembly.
What radio-controlled helicopter to buy
1. If you want to surprise your child, then you should buy Syma CH-47. It is possible that he did not even know about the existence of transport helicopters with two columns with blades! The toy flies from one charge to 12 minutes.
2. Silverlit Attacker looks more aggressive. If a helicopter is supposed to be used only within a specific room, then it may well please. Otherwise, the range of the remote control, not exceeding 10 meters, will become a serious limitation.
3. Another IR-based helicopter is the Syma S107. It has a greater number of blades, and therefore it is much more reliable. Moreover, this product can boast that it can be charged not only with the included remote control, but also via a USB connection to a laptop or desktop computer.
4. Lovers of very large toys should look towards acquiring the Align T-Rex 600L. The length of this helicopter - more than a meter! But it costs a lot of money.On sale you can find different configurations - good news for those who already have a good remote control operating at 2.4 GHz.
5. A much less expensive copy is the Hubsan Westland Lynx FPV. The signal from it is also transmitted at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. But in addition to everything, the helicopter (its length is 342 mm) can transmit the video signal by a separate frequency - it can be seen on the console display or saved on a memory card. Unfortunately, the camera resolution is only 5 Mp.
6. Align T-Rex 600 Nitro DFC - this is another monster with a length of more than a meter. Its difference lies in the fact that there is a gasoline engine. Unfortunately, the purchase of such a helicopter will cost a lot of money - the costs will be commensurate with the purchase of the latest generation of DJI Phantom quadrocopters.
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