Related Sections: Galleries Toys
Super-accurate ultra-micro copter is almost like the real thing
The minute we gazed upon this $180 E-flite Blade mSR RTF Electric Mini Helicopter, we wanted one. It's about the same size as those nearly-impossible-to-steer styrofoam model choppers, but its accurate controls set it a world apart. It weighs less than an ounce, and its 4-channel 5-in-1 control unit gives you the ultimate micro-flying experience.
There's nothing to assemble on the Blade mSR RTF (the RTF means ready to fly), and E-flite includes two batteries so you can fly twice as long. The company touts the micro-copter's unique rotor head design, providing "the perfect balance between the speed and agility of a single rotor heli and the reassuring stability of coaxial rotor heli."
It's hard to believe how sophisticated these little helicopters have gotten. With a little practice, you could probably fly it upside down (okay, not really — see comment below). Just thank your lucky stars you're not a miniature human sitting inside.
Via E-flite
By MtnManiacX at 12:21 PM ON 11/23/09
No, you couldn't fly it upside down. This heli is fixed pitch, meaning the pitch angle of the blades is non-adjustable. If you want to go inverted, you need a collective pitch helicopter, which means you can control the blade angle. You'll also need about a hundred hours of practice because inverted flight is extremely difficult.
If you've never flown an RC helicopter before, you should start with the E-Flite Blade MCX which is a co-axial helicopter. That means that it has 2 sets of rotor blades, which gives it a ton of stability. The MCX is the same size as this MSR and looks very similar. The MSR shown above would be the next step up in skill, although somehow E-Flite has made this Fixed Pitch heli very stable as well.
If you're looking to try out RC helicopters, the best route you could possibly take is the Blade MCX, then when you're more skilled, move up to this Blade MSR. They're simply the best beginner RC helicopters on the market. Plus you can fly them all around your house, which is a ton of fun!
The more you know =)
By DoomsDay at 5:40 PM ON 11/24/09
I just wanted to say, I own one of these and they are absolutely awesome! It is even better if you can use an computerized (DSM2) transmitter. I can not give this little heli enough praise, but its not for everyone. It has little quarks that some experienced RC pilots dont like, such as the auto stabilization feature of the head, which to me is one of its key benefits.
To me, the best thing about this heli is getting it outside on calm days. It can get real fast real quick and having it outside just gives you lots of room to enjoy that zoom that it has. I have 100+ flights on mine and the only damage from my many many crashes has been the blade grips. A little super glue on the threads of the screw to the blade grip and back in the air it went. I really can not recommend this heli enough, I absolutely love mine to death and if I was to total it today, I would buy another tomorrow!
on your cellphone!
Text DVICE to 72434
editor@dvice.com
DoomsDay:
I just wanted to say, I own one of these and they are absolutely awesome! It is even better if you can use an compu...More »