Starting out with remote control helicopters for beginners can be particularly fun, but as well as frustrating. Look at it, there are so many specs to fulfill that you most probably know nothing of.
As a beginner, there's a 90% proclivity that you select the wrong RC helicopter to begin with.
I mean, if you're more concerned about speed, you may end up making an acquisition that pays no attention to durability or other specs.
That's a spot we assure you you don't want to be. Note that we aren't talking miniature choppers here that require some pep talk to use the runway. We are talking beastly birds with an eye for spectacular flights.
Having been there several times, we've made the definitive guide for beginners, but if you don't have time to read it you can find out the best starter RC helicopter for your needs below.
Product | Material | Battery |
---|---|---|
Haktoys HAK303 | Tough plastic | 180 Li-Po mAh |
VATOS 3.5 | Tough plastic | 250 Li-Po mAh |
Syma S39 | Alloy | 250 Li-Po mAh |
Syma S37 | Sturdy alloy | 250 Li-Po mAh |
Syma S107 | Sturdy alloy | 250 Li-Po mAh |
KoolWeel S810 | Semi-inclusive alloy | 250 Li-Po mAh |
HisHerToy S880 | Tough Composite | 150 Li-Po mAh |
Syma TF1001 | Tough plastic | 150 Li-Po mAh |
Syma S111G | Alloy | 150 Li-Po mAh |
1. Haktoys HAK303
This could be just the perfect chopper for your kids! The HAK303 comes with special led lights that use just the right proportion of the 180mAh Li-Po battery.
An optimum charging duration of just 30 minutes gives you 7 to 8 minutes of thrilling flight time.
Do you want to fly longer? We've made the review of the Best flight time RC Helicopters for you.
And for flight? The helicopter can soar 50 feet high in the sky, all the time guided by a built-in gyroscope for maximum stability and smooth hovering performance.
This precise 360° directional movement makes this chopper just the perfect fit for a starter as you do not have to worry about the chopper while in air.
In terms of design, this chopper is fashioned with plastic materials as well as pleasant, detailed paintworks. The plasticity of the rotors avails elasticity and, hence, damages from crashes are minimized to the barest.
There's a coaxial rotor as well as a rear rotor to make flight faster and less-difficult.
Hak303 can fly forward, backward, up, down, clockwise and anti-clockwise. Coupled with the ergonomic remote control, this chopper gives a unique edge in any competition.
If I were you I would pick this RC Helicopter as a first.
Technical Specs
- Product Dimension: 8.9 x 2 x 4 inches
- Product Weight: 0.1 lbs
- Manufacturer Recommended Age: 8 years and above
- Flight: 50 feet
- Battery: 180 mAh Li-Po
Pros
- It has a gyroscopic function.
- It flies in all directions.
Cons
- Poor battery life.
2. VATOS 3.5
The Vatos 3.5 channels is powered by a 250 mAh Li-Po battery (rechargeable in 40 minutes) that lasts for 8 minutes of dynamic, exciting unnatural flight.
Recharging is very easy as you can use a USB cable via any device, such as a power bank.
Navigation is made easier by the availability of Gyro technology and a tail rotor motor. Both are pivotal to stabilize the chopper's direction, so beginners are assured of easy maneuvering while in air.
Furthermore, the chopper comes with led lights that make flying in the dark possible.
This helicopter has a plastic frame with soft rotor blades. The plastic frame is of high quality and hence highly resistant to damages during crashes.
The soft rotor blades, on the other hand, minimize crashes as the chopper automatically turns off when the blade is stuck.
The Vatos 3.5 sports a grey military camouflage color. This makes it ideal if you're a military enthusiast.
Technical Specs
- Product Dimension: 10.5 x 5.9 x 4.5 inches
- Product Weight: 47 gram
- Manufacturer Recommended Age: 8 years and above
- Control Range: 12 m
- Battery: 250 mAh Li-Po
Pros
- Comes with a remote control that flies three copters at once.
- It is easy to use.
Cons
- Does not come with batteries for transmitters.
3. Syma S39
Now, unto slightly older beginners, Syma S39 was constructed from alloy material and has a sturdy form.
This makes it very resistant to damages during crashes, accidents, particularly collisions. The copter appears like a red bull, perhaps designed so due to its rugged composition.
Syma S39 possesses the gyroscopic feature in order to make flying easier and stress-free; just as it should be for starters. This copter can be flown at a high or low-speed level. It depends on your preference.
The copter allows movement in every direction, made easier with the aid of a gyro stabilizer. For the best flight experience, I suggest an indoor flight as the sun rays could interfere with the infrared waves.
There are a number of unique features, such as low-voltage operation and reverse connect protection.
Technical Specs
- Product Dimension: 14.6 x 2.6 x 5.9 inches
- Product Weight: 13.9 ounces
- Manufacturer Recommended Age: 14 years +.
- Control Range: 10 m
- Battery: 250 mAh Li-Po
Pros
- The remote can select between two frequencies at the same time.
- It is very durable.
Cons
- The flight time is unimpressive.
4. Syma S37
Undeniably a beast, the Syma S37 is a power horse that boasts of an unassailable 12 minutes flight duration. This is the longest duration on this list. What's more, the size is one of the biggest you can find for an RC helicopter.
This classic is produced from sturdy alloy material that can withstand harsh crashes without major damages. If this sturdiness is combined with the striking size, then you have a rugged machine up in the sky.
However, against your misgivings, the size of the Syma S37 does not affect its navigational capabilities. To enjoy exactness during flight, the copter comes with advanced gyro-technology.
Provided you can afford the price, Syma S37 is one of the best starter RC helicopters you would find around. Here's a shocker: Syma
S37 can fly over 100 meters!
Technical Specs
- Product Dimension: 17.6 x 10.3 x 5.7 inches
- Product Weight: 1.79 pounds
- Manufacturer Recommended Age: 14 years and above
- Control Range: 100 m
- Battery: 250 mAh Li-Po
Pros
- It is made of very sturdy material.
- It has a remarkable flight duration.
Cons
- Poor in windy conditions.
5. Syma S107G
The Syma S107G is powered by 150 mAh Li-Po batteries and is fully rechargeable in 50 minutes. The average flight time meanwhile is 7 minutes of pulsating, fast-flying.
The copter boasts of a 4-in-1 infrared receiver. That is, waves are accepted from Mixer, ESC, and Gyro technologies.
This means that you can enjoy the exact sense of navigation while airborne. According to the three acceptable channels, the copter can be flown in three directions.
This Syma product is almost indestructible in events of crashes or accidents. This is due to the upgraded aluminum frame and the enveloping canopy detail. The copter sports a brushed motor.
S107G is equipped with double protection. This feature turns the engine off whenever there's a clash or obstacle in the copter's path. What's more, there are LED lights to help navigation in the dark.
Technical Specs
- Product Dimension: 17.7 x 7.6 x 3.1 inches
- Product Weight: 13.6 ounces
- Manufacturer Recommended Age: 14 years and above
- Control Range: 10 m
- Battery: 150 mAh Li-Po
Pros
- It is highly durable.
- It can be used in the night.
Cons
- It has a low battery capacity.
6. KoolWeel S810
Made from upgraded semi-inclusive alloy, ABS main blades and tough composite frame, S810 is a very dependable copter for all beginners.
The material assures of maximum safety during flight as on-head collisions cause no severe damage, nor does crashing. The design of this copter promises optimum durability.
As per control, the KoolWeel S810 uses a built-in gyro technology for easy and precise control. Via this feature, beginners can fly in all six directions, as the copter allows, with great ease. That's not all this copter boasts.
The automatic jam protection comes in handy when the copter hits obstacle mid-air.
This will, in turn, trigger the automatic power-off function to keep the device protected. S810 runs on 250 mAh Li-Po batteries that last for 6 - 7 minutes when fully charged.
This is highly recommended if you enjoy rough flying.
Technical Specs
- Product Dimension: 8.7 x 1.8 x 4.6 inches
- Product Weight: 1.08 pounds
- Manufacturer Recommended Age: 12 years and above
- Control Range: 15 m
- Battery: 250 mAh Li-Po
Pros
- Small, agile and fast.
- Stabilizing technology.
Cons
- Transmitter batteries not included.
7. HisHerToy S880
HisHerToy S880 RC helicopter is made from an upgraded tough composite air frame that enhances durability. This toughened copter can crash into anything and resume flight immediately.
In order to stabilize movements, there's a soft tail rotor as well.
The copter is gyro-enabled, meaning that users can enjoy precise, exact navigation while airborne even if they know next to nothing about flying.
Flight can be taken in six directions, namely: up, down, forward, backward, left turn and right turn.
Unlike other RC helicopters, the S880 charges fully in just 30 minutes. Flight time meanwhile is within 7 - 8 hours.
While charging, there's a led indicator. This copter comes with police LED lights: blue and red by its side as well as a functional white light in the front.
The double protection feature helps to prevent untimely spoilage. If the blades get stuck, the copter automatically goes off. I advise that you fly this copter indoors to avoid early or several damages upon crashing.
Technical Specs
- Product Dimension: 10.5 x 5.6 x 4.5 inches
- Product Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Manufacturer Recommended Age: 8 years and above
- Control Range: 10 m
- Battery: 150 mAh Li-Po
Pros
- It has a relatively fast charger duration.
- It is very usable in the dark.
Cons
- It does not fly well in an outdoorsy environment.
8. Syma TF1001
Here comes the classic! If you care about aesthetics, this is just for you. Syma TF1001 is designed in a unique model, sporting a drone-like and copter appearance.
The material is made of durable plastic enclosing all propellers. This makes the copter safe from finger probing, crashing damages and object collisions.
Syma TF1001 is equipped with advanced gyroscope technology. This ensures very accurate movements in the air as the copter flies in all allowed directions. An exclusive feature is the aerobic flight mode that allows the copter to turn a cycle upward while flying.
These aside, this RC helicopter comes with two unique features unavailable in other products.
First, there's a landing pat that eases landing and takes off as well as makes for a better exercise option for a hobbyist.
Second, there's the altitude-hold spec that locks the copter in a position when the throttle is released.
TF1001 runs on a battery capacity of 150 mAh and lasts for an average of 6 minutes when fully charged. The charging duration is 60 minutes.
Technical Specs
- Product Dimension: 10.7 x 7.8 x 5.1 inches
- Product Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Manufacturer Recommended Age: 14 years and above
- Control Range: 20 m
- Battery: 150 mAh Li-Po
Pros
- It can go as far as 20m
- It has the emergency stop feature in terms of obstacles or blade problems.
Cons
- It charges for too long.
9. Syma S111G
Developed to fly in 6 different directions, the Syma S111G comes with a controller that can access 3 channels simultaneously.
The copter can fly over 8 meters, and can only be used indoors due to infrared control. S111G runs on a brushed motor type.
Syma S111G is built on Li-Po batteries boasting a capacity of 150 mAh. Like the majority of RC helicopters, the copter takes about 40 minutes to charge and discharges over 6 - 8 minutes of flight.
For better stability during flight, the Syma S111G is built with a tail rotor. There is as well a gyro function that ensures precision while airborne.
The copter is enabled with double protection that automatically turns off the engine when the copter faces obstruction in air.
This is unquestionable one of the top-rated indoor RC Helicopters!
Technical Specs
- Product Dimension: 17.2 x 7 x 3 inches
- Product Weight: 0.32 ounces
- Manufacturer Recommended Age: 14 years and above
- Control Range: 8 m
- Battery: 150 mAh Li-Po
Pros
- It is equipped with double protection.
- It is easy to navigate.
Cons
- It cannot be used outdoor.
Buyer's Guide: How to pick The Best Starter RC Helicopter
Our above list was compiled based on some criteria. Critical consideration of these factors will help you select just the best radio-controlled helicopter as a beginner.
Here are some relevant details to observe when selecting your newbie RC helicopter purchase:
Material
Speaking of materials, you do not have many options to select from. RC helicopters are mostly constructed using tough plastic and sturdy alloy.
Although there isn't written law, RC copters made from plastic are often intended for kids aged 8 and above. Sturdy alloy, alternatively, serves better for people above 14.
Regardless of the composition, RC helicopters are highly resistant to damages during crashes. The plastic copter, for example, is soft and elastic.
Power and Flight Time
Power deals with the battery capacity of an RC copter. Usually, RC helicopters are powered by Lithium batteries of 150 mAh and 250 mAh.
However, contrary to what you may think, this does not have a direct influence on the flight time. The average duration for TC helicopters when fully charged is 7 minutes. The only exception is the Syma S37 that lasts for 12 minutes.
The charging period has to be considered as well. Most RC helicopters charge fully within 40 - 60 minutes. You may want to opt for a model that recharges in a short while.
Ease of Navigation
For a beginner, an ideal RC helicopter should be easily navigated. It should also be durable and safe from easy damages.
An important specification is gyro-technology that helps to maintain precise, exact maneuvering while in air. Some RC helicopters come with soft tail rotors to provide better stability.
RC helicopters for dummies must have these technologies that ease flight, else you'd have a cumbersome experience while airborne.
You are however advised to minimize the usage of these features as they could make operation difficult when you start using more advanced RC helicopters.
Final Say
The ideal starter remote control helicopter depends on your preferences and interests. With the right one, you are assured of maximum satisfaction or, at least, close to.
As a beginner, look out for the RC copter that assures you of safety and protection, durability and easy navigation.
To conclude, the above list was created using the inputs of expert users and reviewers. We earnestly hope you find this guide very helpful. Get your RC helicopter today!
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