Rob Raux - Observations

The Christmas ‘Copter

I bought this helicopter as a Christmas gift for the family (and of course myself). The two year old loves watching it fly around the living room while shouting at it while I enjoy piloting it around his attempts at destruction. For $35 it’s expendable enough I don’t feel like I’m protecting a family heirloom.

Flying

The initial feel of the controls allows you to easily over handle it. The controls are much more subtle and responsive than I would have predicted. This takes a bit of getting used to but once you’re familiar it adds even more enjoyability.

The helicopter is flyable for about 5-6 minutes after it’s fully charged. This doesn’t sound like a lot of time, nor is it, but it is at least sufficient to get some real flying in. Of course if you’re crashing the helicopter ever 10 seconds it can be a bit frustrating.

Make sure to read the sparse directions, it has some good tips for initially configuring the helicopter to fly. This step is imperative if you don’t want the machine spinning in circles as you curse at it.

Durability

The frame is made out of Styrofoam. The blades are a hard plastic that have yet to break despite hitting walls, chairs, coaches, and tables. It has a medium quality feel to it. It’s not something you’re going to be able to pass down to your children in twenty years but you will get some quality hours of fun out of it.

The helicopter could not survive being stepped on, but it has survived just about everything else.

Pro’s

1. Relatively Cheap
2. Durable enough for everyday use
3. Remarkably fun to fly

Con’s

1. Flight time is on the low side
2. Directions are a bit spotty
3. Very affected by drafts

Where to get yours

I bought mine from a company (through Amazon) and it came without an issue. For more pictures take a look at this “in action” gallery.

Micro X Copter - XRotor Electric RC Mini Helicopter