How to Buy a Remote-Control Helicopter

Choosing a remote-control helicopter

• Avoid shopping mall kiosks. Consumers say vendors in shopping malls often use aggressive tactics to sell inferior (often knock-off) remote-control helicopters. These sellers often peddle overpriced copters that can be difficult or impossible to return or get customer support for.

• Determine if hobby-grade is right for you. Remote-control helicopters sold at large retailers, like the ones reviewed here, are toy-grade RC vehicles. These have lower prices and are aimed at beginners, as they have simpler controls and mechanisms. If you want to build your own model or have prior experience in flying radio-controlled helicopters, a more complex hobby-grade model may be best. Toy-grade helicopters will be more than enough to entertain beginners and casual users, though.

• Indoor or outdoor helicopter? Most toy-grade radio-controlled helicopters are for indoor use, which means they're small (with lengths of 5 to 10 inches) and have designs that make them simple to control. There are toy-grade outdoor radio-controlled helicopters available as well, though the selection is smaller. Outdoor helicopters are larger and will have a larger operating radius and more power for dealing with some wind.

• The number of channels indicates user-controlled actions and the level of skill necessary for operation. Nearly any radio-controlled helicopter will specify how many channels it operates with. Each channel represents something that can be controlled by the user, like rotor speed, rudder direction, etc. Most toy-grade copters are three or four channel models, meaning they're simpler to control and beginner-friendly. Hobby-grade models with five- or six-channel operation require much more skill to operate and are far more expensive to buy (figure on spending at least a few hundred dollars).

• Battery life will determine how long you can go between charges. User reviews indicate that toy-grade radio-controlled helicopters generally have a short battery life that allows for 15 minutes or less of flying time between charges. Some helicopters fare worse than others and can operate for only 5 to 10 minutes, according to reviewers.

• Some RC helicopters are more durable than others. Simply put, user reviews are a good way to assess the durability of a given radio-controlled helicopter. Specifically, it's important that the helicopter is able to handle typical accidents and crashes without needing immediate repair. This is particularly important for beginners who may need practice in piloting their helicopter.

• Check for spare parts availability before buying. If you plan on keeping your helicopter for the long term, it's likely that you may need a replacement part down the road. Availability and price of parts will vary from model to model, so it's important to research this before you buy.

• You might want special features. There are a plethora of radio-controlled helicopters available, and many come with unique features. Certain RC copters have variable rates for the controls, to aid beginners in becoming accustomed to flying. Others have flashing lights, shooting missiles and tow ropes like real helicopters. Styles vary too: some look like ultra-realistic military helicopters, some have a futuristic style and some look more like traditional toys. A few models can even be controlled via smartphone with optional accessories.

• Look for a ready-to-fly (RTF) model. While most toy-grade remote control helicopters come ready to fly out of the box, not all of them do. Some require assembly or don't come with a radio transmitter. If you don't already have a radio-controlled transmitter you want to use, make sure you get a ready-to-fly unit so you can start enjoying the helicopter right out of the box as soon as it arrives.