Protocol - TigerJet 3-Channel Remote-Controlled Helicopter - Yellow
Model: 5852-4A
SKU: 1093742
This item is no longer available in new condition. See similar items below
Customers praise the TigerJet 3-Channel Remote-Controlled Helicopter for its durability, ease of use, and flight control. Many customers find it easy to fly, even indoors, and appreciate its fun factor. While some customers mention a short battery life, the overall sentiment is positive, with customers highlighting its affordability and the enjoyment it brings.
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What makes this remote controlled helicopter an excellent flying toy is because of how easy it is to fly. The gyro technology built into this helicopter really does make a difference. Compared to my first toy remote controlled helicopter I bought over 5 years ago, this one is a lot easier to fly. The older helicopters would almost always have to be moving at all times during flight. This helicopter has the ability to hover in one place for long periods of time. It can them be made to move forward or backwards, or left or right, with the simple push of the controller. It even has a separate knob to fine tune the spin. Meaning, when the helicopter is hovering in place and it is slightly spinning left or right, you can counter act this by turning the little knob in the opposite direction of the spin. Very simple to do. Regarding battery life, the helicopter does run for about 10 minutes, the stated length of time by the manufacturer. And the batteries placed into the remote (6 AA), last a good amount of time when you charge the helicopter using the supplied USB cable to any phone charger (not supplied) plugged into an outlet. Otherwise, if no charger and outlet is available, you can simply use the small cable stored in a compartment within the remote. The helicopter will then charge from the 6 double AAs used by the remote. Also worth noting, the head of the yellow USB cable lights up orangey/red when it is first plugged into a wall charger/outlet. When you plug the other end into the helicopter for charging, the light turns off automatically. When the helicopter is fully charge (about an hour or so), the light will turn back on indicating the copter is fully charged. Another little feature that makes this model a nice quality toy. I believe this feature is present to remind you to unplug the charging cable when the unit is completely charged. The instructions themselves note that the helicopter should not be charged longer than necessary; this can degrade the battery. The overall quality of this particular helicopter is very good. Its frame is made of metal, and the plastic body parts seem to hold up well to crashes. After one particular crash, one side of the rear rotor bent a little. I simply had to bend the plastic rotor back into place and the helicopter continued to fly like new. Not to mention, if the rear rotor did break, a spare rotor does come in the box. This is the only spare part supplied however; the copter did not come with spare propellers. But this hasn't been an issue because the current propellers have stood up to many hard crashes and are still intact. I believe you can purchase replacement propellers if the ones on your helicopter do break. It's also worth mentioning that the remote itself is made well. The unit is firm and the controls are very accurate for a toy. I sometimes have trouble getting the helicopter to connect to the remote's frequency when I first turn them on. The process is suppose to take between 5 and 10 seconds. When this happens, I simply turn off both devices and try again. It always works the second time. But most of the time the two devices connect on the first try. Also, I've noticed that my helicopter losses it's signal to the remote when I'm flying directly in front of or above my plasma television. The helicopter will usually drop from the air when this happens. After I noticed that this was being cause by interference from the TV, I either flew it away from the TV or simply turned the TV off when I'm flying it in my living room. The last thing I'll mention is the cool colorful LCD light located on the nose of the helicopter. My 3 year old loves the flashing red and blue colors while it flies. It's particularly cool at night in a dimly lit room. I even allow him to steer the helicopter while I control the lift. Yes, this has resulted in some good hard crashes, but the little helicopter keeps on ticking. So would I recommend this helicopter to others to buy? For sure! I decided between this helicopter versus another ten dollar cheaper version (without the gyro technology built in), and I'm glad I paid a premium and picked this one. Flying this one is so much simpler than my first model. Well made toy!
Posted by dorkhead2
All too often you buy your kid a new toy and he plays with it for a few days or 2 weeks at best. This is my son's 4th helicopter and he is still enjoying it months after the purchase! He's having fun and we are all entertained! Well, everyone except our poor dog!
Posted by ZGrant
I'm not qualified to offer any technical RC model hobbyist assessment - this was just a frivolous toy purchase for me. After a few minutes getting used to the control sensitivities, I was up, flying, and maneuvering -- mostly in willful control. There is a gentle learning curve of eye hand coordination and small failures there did result in crashes, but this little thing is surprisingly tough, combining the strength of metal and flexibility of strong plastic components in the critical areas. -- it has weathered many smack downs already with no damage at all. Without wondering why, I'll tell you that I just have a blast flying this thing around the house (outside, any breeze will take it). It's small size is really as advantage inside, and didn't detract at all from it's fun factor. Flying time is approx. 7 minutes as stated -- good for people who should be getting other stuff done. If you're an old guy like me who'd like a fun intro to RC copters, I'd recommend this one.
Posted by jake