I own four SYMA helos and they all have different characteristics.
First, I purchased a red S107G for 22$ and was blown away. However, after a multitude of crashes related to hitting the ceiling my first one was beginning to show wear (rotor blades dented/chiped, broken canopy brace, led not centered, vertical stabilizer cracked awaiting it next crash to come off) within one week.
Second, I purchased a second 107G and it came as yellow. The first thing I noticed was the yellow one, while completely identical other than color, was much more powerful and battery lasted longer. As a result, it was more fun and more difficult to fly than red.
Third, being that I am former active duty helocopter mechanic (CH-53a,d,e, T64-GE-416) for the Marines, I bought the S108G (Cobra). Folks, the Cobra is a completely different helo all together. The collective (vertical control) is not spring loaded like the S107G. Not only that, the Cobra is much more robust in its response and power and can be difficult to manage. This is troublesome to me as the Cobra's body and frame appears to be completely plastic (as apposed to the S107 having a metal frame). Also, the Cobra has one solid white light which I prefer to the flashing blue and red o the S107G. Because the collective is not spring loaded you can make it hover and set the controls down on a table it still flies. Sometimes I forget to return the collective to zero when I crash. The Cobra has lost reception several times and when it does it falls from the air and crashes. The Cobra appears to "Pop and Click" like a Marine should--no kidding. It can speed around room much faster than the others and turns much more quickly. In fact, the other seems sluggish in comparison and it is easy to "oversteer."
Forth, I also needed to satisfy my curiousity related to S109 (Apache). I have found the S109 is easier than all to fly. It also has two white leds rather than the flashing blue and red of the S107G. The controller is the same as the S107. Overall, I really find it enjoyable to reliably fly around the room with complete and utter control. I think they did this to keep the Army from crashing out of control--just kidding solders!
Bottom line, I give the S109 top rating over the others. I do find the responsivness and speed of the Cobra stimulating and of interest so I rate it second. If I fly with someone else I will choose the Cobra for its speed and responsivenees. In the end, I don't think the metal frame of the S107G will add much value as the rest of the helo is plastic and does break. The cost of replacement parts cannot be justified as a new S107G currently goes for 22$. SYMA S108G 3 CH Infrared Mini Radio Controlled Marine Cobra Helicopter Gyro
I have the S107's (2 of them) also a DH-1(basically a S107 by another manufacturer) They are both very easy to fly, right out of the box, after trimming the S108G, I think it may even be a little easier to fly. The gyro in this heli will hold a straight line. With the 107's they tend to crab a little to one side or the other. The S108G was good right out of the box, but needed a litte fine tuning. That took all of about 20-30 seconds, and flies even better. For the price, this helicopter cannot be beat ($35.00) even if it was more expensive, it would still be worth the price!!!!
The helicopter I bought is the best I've ever had although I haven't had many. It flies perfectly and is very stable. It took a couple of tries to get it down but now it is very easy. Probably the best part about this helicopter is its durability. I have crashed this helicopter countless amounts of times and it is still holding strong! The battery time is about 10 minutes (which is actually pretty good for this size helicopter). It is just about perfect and highly advised!
I'm a helicopter mechanic by trade (prior US Army, worked on AH-64 Apaches), and bought this because many of my coworkers overseas had them to pass the time in the hangar in our downtime. Long story short, this is a fairly accurate replica of an AH-1W SuperCobra, ridiculously easy to fly (for me), is exceptionally durable, and a great value overall. Keep in mind that it is VERY vulnerable to air currents, so avoid fans/AC ducts, and stay indoors. Recharges in about 30-40 mins via USB, with about 7-10 mins flight time. Stable in flight, can fly up/down/fwd/back/left/right, and is a good starter aircraft for R/C novices.
I bought this based on other reviews I read stating that his brand was better than the others. I have only used it once but it was easy enough for a first time RC helicopter buyer like myself. I practiced at first near the floor only allowing it to hover about an inch off the ground. It would drift around more than I liked and I thought I had some settings wrong, the manual is minimal at best, but when I took it a foot or two above the ground it hovered great in one spot. When it started rotating a little to the right I just adjusted the setting knob on the remote and it leveled off great.
When I plugged it up with the included charger into my laptop it was fully charged in about 30 minutes. I can see where I may need spare parts later if I hit it hard into anything. I bounced it fairly hard on our hardwood floor from about 5 feet when I thought I was going too high too fast and nothing broke.
I have only played around with it once last night so take this for what it's worth. But I had fun. ;)
I received this beauty yesterday. The packaging was way to big for it, and so the box got all bashed up in the delivery process. Yet I'm here to tell you nothing happened to the helicopter, and it quickly became one of my favorites. It is super stable, with the gyro you don't even have to mess since it was perfect right out of the box. Since I'm just starting i do recommend this helicopter to any other novice. It is made out of plastic, and can handle some crashes, though I'm beginning to think that the s107 could be a little bit tougher since its frame is made out of metal. In the end they are just toys if you are undecided between s107 and s108 just buy it for the looks they are both for beginners nothing to ponder so much about. Enjoy your helicopters YEAH!!!!! - Cobra - Syma Rc Helicopter - Syma - Mini Helicopter'
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