Heli Shooter
Street Price: $35 US
Manufacturer: Fast Lane RC
Mfr's recommended min. age: 8+
Our recommended age range: 8+
Primary use: Indoors
Top speed: n/a
Runtime per charge: ~5 mins.
Controller: Infrared
Includes:
- Assembled heli
- Controller / charger
- Spare rotors
- 4x projectiles
- Instructions
- 6x AA batteries
Initial Impressions
Over the past few years I've tested a number of RC helicopters that have the ability to shoot things, either with real projectiles, or infrared "lasers." What kid doesn't like the concept? Unfortunately these products are usualy hit & miss on quality, with none of them truly excelling. The Fast Lane Heli Shooter appears to be based on the Hawk 4, with a more sleek canopy style ripped off from the Syma S107G, and a couple of torpedo or rocket pods attached to the sides. From the outward appearance and price, I didn't have the highest hopes for this one. Let's see if my worries were well-founded...
Test & Review Video
Conclusion
No, no my worries were not well-founded at all! Honestly this is the best-performing heli I've tested to date that shoots actual, physical projectiles, outperforming higher-priced products from industry stalwart Air Hogs. It shows that gyro stabilization is an absolute must in toy-grade RC helis these days, and yet the entire package can be successfully put together and sold at a very reasonable price. I'm really happy with this purchase. I think the only things that could make it better without raising the price would be better-designed targets that don't fall over if you look at them too intently, and more appropriate military-themed attack heli fuselage styling.