Like video games, remote control (RC) vehicles boost hand-eye coordination. And since the smooth operation of one requires mastery of three dimensions instead of just two, they actually do a better job of improving motor skills and sharpening the mind - no matter what age you are.
But RC vehicles aren't just good for the brain, they're lots of fun to hone skills on in a way that's uniquely satisfying. Yes, they may be toys - but they are more than that, too. We'd even use the word therapeutic as an accurate descriptor, since being at the controls can be both relaxing and stimulating at the same time.
In this article, we'll focus on both the remote control (RC) helicopters and the RC boats we offer on our website. Plus, we'll point out a few helpful things to know when you're selecting one. For example, did you know the commonly used designation of "RTR" stands for "ready to run"? A product using these code letters is sure to be fully assembled and ready to use right out of the shipping box.
To learn a few more tips, read on…
Remote Control "Channels"
You'll see the word "channel" used in descriptions of remote control vehicles. A channel refers to a specific type of radio command pertaining to vehicle function. For example, a remote control boat or car will typically have 2-channel capability - one channel to control steering inputs, and another to regulate throttle. Occasionally you may see a dual-motor boat with 3 channels with separate controls for each motor. Helicopters are usually 2- or 3-channel setups, although a few sophisticated ones have 4-channel capability.
Before we get into channels for helicopters, it's important to understand all of them we sell feature two sets of stacked rotor blades that rotate in opposite directions at equal speed to keep the helicopter stable instead of spinning out of control. These two-blade helicopters are also referred to as "coaxial" helicopters, and offer the benefit of easy controllability for both hovering and maneuvering.
With 2-channel controllers, one channel controls the speed of the main rotor to regulate lift. The second channel changes the second (coaxial) rotor speed so the helicopter can spin left or right to affect a turn. A traditional, vertical-facing tail rotor may kick on as needed to help in this effort.
3-channel helicopters add the ability to control the forward-and-back movement. Unlike real helicopters which tilt the pitch of the blades, 3-channel RC helicopters use horizontal (upward-facing) tail rotors to control forward-backward movement instead. The tail rotor is sped up to lift the rear of the copter and drive it forward. Conversely, tail rotor speed decreases to drop the rear of the copter and drive it backwards. Many feel that 3-channel helicopters offer a better overall flying experience than 2-channel setups.
4-channel helicopters, although less common, add the ability to turn left-right more effectively by creating actual sideways roll. This occurs thanks to a small servo motor that tilts the angle of an entire blade assembly to the left or right. This is known by pilots as controlling the amount of "aileron".
Additionally, 4-channel helicopters don't use a 3-channel upward-facing tail rotor to control forward and backwards movement. Instead, a small servo motor changes the angle that rotor blades are facing to create angled thrust. Like a real helicopter, the tail rotor also spins on a vertical (sideways-facing) axis. As a result, 4-channel helicopters provide a higher level of agility and nuanced control.
Some RC helicopter remotes specify 3.5 channels. What is a 3.5-channel helicopter? These actually feature a fourth channel that controls something other than aileron left-right roll action which is associated with true 4-channel units. It may be an on-off switch for LED lights, or it may help regulate speed in some other way.
Brushed Vs. Brushless Electric Motors
Since all the helicopters and boats we sell are battery powered, it's important to understand the difference between the two basic types of electric motors on these RC vehicles - "brushed" and "brushless". Brushless motors typically cost more than brushed motors, and offer advantages of superior performance, greater battery efficiency, and maintenance-free operation.
Brushed motors are simpler and cheaper, but major components wear out quickly because metal brush pieces make physical contact with commutator pieces on the rotational shaft that delivers motion and power. Made of carbon, those brush pieces literally wear down to the point where they no longer function and must be replaced.
Brushless motors, however, can last indefinitely because they rely on magnetism to achieve the same result instead of physical contact and wear. Brushless motors are also more efficient, so they produce more power with the same amount of juice. Visually, brushless motors are sealed completely and have three wires running into them, while brushed motors have ventilation slots and only two wires.
Helicopters We Offer
Note that with remote control helicopters, the handheld control units use either light-based Infrared signals or traditional radiowave frequency signals. Infrared controllers are typically labeled "IR", and are designed strictly for indoor use. They may not work well outdoors because greater amounts of light tend to interfere with signals they transmit. If you plan to use an RC helicopter outdoors, you'll want one with a traditional radiowave GHz antenna.
Indoor Helicopters
Let's start with some great values on small indoor helicopters. For kids, the World Tech Toys 2-channel Marvel theme helicopters (6.5" long, infrared remote) feature colors and design logos of various superheroes such as Iron Man, Captain America, Incredible Hulk, and Spider Man that come with or without miniature action figures flying the helicopter. Or, choose the World Tech Toys 2-channel DC Comics Licensed RC Helicopters (infrared) which are actually 7.5" tall action figures with blades on top of their heads.
Prefer stylish traditional helicopter designs over superhero themes? Mota's 3-channel iPhone/iPad Controlled Helicopter (infrared) is controlled by any Apple smart device equipped with a round Aux jack. The transmitter plugs into the phone jack, then transmits signals to the chopper. United Cutlery's Stingray Series 3-Channel RC Helicopter (infrared) features a design that's stylish yet neutral. Want to go a little bigger in size? Check out the World Tech Toys Rex Hercules Series Unbreakable 3.5 Channel IR Helicopter (15" long, infrared remote).
Outdoor Helicopters
If you plan on doing outdoor flying, we've got radiowave helicopters such as the World Tech Toys 3-channel Nano Hercules Series Helicopter (9" long, select either infrared or radiowave in Product Options). For really big fun, take a look at the World Tech Toys Metal Sparrow Series 3.5-Channel Helicopter measuring 27" long with a 21" blade span!
Remote Control Boats We Offer
Remote control boats offer a unique experience that can be relaxing or energizing depending on the mood you're in. The risk of crashing an RC boat is less than that of a helicopter or plane, but you still have to be careful about losing the boat in moving water if it travels too far from your location.
Most, if not all, RC boats include a self-righting feature which flips the craft back to an upright position at the touch of a button. This is a big plus, as you won't have to get soaked retrieving it. Double-sealing ensures the boat will not take on water and sink.
As we mentioned earlier, all RC boats we offer feature a 2-channel remote system setup, and all use radiowave signals for the most effective outdoor operation. Sealed on-board motors are designed to be quiet, clean, waterproof, and self-cooling as water flows around them.
Electric Motor Boats
Starting with best values, we've got the Rage RC Aqua Dart Series RTR Boat (10.2" long, brushed motor) that's purpose-built and weighted for lightning quick turns. Even if you do get it upside down, it includes a self-righting feature. The Black Marlin Micro-Size MX RTR Electric Boat (11" long, brushed motor) is designed to look fast and powerful just sitting still. It's actually a smaller scale version of Rage RC's attractive Black Marlin RTR Boat (28" long, choose brushed or brushless motor) which is already a fast and powerful choice for the money.
Getting into bigger sizes, we've got the Rage RC Super Cat Brushless RTR Electric Catamarin Boat (26.7" long, brushless motor) and the Velocity 800BL Brushless Deep Vee Electric Offshore Boat (32.5" long, brushless motor).
Sailboats
And if you love a true sailboat without a propeller motor, you'll appreciate the great detailing in the Rage RC Eclipse 1M RTR Sailboat (39" long). It's got big sails that cover a total of 937 square inches. An onboard sail winch servo motor allows you to change their position to catch the wind as needed.
In our Remote Control Toys main section, we also offer more than the helicopters and boats you've just read about. You'll also find a great selection of remote-controlled cars & trucks, drones, repair parts, specialized tools, and more.
We also encourage you to check through other sections of RECREATIONiD where you'll find great products for climbing, water sports equipment, camping & hiking, fishing, optical equipment, winter sports, helpful equipment for pets, and much more. If you have questions about anything on our website, we'll be happy to help on the phone seven days a week!