The Syma S107G

I want to continue this blog site by reviewing 1 model a day as I catch up the the numerous I have.   I Have already got my hands on the Syma S107G from the beginning so it makes sense to start hear.

I will give you a guide price of £17-£25.  I would not pay more for this model and include postage if you are buying from an online retailer.

The S107G is regarded as the best indoor helicopter bar none.  It is very well built and handles better than any other helicopter bar.  This helicopter is very stable in flight and the easiest in the world to fly.  This one is best for if you want something for a sensible child to fly.  It is not frustrating when learning and has the best list of parts available of any indoor helicopter.

Syma as a brand is a very popular manufacturer from China.  It also trades under another name of Double Horse whose models tend to be the larger outside models.  They have a good build quality and excellent parts support.  I give them a 9 out of 10 for there products which is currently higher than any other review (I am saving a 10 in case something better appears).  Syma are so well regarded that there are now knock off's appearing out of China claiming to be them.  Sounds unbelievable doesn't it, cheap china goods that are now so good that a knock off market has emerged.

Build quality:  The S107G has an all metal frame construction.  That is not the cheap alloy metal but a light weight stainless steel chassis.  The plastics are ABS and very flexible which is essential for indoor use.  The remote control is of  3 channel configuration and has a quality far better than rivals. You will need 6 AA batteries and can recharge your helicopter from it.  It also includes a USB lead which I suggest you use unless you have rechargeable AA batteries.  The electrics and avionics are the finest of any indoor helicopter tested to date.

What's good:  The S107G feels like quality out of the box (yes quality despite being cheap Chinese goods).  It weighs more than it's rivals due to it's solid build.  The S107G has been designed to fly well, not be built as cheaply as possible.  The gearing system has been left visible which gives you the first clue why the helicopter flies so well.  The gearing is complicated, not like it's rivals direct motor on drive cog configuration.  In the air it is so stable, the Gyro keeps it in one direction and remains solid in flight.  The electronics are well concealed in the frame and the LED's are not overdone. A complete novice should be able to fly this competently in about 20 minutes, approximately 2 charges.

What's bad;  The S107G does have weak spots despite it's metal frame.  The rear decorative trim has broken on mine and needs replacing (about £2), in addition the plastic top rotor broke when a kid flew it purposely making it crash and dance across the floor.  The damage was about £1.42, however this I don't count as wear and tear or failure due to the circumstances.  Other than that it has taken loads of abuse and lives to tell the tale.

Conclusion: The biggest draw back of the S107G comes back to its strength. It is so good at flying it soon becomes boring.  It is pretty slow backwards and forwards which doesn't help, you will quickly master it and probably get bored.  I will explore possibilities of upgrading it when I get time.  Overall I think the S107G is the best choice for the total novice.  great for showing off to your mates what a great pilot you are.

9 out of 10