7 Best Coaxial RC Helicopters – Easy to Fly
A coaxial RC helicopter is the best trainer model bar none. So why do fewer RC fans fly copters than planes and drones? It’s because helis of the past had a reputation for being overly difficult to control. The coaxial configuration (see below) and failsafe technology has put an end to that. Now anyone can learn to fly radio-controlled choppers, even youngsters.
This short introduction will help newbies make better buying decisions. It explains what coaxial helis are and why they’re the perfect choice for beginners. Let’s start by looking at what these models are along with their advantages and drawbacks.
Budget |
---|
ROTOBAND Micro Coaxial Heli |
4.4/5.0 |
Flight Time: 8 minutes |
Flight Range: 30 feet (9M) |
Quality materials, crash-resistant, affordable, easy charging. |
Check Amazon |
Best Value |
---|
Syma S111G Coaxial Heli |
4.5/5.0 |
Flight Time: 8 minutes |
Flight Range: 20 feet (6M) |
Easy to fly & control, detailed paintwork, LEDs, USB charging. |
Check Amazon |
Top Pick |
---|
Blade mCX BNF Coaxial Heli |
4.6/5.0 |
Flight Time: 10 minutes |
Flight Range: Bind-N-Fly |
Easy to pilot, stable flier, 5-in-1 board, durable, decent flight time, fast charging. |
Check Amazon |
What Are Coaxial Helicopters—Exactly?
Electric counter-rotating coaxial helicopters also go by the names dual rotor and contra-rotating helis. The best way to explain these models is to first look at how a regular heli flies. Typical helicopters have one main rotor that usually has two blades. When the main rotor spins, it generates torque or rotating force. The fuselage then wants to turn in the opposite direction to the blades—but it mustn’t.
A traditional heli needs a tail rotor to prevent it from spinning out of control. The tail rotor’s job is to counteract the torque generated by the main rotor. It does this by pushing air in opposition to the direction of the fuselage rotation. That’s how it the single-rotor arrangement steadies the craft.
Coaxial helicopters don’t need a tail rotor. That’s because they have two main rotors mounted one above the other on a concentric shaft. These rotors spin in opposite directions to cancel the torque produced by the other. The result is a steady fuselage that doesn’t need a tail rotor to fly.
The Pros and Cons of RC Coaxial Helicopters
Coaxial copters look like regular choppers at a glance. They are so easy to fly that anyone can take to the air with little or no experience and still not crash. There is a price for such stability and ease of use, though. Below are some of the pros and cons of flying coaxial type whirlybirds.
Advantages of coaxial RC helicopters include the following:
- Beginner-friendly at all age levels
- The dual rotor system is more stable than single rotor helis
- Quieter. That’s a plus point since many models fly indoors
- More compact design. Makes them safer and easier to fly inside
Disadvantages of coaxial RC helicopters are:
- Less agile than single rotor copters
- Limited forward
- Higher wind sensitivity (especially micro-sized models)
- Restrictions can soon become boring
The good news is that entry-level coaxial helicopters are affordable, so it doesn’t cost a lot to try. There are many models for less than $50. That makes them an inexpensive introduction to the world of whirlybirds. Lots of modern single-rotor helicopters come with crash-resistant safety features and training modes. Even so, it still makes sense to get a little experience with coaxial models first.
RC Coaxial Helicopter Buying Considerations
There’s no need to get too fussy if you only want a cheap, entry-level coaxial heli to experiment with. The brand names are a bit more expensive, but they do offer better products than low-cost, unknown names. Here are a few things to consider before you buy any chopper be it a single or dual rotor.
- Size: especially important if you want to fly safely indoors
- Look for non-toxic materials when buying for younger kids
- Crash-resistant build and availability of spare parts—just in case
- Flight time on a single charge
- Cost of extra flight batteries of swappable
- The time it takes to recharge a flat battery
- Anything else you can think of
About My ‘Coaxial RC Helicopter’ Guide
My guide reviews 7 of the best coaxial whirlybirds around for all budgets. I looked at dozens of models before coming up with this shortlist. I also considered the opinions of industry experts and user reviews for the final selection. Each piece is concise and easy to read. The first 3 products are Best Budget, Best Value, and the Top Pick. The table below shows the RC helis as they appear on the page.
Coaxial RC Helicopters Comparison Table
Make and Model | Flight Time | Flight Range | Price |
---|---|---|---|
ROTOBAND Micro Coaxial RC Helicopter | 8 minutes | 30 feet (9M) | Check Price |
Syma S111G Coaxial RC Helicopter W/ Gyro | 8 minutes | 20 feet (6M) | Check Price |
Blade mCX BNF Coaxial RC Helicopter | 10 minutes | Bind-N-Fly | Check Price |
Syma S107/S107G Mini Indoor Coaxial Heli | 7 minutes | 98 feet (30M) | Check Price |
WLtoys V398 Missile Shooting Coaxial RC Heli | 8 minutes | 75 feet (23M) | Check Price |
WTT Unbreakable Spy Hercules Coaxial Heli | 8 minutes | 33 feet (10M) | Check Price |
Blade E-flite mCX2 RTF Coaxial RC Heli | 8 minutes | Not specified | Check Price |
1. ROTOBAND Micro Coaxial RC Heli | Best Budget
Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5
The ROTOBAND Micro Coaxial RC Heli makes our Best Budget pick. It’s a small, lightweight helicopter that’s super easy for first-time pilots to fly. The model is compatible with all EU and US standards.
- Best feature 1: Gyroscope technology
- Best feature 2: Beginner-friendly features
- Plus points: Quality materials, crash-resistant, affordable, easy charging, fast charging time
- Minus points: Short flight time, restricted flight control
ROTOBAND Micro Coaxial Heli Highlights
ROTOBAND’s Micro helicopter boasts a durable metal airframe and composite tail rotor. That makes it incredibly crash-resistant for a beginner model. It’s also a stable flier thanks to the coaxial rotors and gyroscope technology, so accidents are rare. The 3.5 channel transmitter gives newbie pilots up/down, left/right, and forward/backward flight control. It has a lot going on for such an affordable craft.
Charging the battery couldn’t be simpler. All you do is plug it in directly to the remote controller and wait for about 45 minutes. That’s a lot faster than many of the costlier models out there. The only downside to this kind of charging is that it drains the transmitter batteries quicker.
The Not So Good
The only cons with this budget-friendly model are short battery life and flight restrictions. The flying time on a single charge is 8 minutes. That’s better than some, but it still means you must land the bird soon after takeoff. The 3.5 channel (CH) doesn’t give as much flight freedom as a 4CH model. That’s also a good thing for newbies as it makes the heli easier to fly albeit a tad boring after a while.
Tech Specs |
---|
Heli Type: Coaxial RTF |
Dimensions: 8.7 x 4.6 x 1.8” |
Shipping Weight: 17.6 oz. |
Range: 30 ft. (9 meters) |
Battery: 3.7V 250mAh Li-Poly |
Charging Time: 45 minutes |
Max Flight Time: 8 minutes |
Radio Controller: 3.5 channel |
The Pros |
---|
Gyroscope technology |
Beginner-friendly features |
Quality materials |
Crash-resistant |
Affordable |
Easy transmitter charging |
Fast charging time |
The Cons |
---|
Short flight time |
Restricted flight control |
2. Syma S111G Coaxial RC Helicopter | Best Value
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
The Best Value ready to fly (RTF) RC helicopter goes to the Syma S111G double rotor design. It’s a 3.5 channel model and makes an excellent, easy-to-fly chopper for first-time pilots.
- Best feature 1: Crash-resistant build
- Best feature 2: Built-in stabilizing gyroscope
- Plus points: Easy to fly & control, detailed paintwork, LEDs, USB charging, fast charging
- Minus points: Short flight time, slow flier, infrared (IR) control
Syma S111G Coaxial Heli Highlights
Syma’s S111G coaxial heli is ultra-lightweight, smooth in the air, and stable. That makes it the ideal indoor training copter for those new to whirlybirds. It can withstand plenty of mild crashes too though it’s not quite as sturdy as the previous pick. The model has a striking United States Coast Guard (USCG) finish. It also sports brightly colored LEDs which add to its appeal.
The USB charging is welcome as it doesn’t use the transmitter batteries like some models. Charging is fast too taking only 30 minutes to reenergize a flat battery.
The Not So Good
The flight time is average at 8 minutes which is disappointing albeit typical. At least it doesn’t take long to recharge a dead battery. Syma’s S111G is a slow flying heli. That’s also one of its attractions for first-time pilots. Even so, slow helis can become boring once skills develop.
Another setback is the infrared (IR) controller as IR doesn’t work well outdoors in bright sunlight. Add the helis ultra-lightweight, and you have an indoor-only bird unless it’s a calm, overcast day.
Tech Specs |
---|
Heli Type: Coaxial RTF |
Dimensions: 17.2 x 7 x 3” |
Shipping Weight: 0.32 oz. |
Range: 20 ft. (6 meters) |
Battery: 3.7V 150mAh LiPo |
Charging Time: 30 minutes |
Max Flight Time: 8 minutes |
Radio Controller: 3.5CH Infrared (IR) |
The Pros |
---|
Crash-resistant build |
Built-in stabilizing gyroscope |
Easy to fly & control |
Detailed USCG paintwork |
Bright colored LEDs |
USB charging |
Fast charging time |
The Cons |
---|
Short flight time |
Slow forward flier |
Infrared controller |
3. Blade mCX BNF Coaxial RC Helicopter | Top Pick
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
Our Top Pick goes to the Blade mCX, coaxial helicopter. It’s a Bind-N-Fly (BNF) model and needs a Spektrum™ DSM2™ to complete. It’s the costliest model on the page, but is it worth the extra?
- Best feature 1: Perfect size for indoor flying
- Best feature 2: Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM2 compatible receiver
- Plus points: Easy to pilot, stable flier, 5-in-1 board, durable, decent flight time, fast charging
- Minus points: High price tag, restricted outdoor use
Blade mCX Coaxial RC Heli Highlights
The Blade mCX coaxial RC helicopter is a perfect model for advanced beginners and above. It’s fun to fly and offers unrivaled stability and impressive flight control for its class. The brain of the mCX is its 5-in-1 control board. The board precisely manages both rotors for the ultimate flying experience. It’s a tough little bird too that stands up to accidents remarkably well.
Another welcome feature is the long 10+ minute flight time on a single charge. That’s considerably more than many micro-sized helis. Charging times are equally impressive at around 30 minutes. The model has the most potential and flexibility of all the coaxial helis on this page.
The Not So Good
Blade mCX Coaxial RC Heli is more than 6 times the cost of the cheapest model on this page. You need to buy a Spektrum™ DSM2™ transmitter too if you don’t already have one. So, it’s better as an upgrade for advanced beginners and above than a first-time chopper. Its lightweight and small size also mean it’s restricted to indoor flying on all but the calmest of days.
Tech Specs |
---|
Heli Type: Coaxial BNF |
Dimensions: 16.5 x 9 x 6.5” |
Heli Weight: 1 oz. |
Range: Depends on the transmitter |
Battery: 3.7V 120mAh 1S Li-Po |
Charging Time: 30 minutes |
Max Flight Time: 10 minutes |
Radio Controller: (not included) |
The Pros |
---|
Perfect size for indoor flying |
Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM2 compatible receiver (RX) |
Easy to pilot |
Stable flier |
5-in-1 board |
Durable build |
Decent flight time |
Fast charging time |
The Cons |
---|
Costly for a coaxial heli |
Limited outdoor use |
4. Syma S107/S107G Mini Indoor Coaxial Heli
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
Meet the Syma S107/S107G Mini, an affordable coaxial RC helicopter for beginners. It’s a functional ultra-micro, palm-sized model that’s only 8.6 inches long.
- Best feature 1: Ultra-micro, palm-sized
- Best feature 2: Stabilizing gyroscope
- Plus points: Easy to fly, 3 channel controller, metal body, flashing LED, dual charging
- Minus points: Infrared (IR) controller, short flight time
Syma S107/S107G Mini Coaxial Heli Highlights
It’s incredible how much technology Syma packs into its S107 heli for the price. This small whirlybird is steady in the air thanks to its stabilizing gyroscope technology. That means beginners can focus on flying without worrying about accidents. Even the raw novice is unlikely to crash this puppy, but it’s well-protected if they do. The model has a sturdy metal frame yet remains lightweight at just 1.19 oz.
The 3CH (channel) controller is ideal for first-time heli pilots. Flight controls include forward/backward, up/down, left/right, and hover. There’s also a flashing LED to give the craft a more realistic appeal. Users can charge the battery via the included transmitter or by USB. The USB charging only takes 30 minutes, so it’s a short wait until you’re back in the air.
The Not So Good
It’s a budget-priced RC helicopter with an economical infrared (IR) controller. The issue with IR is that it’s unusable outdoors in sunlight which interferes with the signal. So, it’s primarily an indoor chopper because of the IR and lightweight build. Outdoor flying can only happen on overcast days with zero wind. The flight time is a typical—yet disappointing—7 minutes at best.
Tech Specs |
---|
Heli Type: Coaxial RTR |
Dimensions: 8.6 x 1.49 x 3.85” |
Heli Weight: 1.19 oz. |
Range: 98 ft. (30 meters) |
Battery: 3.7V 150mAh Li-poly |
Charging Time: 30 minutes |
Max Flight Time: 7 minutes |
Radio Controller: Infrared (IR) transmitter, bands A, B |
The Pros |
---|
Palm-sized model |
Stabilizing gyroscope |
Easy to fly at beginner level |
3 channel controller |
Sturdy metal body |
Flashing LED |
Dual charging options |
The Cons |
---|
Infrared (IR) controller |
Short flight time |
5. WLtoys V398 Missile Shooting Coaxial RC Heli
Editor’s Rating: 4.2/5
WLtoys’ V398 coaxial heli offers something different that appeals to younger pilots. It fires toy missiles while in flight, either one at a time or six at once. That’s just part of its attraction.
- Best feature 1: Rapid shooting Missile RC heli
- Best feature 2: Built-in stabilizing gyro
- Plus points: Easy to control, small & lightweight, durable ABS material, LED light effects
- Minus points: Short flight time, infrared (IR) controller
V398 Missile Shooting Coaxial Heli Highlights
The V398 co-axial chopper comes with a built-in stabilizing gyro to keep it stable during flights. A steady flier leaves young pilots free to focus on the battle at hand. The model is small and light enough to fly just about anywhere indoors. Raw beginners are still likely to experience a few crashes but don’t worry. This model uses durable ABS plastic that does an excellent job of protecting it.
The missile capability gives a unique twist to flying that appeals to kids. The game element removes the boredom that can sometimes come with 3 channel, coaxial helis. The airframe’s bright LED lights look amazing in the dark and add further to the V398’s charm. Battery life isn’t too good, though (see below). Still, the fast 30 minute charging time makes the short flights less of an issue.
The Not So Good
The flight time is around 5 minutes if you play hard or 8+ minutes if you don’t. It isn’t the kind of copter RC pilots want to fly slow and steady. The controller is infrared (IR) which is typical with budget-end helis. That means you can’t use it outdoors on bright sunny days. The controller takes 6 AAs. Make sure you buy the controller batteries if you by this fun-loving heli as a surprise gift.
Tech Specs |
---|
Heli Type: Coaxial RTF |
Dimensions: 9.2 x 3.9 x 2.8” |
Shipping Weight: 17.44 oz. |
Range: 33 ft. (10 meters) |
Battery: 3.7V 240mAh Lipo |
Charging Time: 30 minutes |
Max Flight Time: 8 minutes |
Radio Controller: 3.5CH IR |
The Pros |
---|
Missile rapid shooting RC heli |
Built-in stabilizing gyro |
Easy to control |
Small & lightweight (flies anywhere) |
Durable ABS material |
LED light effects |
The Cons |
---|
Short flight time |
Infrared controller |
6. WTT Unbreakable Spy Hercules Coaxial Heli
Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5
The feature that stands out with the Spy Hercules Coaxial Heli is its durability. It’s so tough the maker’s dare to say it’s unbreakable. That’s music to the ears for raw beginners.
- Best feature 1: Ultra-strong (unbreakable) polymer body
- Best feature 2: Mini SD video/picture camera
- Plus points: Beginner-friendly, stabilizing gyro, spare blades, wall charger
- Minus points: Memory card not included, short flight time, long charging
Spy Hercules Coaxial Heli Highlights
This puppy has an ultra-strong polymer body that can take up to 200 lbs., of force. Heck, you can even see people treading on it in the promotional vids. Another remarkable feature is the Mini SD video/picture camera. Okay, it’s not going to win any awards in aerial videography or photography. Despite that, the image quality of this tiny built-in camera is surprisingly good. It’s certainly viewable.
New pilots can fly this tiny bird with confidence. It comes with a gyro that guarantees steady flights and hovering. Crashing this model even at the novice level is difficult. The part most at risk of damage if you do smash into something are the propellers. Well, there are spare blades in the box to cover prop damage. The control range for the Spy Hercules is a generous 150 feet (46 M).
The Not So Good
You need an 8GB memory card to save the aerial footage (not included). Expect to pay around $6 for a card if you don’t already have one. Another gripe is the all too familiar short flight time. This model should fly for around 8 minutes or slightly less on a full charge. Unfortunately, the 90+ minutes USB charging time is double that of similar helis. Backup batteries are must-have extras.
Tech Specs |
---|
Heli Type: Coaxial RTF |
Dimensions: 25.5 x 4 x 9.8” |
Heli Weight: 1.12 oz. |
Range: 75 ft. (23 meters) |
Battery: Built-in 7.4V Li-ion |
Charging Time: 90+ minutes |
Max Flight Time: 8 minutes |
Radio Controller: 3.5CH Transmitter |
The Pros |
---|
Unbreakable polymer body |
Built-in video/picture camera |
Beginner-friendly features |
Stabilizing gyro |
Spare blades |
Wall charger |
The Cons |
---|
Memory card not included |
Short flight time |
Long charging time |
7. Blade E-flite mCX2 RTF Coaxial RC Helicopter
Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5
The mCX2 is another Blade® favorite coaxial heli that pilots can enjoy at any level. The company assembles and test flies each of these models before dispatch.
- Best feature 1: Pre-flown & tested at the factory
- Best feature 2: Sleek, full body design
- Plus points: Beginner-friendly, durable, easy maintenance, adjustable controls, LEDs
- Minus points: Short flight time, indoor-only
Blade E-flite mCX2 Coaxial Heli Highlights
Consider the Blade E-flite mCX2 dual rotor RC helicopter if you like full-body designs. It flies as well as it looks too. This is not a budget-priced toy, but it is exceptional value. One of its pilot-friendly features is the precision swashplate with user-selectable settings. That gives you control over the speed. It’s a sturdy little copter, and one that’s easy to maintain thanks to the quick release shell.
The colorful flashing LEDs and cabin lights provide a realistic feel that RC’ers appreciate. The 5-in-1 control unit is also worth mention and includes the following:
- Spektrum 2.4 GHz DSM2 compatible receiver
- Main motor ESCs
- Mixer
- Gyro
- Fully-proportional servos
The Not So Good
Flight time is only 8 minutes. Don’t let the short battery life put you off if you’re new to RC helis. Eight minutes is not long but typical. The better news is the super-fast 20 minute charging time. You need to allow 10–15 minutes for the motor to cool down between flights anyway. Note that this heli weighs less than an ounce. That restricts it to indoor flying only, that’s unless there’s zero wind outdoors.
Tech Specs |
---|
Heli Type: Coaxial RTF |
Dimensions: 16.5 x 8.5 x 5.7” |
Heli Weight: 0.96 oz. |
Range: Not specified (short) |
Battery: 3.7V 120mAh 14C LiPo |
Charging Time: 20+ minutes |
Max Flight Time: 8 minutes |
Radio Controller: 4CH 2.4Ghz |
The Pros |
---|
Pre-flown & tested by factory |
Sleek, full body design |
Beginner-friendly features |
5-in-1 control unit |
Durable build |
Easy maintenance |
Adjustable controls |
Flashing LEDs |
The Cons |
---|
Short flight time |
Suited mostly to indoors |
Contents
- What Are Coaxial Helicopters—Exactly?
- The Pros and Cons of RC Coaxial Helicopters
- RC Coaxial Helicopter Buying Considerations
- About My ‘Coaxial RC Helicopter’ Guide
- Coaxial RC Helicopters Comparison Table
- 1. ROTOBAND Micro Coaxial RC Heli | Best Budget
- ROTOBAND Micro Coaxial Heli Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 2. Syma S111G Coaxial RC Helicopter | Best Value
- Syma S111G Coaxial Heli Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 3. Blade mCX BNF Coaxial RC Helicopter | Top Pick
- Blade mCX Coaxial RC Heli Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 4. Syma S107/S107G Mini Indoor Coaxial Heli
- Syma S107/S107G Mini Coaxial Heli Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 5. WLtoys V398 Missile Shooting Coaxial RC Heli
- V398 Missile Shooting Coaxial Heli Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 6. WTT Unbreakable Spy Hercules Coaxial Heli
- Spy Hercules Coaxial Heli Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 7. Blade E-flite mCX2 RTF Coaxial RC Helicopter
- Blade E-flite mCX2 Coaxial Heli Highlights
- The Not So Good