Smyths Toys RC Helicopters: What They Sell and How to Choose
Smyths Toys, the toy retailer in the UK, Ireland and parts of Europe, sells a range of remote control helicopters aimed at children and beginners. Most are small indoor helicopters with coaxial rotors or gyro stabilisation, USB charging and simple two-stick remotes, plus licensed and character models. The range changes often, so rather than recommend a specific model that may be gone next season, this page explains what types you’ll find and what to look for.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
Types you’ll find
| Type | Good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coaxial 3.5-channel | Indoor beginners | Very stable, slow |
| Gyro-stabilised minis | Kids 8+ | Easy hovering, short flights |
| Altitude-hold models | Beginners | Hold height automatically |
| Licensed/character helis | Younger fans | Looks first, flying second |
| Infrared vs 2.4 GHz | Indoor vs outdoor | IR is indoor-only |
What to look for
- Gyro stabilisation and, ideally, altitude hold.
- 2.4 GHz remote if you might fly outside on calm days.
- USB or remote charging.
- Spare blades included or available.
- Age rating suited to the child.
- Remote batteries (often AA, not always included).
Ages
Coaxial and altitude-hold helicopters suit children from about 8 with help at first. Younger children may find helicopters frustrating; a simple RC car is often a better first toy. Teenagers who enjoy flying can move to hobby-grade models later.
Flying tips
- Fly indoors in a large room, away from people and pets.
- Place the helicopter on a flat surface before switching on.
- Raise throttle smoothly until it lifts off.
- Correct spinning with trim.
- Land before the battery is completely flat.
If it won’t fly
Common problems are flat batteries, hair wrapped around rotor shafts, damaged blades or a remote not paired. Check the blades spin freely and charge fully. A coaxial heli whose bottom rotor stops while the top still spins usually has a stripped gear or motor fault. Troubleshooting is in why won’t my RC helicopter lift off and how to fix an RC helicopter.
Returns and warranty
Buying from a high-street retailer has the advantage of easy returns for faulty items. Keep the receipt and packaging, and check whether faults are covered when they appear after a crash.
Next steps
Children who outgrow a toy heli can try a 4-channel single-rotor helicopter with gyro, like those in micro RC helicopters, or move to drones. Toy helicopter basics are in toy helicopters.
Other RC at Smyths
Smyths also sells RC cars, drones and sometimes boats. The same rules apply: look for rechargeable batteries, 2.4 GHz remotes and good reviews.
Coaxial or single rotor?
Most toy-shop helicopters are coaxial: two rotors on one shaft spinning in opposite directions. They are very stable and hover almost by themselves, but they move slowly and only drift forward and back. Single-rotor helicopters with a tail rotor behave more like real helicopters: they can fly in all directions and turn more crisply, but they need more practice. Gyro stabilisation makes single-rotor toys much easier than they used to be. For a first helicopter, a coaxial model builds confidence; a child who masters it quickly will enjoy a 4-channel single-rotor helicopter more. If you’re unsure, check the box for “4-channel” or “6-axis gyro”, which usually indicates a single-rotor design with more control.
FAQ
Does Smyths sell RC helicopters?
Yes, mainly toy-grade indoor models; the range changes.
What age are they for?
Most are rated about 8+.
Can they fly outside?
Only in calm weather, and only 2.4 GHz models.
What if the bottom rotor stops?
Usually a gear or motor fault; check under warranty.
More on this topic: the complete RC Helicopters guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
