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Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
My tots LOVE running in circles while I fly this. So fun, I could fly all day.
i realy love this f-22 raptor the landing gear make the plane slow and low fliyer but if u tak off the gear its fast and high flyed to make the plane stall leat the thottle down then trun the plane it will spirlal down the fastey thit the thottle before it hits the ground it will take of agian its the best plane it last of me 1 year
This is a great micro rc jet, I have owned mine for 8 months and it still flies great, plus it is still in one piece after multiple wing over crashes (depron is stronger than EP foam). The 49Mhz RX/TX is longer range and the filter modes in the TX help alot with control issues (I.E. hold left or right stick, turn on TX, wait for the red LED to stop flashing, then, let go of the control stick. you are in filtered or non filtered mode, this modifies the reaction time for the digital proportional steering as well as throttle up speed. This plane is worth the money. Very acrobatic once you master this micro and very scale in appearance once airborne.
great training
cheap(incase it breaks)
good gift
This plane is cheap and alot of fun when i bought my first starscream i thought it was going to be junk but it flys nice i took of the wheels and it flys ten times better so buy 1 or maby 2 and have lots of fun. p.s it can withstand crashes.
from Upper midwest on 7/25/2008
After flying it a FEW times, then the instructions make sense! I authored 2 eBooks on imported R/C airplanes and helicopters[...] This however is THRUST VECTOR control and uses NO servos, a very different animal! Anyway, here goes:1) Take the landing gear OFF right outta the box. This is a hand launch toy, R.O.G. takeoffs are just putting more wear on it and little stones will chew up the props.2) Open the transmitter and undo the spring loading mechanism for the left stick. Fly this thing at exactly midrange (half throttle).3) To trim the motors: Push left stick forward to get RPM on both, then pull back until they both slow. If one motor stops before the opposing one, TRIM it (knob) so they match for cutoff. That's the easiest way to do it.4) Launch it like a paper airplane at that midrange (centered left stick) I mentioned.5) Fly it nicely with the TRIM KNOB instead of the right stick once altitude is reached.6) ANY WIND AT ALL... it walks away from you as I have lost it in trees and wheat fields 3x now.7) If it starts getting "out there", DITCH the thing by pulling left stick back and pushing right stick left or right to cause a spiral to a lower altitude. Neutralize right stick ~50' up and let plane settle with NO power on motors.8) Keep it in your trunk for impromptu fun!9) When done flying: note that all Li-Po batteries should be HALF charged for longterm storage, so recharge a DEAD unit ~5 mins. 10) If you TRASH it... keep the R/C gear and motors, you can build a scratchbuilt plane using bluecore foam from Lowes or Home Depot! I am building a little 4 engine B-29 bomber clone from the stuff!FINAL NOTE: If you have control/range problems with the radio... 49MHz gear is susceptible to lodestone interference from the ground and you will have control issues with these cheap R/C toys. The REAL R/C stuff doesn't suffer these problems. Read my eBook for correcting this and doing radio range checks. TTFN!
Images shared by: Aero_eBook[@]Some content from Heli eBook. (Sold ~1200 copies)
Content from the Aero eBook. (Sold ~100 copies)
This jet is loads of fun. It takes some practice but flies like a real jet. I look forward to flying it everyday but wait for evenings with low wind.
Anyone notice in the pic of the jet it shows the propellers higher up on the rudders? My propellers are attached at the back of each wing behind the decal. Just a design diff I guess.(pic later)
I want another one. It's challenging enough to be fun for all and easy enough for a novice. I've crashed it many times and it still flies.
You must adjust the trim(center button) for plane to take off straight and then hit the right stick on controller to turn before it goes out of range.
It's a pretty good plane. It's very good for [$]. I got about 2 weeks use and then it landed in the neighbors gutter. It was ripped in half. It's controls are OK but it goes fast. They could have done better constructing it. It is made out of foam and a lot of tape(I mean like 2 pounds of tape). The propellers fall of a lot and the instructions are poor but overall it's a pretty good plane.
I like this plane. Its fun to play with. You just have to get used to controlling. Also its great for starters and is good for the price.
It is the best trainner and plane that I have flown so far.It flys perfect for a beginner.Also it is very strong when it comes to crashing it.
The plane did not fly. I have flown alot R/c and would not recommend this toy.
I hand lauched this plane and it flew straight to the ground.
The plane took off from ground and turned sharply and hit the ground.
I've bought many Rc gadgets and could not control them, but with this product I broke thru and learned basic control. I had had fun while doing it .
I use it to have fun because I like rc airplanes. It is best to use in baseball parks.
It goes fast, it is easy to control, it has landing gear to take off and land like a pro.
I don't have anything to say about Things that aren't so grat about it.
for the money this thing is just awesome been flying it all day until charge was down.. hit trees hit the ground picked it up and kept flying.. going to buy a bunch of them cheap easy for hobby flying which I have always wanted to do but didn't want to wreck a 300 dollar plane.. would recommend only for a calm day
from New Iberia LA on 5/31/2008
I saw it on sale for ten bucks couldnt resist trying. Went to the park took about ten minutes to get it sorted out after that amazing. I had all kinds of people watching. When i told them the price they were impressed. One drawback it has made me an rc plane junky been on the the net looking at all kinds of planes. warning this is a gateway toy it will lead to other more expensive ones
Flies great at the price. I paid [$] bought 2, first one had extreme range issues (defective) range of 15 ft, contacted warrenty company and am awaiting response, second plane flies great, took 1 or 2 flights to get the hang of it, but great control at the price. Beware wind, because of the size and weight it only takes a little wind to greatly affect it. Calm day with a nice open area though, this cheap little flier is VERY fun. Would definately recommend to a friend.
from Fredericksburg, Va on 5/26/2008
No control.....Flies out and then DOWN
i didn't like this plane because it woudn't really fly it took about 60 ft just for it just to get in the air. when i finally got the hag of it the plane was nerly in two.when i tried throwing it ti just went straight for the ground. if you still prefer to buy it then atleast go to a good size grassed feald.
have bought 8 of these things ,too much fun for such a low price....
This is a very good product but it takes alot practice to get the thing to fly my suggestion is that you by two because by the time you get comfortable fying it it is completely TRASHED.The thing also has a slight turning probem. Overal this is very good product!!!!!!!!!!!
I would not mind buying one of these things again because of how much fun me and my friends had with it. It is a great thingto play with when there is nothing to do around the house.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
When I bought this plane it was smaller than I expected. When I went to go do my first flight I took it off from the ground. it flew for about 10 ft and then it crashed hard but it was fine.the next day I flew it it got pretty high. it is fast. I just think that they should have reinforced the nose because it gets all beaten up.
I would suggest practice with some beginner planes. and a big grass feild for flying. Have FUN!!
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
the most fun thing to fly!! hours of fun. beware of trees. dont listen to anyone who says its bad. it doesnt get any better
from Limerick, PA (outside Philadelphia) on 5/10/2008
I bought one of these planes at full price last fall and never really got to fly it...now that it's spring and the 20 acre field across from my house is planted for sod I have the perfect place to fly. I have planes that cost me well in to the hundreds of dollars but this is the one I fly the most. It is easy to fly (when it is not to windy). The plane charges fast and you get a 10-15 minutes of flight. The plane can take some abuse...I've crashed it plenty of times and finally broke. I bought 2 more and love them...you can't beat the price. It costs me 4 time that just to gas my car up. [...]
Sweet raptor replica! A couple of quick mods gives it good range. very fun to fly, not for beginner pilots, intermediate only! A few flights and you'll be doing stunts impossible with other micros.
good fun and very inexpensive, what do you expect for a few bucks? you just have to watch out if a wind blows in, mine has been stuck on the rooftop a couple of times
the best [$] i have ever spent to have so much fun. i've had it over 120 feet in the air, and it would have went higher but i wouldnt be able to see it. keep it away from trees though.
This is my second StarScream! [$]i flew it at a park while it was kind of windy. it went really high! also the battery last very long. before flight, add some pieces of tape to the body and wings, so when you crash hard it wont get damaged as much.
from Austin Indiana on 4/29/2008
Difficult to fly, but once you get the feel for the controls, it becomes very easy. Unfortunatly, it took several devastating crashes to learn the controls. With my plane it seemed like the more tape i added (to repair it ) the better it flew. The wheels on this plane are worthless and get in the way. I took off from the ground and landed several times and then took the wheels off to put on another plane i have. When my first one was ready to retire, i bought another. I really enjoy this plane and hope to see a bigger model soon.
from Tampa, FL on 4/26/2008
Got it from my local Radio Shacks scrap pile, fixed it easy and was flying within 20 minutes. Great controls, just cheaply constructed. Would not pay full price, but its [$] now, so thats a good price.
it's fun to use but I have 43 acres and it still gets away from me
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
It flew like a lead balloon and a ostrich flies better than this.
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
Mine does not fly for more than two or three seconds before the engine shuts off automatically. And then if the plane lands in the grass the engine still runs when I have the throttle off.Not good.
Great airplane ! I've had mine on a good day fly
atleast 250 ft. in the air, I could barely see
it. Its best to keep it semi close 150 ft. around you so when the power slows down after flying
you won't be walking awhile to retrieve it. It's
a super plane and fun to fly. I have 3 of them,
two 49mgh and one 27mgh. Takes off great, flies
like a jet,stands up to a few hard crashes,simply
fun,fun,fun. Lightweight and powerful in the air
sharp turns, great flight, glides like a pro when
you power off in the air,its a nice r/c plane !
The Jets designer was undermined on the original design ( the one shown on the photo is the original design with props on the rudders) What you get in the box has props on the wings . This hampers the well though out design into a unflyable toy that wont make 1 flight. Buy the 49 mhz version only .. 27 mhz has radio problems Read about it here [@] and how to make the F 22 BACK into the aircraft ...not toy... it was susposed to be .
The Star Scream Micro Flyer is very cool. It goes fast, it is durable, and looks sweet. The only problem about mine was that it was a little hard to fly and has a mind of its own. Overall, it is average.
I bought 3 of these. The first one got stuck in a tree, the second did not work properly, and the third has been absolutely great. The first one was great also; the getting stuck in the tree was my fault.
Not good for windy days; over 10mph and you'd be better off not flying it.
On a non-windy day.....great times.
from Appalachia on 3/10/2008
This is a great plane with a caveat: If you're a newbie, grab another plane.
This is my second. I bought my 1st when it came out. It was uncontrollable. On the 8th attempt, I actually had a fair flight shaping up. Then the right prop flew off and the motor made a shrieking noise before it plummeted earthward. Needless to say- toast.
This new one looks like it's put together better, *and* I went ahead and switched the motors to the horizontal stabilizers per the original design of this plane. It's not something a newbie should take lightly, but what a difference! AWESOME in the original config (like shown in the picture on Radio Shack's site here).
So, recommended *if* you want to move the motors. It's a great design, but hard to handle for n00bs in the from-the-box setup. Mod it and happy flying!
4 out of 5 stars for me because I had to mod it for it to reach its full potential.
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from medford, OR on 3/5/2008
I bought the first one, the trim was off a little, so flying was a litte difficult, but still very entertaining, tried to fly in a small area in my neigborhood, lost it in a yard, but didnt want to wait to get it, so went down to radioshack to get a second one. This one flies almost perfect! Great hours of fun for everyone, plus the price is awesome!
[3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]
from Annapolis, MD on 2/29/2008
First, this is an outstanding buy that I got for my roommate and I. We got both 27 and 49MHz models. The maneuverability, speed, endurance and range were exceptional for such a great price! Second, The only downer is that the 27MHz model had terrible range in comparison to the 49.(I found out this was because the motors gave freq interference that don't have capacitor filters.) BUT the 49 is fantastic we got it to well over 150 ft up. Given that I used the 27 variant I wanted to fix it so I put 47nF caps in front of the motors. Also, to my delight the designer and engineer for this toy on rcgroups.com explained that the factory model deviated from the original aerodynamic design. IF you have the time patience and money and want to tinker and improve the flight performance envelope check out the details of his notes. http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=704454I went to the aero lab at school and tested the feedback stuff on the motor to the improved flight characteristics. In the notes, after redoing some of the math and doing simple flight tests, it all jives. The youtube vids show the improvement in flight for sustained capability for slow flight and fast flight versus mostly fast flight with the out of the box plane. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH LEAVING the plane the way it is but what would I learn from that?Without modification to the original design it is still a great airframe with a high L/D ratio. The third and final bit which was to my joy was the feature of the digitally proportioned throttle is that THERE ARE 3 MODES FOR THROTTLE AND FLIGHT CONTROL in the controller NOT IN THE DIRECTIONS!These are the designers notes for this:Mode 1 / DEFAULT "Kids"-mode: >Just turn it on. In addition to the power-smoothing damping done in Mode 2, if a turn input is held too long while in any to the top motor-power (throttle) positions, the program would automatically and momentarily reduce power to increase or create a turn for an inexperienced user.Mode 2 / "Normal" mode: >(Hold the right stick to the RIGHT before you turn it on, then turn it on and the LED should blink 3 times. This provides rapid power input changes are time-averaged to give a smooth flight AND eliminate the possibility of sudden nose-ups and thus NO tight turns are possible in this mode. Steadies nervous pilot and nervous little plane.Mode 3 / Unfiltered throttle/ aerobatic mode Before you turn it on hold the right stick to the LEFT then power up the controller and the LED will blink 6 times. If anything get this plane and have fun flying it with the throttle settings and see how many loops you can do! This aircraft for under 30 bucks can do it and that is amazing in my book! (Even as an overgrown student at an engineering school.)I can't wait to get another one!
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
wow so fun the plane is great i pulled it out of the box charged it and took it flying.... it was great onlycrashed a few times but it held up......until the water came,,,, the plane flew a little out of radio range and i lost control... lets just say its not a boat..... but overall great plane and i will be getting another TOMORROW!!!!
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
Buy this and have fun...We did...
The plane recharges from the batteries in the controller..so it is all one tidy unit
It would be super cool if radioshack could give us an option to charge it from an outlet or 12volt car port..rechargeable AA batteries don't have enough power (1.25volts rather than 1.5) so we are stuck using disposables..for which there is no excuse anymore.
Thanks for binging R/C to this price point...now lets get a charging option that is better!
from san jose ca on 2/19/2008
this is a great performer! ground take-offs, high climb rate, 15min fly and recharge time... but you must adjust the flaps to fly level or it wont turn evenly...light or no wind only or you will be chasing it! take the gear off for faster flights and better aerobatics, and replace transmitter batteries often or it will not react consistantly
If you enjoy watching birds fly? You'll like this! If your a novice at flying? You'll like this! I've broken it so many times and somehow, each time I've figured out a way to repair it. But I think its time to get another one. Cuz one motor has been spinning slower and slower. And I can't find more ideas to get it going. NO PROBLEM, NOW IM GETTING TWO MORE! LOL!
My wife bought me an XPV rc flyer for x-mas ...after that toy broke after the first 3 flights and after I bought a 2nd one and broke it the same day, my wife bought me this flyer for valentines day. Although it doesn't go as fast, it is very easy to fly and keep in control. And unlike the other flyer we had this one can hit the ground a few times and not have the motors pop of and rip the wings. Very happy with this and will probably buy a few more so when one is
charging I can fly the other. Only con is follow the instructions and do not fly on a very breezy day ... it will carry the plane and crash it.
I didn't think I would have so much fun flying it.. I was wrong! People keep asking me where I got it. I say RADIOSHACK ROCKS!
It finally met its end at the teeth of a mangy mutt - so in memory...THIS THING IS (WAS) A BLAST!! I started with the [$] one, this model was my second. Easy-ER to fly, hard to control...but it's fun! Got mine for [$]. (As a kid, this kind of stuff was bulky, fragile, and WAY expensive.) While not precision - it works! Just get yourself some altitude right off into the wind. I flew over a huge grass field in the park, hammered it into the ground plenty of times including once into the cement walkway, and it kept flying! If it starts to go down, just let it glide/even out some, then resume throttle. Would fly it in mild wind and watch it get blown around. Range started to diminish - it was never 150 ft I don't think - but whatever. (If I could have made a small cut, known/located the receiver part, and sautered a thin, long wire to it - I would have.) But it's a good time. Word to wise: fly it over this stuff called grass, away from trees, signs, fences, AND DOGS, and have fun. Good thing I bought a 2nd one which I'll spray with Dog-B-Gone...
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Tampa, Florida on 2/6/2008
This is easily the best micro R/C aircraft you can buy for the price. It's been a best seller in my store (mostly because I know how to fly it and so I'll teach our customers how to use it properly, and that doesn't involve smacking it into concrete at high speeds!) because of its design and durability. The plane comes with a set of spare propellers so it'll keep flying for a long time if you learn to fly well and don't crash it every time you go out. I've bought four of them and I imagine I'll buy quite a few more until I can't find them anymore.
It handles very well in the air and is capable of taking off from the ground and landing beautifully if you allow it to glide with minimal power, adjusting for wind as it comes in on the slope. You can also adjust the controller reaction by holding the right stick to the left as you turn the controller on. Let go of it after the LED stops blinking six times, after which it turns red. This is the "aerobatic mode" which is more responsive and allows for better maneuvers, and tighter turns. You can also hold the right stick to the right until the LED blinks three times, and that allows for a little more stable flight.
Overall, it's very durable and handles crashes well. In the event that you need replacement propellers (which do exist, please don't say that they don't if you haven't bothered to research it), go to your local RadioShack and ask for a RSU (RadioShack Unlimited) parts order. The RSU number for the Starscream propellers is 12459533. Be sure to pick one of these planes up for yourself - do it before RS clears them out of inventory. Or before I buy them all. :^)
Don't fly this in winds faster than 4 to 6 MPH. The plane is designed to lift itself under decent airspeeds and will fly away from your control if you're not experienced in how to handle it. You can also modify the aircraft to cut through the wind by cutting a small notch right in front of the nosewheel with an Xacto blade. Put a dime into that notch and it will slice through the wind (sacrificing the ability to climb quickly, though) and make it a lot easier to handle during a gusty afternoon.
This pruduct is good. But it is sometimes difficult to use, and doesnt turn good. Ive had 4-5 planes that were easy to get used to, but this one took some time. But now im good at it, its really fun when you get used to it.
from orlando, fl on 1/28/2008
My son loved the plan for the first few days. He was just getting the hang of it and then it went down on the pavement. The propellar snapped. To my amazement they do not sell replacement parts. His heart is broken. If you buy this do not fly it anywhere you may loose a part - you won't be able to replace it.
from jacksonville, florida on 1/25/2008
Mine got run over by a minivan! And its still going! the best plane you can get for under $50. best of all its an f22
love this product here is a place were possible replacemt propellers are available [@]
[...]I've flown this plane about 20 times already and not one problem. It hit trees, fences, sides of buildings, crash landed. And I'm still waiting for this thing to go out. I'm STILL using the original props. Don't get me wrong, it is all dinged up and the tape is coming off on the nose but it's still in one piece and not to mention very flyable!!! It's a good source of entertainment at lunch time in the parking lot or anywhere you go because the charger is in the controller, very mobile. I would give this product an A+++++++++! As a matter of fact, I'm going to fly it right after I finish this.
Of the small-sized, 2-channel "toy" R/C aircraft, this is one of the best. It's fast, maneuverable, and can take off from tarmac within about 25 feet. It requires a bit more flying practice than the typical Air Hogs fare, and makes a good stepping-stone for young flyers who can now handle something a bit "wild". Definitely a good buy for your young pilot!
from Birmingham, AL on 1/12/2008
I own a dozen or so various RC Flyers and this one rocks hard! It is really fast for a MicroFlyer, so it actually cuts through lite winds. Turns on a dime. Now if you have never flown before, it will take some time to get the hang of it. Younger kids will probably dive bomb into the ground, but with a little practice you will be flying into "the danger zone".
I'm a parent of 3 children under the age of 11. My mother actually bought this for me for Christmas. I have enjoyed it. I was initially bothered by the tape that had been added to the nose and wings for strength, which I noticed upon opening the package. However, I have had fun with the product. I don't believe this toy is for younger children, however. As it has taken some time and patience to get use to operating it. However, it is much safer than the gas powered plane I once had. I recommend this product for others. Great idea, adding extra propellors w/ product. More info on buying extras would be nice.
People are saying how it "breaks easily" this is not true! Crashed it pretty bad and it still flies! Tore the wing, destroyed the nose and banged up the props and still good to go. It is difficult to get the hang of but, this is true for ANY RC flying vehicle...PERIOD! Experience with flying RC vehicles recommended. I would only recommend this product to the 18+ range of kids, well more young adult range. Got it for my 19yr old brother for Christmas and it's great fun! Don't get mad just because you lack the experience. It takes time and be patient!
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
great plane just watch out for trees,and houses. Needs to be flown on a field.Do not use tape to repair.
My daughter really loves the plane. Unfortunately, the first time we used it, it crash landed several times and lost one wheel and 2 propellers. It can work without the wheel, but once the next propeller is lost, it won't work anymore. I've tried all morning to find a way to get replacement propellers -- my husband went to the store, and they said to contact HASBRO (It is not a Hasbro product -- Hasbro just licensed the Transformers name). I tried the website, but there is no info on replacement parts. [...] My little girl will be heartbroken. It was from Santa. I know it's not an expensive item, but the price is too much to only play for ONE DAY!
this thing doesn't weigh didly squat so use it in calm winds, because it is fast and if you are a first time flyer like me with a full throttle finger this thing will get away from you fast.it fell in a yard, when i came after it a cat was approaching it fast like a fallen pigeon!!!! its durable and fast but still trying to figure out how to control it. wheels are nice for takeoffs but don't try landing
this air plane sucks it broke the first 2 days i had it.IF u plan on getting it dont it is horrible
from Rancho Santa Margarita California on 11/19/2007
awesome product, very fast, on the top right of the box, it show wich frequency it is. 27 mhz or 49 mhz, the 27 has slow climb and horrible range, but the 49 is absolutely sweet, fast, controllable, especially if you decrease motor speed to make a quicker and tighter turn, dont try to steer while its gliding or it will just flip over and start a spin, howeven doing that is a good and exciting trick, to get out of it you just add full power and you will be haulli'n!!! for the more expierienced starscream flyer, hold the right stick left when you turn on the radio, the "ON" LED light will blink, this will allow you to decrease the throttle much more quickly, this rapid reduction of throttle will cause the nose to momentarily go up, when mixed with a turn input, this makes a extremly tight turn, awesome toy. the plane however was originally inteded to have the motors on the rudders(vertical stabilizors), if you place the motors theyre with the motors pionting(i.e thrust line) EXACLTY at the bottom of the mock air intake the new motor position stops to much nose up for faster flight and (with added tabs to the elevator) slows the plane down enough to fly in most backyards and with practice in room!! great product,just dont get the 27 mhz one.
fast. fast. fast. need lots of room. where do I get more props????????????????
from Englewood, CO on 11/1/2007
The reference to "Decepticons" in the ad is a word of warning to the wise. The Transformers name is NOT worth the price added to the cost of the plane.First impression: This plane is twice the price it should be, based on quality of material and parts used to manufacture it.First flight: This plane has inherent steering/control issues due to inconsistency of engine placement during manufacture. First flight revealed a continuous right turn issue. Returned it to store for replacement. First flight of second plane began with a struggling takeoff, followed by a slow-climbing left turn that ended in a nosedive disaster. Control range is very limited (less than the 150' advertised), and controller functions are limited - especially if the motors are improperly positioned (angle, etc) at time of manufacture. No instructions are given for correcting flight issues, such as nosediving, continuous left/right turn and/or bank, etc - likely because any attempts to alter motor angle/position results in permanent damage to the plane. These are great for persons having [$]to throw away on a toy which might give them as little as 10 minutes of joy, or for persons who like to see and/or create small-scale airplane crashes. Instead of spending [$]on this product, buy two flyers for half the price at dept. stores. You'll get four times the usage from the cheaper, sturdier, longer range, and more durable department store models that don't have the Transformer name on them.