Flight is a subject of fascination for many; even among those who fear it. While many of us take this form of travel for granted, very few will experience it from the controls. So it was with great pleasure, that I found my hands on the controller of an Air Hogs Jackal: a tiny, lightweight helicopter operated by a remote control handset.
For ages 8 years and older · 4 x AA size bartteries required (not included)
£19.99 from Toys R Us 
$39.99 from Amazon.com
After removing the Jackal from the box the first thing to do is add 4 AA size batteries into the handset. A small Phillips (crosshead) screwdriver is required to do this and the batteries are not included. A charge time of about 20 minutes is needed before it’s ready to play with. A red light on the handset remains lit when it’s charging the helicopter and automatically switches off once charging is complete.
Then it’s time for take-off. However, if you begin with trying in fly-off at speed in a specific direction, you’ll quickly find yourself making your way to recover it from a crash site. Fortunately, despite being small, the helicopter very robust and withstood all the crashes it had to endure whilst I was the pilot.
Mastering this toy helicopter is begun by using the vertical control to practice take-off, landing and maintaining height. You’ll probably find, when you first fly the Jackal, that the helicopter turns in one direction. This is fixed by adjusting a trim dial. Once the trim settings have been perfected, maneuvering around even a small space becomes easy and fun.
Every 20 minutes of charging gives around three minutes of flight. Whilst this does interrupt the fun, playing with this toy is still very enjoyable.
The helicopter is designed to be played with indoors only. I took a test flight in a garden once and after the briefest moment I had to knock on a neighbour’s door to ask for it back.
The Verdict
MOST WANTED: This infrared remote control helicopter finds itself in a crowed market, however, I rate the Air Hogs Jackal as the best to get started and experience some remote controlled flying. The Jackal is relatively cheap, easily available on the high street and a joy to fly.
Air Hogs Jackal R/C Helicopter
By Spin Master
For ages 8 years and older · 4 x AA size batteries required (not included)
Where to Buy Air Hogs Jackal
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£19.99 |  |
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£19.99 | |
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$39.99 | |
All prices correct at the time of publishing. Please check retailer for latest prices, availability and delivery information.
Features & Contents
- 1 Air Hogs Jackal Helicopter
- 1 infrared contoller/charger
- 2 spare tail rotos
- 1 user instruction guide booklet
Product Details & Specifications
Product name: Air Hog Jackal
Recommended age: for 8 years and older
Minimum age: 3 years due to small parts
Battery requirements: 4 x AA size batteries required (not included)
Safety considerations: Adult supervision advised. Keep away from obstacles and electrical hazards.
Assembly requirements:
Manufacturer/Supplier: Spin Master Toys
Manufacturer/Supplier no.: #20028225
Barcode (UPC/EAN): 778988843697
Product dimensions: Helicopter length 13 cm
Product weight:
Packaging dimensions: 35.6cm x 9.0cm x 12.8cm
Packaged item weight:
Country of origin: Made and in China
Alphabet Jigsaws design their individually handcrafted products in Ireland. Each piece is finished by hand, using paint and primers that are non-toxic. The wood used has been sourced from sustainably grown forests.
The Map of Ireland jigsaw provides and excellent fun way for children to learn some geographic facts about the country. Children will become familiar with the country’s shape and will be able to start learning about the county names and locations. It’s safe for children of 3 years and older to play with, however, I prefer to recommend around 5 years and older to get the best educational value from this 32 piece puzzle.
The product is presented in a box and included inside is a cotton bag in to store the pieces after play. Alphabet Jigsaws also produce a version of this puzzle with the county names painted on in the Irish language.
Map of Ireland
By Alphabet Jigsaws
For children 5 years and older
Available from: ToysOnline.ie | Price: 34.99 euro
The Rocker may have three wheels and pedals but to call it a tricycle would be far wide of the mark. More accurately describe as a recumbent cycle, the Rocker lets the rider take a comfortable leaned back seating position, close to the ground.
The pedals drive the front wheel via a chain, similar to bicycles. The front wheel has a pneumatic tyre so bumps won’t make your feet slip off the pedals; plus the pedals are designed to grip well onto footwear. There are mudguards over the rear wheels; which are essential because the rider is close to the ground and the grip handles are in front of the rear wheels as well.
On the Rocker you lean to steer. With the help of the grip handles you shift your weight to the side want the vehicle to turn to.
It’s easy to go fast on level, smooth ground and I had great fun speeding along the aisles of large toy store in Co. Dublin, Ireland. I hasten to add that the shop was having a quiet late evening and I took things steadily when turning corners.
I recommend the Rocker as fun pedal powered vehicle to travel away from public highways but it’s not an outright replacement for a bicycle. Not only is a favourite of The Toy Detectives, Hamleys named the Rocker as their Toy of the Year 2007.
Rocker
By Atomic Sports
For ages 6 years and older | Assembly required
Atomic Sports website: www.atomicsports.ie
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