Gadget Review: R/C Alien Microfly UFO
You gotta love toys you can just pick up and play with. The instructions – what instructions! The R/C Alien Microfly UFO is no more then a balance weight, box cutter knifed Styrofoam and propeller. So, ya, my initial reaction was far from impressed. Worse yet, I had to stuff 6 AA batteries into the remote, which doubles as a charger. Sorry, no rechargeable batteries included. With apprehension, and an almost virtual guarantee that my review of the R/C Alien Microfly UFO would be negative, I set in for lift off.
First attempt: smacked the ceiling and spun out of control. Second attempt: I eased in on the throttle and lift off, albeit for a few seconds. Soon I realized this little RC flyer would take some mastery, something I might just enjoy. Hand eye coordination? Yes please. Come my 5th attempt I was hovering the little neon green flyer like a pro. 75% on the throttle seemed about suitable for my 8 foot ceilings.
Initially, the left and right controls alluded me. Why? Because there are none. Built-in into the flyer and remote are infrared diodes that keep the flyer in proximity of the remote. Course, that doesn’t mean it won’t fly 3 feet left and then 5 feet right, but hey, that’s part of the experience. Charging the flyer takes 20 minutes, which should provide about 5 minutes of continuous fly time. In the event of a harsh crash an auto shutoff switch engages, requiring you to switch the flyer off then on again.
Being the humanitarian that I am, I ran the propeller against my bare skin to see if it would inflict any damage. Fear not moms, it’s safe, although it could probably scratch a cornea or two in the wrong hands. Sure to be a party pleaser and get the in laws scratching their noggins, I’m in love with the R/C Alien Microfly UFO.
Pros:
- Can use out of the box
- Resistant to damage due to Styrofoam body
- Simple remote with built-in charger
Cons:
- 5 minutes of flyings but takes 20+ minutes to charge
- No rechargeable batteries
- Auto shutoff a bit sensitive
- No left or right controls and mind of its own
Available here for $25.
Christen Costa
