Brands
Syma helicopters
By Paul Walsh Last reviewed
If you've bought a toy helicopter as a present, there's a good chance it was a Syma. The S107 has been one of the best-selling toy helicopters for years: a small coaxial model that's easy to fly in a living room and costs about the same as a takeaway.
Syma in brief
Syma is a Chinese company in Guangdong that makes toy drones, helicopters and boats. Its helicopters are coaxial: two rotors on the same shaft spinning in opposite directions, which makes them very stable and very easy to hover.
The main models
| Model | Control | Features | Flight time |
|---|---|---|---|
| S107G (original) | Infrared, 3 channels | Gyro, metal frame, USB charging | About 5 to 7 minutes |
| S107H / S107H-E | 2.4GHz radio, 3 channels | Gyro, barometric altitude hold | About 5 to 8 minutes |
| Larger Syma models | 2.4GHz or infrared | Varies by model | Varies |
The S107G runs on a small 3.7V LiPo and charges from USB or the transmitter (iFixit S107 profile). Because it uses infrared, it only works indoors, away from bright sunlight. The newer S107H uses radio and holds its height automatically, which makes it even easier for children.
What you get for the money
Good: cheap, stable, fun for a few weeks, very forgiving of bumps into furniture.
Less good: limited flight time, motors wear out, the small batteries lose capacity, and there's no forward-backward precision to speak of. Most Syma helicopters are 3 channel: up and down, turn left and right, forward and back. They can't fly sideways. Why that matters is explained in 4 channel vs 6 channel RC helicopters.
Common faults
- Spins and won't hold heading: one main motor has weakened, or the gyro was damaged in a fall. Try the trim first.
- Won't lift: a worn battery or motor.
- Top rotor won't spin: usually a motor or gear fault.
iFixit's S107 troubleshooting is a useful starting point. Spare parts exist but often cost a large share of a new helicopter.
When to move up
If the S107 sparks a real interest, the next step is a stabilised single-rotor model. A scale RC ERA helicopter or the Blade Revolution 90 FP are natural next steps. Our best RC helicopters for beginners explains the options, and best RC helicopters for kids covers younger pilots.
Even small toys run on lithium batteries, so it's worth reading LiPo battery safety and supervising charging.
All the makers are on the brands page.
RC Mods is not affiliated with or endorsed by Syma.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Syma S107 fly outdoors?
The original S107G uses infrared control, which doesn't work in sunlight, and the helicopter is too light for any breeze. It's an indoor toy.
What is the difference between the S107G and S107H?
The S107G uses infrared control. The S107H uses 2.4GHz radio and adds barometric altitude hold, so it holds its height by itself.
Why does my Syma helicopter spin?
Usually one of the two main motors is weaker than the other, or the gyro has been damaged by a fall. Try adjusting the trim first; if that doesn't fix it, a motor is likely worn.