Hi-tech xmas: toys of big boys

E-Flite Blade CX 2

Tamiya Dark Impact

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E-Flite Blade CX 2, $249

This clever little helicopter, ready to fly out of the box, is aimed largely at beginners. The CX 2 features counter-rotating blades to make hovering easier (it's harder than it looks) and the body is made of impact-resistant plastic that flexes in a crash to avoid serious damage. The landing gear is similarly resilient, and first-timers can even opt for the training-gear set that makes it easier to land the chopper upright.

CX 2's small size and lightweight design are suited to indoor flying, although you'll need plenty of space and rooms with very high ceilings.

For further information, go to www.modelflight.com.au

Tamiya Dark Impact, $499

If you tire of all the gadgets and games that take you into the virtual world, you can always spend the holidays with some real-world action. Radiocontrolled toys hark back to the days when tech playthings actually dragged you out of doors -- after you had spent a couple of days indoors building them, that is.

The Dark Impact 4WD <<1/10-scale kit, above, adds a few high-tech touches of its own. This is a competition-level model you build -- everything from assembling the oil-filled dampers to painting the bodyshell is required. The controller, battery and charger are sold separately. For more information, go to www.toytraders.com.au

- © Fairfax NZ News