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March 16, 2008 09:29 PM

Categories: Dragonfly Bladestar

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MrScott

  Moderator
Joined: 06/07/2007

I don't currently own either a DragonFly, or a BladeStar, but am considering getting a flyer of some sort.

I've been following along with with the trials and tribulations of folks learning to fly their DragonFlys and trying out the new BladeStars. 

If you were going to buy just one, would it be $25 for a DragonFly, or $50 for a BladeStar?

Things coloring my thoughts...

  • Dragonflys are flyable inside and outside.
  • BladeStars are advertised as indoor only.
  • DragonFlys are currently half the price of BladeStars
  • BladeStars seem to be better for a small space (dragonflys seem to need more room)
So, what are the opinions of those that own both? What are the pros and cons?

ScottE -- Member (always) & Moderator (when needed)

Discussion:    Add a Comment | Comments 1-22 of 22 | Latest Comment

J. T. Avatar
Member
March 17, 2008 9:15 AM

At my wal-mart, the dragonfly is $42.

J.T.
A begginer robofanatic!

MrScott Avatar
  Moderator
March 17, 2008 10:17 AM

It is my understanding that Walmart clearance prices are at the discretion of the local store manager.

In odd quirks of uneven product distribution, I know of some Walmarts that never got a particular product, while others got so many that they put them into clearance almost immediately.

As I stated in another thread, my particular WalMart has/had a limited amount of DragonFlys marked at $25 on the clearance shelves. I'm using that price as the discussion point for my question, since that's the prices I'd be paying.

ScottE -- Member (always) & Moderator (when needed)

J. T. Avatar
Member
March 17, 2008 10:28 AM

Wal mart toys never last.

J.T.
A begginer robofanatic!

MrScott Avatar
  Moderator
March 17, 2008 10:36 AM

J. T. said: Wal mart toys never last.

What an odd statement.

Walmart only stocks and sells WowWee products, they don't build them. A WowWee product from WalMart is the same WowWee product from ToysRUs, RadioShack, or the WowWee Store.

ScottE -- Member (always) & Moderator (when needed)

J. T. Avatar
Member
March 17, 2008 10:47 AM

Well, Wal-Mart does hve to choose thier toys. They choose the cheap kind. But I'm not talking about wowwee toys.

J.T.
A begginer robofanatic!

Peter Redmer Avatar
  Administrator
March 17, 2008 10:49 AM

MrScott -

Having played with both recently, I would say that which one you should go for really depends on two things:

  1. How much you enjoy being engaged and in control of the toy
  2. Whether you plan on using it inside or outside 

I will say that the Dragonfly is very difficult to fly indoors.  It's just too fast.  I would say that the only way to fly it indoors would be in a gymnasium, really.  However, outside, it's a blast to fly.

The Bladestar, I would say, is a more "laid back" flyer, perfect for playing around in any decent sized room indoors.  

Here's my feeling:

Dragonfly - engaging, faster, but only flyable outside

Bladestar - slower, fun and novel, only usable indoors 

I would say that for those coming from an R/C plane background, the Dragonfly would be of more interest for sure.  For those looking for more of a "toy," the Bladestar could be the perfect fit.

That's my take on it for now! 

Peter Redmer
Administrator
Visit my blog, "Caffeinated Pixels"
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J. T. Avatar
Member
March 17, 2008 10:58 AM

Personally, I think that WowWee's robots are the best so far.

J.T.
A begginer robofanatic!

J. T. Avatar
Member
March 17, 2008 10:59 AM

Nevermind.

J.T.
A begginer robofanatic!

Outpatient Avatar
Member
March 17, 2008 4:03 PM

Admittedly I have not had a chance to play with a Bladestar. but I still think I would agree with Peter's sentiment.  The Dragonfly really is fun to pilot.  It can be fun indoors, with enough space, but it is really a blast outdoors (with no wind). 

Honestly, I think the Bladestar looks like it would be pretty neat for the first hour or so but would quickly become boring.  Of course this opinion is not based on actually playing with a Bladestar so it’s subject to change.

---
http://0utpatient.com
http://oeyec.com

milw Avatar
  Moderator
March 17, 2008 6:37 PM

You need them both! Bladestar for when the weather/wind is too strong for Dragonfly; and Dragonfly for those nice calm spring evenings when you can't stand to be inside!

Personally I'd probably go for the super price on the Dragonfly first (and get a green one!) 

Rovio rules!
Wisconsin Iron :: Cellular Atomics

Peter Redmer Avatar
  Administrator
March 17, 2008 7:16 PM

Yeah, I definitely agree that if money is no option, owning both is the best way to go - since they are both well situated for different uses and conditions :)

Peter Redmer
Administrator
Visit my blog, "Caffeinated Pixels"
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MrScott Avatar
  Moderator
March 17, 2008 11:37 PM

Two kids in college. No money is an option.

ScottE -- Member (always) & Moderator (when needed)

GWJax Avatar
  Member
March 18, 2008 4:56 PM

Well this is my take  on your question. I agree wih peters comments. But having both which I do. 2 DF and 1 BS "BladeStar" I know that looked kind of rude so I corrected it. Both are a challenge to fly and both have their fun. But for the price I would go with the DF, Now I have flowen the BladeStar outside in the dark and thats really fun! because you don't have to figgure out which way left is like  on the DF if flying outside. The BladeStar is more of a laid back controlled craft which means it does not respond fast to your controls not like the DF does. So in my opion Id get the DF and then when the price comes down on the BladeStar get that next. Also my new DF is almost ready for it's big show, I've been testing and building it for some time now and without giving it away what it is , lets just say it flies really cool. I think Peter knows what I'm doing so it should be done in a few more weeks. And MrScott whichever you get I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

GWJax, To Hack and make mods on robots is a life style and comes natural and not by choice. If a robot has a screw to open it then it must be opened!

MrScott Avatar
  Moderator
June 2, 2008 7:12 PM

Just to revisit an old topic with some new information...

I've had a DragonFly for four days. There's no large, open space in my house to attempt flying inside. On the other hand, the quite evening hours just before sunset is a wonderful time to fly this little beastie out of doors.

It took me all of about 10 minutes to get to point where I could keep it airborne for a minute or more. Those were usually on full throttle, as it lurched and porpoised around the yard.

The whole family was out there laughing and shouting warnings
"TREE"
"WALL"
"CAR!" (parked)

I never used the training tail, and I switched to Expert mode after just a few minutes. I got some respectable altitude, and got it up on the roof, and in a tree more than once. A roof rake (for snow removal for those who don't know) was just able to reach high enough to wiggle the branches enough to knock it loose. I estimate it was about 20 feet up in the tree.

By the next day I was able to accomplish some figure eights, and finesse the throttle to achieve a steady climb without the porpoising. The light touch, meant less manic corrections, and better battery life.

All in all, the DragonFly is a fun yard flier, but it requires the stillest of still air. If you can feel a breeze, your DragonFly will be unable to hold position over your yard as it's pushed along.

It does take a beating landing on the sidewalk or road. The paint is scuffed off the foam in several places. I haven't had any wing damage at this point, though.

ScottE -- Member (always) & Moderator (when needed)

GWJax Avatar
  Member
June 3, 2008 7:08 AM

If you damge the wings don't worry you can use that gift film and some more carbon rods that t=you can get at your local hobby store. I would suggest that you change the tail design as this will help in the climb and stability of the DF. it does take a long time to get good at flying this beast but you'll get it. and fyi I am still working n the dual wing DF. I jus had to put it on hold right now.
Jax

GWJax, To Hack and make mods on robots is a life style and comes natural and not by choice. If a robot has a screw to open it then it must be opened!

Peter Redmer Avatar
  Administrator
June 3, 2008 10:33 AM

Jax - Can't wait for the dual wing DF, super cool stuff :)

MrScott - I have had very similar experiences with the DF. It's a little unpredictable, which is why I like it. Although, since I'm not a trained flyer, I have difficulty even sustaining a flight for very long, much less doing aerobatics.

I also experienced the porpoising, but apparently my touch isn't light enough to throttle it.

You've let me know that I need some more focused practice, which I look forward to, as long as the wind around here dies down a little, and it decides to be nice outside for more than one day!

Pete

Peter Redmer
Administrator
Visit my blog, "Caffeinated Pixels"
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Currahee Avatar
  Member
July 7, 2008 10:25 AM

so is the bladestar worth $50

Peter Redmer Avatar
  Administrator
July 7, 2008 10:29 AM

Well, I think that it is definitely worth the cash, if you like flying toys!

It really depends on what you like in a flying toy, though. If you're looking for something with a high degree of control that flies more like a "plane," you would probably want to go with the Dragonfly. On the other hand, if you want something that floats like a UFO and can be controlled with your hands (like using the "force") than the Bladestar might do the trick.

If you're looking for something fun to play with indoors, again, Bladestar is a good fit. For $34.99 USD, when it comes out, you may want to consider the Bat as well.

But all in all, these really pack a lot of design and technology into a small package, and they're a lot of fun (and durable too) so I think you get a lot for your $50.

Pete

Peter Redmer
Administrator
Visit my blog, "Caffeinated Pixels"
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Currahee Avatar
  Member
July 7, 2008 10:41 AM

when is the bat coming out....peter

Peter Redmer Avatar
  Administrator
July 7, 2008 10:46 AM

I don't have a specific date yet, but it should be coming out soon, no later than the end of the summer, as far as I know.

We'll announce it on the site when it becomes available, so keep your eyes open :)

Peter Redmer
Administrator
Visit my blog, "Caffeinated Pixels"
Follow Me on Twitter

MrScott Avatar
  Moderator
July 7, 2008 9:37 PM

Speaking of The Bat, my review of the Bat and a FairFly was just published. (Thanks, Peter)

http://www.robocommunity.com/article/13695/Flytech-Bat-and-FairyFly-Snowflake...

ScottE -- Member (always) & Moderator (when needed)

Generic Member Avatar
Member
August 7, 2008 7:41 PM

I own both of these, the target exclusive Hornet version of the dragonfly and just got my Bladestar today. I can already safely say I like the bladestar more, but I've always been better with heli's than I have with ornithopters or planes.

So take it however you like, but my money's on the Bladestar.

Discussion:    Add a Comment | Back to Top | Comments 1-22 of 22 | Latest Comment

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