Blade - 120 S - Review and Flight

Links to purchase:
Amazon.com - RTF ($150) - amzn.to/2byl1lt
Amazon.com - BNF ($120) - amzn.to/2bzlxws
HorizonHobby.com - RTF ($150) - www.horizonhobb...
HorizonHobby.com - BNF ($120) - www.horizonhobb...
This is a rerelease of the popular Blade 120, but with "SAFE Technology" added, meaning it now has optional 6-axis stabilization and self-leveling.
Enjoy!
-Flyin' Ryan
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[@fernandodhyver]

Should plug in the battery when its leveled on the ground not upside down. Thats probably why safe is confused, it thinks its initial position is upside down

[@theimacman]

Nah. I'm well aware of how to work with 6-axis gyros. You have a few seconds after connecting the battery before the gyro levels itself. Especially with a battery this awkward to connect.

[@miguelsalami]

After watching this vid for a 2nd time I noticed 2 things. You made some trim adjustments on your radio. I have heard on this model all trim adjustments should be made on the helicopter itself for trim. Then after that I noticed evertime you picked it up how floppy the blades were. I was shown in another vid on this model to tighten the blades just enough to where they stay straight when you hold it sideways but still give when you move them with your fingers. You pilot this one very well it looks like your ready for a next level helicopter.

[@ryanbirch]

I realize this is an old video.. but.. just wanted to let you know it's still helping people @Flyin' Ryan RC! I just got a 120 S recently as my first fixed pitch heli (previously just had the mCX2). The first time I tried flying it, all it was doing was banking hard left and crashing. I spent a whole bunch of time trying to trim it out.. before finally giving up, thinking I just sucked at flying it...! The next time I plugged it in, the problem went away.. didn't think much more about it, until I just came across your video, and apparently this is a thing! haha

[@nicholasharshbarger4454]

I got one for Christmas this year and haven’t had any problems with it, but good review.

[@sdg1970]

I'm a novice who's just bought one of these as I eventually intend to fly scale. Didn't want a coaxial to start out, so my intention is to gently fly this and progress on up to my dream of having a scale Jetranger 😍

[@ChickenHawk841]

I just bought one to install the E-flight Jet Ranger body (EFLH1264) on it . As the Jet Ranger body has previously been successfully installed and flown on the Blade 120SR; It should be a nice "scale" flyer on the Blade 120S.

[@cmdrjace7370]

I bought some CNC parts from Rakon heli for mine as well as a fiber class canopy. Excellent helicopter and performs extremely well in my opinion. I bought a Spektrum DXe TRX seperate for some added features (stock one doesn't have some switches I wanted) for $70 at a local hobby store. Great introduction for 3D flight.

[@davidrivero7943]

Great review. I just ordered one, & being a new rc helicopter fan im in for the thrill of flying , no wild flights .That gets expensive.

[@ChickenHawk841]

Good weather and gentle winds to you David!

[@miguelsalami]

Hi I was wondering if you have flown the older Blade 120 version of this model without the Safety feature ❓

[@theimacman]

No, I haven't.

[@Damitsall]

Yea I had a 120 SR which is the older version. The main differences are that the 120SR had a fly bar and used DSM2. The 120 S is flybarless and uses DSMX and that SAFE technology. On my 120SR even out of the box it was basically unflyable. It wanted to sit in 1 spot the whole time and TBE. When you try to move it, it either wouldn't move or go out of control. I spent lots of money on Rakon upgrades and even had a couple board replacements, the thing just never flew right.

[@bwxmoto]

My 2nd ever Heli was a 120SR. Not the easiest to fly. Looks like the SAFE helps it a little. Not sure if that one has it or not but on mine you could change the position of the links and get a greater pitch angle.

[@hugh5400]

I did set my trim, and mine is doing the exact same thing! This has to be a defect. This is disappointing to say the least. My Blade 70 S flies better than my 120 S and cost 1/2 as much. But at least I know what to do about it now. Thanks for that. Cheers

[@rong4248]

I wish I watched this before I got one. Great honest review! Thank you.

[@meteorshower8160]

Great review Ryan, nice and honest. I bought a 120SR brand new, it was my first venture into model helicopters after those little infrared contra rotating toys. Looking back I can realise why I struggled to fly it. It was an absolute pig to try to fly in any kind of wind, even the smallest of breezes and it's away. Shame about this version as it should've been the ideal decent size entry helicopter. Maybe next time Blade, maybe next time!

[@theimacman]

Thanks! Yeah, I think they missed an opportunity with this one. A brushless motor would be a really nice addition, even for the extra price. It's just too underpowered with this brushed motor, but still a bit better in the wind than the original, thanks to being flybarless and having the SAFE system.

[@meteorshower8160]

+Flyin' Ryan RC +Flyin' Ryan RC Yes I completely agree, a brushless motor would've been a nice touch just to give it a bit more oomph! Even for beginners more power could be handy to get out of a situation or something. I've never really got on with flying the 120SR anyway and I can happily fly most quads and planes. Anyway, we can dream.. :-D

[@denniss3980]

Hi Ryan, just watch a review of this product from the guys at Flite Test and they had issues with this model as well, on a more positive note, Horizon has cut the price of the 200 SR X BNF to 175, you gave us a very positive review of that model and it looked like you really enjoyed flying it, That might be the better buy if you have to space to fly it

[@theimacman]

Yeah, the 200 SR X is a much better model. :)

[@bogdog999]

Do you ever test the Blade safe mode ("S") heli's in maximum control mode with all the crutches turned off?

[@sdssteward]

Bogdog999 that's what I was going to ask. He talks a lot about it not having much pitch or speed but I know Flyin Ryan typically tends to like beginner mode a lot. I'd like to see what he thinks in intermediate or advanced mode. Still a good review. I always like his stuff.

[@CaptainAubry]

I had the same problem with it leaning left and found out that the bearing on the swashplate separated from the swashplate and you just need to snap it back in and then you should get good flight

[@mostlykpop1]

Ryan, great review as usual. I am surprised that you had to disconnect the battery so many times. While my 120S does not have this problem, I also think it is one of Blade's weaker products. To be honest, I don't even know why I purchased it, as I promised myself to not get any more fixed pitch helis. Oh well.

[@x-flight1015]

This really should be brushless, great review.

[@theimacman]

Yeah, that would've been a nice addition to the upgrades on this model.

[@x-flight1015]

+Flyin' Ryan RC I would have bought one if it was!

[@weirdscience8341]

There's probably an upgrade out with horizon stuff there's always something to upgrade and taking Heli usually does em lol

[@johnwedrall9224]

yep, another good review Ryan. thanks 👍😎 !

[@ethannn4067]

Ryan, is the Wingsland Scarlet Minivet worth to buy ? Btw love your channel, have been a fan since 2k14

[@theimacman]

Only you can really decide what your money is worth. I think it's a cool quad, but the camera isn't really *that* great. So, if you want truly professional grade video, it may not be the best choice for that.

[@ethannn4067]

Flyin' Ryan RC right . But i'm kinda new to FPVs . 😂

[@sled_neckx9972]

you should review the Blade 70 S RTF, they say its a great beginner helicopter.

[@ShenRC]

Looks like you like the smaller one better?

[@theimacman]

The Nano CP S? Yeah, it seems to have more power for its size, so it flies better.

[@notchbak]

Horizon seems to have issues with some of the accelerometers in their flight control units. Had a blade nano or two that acted the same way.

[@rcguy1682]

3 rates from my observations toggle switch settings on the rtf has 0,1,and 2 settings on switch but maybe I'm wrong Ryan. Mine gets out of whack like you said too. It's ok but it reminds me like the Blade MsrS with its flaws. Great review buddy!

[@tiguyrc1963]

I own a DX6i and may be you can help me on how to program my 120s on the different option of flying

[@Damon0306]

Ryan are you still flying and doing reviews? Hope all in well.

[@donniemarks94]

I have the 70s and it’s awesome but this looks like it’s underpowered for its size, I also have and xk k110 and I think it would run circles around this heli and I think it’s cheaper.

[@JF743]

the original is the Blade 120 SR and it had no artififial stabilisation, it used a flybar instead

[@theimacman]

Yep

[@mrkattm]

responsiveness is also a function of head speed, being a fix pitch heli your head speed is tied to lift so there is not much you can do.

[@janheimann5125]

yes please go more into that horizon hobby stuff!

[@janheimann5125]

like the inductrix fpv

[@theimacman]

I've reviewed a ton of Horizon products already, and will continue to do so. They are one of my favorite RC makers, and are located here in the same town as me. :) I have already preordered the Inductrix FPV, so expect a review of that in the future. :)

[@janheimann5125]

+Flyin' Ryan RC Omg nice looking forward to this ;P

[@DutchRC]

Excellent review as allways Ryan :) I had the original verion of it Years ago, and that one was allready nice to fly :) I was a heli beginner then though.. So yeah.. I can see how it would be a bit underwelming..

[@theimacman]

I think you're the only person so far that has said they enjoyed flying the first one. lol It was good indoors, or on very calm days. :)

[@DutchRC]

Hahaha to Dutch people a medium storm is a calm day ;)

[@theimacman]

DutchRC Adventures Sounds a lot like here in Illinois. haha

[@mssippijim]

Try some negative expo, will make it react faster.

[@terryrigden4860]

Thanks for the review, I won't bother getting one after seeing the problems you had

[@slugosrc1256]

Great Review Keep up the great hard work! Thanks Rich

[@theimacman]

Thanks! :)

[@Ginfio]

I love your video. But can you tell me (explain how you trim it? well, actually I think you have a different controller.

[@rcpilot9963]

I wish it will fly like Blade Msrx...

[@kevinnguyen7832]

Hey Ryan great review. I saw the Sharper Image Micro Drone at my local Walmart and was wondering if you could review that!

[@theimacman]

Yep, I actually just picked up their micro and nano this past weekend! :)

[@johnwedrall9224]

nicely detailed review Ryan ! cool flight too. thanks ::)

[@theimacman]

Thanks bud!

[@FullMetalHeli667]

Nice review..👍 check out the XK K110 blast. its ready to fly and comes with a nicer controller and it's also a 6G /3D quad helicopter and is around $100 price range.

[@FullMetalHeli667]

lately I've noticed that I've gotten more enjoyment out of the so-called lesser brands XK .... Feilun ect... I mean not only are they less money but the performance is so on par! the Feilun boats are more fun than any boat I've ever bought from The Hobby Shop ( and ive had 'em all blackjack 29, revolt30 ect..ect...) but never had I had as much fun as I had with my ft011! it flips its self back over! WOW and the XK Quads and Heli's are such great Flyers and very well made and 1/4 the price! LOL

[@theimacman]

I agree. There are some great Chinese brands that are definitely out-performing the American brands in a lot of areas. I still think Blade has the best quadcopter flight protocol though. I have yet to find a Chinese quad that feels as good to fly as the Blade 200 QX, or even other Blade quads like the Nano QX, Inductrix, Zeyron, etc.

[@FullMetalHeli667]

+Flyin' Ryan RC true... but the xk quads are real close. the xk x100 to me is a lill better than the blade nano 3D

[@theimacman]

Yeah, the X251 is the closest thing to the 200 QX that I've flown so far. The X100 is nice, but it doesn't have all the flight modes that the 3D has, nor automated flips.

[@FullMetalHeli667]

+Flyin' Ryan RC lol that is very true.. but x100 makes a fantastic cheap tiny whoop...lol

[@savagemako17]

Imagine that, a helicopter that flies like a real helicopter. I fly lots of different fixed wing aircraft and I like it when things fly scale like. I know...that's boring, but the beauty of flight never bores me. I want a helicopter to fly like the real deal. 3D flying is interesting in a way. I like the way it sounds more than the way it looks, but no helicopter on earth can fly that way, so for me...the beauty of the flight is gone. I know. It takes great skill to fly 3D, but it's just not where I want to go with flying R/C. BORING!! I know. JMO. Thanks for the review.

[@sdg1970]

Couldn't agree more - well said!

[@stevejohnston8543]

Stuart Gray Agreed guys. Real scale heli flight is all I’m interested in. Why would you get this otherwise. They fly great...and as said like a real helicopter.

[@stridermt2k]

Great review of an example of Blade "phoning it in". The calibration process is needlesly complex for a flyer of this type and seems inconsistent at best. Bummer.

[@theimacman]

Yeah, pretty underwhelmed with this one. :( I think this is one that sounded good on paper, but just didn't quite pan out, but they released it anyway. :/

[@EDF_FANatic]

can you actually do loops with this thing?? please show video

[@mssippijim]

Fixed pitch helicopters and wind do no mix. With the Stability mode, the 130S would be a much better buy IMO.

[@denniss3980]

with this level of performance a WL toys V912 with brushless main motor might be a better buy at half the price

[@Thrashaero]

Blade has been doing a poor job lately of staying competitive.

[@BrGoBu]

Or even the WLtoys v931 with it's 6 axis mode is a GOOD flyer that is cheaper.

[@jacobsolis7276]

Will you do a top ten favorites?

[@manav2526]

As usual a great review👍

[@theimacman]

Thanks! :)

[@daviddavids2884]

thanks for posting. here's a late comment. i have had years of fun flying the blade msr and then the 120sr, always outdoors. the 120s is a different matter. recently i was shopping for a blade 120sr bnf and learned it is discontinued. so i bought a 120s rtf. imo, the e-flite blade 120s is a LEMON. after crashing with damage on the first flight, i realized the 120s is much heavier than the 120sr, which is why flight times are shorter and crash damage is, probably, more frequent. the flight control system results in flight that is very unlike that of the 120sr. e-flite maybe thought making an fp heli behave like a cp heli was a good ideas. if so, they were WRONG, and fp heli pilots lose a great model. cheers

[@rcreviews9894]

man I was really hoping for really good news with this one o well at least its green lol

[@aliatif7028]

good video as usual

[@theimacman]

Thanks!

[@laptakyu2060]

Please teach me how to program DX6. Thank You.

[@theimacman]

The manual gives you all the info you need to program the DX6 for use with this model.

[@richardjunod1554]

Hello i buyed the 120S and i saw on his box 3 modes and the "experienced mode " "pitch and roll are renoved" so it can flip??

[@theimacman]

Yes, you could make it do flips and rolls in the experienced mode.

[@richardjunod1554]

Flyin' Ryan RC ok thanks ;)

[@troybolton4055]

Flips and loops are 2 different things. Think of a loop as how you invision an airplane pulling a loop. It's following a forward trajectory. I haven't tried to loop mine but as underpowered as it is you better be very, very high. "Flips" as in the helicopter is in a hover and seemingly does a backflip or front flip can only be done with a collective pitch helicopter.

[@glend.spicer8204]

Great review.

[@theimacman]

Thanks!

[@davidrivero7943]

10 months later & wished i had passed. A troublesome Nancy outdoors & found better quality @ a lesser price going with the XK line of helis & their great x6 Futaba compatible tx. That childs tx. provided by Blade in rtf & the fact its a boring troublefilled flier , made it a recycable candadate for the Green trash bin. Good riddings. !

[@ge7175]

Will u ever move on to review to racing quads?

[@theimacman]

I have some FPV racers that I will be reviewing, but it will never be the focus of my channel. I'm not particularly interested in FPV flying.

[@ge7175]

+Flyin' Ryan RC I understand.

[@mary010202]

What's a cheap quad copter you recommend ?

[@ceug-f825]

suma x5c :)

[@ceug-f825]

*syma

[@bassslayerchannel]

you should do a review on the venom rc boat

[@theimacman]

From UDI? I was sent one to review, but I couldn't get the transmitter to bind to the boat. :(

[@bassslayerchannel]

Oh ok

[@NWguy83]

I think you should review a v912 even though they've been out for several years ;)

[@Pete2So]

Can YO DO THE 1/20 2wd HIGH SPEED RACING BUGGY!!!

[@avstryker]

Was not a fan of the 120SR and I think I will pass on this one ... Thanks for the heads up.

[@theimacman]

Really would've benefitted from a brushless motor.

[@johncgibson4720]

Good to know it is durable even after you crash it.

[@billdill1910]

It’s not believe me

[@knightgx3935]

u should buy a dx -2 stunt drone from amazon

[@theimacman]

From Sharper Image? Just got it this past weekend and will be reviewing it soon. :)

[@zd141]

love your videos

[@theimacman]

Thanks! :)

[@theworry184]

have you done a review video on the jjrc h36

[@theimacman]

No, but I will be reviewing the Eachine E010, which is the same thing.

[@theworry184]

Are you going to be turning it into a tiny whoop

[@theimacman]

Nope, but I also have the Inductrix FPV, which is basically a Tiny Whoop.

[@theworry184]

that's going to be my next purchase either that or make one but I do like how the inductrix fpv comes all together with a little screen

[@jamesedwards6589]

Isnt loops and rolls 3d lol i mean you have too go inverted to complete a loop or roll

[@theimacman]

I would call that "aerobatic". 3D implies collective-pitch blades, where you can reverse the thrust of the rotors and actually hover upside-down.

[@howtohaydencarter8969]

mines arriving tommorow!!!

[@dlovull1]

That bird is sick!

[@theimacman]

In the good or bad way? lol

[@rcpilot9963]

I still have 120 SR and after watching this video I am glad i didn't bought 120 S

[@Damon0306]

😮. Glad I watched your review on this helicopter. I have the Blade 70s I’m a beginner and was looking for a larger fixed pitch helicopter for outdoors, was considering this model, I will PASS. Thank you for the review!

[@h3sh926]

Damon0306 Seems like every RC Heli under 500 is hit or miss from the reviews I’ve been seeing. Hard to get into the hobby.

[@matthewvanprooyen259]

cool heli

[@yellowbusguy]

I bought a 120 SR second hand, and it's a disappointing, no fun pig. Cannot handle any wind at all. Indoor only.

[@theimacman]

Yeah, that is what I heard about the original too. This one is definitely more capable in wind, but still a bit underpowered. A brushless motor would've really helped this model.

[@augustgast]

Hey Ryan. I have been a subscriber for a loong time, and I love what you do. You have good content and editing is on point. But you kinda need to step up the game. I dont want to be rude, but the table and the wall is pretty boring. You could pick up some big white paper and put set it up like a mini studio. It would be better and more proffesional. Keep up the good work : )

[@theimacman]

I don't have time for all that. I work full time, and only have limited time to film my reviews. It already takes me about 2 hours just to set up my "studio" every single time I want to film. And I barely have any room to store my filming supplies in my small one bedroom house as it is. I do not need to complicate the process any more than it already is. Besides, that is not the point of my videos, so I think you are really grasping at straws. Sure, I could make my videos look even more professional by doing that stuff, but I have to weigh the pros and cons of everything, and it's just not worth it in my current time and living situations.

[@mssippijim]

I think you had a defective one.

[@yldrmbey7889]

hey man pls syma x5hc

[@montoyaman9550]

Why do u have to restart it so many time I was thinking about getting one until i saw that I the video and how do I get more fight time other than 5mnts

[@jimawhitaker]

Sad, Blade is my favourite product line.

[@theimacman]

Same here, but even they have a few less-than-stellar releases every now and then. They really should've put a brushless motor in this one, I think.

[@BrGoBu]

They all (Horizon Hobbies) can't be winners. Their CX4 was another lemon (in my opinion)....

[@TheIAMINU]

swashplate has come apart , that's what causes the thing to pull a hard left..

[@theimacman]

The hardware is fine, it's the accelerometer that causes it.

[@TheIAMINU]

Flyin' Ryan RC Check the gap between the upper and lower halves of the swash plate , 1 or 2 mm of separation will drive the control crazy , and make the former neutral position pull backward and to the left..the upper and lower halves of the swashplate are only held together by a light press fit , and separate however so slightly during every crash ..every time. the control becomes unstable because the incorrect geometry , the front/rear servo causes R/L tilt and vice versa .both servos then fight each other for control of the aircraft until both run straight to their limit ..inner and outer balls need to be at the same height..nothing is wrong with the accelerometer ...flight mode 2 disables it ..

[@rc4lifebnsf]

Hi

[@theimacman]

Hello

[@rc4lifebnsf]

+Flyin' Ryan RC i love yer vids

[@theimacman]

Rc 4 Life Thanks! :)

[@montoyaman9550]

Should be able to get a good 20 mnts flite time with a charge time of an hour and 5mnts but a 5 mnts flite time good grief that's crazy what could be done to get longer flite time

[@theimacman]

Flight time has absolutely nothing to do with how long it takes the battery to charge. You aren't going to get a longer flight time out of a model like this, unless you just run several batteries... but then you risk overheating the motor and killing it. Sounds like maybe you don't have much experience in this hobby, and in that case, this is not the sort of model you should be looking at to start with anyway. You should learn how to fly on a 3ch coaxial helicopter first. 5-7min flight times are pretty much the standard in this hobby. You'll be surprised by how long that feels when you are actually flying.

[@montoyaman9550]

I did coaxial flying in my younger days I am past that to cordless flying Hanna little advanced than u think all I did was ask a simple question and u had to be a smartalecy arse about it SO BITE ME

[@theimacman]

LOL! Okay, whatever. Sorry for trying to help and assuming that you are a beginner based on your comment which shows a general lack of knowledge about the hobby.

[@montoyaman9550]

Flyin' Ryan, why do u assume something I was only asking bcos I had not flown in a while

[@theimacman]

I try to make assumptions based on your comments in order to give the most thorough response I can, instead of having to ask a bunch of questions and then wait for a response, if the viewer responds at all (usually that's the case).

[@johnwedrall9224]

you're welcome ::)

[@techymek]

Hii

[@theimacman]

Hello

[@techymek]

Hiii

[@techymek]

Please Promote My Channel Sir Please .... please Please TechTalk

[@mogens44]

Dont buy one,, it is crap,,,On the 3 flight it began to spin like the tailmotor burned out. Right out the box, it had a terrible tail wobble. Replaced the Tailmotor, but no luck, foult is still the same,, spins,, no luck with recalibration ,cant do that when it spins like a handmixer . Tx set up according to manual, Tx is a DX6i. HH has a real problem with quality control, but wont admit it. And no,, i did not crash it before the problems began, 12 mins of flight time isent good enough, afterall it isent a cheap model.

[@dmonkillr-rn4us]

yo

[@theimacman]

Yo

[@RobYT]

Too

[@focussimulation7186]

i am viewer no 666. will i get evil or will i be evil? I am scared......& Cool vid, cheers buddy but would it cut somebody fingers off or use it as an rc killer copter. Is that evil or is that me being evil. dOuble scared.

[@johnusjohnson8972]

Looks a bit disappointing to be honest

[@theimacman]

Yep

[@kimchikoalaa714]

learning 6 axis is the way to not learn aerobatics

[@theimacman]

People have to start somewhere, and not everyone wants to do aerobatics. So, pick the helicopter that is right for you and your intentions. ;) Besides, you can turn off 6-axis mode and do regular loops, etc, with this helicopter, but not hardcore 3D.

[@kimchikoalaa714]

What I dislike is that beginners with the intent of progressing into aerobatics doesn't know the difference until their brain is wired to fly a 6 axis, it is very hard for them to rewire their brain to fly a 3 axis

[@theimacman]

I highly disagree. It's best to learn how to fly, just getting used to the controls, etc, in 6-axis, and then when you're ready to move on, turn off 6-axis and at least you have a head start with knowing the controls. It's not that hard to get used to a lack of self-leveling. I would say it would be MUCH harder to learn how to fly while also dealing with no self-leveling.

[@ash7403]

5mins is useless

[@samiawaqar1325]

2nd

[@paulendres]

Send it to my son.. Lol

[@FatGuyWithAKatana]

i've never seen a cavalier in that color before

[@RobYT]

Hii

[@theimacman]

Hello

[@RobYT]

You replied

[@theimacman]

Rob YT Are you young? I am lucky to have a good job, so that helped me afford RC stuff in the beginning, and then when my channel started getting popular I started getting companies offering to send me stuff for free to review, so I don't even have to buy a lot of what I review these days. :)

[@RobYT]

Flyin' Ryan RC Yes i am but i kinda do rc as a hobby i have a ftx monster truck which is hobby grade but then quite a few non-hobby grade stuff and im getting a Cherison cx-10 with a camera and thing you could help me with?