The Best Toys of 2006 – Young Teen
Fly Wheels XPV
Manufacturer: Jakks Pacific
Ages: 8 and up
Suggested Retail Price: $59.99
What it is
The XPV, which stands for Extreme Performance Vehicle, is a remote control vehicle with wheels and wings that takes off from any flat surface. Once in the air, the XPV can fly more than 20 stories high at almost 20 miles per hour.
This is the first R/C plane we've seen that really lives up to its promise, and while it has a bit of a learning curve, once mastered, it's easy and fun to fly.
Why it's fun
We were shocked by the demonstrations we saw of the XPV in New York's Central Park and in Malibu, California. Shocked in the best possible way, that is. Not only did the XPV climb to an impressive height, but also the distance it was able to travel from the remote seemed to take it across the park. In California, the plane flew out over a rush of traffic on Pacific Coast highway and back with ease and total control.
Flying the XPV at these types of height and distance is a blast but even just watching the vehicle soar and dive is also fun.
Who's going to love it
While chances are good that an 8-year old will love the XPV, it's going to take a slightly older child to master flying it. That's why we feel the XPV would make a great toy for kids 12 and older.
But don't worry if a younger sibling takes it for a flight. The durable construction should stand up to most crash landings.
What to be aware of
Read and follow all the directions before you play. We promise you'll be much happier.
The XPV is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-ion Polymer battery, which is sold separately for $30. The battery takes 45 minutes to an hour to fully charge and will last up to 20 minutes before it requires another charge. This is significantly faster charge time and longer flight time than other planes out there. Plus, there are tips to make the battery time last longer, such as gliding, included with the plane.
Out of the box, there is a lot of tape on the plane. This is part of the design-and the directions say so as well. Broken pieces can be glued back on together, but the plane can really take a beating in play.
