In The Driver's Seat
Karyn M. Peterson -- Playthings, 3/1/2009
For many boys—no matter what their age—playtime doesn't get much better than being in control of your own R/C vehicle, whether it's a fancy sportscar, a monster truck, a futuristic airplane or even a cutting-edge motorcycle complete with a mysterious rider. Thankfully, toymakers debut exciting new offerings in the R/C category every year. Here are just a few of our favorites for '09, all of which will be available in the coming months.
2. The Wind Chaser Stunt Kite ($29.99) for ages 8 and up is just one of several new additions to the Air Hogs line from Spin Master, Toronto. The R/C Wind Chaser features patented servo technology that makes it easy for kids to perform tricks like loops, turns and swoops. The kite's handle doubles as both the remote control and as a cord winder. 3. The Turbo Pro Wheelie Cycle ($39.99) for ages 6 and up from Mattel's Tyco division, El Segundo, Calif., can turn, jump and stunt via a unique, tilt-motion controller—designed in the shape of motorcycle handlebars—that aims to provide kids with a realistic driving experience. Best of all, it features a one-touch, wheelie-on-command button. 4. The original Skate Ranger ($59.99) for ages 4 and up from Skate Ranger, New York, is a 12-inch action figure that rollerblades, gyrates and stunts with multiple points of articulation that allows it to kneel and bend. Also available in a Motorcycle version ($59.99), an all-terrain vehicle that can move both forward and backward and turn sharply, as well as an Acrobatic version ($69.99), which is specially built to handle aggressive turns and wild spins. 5. The B3 Fling Wing airplane ($69.99) from Megatech International, North Bergen, N.J., is ideal for both a first-timer and an experienced R/C fan. It comes pre-built of light but extremely resilient polypropylene foam, ready to fly right out of the package. It features twin motors and a special wing design for stable, smooth and easy-to-control flight performance. It also includes a two-stick transmitter and a mobile quick charger for use "in the field."

1. The Billy Big Wheels R/C truck ($39.99) from Chicco, South Plainfield, N.J., lets preschoolers in on the R/C action with an intuitive remote control that's easy for even the youngest drivers to use and master. Its interactive features include roaring engine sounds when accelerating, warning sounds when it's driven in reverse, illuminated running lights and a horn.






























