Horizon Hobby Recalls Blade 700 X Pro Series Helicopters

Horizon Hobby has issued a recall on about 600 units of their Blade 700 X Pro Series Helicopter, due to potential defects with the main rotor washer. These issues can cause the blades to come off of the helicopter during use, posing an injury hazard to the operator and bystanders.

Product Specifics

Following information provided by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):

• This recall pertains to the Blade 700 X Pro Series Kit, Pro Series Combo, and the replacement spindle set. The kits and combos come with parts to assemble a radio-controlled helicopter that is about 53 inches long, 15.5 inches tall, and weighs about 12 pounds.
• When assembled, the helicopter is blue, yellow, black, and silver with the 700 X logo on each side. The skids are white, and the tail is black with ‘Blade’ written  on each side. The rotor blades are black and gray with the word Revolution on each. The defective washer is flat, silver and about one  half-inch in diameter. It is intended to hold the two main rotor blade grips in place on the helicopter.
• The recalled Pro Series Kit is model number BLH5725, the Pro Series Combo is model number BLH5725C, and the recalled spindle set is model number BLH5703.
• The defective kit was sold July 2013 through August 2013 at various hobby stores nationwide, as well as on horizonhobby.com. The Pro Series Kit sold for between $800 and $1,250, while the Pro Series Combo sold for between $1,350 and $2,320. The replacement spindle set sold for about $13.

CPSC Recommended Course of Action

Although the CPSC has not yet received any reports of injuries related to the Blade 700 X Pro Series Kits, it is advised that consumers discontinue use of these products. Consumers should contact Horizon Hobby for replacement washers.