Chopper Command:
Recently introduced, Chopper Command by Jasman Toys is a replica of the 1970's Vertibird helicopter toy made by Mattel. The toy features real-time flight control of a toy helicopter. The Jasman version is almost identical to the original. Minor differences include an improved lighted control panel and modified helicopter design. Surprisingly, the older Vertibird is a little more futuristic looking. The Jasman model is a little more true to life. I understand that the Jasman version is a little less powerful. Having played with the Jasman version (errr ... I mean having watched my son play with it), I don't really see any problems with it's lifting ability. It lifts all included toys just fine (the Jasman version does include more toys than the original Vertibird).
Chopper Command will eat batteries. So far, I have not seen a 6 Volt 1500mA power supply on the market. I guess that means a trip to Radio Shack for the parts to make one!
The introduction of Chopper Command has certainly swept ebay. Vertibird prices seem to be depressed and sales of Chopper Command helicopters is on the rise. Considering these toys can be had for a mere $15.00 at local Target stores, one would be hard pressed to fork out $100 - $400 for a used Vertibird. Unfortunately, some buyers are falling prey to ignorance and price gouging by ebay sellers. Bidding on the new Chopper Command sets has been as high as $50.00 for a toy that one could purchase for $15.00 at a local Target store.
Chopper Command is now called "Chopper Patrol". The major difference seems to be a "safety" propeller. That is, a ring that protects one from getting smacked from the prop as it spins. If anyone has more information, please let me know!
I had an email chat with the president of Jasman Toys: Mr. Alan Muir. Here are some excerpts of that conversation:
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[Mr. Muir] Thank you for your interest in the Jasman Chopper Command. Our company has revived a number of toy products that had been popular in years past, such as the Air Jammer line of air powered vehicles and Smash Up; Derby. We are a small privately held company with offices in Hong Kong and Itasca, Illinois. Jasman has been in business since 1991 and has offered a wide array of products from PVC figures, outdoor sports toys, vehicles, aircraft and, of course, the Chopper Command. [Dareplane] Do you feel the recent Chopper Command product will violate any Mattel patents? [Mr.
Muir] ...The time limitation on patents is 17 years so we do not
believe there to be any infringement on a product that was introduced
almost 30 years ago. [Dareplane]
How do you plan to advertise the product? [Mr. Muir] Unfortunately, Jasman is a relatively small company and, as such, does not have an advertising budget to properly promote this exciting item. We have received numerous requests for information from consumers regarding the availability of the product and we are hoping that such a response will grow to the point that other retailers will pick the product up for distribution. ...The Chopper Command was placed in the Target Kool Toyz, formerly Great Gift Program, under their private label packaging. It has been difficult for us as a small manufacturer to get into the regular line at Target, although we are trying. The Chopper Command will be marketed under our packaging at Kay Bee and in the Sears catalogue. Several smaller distributors have also signed on. Based on the early success we hope it is only a matter of time before the other three big mass market retailers, Wal Mart, Kmart and Toys R Us sign on to take advantage of what we hope to be a popular toy for years to come. [Dareplane] Where will the product be available? [Mr.
Muir] Currently in the U.S. the Chopper Command is available through
Kay Bee Toys, Target Stores under their Kool Toyz brand, Tower Hobbies
and is featured the Sears Wish Book coming out soon. [Mr. Muir] We plan to introduce new products each year as time and money permit, although at this juncture we do not know which projects will be selected for revival. Special thanks to Mr. Muir of Jasman Toys for taking the time to answer my questions. I also asked if they have replacement parts available. It appears, at this time, that they do not. I guess for $15.00 you could just buy a new one... I asked Mr. Muir if they planned to bring back the Dareplane ... Never got a straight answer to that question. Hopefully they will... One more note: I bought a Chopper Command for my son. He loves it. Then I thought: I just blew a GREAT Christmas gift !!@$%^&!!!! -Joe |
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