I once worked, as a mechanic, on a B206 operation and we later acquired a BO-105. The pilot comments regarding the respective cyclic controls were very similar to what 'Reely340' has reported here. Assuming his buddy is only slightly exaggerating then there is nothing to worry about - that is the way each helicopter is.
IF the JetRanger cyclic control really is 'heavy', then I suggest having a mechanic check the cyclic minimum friction IAW the Bell 206 MM. Other checks are, a) the servo pins (as mentioned by another poster) are they free to rotate with friction 'off' - use a light lubricant if they are stiff - DO NOT remove them, and b) check for excessive swashplate friction.
Problems with the hydraulic system pressure will also affect the collective and anti-torque controls - is this the case?
Let us know what you find.