RC helicopters

by Eric
(raleigh)

I am a 25 year old engineer looking to buy my first outdoor rc helicopter - any recommendations?

Comments for
RC helicopters

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Dec 22, 2009
 Re: RC helicopters
by: Pete

Hi Eric - coaxial helicopters are the most suitable for beginners and can be flown outdoors on calmer days. The E-flite Blade CX3 is a good choice, very stable and easy to fly out the box.
If you don't like the look of coaxial helis with their dual main rotors, then you need to look at a single rotor helicopter and these have a much steeper learning curve. I have the Blade 400 which is a CP (Collective Pitch) helicopter, very hard to master but ultimately very rewarding to fly.
The 3rd option is an FP (Fixed Pitch) heli - these are more limited in what they can do and are still harder to master than a coaxial, although simpler than a CP. The Walkera 4G3 is a good example.

It really depends on what sort of flying you see yourself doing. Hovering and simple circuit flying is easily done with a coaxial or FP, more advanced and aerobatic flying needs to be done with a Collective Pitch model.

A final thought - the new Blade mSR is a micro single rotor helicopter that has the stability of a coaxial. Its downside for outdoor flying is its size - you need to fly it close to you so you can see what it's doing.

If you're in the market for a single rotor heli (ie you don't want a coaxial) then also consider an rc flight simulator - these are excellent training aids especially for helicopter flying.
Dec 22, 2009
 My Thoughts
by: Rick

I say get a simulator and practice flying but a sim is easy just to play on meaning you have to act like if you crash it will cost you money.
Then get what you can afford parts for; I started with collective pitch you can learn on one just take your time. I would not start off with any thing smaller than a 450 and would say a 500 or 600 hundred size would be even better - more disc area and better stablity.
Search for all the information on the forums to get a good idea of what it takes to setup and maintain your helicopter, this will get you off to a good start. It would take too much to list all here and watch out one helicopter is useually not enough once you get bit by the bug - I have five now and wanting more. All kidding aside this is a great hobby so have fun with what ever you decide - have a great day, Rick
Dec 22, 2009
 All round model helicopter
by: gedi

Get your self a Trex 600, set it up as a trainer
then upgrade the settings as you learn to fly:
1 helicopter = trainer / scale / sport / 3D!
Good on spares, very stable and you can fly in most conditions - hope this helps, regards, Ged

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