Not just a "which heli" thread

[dano73327]

Hi I've become interested in buying and learning to fly an RC heli and from what I've read on here it looks like the TREX models are pretty popular but I guess what I'm wanting to know is not just which model would be good for a beginner but how much can I expect to invest and what accessories should I budget for.
I saw some TREX 450SA ARF kits online and called a local store about one and they said the kit itself was $269. but that by the time I bought all the other stuff I'd need that I'd have $750+ in it and I'm not really prepared to spend that kind of money to get something I'm probably going to crash.

I was hoping to get something worth learning on that will still be fun to fly and hopefully spend no more than 250 - 300 tops.

I didn't really think that the twin rotor stuff was the route I wanted to go but am I pretty much stuck with one of those in that price range?
I'd like to learn on something more representative of a real helicopter, belt driven tail rotor, wider range of control. I'd appreciate some feedback or suggestions.

[Flyinfool]

While it is true that you will probably crash your new heli, remember that everything is bolted together so any damaged parts can be replaced with new and the heli will be as good as new again. It is rare and difficult to "total" a heli. Most crashes are fairly inexpensive to repair.
As far as whats best for a first heli, search out some local heli fliers and get their advice since they will be the ones helping you.
I is best to have something that they are familiar with.

For the cost to get started, That is very dependent on what route you go and what you might have on hand if you are already into RC.

As a general rule, the bigger the heli the easier it is to fly. I always recommend a 50 size heli as being a good compromise between ease of learning, future capability, and cost.

Small is not necessarily cheaper.
A Trex can cost as much to get flying as a 50 size heli.
For instance A Stinger 50 is also $269. They both still need all of the same equipment but the 50 size will not be nearly as hard to find the right combo of motor battery and gears.
True you may spend a little more on the 50 but will have a much better learning platform.

[dano73327]

Thanks, I have zero equipment or experience. A guy I know at work turned me on to this site but he is all about airplanes. I've always been fascinated by helicopters so that's why I'm going this route.
Are there any good starter RTF kits that fit your description? I would much rather buy a complete setup for my first time as opposed to trying to put together a kit and pick out all the other components and radio's.

Also am I pretty much stuck in that $600+ price range regardless unless I go with a mini size?

[Mudsurfer1234]

Look on Horizon for the Blade 400. It's a belt driven version of the Blade CP, but it's a 400 size chopper. It comes with everything RTF, including a spektrum 6i radio. It's listed at 470 i think, it's a little higher than the one you stated, but it's everything you need.

[CSpaced]

	Quote: Originally Posted by dano73327
	Are there any good starter RTF kits that fit your description? I would much rather buy a complete setup for my first time as opposed to trying to put together a kit and pick out all the other components and radio's.

Hirobo has a great 30 size starter combo that can be later upgraded to a 50 size which is just ballistic!

http://www.modelrectifier.com/search...ew.asp?ID=1814

[alexz]

I know that you sead that you would like to get a shank that's belt/shat, but I have a blade cp for 225.00 . It has all of the electric up graeds. I've got about 400.oo into it.

just a thought

[dano73327]

Thanks for the feedback. That Blade 400 seems like what I was looking for and isn't too much money considering what you get.

Sorry but I'm new to these boards and I'm not up on the lingo yet. Shank, belt/shat, not really following that.

[CSpaced]

A shank is a helicopter, belt or shaft drive refers to how the tail rotor is driven (shat was a typo).

[Toro]

Keep an EYE out, I'm doing an INS and OUTS of getting started in ROTOCRAFT ! should be here within 5-7 days on the leading edge. It will actually be a series covering everything from basic build, to set up, basic flying, and 3D setup. I may even try and get some guest writers for the stuff... COLIN BELL CAN YOU HEAR ME ?

[66stang]

I've really liked my Heli Max Axe cp for playing around in the back yard, and the field. I don't do any 3D yet. But I'm really impressed with the New E-flight Blade 400 that just came out. The big advantage with the E-flite setup is you can use the radio to fly planes and heli's. Plus it's Spektrum 2.4...

[Flyinfool]

With your $600 limitation you are pretty much forced into a small electric.
They are by no means impossible to learn on, just a little harder than a bigger one.

With as much as possible of the equipment that you will be getting try to look forward to other things you might want it to be able to do in the future.

Remember that a good transmitter can stay with you for many years and handle many models being programmed into it.
I always recommend that you get the best electronics that you can afford up front. That way you will not be selling it at a huge loss 6 months from now when the "heli disease" has fully taken hold of you and you are ready to move up to bigger and better things.
Most any modern 7+ channel radio will handle all but a scale ship with extra functions.
Weather you get Futaba, JR, or Spectrum it is a Chevy, Ford or Dodge debate, everyone has their preference and they are all good. The best for you may be to get what your instructor has, so that it will be easy for him/her to help you.

FWIW I prefer Chevy and Futaba