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Worth it

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OK, there are a lot of sides to this. Some people would recommend getting a fixed-pitch (FP) copter first as they're easier to deal with. No pitch/throttle curves. And they're usually less expensive. If you're just interested in hovering and flying around, then that may be perfect for you. Some even recommend a coaxial (CX) copter because they are a lot more stable for beginners and it's easier to steer them around rather than having to learn to coordinate left/right cyclic with tail rotor.
But if you're serious about copters and plan on staying for the long haul, there are a few things I'd consider.
First, get a simulator for your computer. There are a few out there. RealFlight. Reflex (I have that). Aerofly Pro. Clearview. FMS (free download). They will help you coordinate your hands. And if you crash, you just reset. Big help.
Second, if you're serious, think about collective pitch (CP). It may be a bit trickier to set up and fly at first, but it offers a bit more possiblity if you wish to try basic 3D and inverted stuff. E-Sky makes the Honey Bee CP2 which is a nice CP machine. It's a bit nicer than the Blade CP and cheaper. You can find them for around $200 total and it should come with Li-Po batts and an upgraded motor.

Just food for thought.
 
Pretty much what he said.

Helis are unlike anything you'll ever drive. I started out witha Blade CX and learned all the controls and can fly around as i please. It really helped me when i went to my Venom to already have the thumb inputs down.

Simulators are one of the best tools there is but was too much $ for me so i used the CX and played ont he one at hobbytown when i got a chance.

Start with a CX first, cheap to buy, fix and maintin. You'll be so much better off.

Also.....find a heli your LHS carries. When it comes to a tail rotor heli...your gonna break parts....and alots of 'em usually
 
"Worth it?" - $109 - hell yeah.

I can tell you the Honey Bee is one of the most popular SMALL tail rotor e-helis out there. Many of it's parts are a direct fit for the Blade CP, too. Correct me if I'm wrong, that sure looks like it's fixed pitch. A collective pitch heli is more "expandable," beginning to really like my Blade CP. :D
 
Thanks alot guys. You guys know alot about the helis. Makes me wonder why this part of the forums is rearly active
 
dannyd said:
Thanks alot guys. You guys know alot about the helis. Makes me wonder why this part of the forums is rearly active
Click to expand...

Yeah man...spend the $ and get you a Simulator...its the best way to learn to fly
 
I don't know, I wasn't going to get a sim and flew - err, practiced avoiding crashing - for about 3 weeks before I got the PreFlight Blade Edition sim. As sims go it's a 5 out of 10, but it's only $49 and that's really the only reason I sprung for it, it's cheap and the trainer cord plugs right into the microphone jack, of all places. Comes with the cord too.

A sim will teach you the orientation and the feel of the sticks, but in reality actual flying is a whole different look and feel. I probably could have done just as well without it, only fire it up once a week or so but fly at least 4 packs every day. Something about the way the sim pans with the heli is just unsettling.

Has several models including the Raptor .90 and some planes too.
 
rocknbil said:
I don't know, I wasn't going to get a sim and flew - err, practiced avoiding crashing - for about 3 weeks before I got the PreFlight Blade Edition sim. As sims go it's a 5 out of 10, but it's only $49 and that's really the only reason I sprung for it, it's cheap and the trainer cord plugs right into the microphone jack, of all places. Comes with the cord too.

A sim will teach you the orientation and the feel of the sticks, but in reality actual flying is a whole different look and feel. I probably could have done just as well without it, only fire it up once a week or so but fly at least 4 packs every day. Something about the way the sim pans with the heli is just unsettling.

Has several models including the Raptor .90 and some planes too.
Click to expand...

Try the G3 simulator....that feals VERY real compared to a blade sim. I learnt stick orientation on a CX. Without a CX and some loaner sim time....I'd be spending alot of jack now on parts
 

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