Blade CP Upgrades

[DEEP6PAK]

I am a new pilot with only about 10 flights under my belt, I have only just achieved a hover. I have installed the bell hiller mixer, and a 1320 li/po and find it much easier to control now.
I am interested in further upgrades, and I have seen several "complete" packages including carbon fiber/aluminum parts and a belt driven tail rotor assy. I called one company this morning to order one, and the guy went off about how I should just buy a T-rex. Unfortunately I am not ready to spend that much yet, and would need new electronics if I did that whereas I believe that I am able to continue using all the existing electronics if I do the upgrade kit.

Am I making a bad decision to upgrade the CP with a conversion, or should I leave it like it is.

[BigMike]

Deep 6,
I agree with you. Stick with the Blade for awhile. Seems that some people don't understand why others can't go out anytime and drop a grand or more on a new heli.
I am just now starting a build on my first T-Rex after about a year of fooling around with my Blade CP. I'm taking it slowly and haven't purchased my Spectrum DX-7 radio yet. I just purchase a new component every week. Servos, Gyro, battery, etc.
Stick with you blade and keep the upgrades to improving the flying, not the looks.
Sounds like you are starting in the right direction with the Bell/Hiller, etc.
I've had good luck with HeliDirect and RCHover for spare parts.
I would suggest this new, inexpensive, heavy-duty skid setup from Helidirect.

http://www.helidirect.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=Blade%20CP&sort=2a&page=4

I replaced many sets of Stock landing gear before I found this.
Good Luck
Mike

[Skiddz]

Having spent a LOT of money on CP upgrades, if I were to do it over, I'd just fly the CP as it is and start saving my pennies for a larger helicopter. A Trex 450 is a good step up from the CP. It's MUCH more stable and actually a bit cheaper on parts when you wad it up.

[Pinecone]

ONce you fly a Trex you will understand.

I would not drop money into a Blade until you get Trex, then decide whether to spend money on the Blade. Many people have spent more money on their Blade that they would have spent on a Trex.

[DEEP6PAK]

After doing much pricing of parts, I have decided to begin building the T rex 450. I will continue to fly the CP while I build the Trex. It does seem as though I could spend a pile of money on the blade, and still have a blade...

[chopperdudes]

no, the belt drive will change the entire heli, not really a blade cp anymore, you'll need a separate reciever, a gyro, and a tail servo. and you'll need more parts than you'd expected, no, the 55$ deal from helidirect, ain't gonna do it... you've probably done the most important ones, the lipo and the bell hiller, for a noobie they'll do just fine, you should not be upgrading unless you skill advances the heli's capabilities. i've been on the same setup (except for a pair of cf blades)(1010 lipo) as you and have learn to loop and roll, then i bought a futaba 7c because i know i'll get a better heli (trex SE) and a hh gyro. i'm now learning to hover inverted, i'd say i've learnt it already just moving it around in a hover is troubling me. so DON'T GET THE BELT DRIVE, IT'LL SUCK THE BLOOD OUT OF YOUR WALLET, AND YOU'LL REGRET IT.
i've actually seen such conversion at my lhs and let me tell you, that person have to change every single parts of the bird before it got in the air... not worth it.

besides, you'll have a lot more to learn before you outgrow the bird's stock performace.

[DEEP6PAK]

Thanks for all the input. If this freezing weather ever lets up I may actually get some flight/crash time in.
I have been thinking along the same lines as you in that I was thinking of going for a new controller first, then slowly moving on from there with the T rex.