Newbie Glow Helicopter

[realwiz]

Can somebody recommend a good 1st Glow helicopter. I've practiced on the simulator and on the T-Rex. I'm still at the hovering stage. I'd prefer a 50 or 60. Something a little foregiving, but yet can do more advanced manuevers. I'm probably never going to be a crazy 3D pilot, but I would like it able to go inverted.
What's the key things I should look for? Is eCCPM important in a glow helicopter, it seems that it is very important in the T-Rex, to get rid of slop.

Thanks.

[ClayK]

CCPM or mechanical, either is fine.

You want to get a model that is easy to repair, stable flight characteristics, available parts, good field support.

I would say most 50's fit that bill. Raptor, Gohbee, Evo. All good choices.

[DebianDog]

No. eCCPM is not important. It is nicer if you are going to be doing a lot of 3D but there are disadvantages too.

-My- recommendations in no particular order are:

Raptor 50
Hirobo Evo 50
Gobee Stinger 50
Compass Knight 50

http://www.rjxofusa.com has a Hurrican 50 out. But I have not flown it yet.

Note: The RJX can be converted to electric with a kit if you ever want that option. http://www.rjxofusa.com/E%20page.html

[BarracudaHockey]

All of the above are solid choices. The Raptor being the work horse of the group. That and a 50 hyper, 401/9254 and some decent servos and you are all set. If your interested in a Rappy check out http://www.raptortechnique.com he's got a ton of info there that makes starting out with a Raptor a painless experience but as I said, most of the 50's out there today are comparable.

[realwiz]

Thanks for all the replies. My local hobby shop uses Great Planes and Horizon as distributors, and they can usually get get parts within 3 days. Are any of the ones you listed distributed through GP or HH? I believe GP sells Century, are they any good?

[DebianDog]

Well they aren't "bad" I have two of them. My friends Hawk flies good.