My First Heli

[MikeB]

Ok heli pros give me your advice on the best beginner heli. I'm thinking of the Raptor 50 or the Stinger 50. The Raptor has the advantage of parts availability and people who know them. The Stinger is new with not as many parts resources; which I'm going to need, cause I'm not afraid to crash and build.

[Dan Lewis]

The Raptor 50 is a great beginner heli for the reasons you've already given. The odds are in your favor finding someone to help out. The support you get from your friends at the field is invaluable when getting started. You already figured this much out so you're obviously smart and on the right track. This heli will also work well as your skills grow. You can do all of the most advanced maneuvers with it because of the high power to weight ratio it has.

The next big question would be what radio and electronics to go with. JR and Futaba work great. Again, pick your teacher and use what they use. If you need help finding people in your area, try the pilot locator (http://www.pilotlocator.net/state.php?state=CA&tfm_order=ASC&tfm_orderby=city) (also link in the top section of this site). I didn't seen anyone listed in Auburn but maybe there's someone there that's close by. You can always come back here and ask away as I'm sure you'll have a lot of questions in the next few months. An excellent site for info is www.raptortechnique.com .

[Hotshot Charlie]

Hi MikeB,

I am tainted in my view..... but either bird will do. The Stinger will use the same parts that a Raptor will. In fact, you will receive a parts cross reference with the Stinger. So, it you can't get a Stinger part, substitute a Raptor part or vice versa.

I am really excited about the Stinger, it is a fine bird. I am flying the Stinger 30, and a Century Sport Hawk and just sold my Raptor 30v1. The Stinger feels more solid than either of the other two.

What ever you decide, it will be a good choice. You can't go wrong. I would lean you to a 30 for your first bird, just for expense. If money is not an object, get the 50, but a 30 will take you very far into flying.

Ok, sales pitch, if you decide to buy a Stinger, use the field rep number on my sig or on another field reps number and your will receive 7% off the purchase price.

Have fun and enjoy this great hobby. Find someone to help you locally and set up the bird correctly and it will go a long way into how much fun you have !!

Also, I recommend a flight simulator FIRST, if you don't have one, spend the money and get one. Great way to learn and not cost you big bucks.

[Clintstone]

Mike find out what the guys in your area are flying and I would start with the Brands they fly. Get a good start and then as you become a seasoned pilot you will form your own opinions...........just my 2 cents. I started with a Raptor because this is what was suported locally. I flew JR as again was suported locally but now I fly Futaba.........Just have fun!!!!!!!!!!

[MikeB]

Thanks for the replies. I will go with a 50, because I have the money for it. As for which brand... It seems in my area people are flying just about everything, so no matter what I choose I'll have someone to help me out.

mb

[Hotshot Charlie]

no matter what I choose I'll have someone to help me out.


Hey Mike, be sure to ask for their help. Sometimes it is easy to try to "do it all by myself". Heli's can be done by yourself, but it is a lot more fun and less frustrating to have the help of experienced flyer's! Also, most heli flyer's can't wait to help a newbie.... at least that is what I have found.

Good luck and as Clintstone said, "JUST HAVE FUN" !!!