new guy! what kind of heli?

[91vr4]

Hello, I've been thinking of getting into the sport of rc heli's for some time. I've been running rc cars,truck and boats for some time and would like to try something more challenging. I've used the older g2 version sim. and found to be a great help but never flew the real thing. So, what I'm getting at is what would be a good first time heli for someone like myself? I've looked at the small electric ones, (humming bird, etc..) thinking these would be reasonable price wise. From what I'm reading it seems that people are steering beginners into nitro helis. are gas helis easier to fly than the smaller electrics? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

thanks
c.b.

[ThBrtmn]

For a beginner.... you cant beat the Hawk Sport....$160 and will do biginner 3d...After a .30 size you will probably move up to a .50size or bigger. A Raptor .30 is more durable and has a broader spectrum on the beginner 3d stuff... If your on a budget...the Hawk worked and still works great for me.
Gassers are pretty spendy on initial cost. Cheaper fuel.
Just my opinion.

[WillJames]

Take a look at the used Stinger Poolman has for sale in the Helicopters for sale forum. That is a great deal and a good heli to learn on. Not to expensive to fix. Very comparable to the Hawk Sport.

[Joel Mann]

You would probably spend just as much money on an electic as a 30 size nitro. Century does have a knew version of the hawk coming out. First how much money do you want to spend?

[91vr4]

wow, you guys are fast and informative! As far as what I want to spend, I guess that is the question of the hour. I'm not sure. I think it would have to do with what I'm getting. I guess I would spend more if it was a good deal. I have this problem with going over my limit when it comes to rc.

thanks
c.b.

[Dan Lewis]

I like to recommend .50 size nitro's to start with because in my experience that's what really allowed me to speed up the learning curve. I've seen this same thing happen in others over and over. They're stable and powerful yet just as cheap as .30's to run. The initial cost is slightly more but they'll suit anywhere from a beginner to a pro in performance. My personal favorite is the Raptor 50 and the best deal on new is at heliproz.com.

You'll most likely spend more learning with a micro and they don't perform as good. There are a ton of choices but what may ultimately drive your decision is what people are flying at your local field. Check out the pilot locator link at the top of this page and try to get in touch with someone and hang out. Many times people will give a new guy a really good deal on used stuff. If any more questions come up just ask away :) ...there's lots of help around here :glasses2:

[WillJames]

I agree with Dan 100%. Very good points Dan!

[WayneBrown]

I'd go for the Hawk. $160 is not bad for a heli minus engine, gyro and electronics.
I've got one, and another on order for my 13 y/o son. There are a few upgrades myself and others would reccomend, but that would be for after you learn to hover.
Don't skimp on radio or gyro/servo this will hurt your learning curve. Parts are not a big problem to get for the Hawk, order yourself a crash kit when you order the kit, and go burn fuel!!
Don't forget to order a starter wand either!!

[Hotshot Charlie]

Hawk, Raptor, Gohbee Stinger.... all great starting points. I started with 30 size machines to help costs.... but in reality.... the 50 is about the same money. Maybe $100 more.

The Gohbee's are looking good and are really ARF.

[WayneBrown]

After looking at this again, I'd agree with Charlie on the 50's related costs.
Century is from CA, Gohbee is in SC. I'd venture to say that if you have no or limited help in the area, go with a heli company closer to you for faster shipping times, ie; Gohbee.

[Hotshot Charlie]

I have a Hawk and a Stinger 50 (haven't flown the 50 yet, but looks great). I like the little Hawk.... for the price a very nice, cheap heli. The Stinger 30 has it beat in quality though. (I'm not saying that just because I am a rep) The Gohbee rivals the Rappy competition pretty darn well. The head on the Gohbee is GREAT.

[WayneBrown]

I gotta talk to dave and fly one of those things...
LHS in town has one on shelf, and no interested takers. Buncha plank flyers!

[Sar]

Nitro heli's are easier to work on and seem to be more reliable. I'm with Joel, electrics get expensive(for their size), for what you pay in crash parts on small electrics(zoom, trex, etc) you might have more fun flying and crashing a bigger heli for a few bucks more. You live in NJ, a small electric will greatly restrict the weather conditions you can fly in unless you have a good sized indoor site available.

[ThBrtmn]

If you dont have one yet get a Simulator or see if you can borrow one. It will save you $$

[Hotshot Charlie]

Bart wrote:
If you dont have one yet get a Simulator

Bart is totally right on this...... I might add.... make that Hundreds of $$$$$$ ! :shock:

[SteveL]

I would start with a 50 Either EVO or Gohbee and run 550 woodies and a gov. until I got beyond the hovering stage. That would allow you to move into any maneuver in the book with a change of blades. The 550 woodies are cheap, and will provide plenty of power for hover and forward flight. You must run a gov when powering with a 50 though.

[91vr4]

If anyone has pictures of a heli they want to sell please let me know. I would like to get one that has been recommended to me, gohbee, hawk, raptor, etc...

thanks
c.b.

[JettaTDI2001]

www. gohbee.com

Joe

[91vr4]

Someone has a nexus 30 with an o.s.32 engine, gyro and Futaba 6xh for sale for $350. total rtf. would this be a good starter heli?

thanks
c.b.

[WayneBrown]

It's okay to learn on, but you might be disappointed after you have to wait for parts....and wait....and wait some more.
You are better to buy new, with all new components and build yourself, the learning curve for assembly and repair afterwards is well worth the time invested up front.

[Hotshot Charlie]

If you decide to buy a new Gohbee, use my field rep number and receive an additonal 7% off the price on an internet buy www.gohbee.com

As far as that goes, use any of field rep numbers for the discount. My number is listed in my signature. #0073TD

[91vr4]

Rob, thanks alot!

c.b.

[91vr4]

would a v1 raptor .30 be a good deal $450 rtf w/o starter? comes with skysport, gy240 gyro, and complete heli.

thanks again
c.b.

[Dan Lewis]

I would pass this one up. The skysport is 4 channel, right?

[91vr4]

the trans is a skysport-6h . is this a 4 channel? and the motor is a tt36.

thanks
c.b.