Help! Torn between helicopters!!!

[rnbiker]

Hey, can anyone help? I have an Esky Lama v3 and I want to purchase my first collective pitch helicopter. I'm torn between 3 different models and I would REALLY appreciate any help in deciding which of these is the best to own. I'm particularly concerned about being able to purchase upgrades and spare parts (availability). I would love a model that has mulitple upgrades available.

The three models I'm considering are:
1) Heli-Max Axe CP Mini electric
2) Exceed RC Raptor G2
3) NEW 2008 WALKERA DRAGONFLY 60 (Metal Frame!)

I am leaning towards the Walkera (I like the metal frame), then the Raptor as choice two with the Axe CP coming in third. My local shop is recommending the Axe CP (which he sells), but these others seem to be cooler helicopters with more features for roughly the same price. Does anyone have any thoughts on these models? Are they all common brand names with good availability of spares and upgrades? Do any of them perform better? Keep in mind that I'm a newbie. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

[slowthumbs]

Any experience?
What is your budget?
Read some of the forums.
Check out your choices on some of the vendors websites.
Compare replacement parts cost for your choices and how many vendors have the parts in stock.
Go with the choice that has parts available at the most vendors.
If you make the right choice, you should be able to crash on Sunday, order parts and fly the next Saturday. The vendors advertising here make that possible.
Randy

[JasonJ]

(1) has a seperate electric tail motor and is twitchy and difficult for a beginner.
(2) has a brushed main motor and the head can be sloppy, will end up costing more and more as parts are replaced.
(3) is a Walkera, which means iffy electronics that will cause frustration.

Yeah yeah, it's been said a million times, but you might be better served buying a good sim (if you don't already have one) if you are serious about the hobby, then invest in a quality 450 class helicopter. If you absolutely must have rtf, investigate the Blade 400 or find a used Trex rtf combo on Ebay...

[Jermo]

You sound like a beginner, start with a sim and find some local pilots to help you out. don't spend cash on a chopper until you get a bit more education.

[istandalone]

all of the helis you mentioned are not good beginner birds. i did get an axe cp for my first heli, and it got me hooked on flying (which is the only reason i'm thankful that i bought it) but even still i can't seem to manage to keep it in the air. the biggest problem with those choices are the size and weight. small, light helis are suseptible to the tiniest amount of wind and are also hard to see when you get high up and/or far away. you'll spend more time and $ learning to fly then is really needed. in the end, you'll end up having to upgrade alot of the parts and will have spent the same amount or more $ then you would have on a decent 450. go to towerhobbies website and search "mx400 pro" and "mx450". those are decent entry level arf kits that have gotten cheaper lately. i think you can put an mx400 pro in the air for like $500. even the "best" RTF out there (blade 400 i guess) isn't that good, or so i've been hearing. you just can't expect quality to come rtf.

[JEEPWORLD2002]

I wouldnt want any thing on ur list of possibles. The walkera df60 suck and are made of cheap hardware and weak plastic. develops slop in 2 flights. I would get a simulator, a good one like phonix or real flight. Then while learning to fly on the sim save ur $ and get a trex 500. All those rtf heli with cheap electronics are worthless and will only require new electronics down the road, so you will be wasting ur $ and it will only make you want to quit. Save and you will appreciate it more.

[the_aviator]

If you must go cheap, get a Belt-CP RTF for just under $200.
Anything more than $200, I think you should just save up for a TRex. Helihobby has a Trex RTF for $499.

[chascomp]

Hey, can anyone help? I have an Esky Lama v3 and I want to purchase my first collective pitch helicopter. I'm torn between 3 different models and I would REALLY appreciate any help in deciding which of these is the best to own. I'm particularly concerned about being able to purchase upgrades and spare parts (availability). I would love a model that has mulitple upgrades available.

The three models I'm considering are:
1) Heli-Max Axe CP Mini electric
2) Exceed RC Raptor G2
3) NEW 2008 WALKERA DRAGONFLY 60 (Metal Frame!)

I am leaning towards the Walkera (I like the metal frame), then the Raptor as choice two with the Axe CP coming in third. My local shop is recommending the Axe CP (which he sells), but these others seem to be cooler helicopters with more features for roughly the same price. Does anyone have any thoughts on these models? Are they all common brand names with good availability of spares and upgrades? Do any of them perform better? Keep in mind that I'm a newbie. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
My though is to always go with the heli that you can get parts for and support. No matter how good the heli is, your going to need help and parts. Name and features are secondary if you are always waiting on parts. And without support, it will end up sitting on a shelf somewhere.

Chas. (been there)

[kenn_palmer]

rnbiker, as for budget choices the Esky Belt CP is good choice if you want to go RTF. come out of the box with Brushless motor, and 1800mah Lipo. The TX is not a great one but does get the job done.

[shaggybirdman]

I wouldnt want any thing on ur list of possibles. The walkera df60 suck and are made of cheap hardware and weak plastic. develops slop in 2 flights. I would get a simulator, a good one like phonix or real flight. Then while learning to fly on the sim save ur $ and get a trex 500. All those rtf heli with cheap electronics are worthless and will only require new electronics down the road, so you will be wasting ur $ and it will only make you want to quit. Save and you will appreciate it more.

hmmm a trex 500? price the batteries. they are like $150 to $200 each i believe, plus the charger at around $200. i'm close on pricing i believe. i'd say look into a hurricane 550, but flight time is low, but it will fly on 2 trex 450 packs for around 3 to 5 min. there are free sims, and a nice one avalible right here. i agree on support, but you will get aggravated with your 3 choices. a blade 400, trex 450, or a hurricane would be my choices. the heli max 450 is nice too.

[HeliSmith]

I vote stick with Align so much support and it flies so well.

P.S. My friend runs 2 3S on his Trex 500 it flies great. I also have a friend with the Hurricane 550.

[shaggybirdman]

I vote stick with Align so much support and it flies so well.

P.S. My friend runs 2 3S on his Trex 500 it flies great. I also have a friend with the Hurricane 550.

and it flies for how long, and how well?

[Leaf Blower]

AVOID THE DRAGONFLY 60. Especially because of the electronics and the frame. Frame bends too easily - even in just less than perfect landings- does not take that much. My electronics on the DF - well, it committed suicide into a wall during some of its glitching. Walkera's are known for their glitching. Your money is better spent anywhere else. I am not voicing my opinion- I know from experience. The DF 60 rests (RIP) on a shelf- my reminder never to buy a Walkera ever again.

[HeliSmith]

and it flies for how long, and how well?

You mean durability? I have replaced no bearings and no cnc in about 25 crashes. You mean flight time? That would depend on what you were after.

[shaggybirdman]

You mean durability? I have replaced no bearings and no cnc in about 25 crashes. You mean flight time? That would depend on what you were after.

just general sport flying time wise. how about 3D time wise. i'm leaning towards scale currently. i don't think my 47 year old fingers with arthritis can handle 3D with good results. then again you never know. one day i'd like a gasser, or turbine :thumbup:

[shaggybirdman]

what batteries are you using? trex 450 batteries?