Need help on what heli to purchase

[andzman]

Hello,

I am fairly new to the sport and I am looking to purchase a heli and need some guidance. All I have currently is a Blade SR which many people seem to dislike but I enjoy. I am no expert by any means. I would like advice on what I should purchase. I have been looking at the clones at Hobby King but do not want to waste my money if the heli is going to end up costing as much as the real deal. I would like a larger electric heli because I hear they are much better to learn and fly on. I have a few simulators (Pheonix/Real Flight). Any advice would greatly be appreciated.

Thank You

[SYMAWD]

The SR is a great starter. Tarot and EXI pro clones are pretty good, but once you buy good electronics, you'd be better off just getting an Align super combo. However there are many brands better than Align, but are pricier.

[dankcincy]

With clones alot of people end up replacing the clone parts with align parts so whats the point really?
Look around and see what people in your area are flying is the standard response to this question. The reasoning is that you can get help from them with yours if you have issues. The fact of the matter is that most helis are basically the same. Most rules apply equally to all so any decent Heli guy should be able to help you with any Heli you get. On top of that, you always have Helifreak.

Get something that you can afford to crash and easily get parts for. Go flybarless if for no other reason then thats what youll end up doing anyways.
Anything you decide to get will be fine if you enjoy it and can get parts for it.

Do you already have a radio?

[Slyster]

You've got a sim... and If you can fly.. hover.. land.. I suggest go big. 500 or 550. Don't waste time/money.

[andzman]

Would a clone suffice? I want something extremely stable but I can only hover and perform the most basic flight patterns. No 3D here

Do you have any suggestions?

Thank You

[Slyster]

IMO Gaui X5 or Align 550 super combos. You build.. yet they both come with everything but receiver and lipos.

[andzman]

I only have the radio that came with the Blade SR. I do not have anyone that flies near me and would like to fly solo

[airbound]

Most of the clones will end up costing you more then a decent kit.You will probably want at least a 500 for stability & precision.The cost is what hurts most people w/bigger birds.I also fly alone , Started w a 450 size--actually have 3 of them now--I also have a Fusion 50 which I enjoy flying the most.Once you get over intimandation of the size--its all good from there.I would have to suggest a 500-600 machine.Any questions give me a shout--not that far away from you.--Walt

[dankcincy]

What kind of budget are we talking about here?

[Velislide]

Just buy a BNF used clone. I sold my 450 clone for 160$, and it was great to fly.

[ronm3313]

I went from an SR to a 450 which I think is a good step. If you're still working on hovering and Forward Flight than a 450 would be good. If you're doing stalls, loops, and rolls then I'd say you're ready for a 500.

I have a CopterX 450SE V2 and HobbyKing 450 Pro clones. I also have a Tarot 500ESP. Based on it if I ever bought another 450 I'd try the Tarot.

Typically cloners replace parts damaged in a crash with Align parts. Personally I use Align: main, feathering, and tail shafts, gears, landing gear and blades. Some guys replace those parts during the build process.

My HK450 Pro currently has a Turnigy Dlux 40 ESC, Turnigy Typhoon 2215 motor, T-Pro MG90 cyclic servos, a GoTeck S9257 tail servo, and a Quark gryo. I have Hitech HS-65's on my CopterX 450SE V2. IMHO those electronics are 'good enough'. The Gyro is the most expensive component.

[ronm3313]

I just saw the post where you said you only have the SR radio. You're going to need a radio. I recommend the Dx6i and Orange Rx from Hobbyking.

Please feel free to PM me if you'd like to talk more about the clone route.

[bloftin]

Originally Posted by andzman

I only have the radio that came with the Blade SR. I do not have anyone that flies near me and would like to fly solo

RC helis are one of thoes things that are like a line in the sand, your either decide to do it, or don't do it. If you've decided it's somthing you'll enjoy and have the budget for, go ahead and jump in with both feet.

Having said that... Keep in mind the radio you choose will be the heart of your radio control hobby and should be considered an investment into the hobby. If you want to fly hobby grade RC helis i would recomend you invest in a good radio up front. It's a good starting point :-)

[andzman]

Originally Posted by bloftin

RC helis are one of thoes things that are like a line in the sand, your either decide to do it, or don't do it. If you've decided it's somthing you'll enjoy and have the budget for, go ahead and jump in with both feet.

Having said that... Keep in mind the radio you choose will be the heart of your radio control hobby and should be considered an investment into the hobby. If you want to fly hobby grade RC helis i would recomend you invest in a good radio up front. It's a good starting point :-)

I have no problem with buying what I need but the down side of technology is as soon as you buy what you think will last forever a new technology comes out and your radio is not useless but seems like it is....

[ronm3313]

I know what you mean about technology changing. On a good note many of the guys at the field I fly are still happily using the original DX7.

To make a long story short I decided I needed a spare radio and rather than buy another DX6i I decided to upgrade to a DX8 and make my DX6i my spare. After 2 years of flying CP I don't need a DX8. I just want it.

Whatever brand you decide to buy it's not a bad strategy.

[andzman]

It looks like a 'flybarless' copter is the recommendation which I know nothing about. What are the 'extra' electronics that are needed?

[andzman]

Is this ok? It looks like a great deal and is complete:

http://helidirect.com/walkera-v18g01...osc103_product

[Cailid]

Originally Posted by andzman

It looks like a 'flybarless' copter is the recommendation which I know nothing about. What are the 'extra' electronics that are needed?

The only extra piece needed would be the flybarless controller which you would also have to learn to program. There are several good ones around like BeastX, Vbar, Skookum, all depending on your budget and what features you want.

If you get a JR or Spektrum radio, BeastX has an all in one Controller / Receiver unit.

[rc-bender]

I'd get a 450X if I were you. It's a great little heli with minimal crash costs. With the new flybarless controller it flies a lot like the bigger birds and is suprisingly stable.

[Slyster]

You actually need fewer electronics for flybarless. If you get a mini-vbar (Mikado vbar.. the most popular unit) you don't need a reciever.. but just two satellite recievers you plug into the mini-vbar.

The FBL unit is self contained.. you plug all servos and speed controller into it.