Anyone at IRCHA this week? Blade?

[Mike680]

If anyone is at IRCHA, does Blade even have a presence this year? Seems like they're not introducing anything new like they did last year with the 230S. They've announced the 250CFX, but no mention of it at IRCHA. Sad as Blade used to be yuuuuge about three years ago with the release of the Pro Series. Now, it's virtually nothing with helis anymore other than mildly warmed over stuff and quads.

[MariaFan]

Crickets........

[BrokeDad]

One would have thought they would at least bring the 250CFX and the 360 Trio. Maybe there is a Hobbytown booth ?

[Mike680]

Originally Posted by BrokeDad

One would have thought they would at least bring the 250CFX and the 360 Trio. Maybe there is a Hobbytown booth ?

I doubt it because IRCHA is all about helis and Blade is their heli/quad division. And, with Horizon, it's Hobbyzone. Hobbytown is an independent chain of hobby stores. But, they do stock a lot of Horizon stuff, though.

[BrokeDad]

I understand. It was meant as sarcasm but a bit subtle. Blade has sure changed. It has me in the air as new to the hobby with good fast parts available but I think it's time to move on now that my flying skills are at the current level. I will be keeping my eye on the for sale section for a used Oxy 3 or X3. I would love something in the 600 or 700 size class but that will wait unless there is a super deal I can't pass up. I'm also considering trading my NIB 500EFL Super Combo kit for something not Blade or Align.

I may actually make a day of IRCHA this weekend as my family matter has been laid to rest so to speak.

[Mattinfla]

Blade Helis posted a video of some of their gang at IRCHA unboxing and flying a Night 230s.

So they are there somewhere....

[Mike680]

Originally Posted by Mattinfla

Blade Helis posted a video of some of their gang at IRCHA unboxing and flying a Night 230s.

So they are there somewhere....

Just saw that on FB. Wow. That heli was announced long ago and is already available.

[Mattinfla]

True, but the point is that they are present

[Mike680]

Originally Posted by Mattinfla

True, but the point is that they are present

That it is. I want to see the 250CFX in action. I love my 230S. Every now and then, Blade really gets one right. It's exactly what a Blade heli should be. Small, plastic, simple design with low parts count, takes crashes well and easy to fix, easy/fun to fly and reliable. Basically, a nice flying toy that's actually repairable. Leave the big carbon fiber/aluminum kit stuff to the real heli manufacturers. Oh, wait... They already did that.

[Mattinfla]

The 360 CFX is a nice machine as well.

I've flown my buddy's 600x, and it was actually a pretty nice heli. It just got overshadowed by the major players in the large heli market.

[Mike680]

Originally Posted by Mattinfla

The 360 CFX is a nice machine as well.

Perhaps, but it's not a kit and many don't want the stock electronics. I can only speak for myself, but I'm no longer in the market for BNF versions of "real" helis. I know I never want another ARwhateverBX again after flying iKON. Not a big fan of Castle ESCs anymore, either, after I started using Hobbywing ESCs. I'll only get a BNF model if it's a micro that I really want, like the 230S, that's unavailable in any other form and I can't build one myself.

I've flown my buddy's 600x, and it was actually a pretty nice heli. It just got overshadowed by the major players in the large heli market.

Agreed. I've got a 550X that's been pretty great. They were just too little, too late when everybody else had kits and souped up 450s already out for a long time. Their reputation from past small junk didn't exactly help them with the large heli sales, either. I liked my 450X well enough and wanted to see some sort of 6S 360mm heli from Blade, but I got so tired of waiting that I just built an X3 instead. Fantastic decision, especially with a belt tail.

[BrokeDad]

I don't mind picking up Blade helis at a discount when they get discontinued. I just saw the 180CFX is now down to $180(with coupon) with a carry case and free shipping at Amain. I guess that one is going bye bye next.
I felt $349 for a 360CFX with AR7210BX wasn't a bad deal for a 5 month newbie like myself. It'll give me something to move up to after I've gotten all I can out of my 230S.

[Mike680]

Originally Posted by BrokeDad

It'll give me something to move up to after I've gotten all I can out of my 230S.

It will take you a long time to get out all the 230S can do. It looks like a toy, but it's actually a quite capable heli than can take you all the way through inverted/backwards flight and some pretty complex maneuvers. It can tic-toc, piro flip, etc just fine. Even the Blade guys said they were surprised at how capable it turned out to be. I figured that was just marketing babble until I got mine and realized it was true.

I can't fly like this guy, so my 230S still has a lot to teach me, too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...&v=ZUVD_U50bJM

[BrokeDad]

Maybe some day I'll get into smack 3D more. It's throwback Thursday so just took one of the 120S out for some calming FP flights. Second one will be flying when servos come in stock.
I would like an X3 or Oxy 3 someday soon. I just am not into building yet. I've taken things 80% apart and put them back together on a CP though just to learn for repairing. I still have an AL head/swashplate upgrade for the 230S that isn't on. I only got it since the cheap plastic ones are OOS in case I needed it to keep flying.

[MariaFan]

Originally Posted by BrokeDad

I may actually make a day of IRCHA this weekend as my family matter has been laid to rest so to speak.

I'm sorry for your loss. I never got the chance to tell you this.
I hope you can go to IRCHA after all.
I'm still kinda sick, so maybe I'll see you next year.