Need help choosing first helicopter

[Testosterone]

Hi,

I'm new here and to rc helicopters. I used to race electric cars competitively (rc10 Team Associated) and have flown various planes. I know helicopters are a whole different ball game but I want something that I'm not going to grow out of too quickly and want to move to something that's more of a challenge. I am very confused on which model to go with. There are so many to choose from. It seems that the double rotor ones are what I want because of the easy stable hovering. However, even with this feature, there are tons of different models such as Blade CX2, Robbins 22, Honey Bee ESKY Lama, ESKY LAMA V4, Esky Lama V3, SYMA V3 LAMA. Why so many "Lama's" and what does that mean?

I've been told that the Blade CX2 is one of the best selling begginers models but why? Most of these helicopters look almost identical mechanically. It's just the shell that looks different or the styling, right? I'd like to know why most of the people I encounter tell me that the Blade CX2 is better. What makes it better, details, etc. If you guys could help me out in the right direction, that would be great. Thanks for your time.

[dasbeermeister]

From what I've seen it's kinda like Tamiya cars, same chassis 30 different body/wheel styles.I think alot of helis are made in the same factory then anodized/painted and packaged different for different suppliers. You may out grow a coax heli fairly quickly, but if you want some fun flying in the house their great. I'm learning on a simulator and collective pitch helis and am doing pretty well that way. If you have the funds get a good sim and a TREX, Shogun 400 or something else around that size. I love both my Walkera 22E and my ECO-8, the ECO is much easier to fly and I think that's just because it's bigger.

[Voltz]

Hi, has anyone flown the Esky Honey Bee King 2? I'm also looking for a good stater heli that will keep me going for a while and not get bored... Ha Ha

[gpclassic]

The Blade CX 2 is a good starter heli because the E-flite products are enginered for beginers.. the CX2 also has a 2.4 gh radio which provides little interference from outside sources ..It truley is a better make for the money.. I own 6 RC Heli's and the CX2 is the only one : that when you get into trouble you need only release the sticks and it will return to level flight all on it's own provided you have enough room to do so..Good Luck with your choice Rich D

[mattbroomer2000]

Iv heard the Honey Bee King is very stable and fun to fly. The motor gets so hot the wires could unsolder themselfs or the motor burns out after less than 10 flights.

so great model if you want to upgrade the electrics.

if not i recommend the Mini Pred 3D / Falcon 3D

[hawkman]

The CX2 is just the label this heli is called....I own a Twister Bell 47 which uses the same mechanics...the radio is 35 mhz which is the only difference. The battery is LiPo. This type of heli is made by the thousands...and is a good introduction into the hobby.

I fly larger helis but still enjoy this little heli....if you go to 'Photos' at the top

and find 'Hawkman' you will see my Bell 47 next to my old Hawk....its only the body thats different from the CX2.

Rob

[dkerniskey]

Hey Dasbeermeister, I should be getting my Walkera 22E today. If I take my time learning the controls can I fly this thing or will I need to get a sim for practice? dkerniskey

[dasbeermeister]

I would get a sim to practice on. You can get a sim cord to plug your TX in to your computer and run FMS. http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/index_e.html

FMS is free and works pretty well.