Another "which heli should I get" tread

[Greedy Fly]

Hi everyone. I've been searching but I haven't found the answers I'm looking for yet and I would love some help.

I've been flying RC Helis for about two months. I've quickly moved from a tiny Air Hogs Reflex to a larger 2 ch. fixed pitch heli that although is very cheap and hard to control is really fun to fly and if it breaks (which it has) then it's no huge loss. I feel I'm ready to invest in a more professional heli. I'm leaning towards a 6 channel with collective pitch.

Here are my questions.

I've been doing research and it seems the Honey Bee, Raptor, Dragonfly, and Blade CP Pro are all getting good marks. They all seem to have the same functions but with different air frames and linkages. I don't understand all the technical talk about servos, gyros, mixers, etc... Is any one of those helis drastically better then the rest?

What are the major advantages of upgrading to a brushless setup? (I don't even know what that means but everybody seems to be talking about it). Should I just save a little more and get a kit with brushless motors included?

Also what about battery life? Can you upgrade the batterys?

What is the major difference between 4 ch and 6 ch? Just tail rotor function?

I've seen numerous videos of people flying them, but would love more info on the differences between these and other models.

Thanks for any help guys.
Happy flying.

[hawkman]

Some deep questions.....It depends on what you want from the hobby.....if its a long term thing then it pays to get the best equipment you can afford.

I would say to get a package deal, there are such deals around.

I take it you are keen on electric powered helis? then why not take a good look at the 'TRex 450' series of helis.....they might be small but they pack a good punch....I am about to get a Trex 450seV2 with a DX7 radio set that operates on 2.4 ghz....this is fairly new for model flying but has been around for some time for RC car hobbyists.

Basically from what I can see, the cheaper package deals...say under 400 dollars will get a you a nice heli....the Falcon 3D would get my vote for sure....but I reckon the TRex 450 series will give more bang for buck...and spare parts are still fairly cheap.

Gyros? again...get the best you can afford....the Gy 401 is good....I use this type on my large petrol powered 'Predator'...the deal I am after includes this with the Rex.

Getting the basic kit right is important....a good computer type radio....good gyro and even the ESC (motor speed controller) get these right and you can shop around for a good deal later on...such equipment will last you for years.

Spare parts costs are another issue....a typical accident will cost about one third the value of the basic helicopter....based on my own experinces. The larger you go the more expensive it gets....I have got fed up with that personally. I dont get to fly the Predator often....its lovely to fly but having a small electric heli that doesnt take up much room....is cheap on parts (ok things like carbon blades can be quite expensive) and performs really well is my ultimate aim.

Shop around a bit....and post back here to tell us what you have found....people here will give honest opinions...generally.

Rob

[gpclassic]

What's up there must not come down hard ..I would suggest getting a Blade CP to start your ccpm experence .. the brushless items will come later and the brushless components are Heavy and will limit your ability to gain good experance before upgrading.. these componets are expencive The CP is a nice starting point because it's easy on the wallet when repairing the Heli .. the CP can take some abuse . $11.99 for a new frame & boom is cheap compared to spending 1/3 the cost of a more expensive Heli ... Good luck with your learning curve ....

[hawkman]

Very true....its 'airtime' you want....becuase time spent messing about trying to make something fly that just isnt up to it, is time wasted.

We do tinker with helis....but only for the right reasons...like making it fly smoother...and that all important inspection....make sure you do inspect any heli before it flys....its a good habit that will pay dividends.

We all want 'bang for buck'. I have got a Falcon 3D/MiniPred coming down...should be here soon I am really curious about this heli....its budget for sure....but will it do what I would like it to do? and thats hack about maybe carrying a micro camera.

Rob