What should my first RC heli be?

???

I would like something cheap...

[darren_uk]

Hi Bahamut,

The answer is subjective.

For example, at one end of the scale if money is no object to someone, they might go for a turbine JetCopter as a beginner's helicopter: Extremely sexy in my opinion, you'd be the envy of the flying field, and when you crash it you'd just pay for the repairs out of pocket change. Your local model helicopter shop will love you as you'll probably be their best customer for a several flights.


- If you're likely to fly at a club (or maybe even if you're not it's still a good idea) Visit your local model helicopter flying club and see what others are flying, and tell them you're considering getting into the hobby - they will gush enthusiasm and help.
- Visit your local model helicopter shop and see what they recommend - after-sales service and support is critical (if you buy something fantastic from mail-order, you're likely to have frustrating waits for spare parts, unless you keep spares in stock. And then of course you have the repair the heli yourself - I personally am not near a model shop who knows about helis, so ease of maintenance would be a critical factor for me)


Your choice will depend on:
- Do you like the look of it. This is the same psychology as buying a car.
- Is it within your budget. Not just the initial purchase, but the ongoing running costs (fuel) and maintenance costs.
- Availability of help from local clubs and shops


If you just want to fly indoors, there are some great electric models that you can fly indoors. And some you can take outdoors on calm days too.

I personally chose the Hirobo Shuttle. I'm not a frequent flyer (i.e., I don't visit the local club every Sunday). I'm a person who enjoyed the novelty of putting it together. Then I crashed it. So I just took the bits to the local model heli shop (a couple of hours away) and said "Fix it." I've not crashed it since, but then again I've only just burned 1.5 gallons of fuel.

However, I've also dug out an electric helicopter that's keeping me occupied. This heli I can fly outside my apartment without upsetting the neighbours. As I'm only into the hovering stage of flying, this isn't a problem.


Your question is like, "I have this much money, what investments should I choose?" The answer is always, "Identify what you want, and then do your own research."

[darren_uk]

"I just want something cheap"

I've come back to add a final thought:


There really are some excellent electric helis out there. Low cost and will keep you occupied. Off the top of my head, the Piccolo and, I think the name is, the Hornet (??? someone help me out).

I get the feeling you just want a remote controlled helicopter that doesn't take much involvement. Electric, seriously. Gas is more for the enthusiast. Electric, you just charge up ready for the next day, and then go outside, switch it on, and fly it. Cheap to repair when you crash it. And long (overnight) charge up times won't bother you because you're not likely to spend all Sunday afternoon at a flying field (in which case gas is the only way to go otherwise you'll have to invest in multiple chargers, or spend time charging all the batteries).

If you're likely to fly, say, 20 minutes, or even 10, every other day, then electric. And then if the hobby really does interest you, you can trade it in for a gas 30 size helicopter.

Battery and motor technology has now advanced that the old days of 4 minute flights and lack of power no longer limit the electric heli flyer. Full aerobatics (motor) and long flight times (battery) are available these days. And of course you're not going to be doing full aerobatics for a while yet.




SIMULATOR: Oh goodness, I forgot: why not get a simulator too? Realflight G2 complete with it's own "radio"? It's not a bad idea anyway to get a simulator to practice co-ordination. And example is here (and he may still have it for sale):
http://www.bankingdom.com/realflight/realflight.html

[Andrew]

I second the motion that your first heli should be RealFlight G2 simulator. That way you can tell if the hobby is for you. That's the approach I took at least. Two months of G2 before flying a real heli and I haven't crashed or come close to crashing yet.

yep simulators are great
but keep in mind that electric is not the best way to learn.!!
a good electric cost almost as mutch as a small 30 size
ex: raptor
and the smaler they are the less stable they are and most electric
have fix pitch witch do not fly exactly the same way as the bigger
conterpart do.

remember the bigger the more stable they are
but then that means more $$$$$$$$$


steff