Need copter advise...

[satanklawz]

I am brand new to this hobby although I have several nitro powered R/C boats, cars, and planes. This will be my first R/C copter. I am wanting to go electric on this one for several reasons. I am needing advise on what I should get. I have been looking at the Walkera 36 with the full CNC head and tail rotor upgrade with the brushless motor. I also saw this that looks exactly like it but has a different name...

http://www.nitroplanes.com/rag26ccrarec.html


I am wondering if someone can give me some good advise for a copter in this size range and would either of the 2 that I mentioned be a good choice? I am wanting a full package complete with radio and I want to try to keep it under $300. I can upgrade some of the electronics later if I have to like servos and I think that I would want that nice futaba gyro.

Thanks.

[nullie]

Avoid Walkera at all costs. I'm just looking at pictures of TRex and I love it and hate Walkera 60 that I have. Even plastic T-Rex head is much better designed. Not even considering the rest.

Walkera electronics are junk, especially transmitter.

[satanklawz]

I realize that the electronics may not be the best but what should I expect to get for under $200? I am just looking for a "toy" here and I may upgrade in the future and this heli seems to have a decent aftermarket for it like the alluminum main and tail rotors, brushless motor, lots of different carbon fiber parts, etc... I have already decided that I will upgrade the gyro to the futaba model that has the "heaing hold" I read that this makes flying a lot easier.

[hawkman]

How about Centurys 'hummingbird' heli....this comes with tx etc....or even the next one up...the '3D' this also seems a popular heli.

I have seen a TRex...and hovered one briefly test flying it....we didnt have the weather to really test it...and the owner took it home. I havent had the chance to fly it since. Its a well made heli.....but if you are strictly on a budget then try Centurys helis.

Rob

[Aztek1701]

The walkeras mechanics are OK as far as I am lead to believe HOWEVER, as you have mentioned, the electronics are poo and you'll probably need to upgade most of it. So why waste money on stuff you are going to throw away? Surely a T-Rex 450 X or XL with a plastic head is a better bet, then you can put the decent stuff in it from the get go. Also I think you'll find the trex is better supported than the walkera for spares and upgrades. If you want a cheap alernative to walkera that has a better reputation how about the century hummingbirds which can also have alli upgrades fitted.

Take care... Azzy

[nullie]

I've also thought that Walkera mechanics are, ok, but...
I've crashed it - and dissambled for repair. Damn, they cannot even hide all signs of cheap chinese toy - for example, tail rotor pulley - it's plastic and coated in silver paint!
And for parts - somewhat hard to get part you really broke.
So, now I'm just desperatedly want to get TRex and Spektrum radio. Not yet sure about Walkera's fate.

[mrmuffinmanvw]

I have said it before and will say it again stay away from Walkera they have a cheap price up front but after you change out the electronics you still have a cheap airframe with good electronics [been there done that] . Buy your self a Honey Bee FP or a CP2 the electronics aren't a issue and parts are cheap and easy to get and you can stay within your budjet.

[uneverno]

Hey there,
not familiar with the honey bee or CP2 but their owners seem to like them. I have heard that Walkera electrics are junk.
I have a Hummingbird V4 which is a tough little machine, and parts are readily available and cheap. I've never had a problem with the electrics on it. Complete kit goes for $189. and includes TX, all on board electrics, training wheels, batteries (TX and on board) and charger. Stock TX also works with flight sims, which may or may not be a consideration for you. You do need a cable to I/F to your computer - 'bout $25.
Downside of the V4 is that if you crack the boom (I did), it's CA glued into the body so it's a pain to replace. the other thing is that on hard landings the main rotors will hit the horizontal stabilizer and break it. Cheap and easy to replace, just annoying.
Although I haven't lost one yet, I'd recommend that whatever heli you get, if it has a tail motor get a spare right away (7 bucks or so). They're notorious for burning out, especially if you run at higher voltages.

Good luck and happy flying

Emil