help me choose

[frankv]

Hi Everyone,

Wondering if I could get some help,

I have been wanting to fly Rc Helicopters for a number of years now and have finally decided to take the plunge.

I have done a bit of research but the best research I can do is get some help from you guys the pros.

I am interested in getting a CP electric helicopter and have come across the Honeybee King, This seems to be in my price range.
I also have the patients I believe to start with a CP instead of the unnecessary upgrade from FP to CP later on.
My questions are :

1) which heli to buy, I have seen the honeybee and the hummingbird , which is better or are there other comparable helis which I should consider. I am looking for a RTF version or at least a kit with everything there, I don’t mind assembling the product but don’t want to buy the individual products such as engine, controller etc.
2)If I choose the King should I wait for the king II, also the cool looks ok
3) I have seen noted in the forums that LIPO batteries are the way to go, Should I consider this when purchasing a heli
4) which ever heli is chose,n which upgrades should I consider with purchase.

5) any view and tips with a purchase would be most appreciated.

Thanks in advanced

Frank

[shanee86]

I will have to say any small electric one you get will be much harder then a bigger nitro heli. But I would reccommend if you never flown a heli before to get a simulator and start with a small one to see if you can do it. Because I have a Eflight Blade Cp I started with one like it and crashed it alot and couldn't really fly it back then and ended up buying a coxail heli then moving up. But I still can't fly my CP as good as I can my big heli and I have had my cp for alot longer they are just alot harder and unstable since they are smaller. But of course starting big cost's alot and so I would say start small if you never tried but probably not a CP first.

[Aztek1701]

Hi Frank,

Firstly let me welcome you to the forum

1. As far as I know the Honeybee King is a nice heli to buy, however for a few pounds more you could get a Twister 3D which is a nicer machine (in my opinion). You would have to source a radio for this though but this in many ways is an advantage because yu can buy a radio that will stay with you for a while unlike the one that comes with the honeybee. If you really want to splash out, get a T-Rex 450xl or even S, which is a well respected and extremely capable machine. Its a good ammount more money though.
2. For the extra money that it will cost you, get a King2. Reasons are that its got stronger skids and its belt drive tail which is an advantage when the tailboom gets trashed because the belt will most of the time survive, a torque drive will not. This means less stuff to buy when you repair it.
3. Lipos are the way to go but you need to respect them.
4. To learn on other than lipos I wouldnt have any upgrades at first. Alloy parts for helis cost a lot..
5. If you havent flown a heli before it would be worth doing seeking out a club in your area because you will learn faster, you can check the BMFA website www.bmfa.org and it would also be worth investing in a simulator such as realflight, reflex xtr or even FMS if you get the USB controller that works with it.

Good luck with it, Im sure that in a few weeks you'll be as addicted to this as the rest of us.

Take care.... Azzy

[hawkman]

The other two replys have covered a lot...but do get a Simulator...try 'Phoenix' its quite pricey but very good value.

I do like the TRex series of helis....expensive at first cost...but parts are cheap...theres loads of bling to add on to it...very nice little helis.

I want one.

Rob

[Axe Man]

Frank,
I recommend checking out the Heli-Max Axe CP. I was in the same position you were in. I now have an Axe CP and am very happy with it. Watch the included training video and follow it. Take baby steps in learning and you'll be better later for it. Don't try to get up in the air right away or you'll just crash.

I also recommend getting one extra set of main rotor blades and maybe two extra tail rotors unless you have a hobby dealer near you that keeps Heli-max parts in stock for the Axe.

You can see the Axe CP and a video on the website towerhobbies.com. Ready to go out of the box, all components are included. Excellent beginner electric heli.

[susu]

This is the way I look at it.......How far do you want to go, I mean would you want to end up ic or are you going to stay electric. If ic is the ultimate goal then you would be better to find a club and start off with a 50 size heli because for sure they will be easier and more stable than a small electric but much more expensive and costly on parts when you crash also you would need some mechanical knowledge or access to some one who does

Maybe you don't want to bother with clubs and just want to fly in the garden, then the only real difference IMO is the cost of repairs when you crash, a FP will be difficult to damage really and is cheap on parts, the CP is better to fly but will be more difficult but not as difficult as a T-Rex, so my advice to you would be to go for the Twister CP which is a nice flyer unless you intend to go ic then a Raptor 50 would be the one I would recommend.
Sue

[hawkman]

Good points

Another thing is this:

Costs:

my rule of thumb....if you have a crash and the bulk of the heli is ok...you will be looking at about one third its first cost to buy the spare parts to get it flying again.

so as you buy a more expensive heli....the potential costs will rise...exponentially(?) my Petrol Predator cost about £200 to fix after a silly mistake...so do think carefully before you buy....and make sure the parts backup is good.

I would say the 50 size helis are ideal....but the 30 size with a good size engine will perform well....take a look at Hirobos 'Sceadu' series....very nice.

Rob

[Aztek1701]

Never thought of it like that.

I think hawkman is right if you put it in and the machine is mostly ok it'll probly will cost about a third of the new value in bits.

Last time I put my Sceadu 50 in it cost me blades, spindle, mainshaft, skids (I think) Then after the fact, it cost me a tailshaft, tailboom, and the tail hub.. Total damage roughly £90.00 Price of New Sceadu 50 £199.00 (the price has just been dropped though lol It was 220 before).

I can heartilly recommend the Sceadu 30 and 50 Both machines are brilliantly engineered (except for the starter shaft) and they fly really well without upgrades and although Im not at that stage, I witnessed a Sceadu 50 being pushed through agressive 3D aerobatics yesterday without any problems

Hope this helps... Azzy