Contra or Traaditional?

[smyounger]

I'm thinking about getting started in RC helis. I have been reading through some of the forum messages. How much different are the characteristics between a contra-rotating heli and a traditional one? If I start with a dual bladed heli, how long will it be before I outgrow it? I have been doing a little research, and I like the Blade CP. It comes with the training gear. If I bought one and learned with it, how much more difficult would it be compared to a dual blader. This all started a couple of weeks ago when I got my son one of those Air Hogs havoc helis.

[Benzee1]

I understand your pain!

I went thru the same thing. Had a Airhogs type heli and in a week or 2, I was itching for something better. After tons of research (incl. this forum and also helifreak.com), talking to many hobby shops, I decided on the coaxial. Got a CX2. It's been 2 months and I'm ready for a "real one" now.

Everyone is different. I fly mine 2-4 times a day. So after a month, I was started itching for more. I've tweaked mine to make it more responsive and harder to fly. Soon, I'll be able to get a Blade 400 (can't afford Trex yet).

My dad has had his CX for 6+ months now and is nowhere near where I am for flying.

Some people can get a traditional copter and learn to fly it. Too many people quit this hobby because they started with more than they could chew. I would suggest get a coaxial like the CX2 or Lama, then upgrade to a Blade 400 or Trex later. B400 $380-480 RTF. Trex 450 $800-1200.

Do your research. It took me 2-3 weeks of research before I purchased. Also, I got mine on ebay for about $100 used. Read many forums, go to many hobby stores. One thing that will help you decide it parts availability. You will crash and crash a lot. Crash=buy parts.

[hawkman]

You can figure on around 30 percent of the helis cost in crash parts...so a 200 dollar heli could cost say 60 or so dollars to fix in a typical crash.

For the more serious helis the figure is about the same...but based on the airframes cost....I own a petrol engined heli which cost me 900 pounds sterling...so a crash can cost 300 or so...expensive huh?

If you are starting out then the CX2 would be a great heli to get...the control inputs are the same as the more serious type of heli...the response is a bit tamed down but thats no bad thing....the biggest thing is co ordination and confidence in flying.

Its true....some people can spend a small fortune in this hobby and crash...and crash and crash....and just give up.

So...figure on the estimate of crash costs...and parts availability..the CX2 will fly outside as long as its pretty calm. I think you get more bang for buck than the pretend helis out there...steer clear from the type that uses a tail motor...they are rubbish...they usually use fixed pitch main rotors as well...rubbish idea...the only good fixed pitch is the CX2.

I have heard good things about the Blade 400...the Trex series are VERY good models...I own a 450 XL which flies good...and copes with a hefty breeze too.

Rob

PS get a Sim!!!!

[Benzee1]

Hawkman is correct. CX2 crashes aren't bad for $$ though. A pack of blades is about $3. Flybar is about $7, Inner shaft (for removeable head) is $4, outershaft is $8. Skids are about $6. Front canopy about $13. A crash could contain no broken parts or 1 blade or any combo of the above parts. I've learned to crash (big part of flying), now I change blades every couple weeks or so. That's about it usually.

[smyounger]

I guess what I'm asking is if I am going to have to learn a new set of skills when going from a double-blader to a traditional. The main reason that I ask is because I've seen the CX2 priced at about $130 and the CP+ priced at about $190. By reading through the forums, I understand that even though they say RTF, I still have to setup the heli. Another question I have is are the smaller traditional heli's harder to fly than a larger ones? Benzee1 mentioned starting off with a dual-blader and then upgrading to a B400. Do you get more stability with size? I can totally understand how the wind factors in. I fly full size Cessnas when I have the time to do so. One last question. Why does Hawkman think that you should stay away from birds with the tail motor? Thanks for your help and advise.

[Benzee1]

You won't need a new set of skills per say, the coax will teach you basic maneuvers like hovering, forward/reverse movements as well as left/right flying. The Bigger ones are harder to control, very sensitive. Most of the coaxial helis setup is called "trim adjustment". It's where you power up the heli very slowly. As you see it start to turn left (i.e.), you "trim it" right until the heli stops trying to turn left. There are trims for turn L/R, forward/reverse and leaning L/R.

In one sense, the smaller ones can be easier to fly because they are not as powerful as the larger ones. But the larger ones can hover and even fly better (in seasoned hands) because they are heavier, thus any breeze or ground effects (turbulence from the blades) won't affect it as much. Bigger ones are more stable, but not good for beginners usually.

RE: your birds with tail motor question. I don't know if he means tail motor .vs belt driven tail. Belt driven tails are better for newer fliers that are stepping up to that type of heli. A motor driven tail is more responsive, and if you land too hard, it costs more to fix. He's right about fixed pitch helis. Very hard to fly. CCPM is the way to go. Also, usually best to stay away from the Blade CP/CP Pro. Blade 400 is easier to fly. But again, it's better to start with a CX2 or Lama then move up to the B400.

Also, Get a flight sim!!!!! I practiced on a flight sim while I was waiting for my CX2 to come, when I got it, I knew a more of what to expect and I kinda knew what to watch for when I powered it up the 1st time. Makes flying easier, less crashes and it helps you when you step into a bigger heli.

[smyounger]

So do the traditional style heli's act like the full size one's where you have to add "right rudder" based on your power inputs to keep the nose straight, or does the gyro do that for you? Also, what is your typical setup for your heli? I messed around with RC cars for a little while. I had stuff like different treaded tires and 3 batteries and etc. How many batteries do you keep around? You guys have been a great help.

[hawkman]

The gyro does the work for corrections...its possible to fly without one but its harder to do.

I would go for the DVD stuff on this site for setting up....the Guy knows his stuff (Val Campos) so you will learn a lot.

Larger helis are easier to handle for sure...more scary in some ways though.

Rob