Help with next helicoptor purchase

LincolnUSA

Am relatively new to flying helis but have purchased an Aries 500 and a Blade CX2, both coaxials. Am ready to take the next step with a budget of say $300-$400. The local hobby shop recommends the MSRX or taking the plunge to the Blade 450. Frankly, not all excited about purchasing another Blade product.

Have looked at numerous internet sites and must say that I am a bit overwhelmed at this point. The Walkera stuff looks interesting but am reluctant to buy without some input. Would prefer a flybarless heli that would be good for say an advanced beginner moving toward intermediate.

ferretmaster · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 5:01 am Post subject:

If you are willing to spend toward the uppe r limit, http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__16620__HK_500CMT_3D_Electric_Helicopter_Kit_incl_GF_blades_and_extras_USA_Warehouse_.htmlr This HobbyKing 500 size will just fit into your budget set up with 60 amp ESC and mid-grade digital servos.
If I were making the jump today I would definatly skip the 450 size and go 500. Much easier to fly (stable) and not much more expensive.
I will be happy to list all my components if this looks at all like what you might like to do.

Best of luck!!
_________________
Hello.....My name is Dave....and I am a heli addict!

Scale Heli's...A-109 (HK 450), AH-1W (TT E325)
A-109 (FHH 500), AH-64 (FHH 500),UH-60 (HK 500), Mi-24 (HK 600)

ferretmaster · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 5:05 am Post subject:

By the way....please fill out the member profile so we can see where you are from, makes it a lot easier when suggesting parts and/or hobby shops and vendors. The conversion to FBL with this kit will run about $100.00 U.S. if you use the newly released CopterX or Tarot XYZ FBL electronics.
_________________
Hello.....My name is Dave....and I am a heli addict!

Scale Heli's...A-109 (HK 450), AH-1W (TT E325)
A-109 (FHH 500), AH-64 (FHH 500),UH-60 (HK 500), Mi-24 (HK 600)

nick_onelove · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 6:15 am Post subject:

Stepping straight up to a CP is definitely possible, but understand that they're much harder to fly and much more fragile. You must be prepared to do repairs because when you crash, and you will, something is going to break. One exception to this is the mCP X, which is still much more difficult to fly, but is very durable because of its size.

Durability is a problem with Walkera micros as well because they are made of very rigid parts, I'm as careful with them as I am with my big helis. And to top it off they're much harder to repair because of their size. Don't get me wrong, there are are some decent Walkera's out there.

If you want to go flybarless I do think an mSR X would be a good next step from co-axials. What makes you hesitant about another Blade model?
_________________
Align: Trex 250 3GX + Trex 450 Pro with Vbar
Blade: 450 X, mCP X, 120 SR, mSR X, CX3, mCX2
Esky: Belt-CP X and V2 - Futaba: Heli-Max Axe 400
Walkera: V500D01, M120D01, V100D08, DEVO 8
Spektrum: DX8 - AMA #967873 - IRCHA #4095

pjdog · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 6:24 am Post subject:

If you can afford a T-Rex than that should be your next helicopter. However if that to high on the price list then get a Blade 450. You can't beat a Blade 450 for the price.

I've got blade helicopters and love them. Of course sense I have them I tend to lean that way. I'm super happy with my Blade B400. Looking forward to the B450 X after I relocate to Florida.

Howdy Tom.

Jack

ruppwf · Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:56 pm Post subject:

If you go to Hobbyking you will find all sorts of helicopter and accessories for good prize.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/DE.asp

Rupp

LincolnUSA · Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 9:18 pm Post subject:

Probably should have specified that I am interested in a ready to fly. Am inclined to look at a 500 since everything that I have read indicates that they are easier to fly since they are more stable. Would prefer to stay away from a kit at this point since I am new and likely to produce a bird that does not fly right.

ferretmaster · Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 1:42 am Post subject:

Two schools of thought about jumping into a kit or getting a RTF.

RTF's are ready to fly with no adjustments...making them easier for the new pilot.

The RTF's are rarely set up correctly from the factory and the inexperienced pilot, not knowing any better, thinks it is his fault that the heli will not hover or piro's or does other strange things.

SETUP IS EVERYTHING in this hobby.

I feel that by building (actually only adding the tail boom and electronics) a kit you learn what it is that makes the heli react to different setups. If done correctly, you would pretty much disassemble a RTF heli anyway to check for loctite on screws and general alingments.

Build the kit and get to know your chosen heli from the inside out.....I think you will be glad you did.

There are plenty of knowledgable people on this forum, and on your chosen brands fourm, more than willing to help. Have no fear...put on your lifevest and jump into the deep(er) end!!
_________________
Hello.....My name is Dave....and I am a heli addict!

Scale Heli's...A-109 (HK 450), AH-1W (TT E325)
A-109 (FHH 500), AH-64 (FHH 500),UH-60 (HK 500), Mi-24 (HK 600)

nick_onelove · Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 2:03 am Post subject:

I agree with everything Dave said. However, if a build just isn't in the cards for you right now and you really want a 500, take a look at Walkera's V500D01. Mine needed 0 setup and still flies like a dream for over 100 flights now.
_________________
Align: Trex 250 3GX + Trex 450 Pro with Vbar
Blade: 450 X, mCP X, 120 SR, mSR X, CX3, mCX2
Esky: Belt-CP X and V2 - Futaba: Heli-Max Axe 400
Walkera: V500D01, M120D01, V100D08, DEVO 8
Spektrum: DX8 - AMA #967873 - IRCHA #4095

LincolnUSA · Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 4:04 am Post subject:

Well...to cool my jets I bought a Blade MQX at the local HS today. Recognize a quad is not a 500 heli but I am having a bunch of fun with this thing. It is quick and stable. Even took it outside in a breeze and had a successful flight. Bought the BNF version which was easier on my pocketbook. For around $140 would recommend.

ferretmaster · Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 4:51 am Post subject:

The key ......"..I am having a bunch of fun with this"....is the answer we are ALL looking for in ANY of our heli's.

If you like it, it's perfect!!! Exclamation

Enjoy, and keep us posted! Cool

_________________
Hello.....My name is Dave....and I am a heli addict!

Scale Heli's...A-109 (HK 450), AH-1W (TT E325)
A-109 (FHH 500), AH-64 (FHH 500),UH-60 (HK 500), Mi-24 (HK 600)

David Raborn · Fully Charged Joined: 22 Mar 2011 Posts: 3

My MSR has always had TBE(toiletbowl effect) Not a good heli,hard to fly.
My Blade MCPX flys more realistic can hover inverted,is easy to compleatly rebuild in just 15 min. Parts are cheap and durable. I have 3
larger CP helies that are harder to keep in the air cause of part availability and price. I have more fun wiyh MCPX than any other heli.