Outdoor RC Helicopter

puma · Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2012 4:08 pm Post subject: Outdoor RC Helicopter

What is the smallest helicopter class that would also be a good outdoor rc helicopter? I am looking to buy a new heli and would like something small enough to fly in the living room as well as hold its own outdoors.

At first I thought only 450 class or bigger would be big enough and anything smaller wouldn't work but countless youtube vids have shown me that even 250 T-REXs fly outdoor quite well. Now a days I see 180 class and 100 class on the scene also, do you think those would do fine flying outdoors?

thanks

dasBlade450 · Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2012 4:57 pm Post subject:

Several videos exist....and numerous stories are afloat....of the Blade mCPx being flown outdoors - albeit in less than gale-force conditions (usually on the order of 10-15mph winds...)...Never having tried it with mine (and not wishing to.....!) I can't speak from personal experience on how well it performs in a "breeze"...
Personally, I'd stay with a larger "bird" to fly outside.....the increased mass is a definite plus in being more stable in wind (with proper operator control, of course....!).
If you DO find a mini/micro heli that does well outside, please be sure and post back with results.....
Happy Flying!!
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I'd Rather Be FLYING my Blade!

admiral · Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2012 7:35 pm Post subject:

Hi Puma,

There really is no such compromise even a 250 is too dangerous to fly in the house, you’re better off having an inside and an outside helicopter and on calm days you can fly both outdoors. IMHO
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Keep your rotors spinning

Keith

silhouette015 · Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2012 10:40 pm Post subject:

excellent points Very Happy

However I do have one model that I do recommend if you want to fly it both indoor and outdoors. Have a look at Hirobo Quark's. They are stable enough to fly in light breeze and small enough to fly indoors. This one I have flown by self so I can say for sure. It's a bit pricey though.

I've also heard good things about Solo Pro 180 which is flybarless so it's a more advanced but could be the one for you also. I haven't tried it though..

admiral · Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 2:41 am Post subject:

Hi Puma,

I did not really make my point to well, what I really meant was a 400/450 size is the smallest Helicopter that will handle anything over a slight breeze and they are definatly not an inside bird, although I have seen video of people flying them inside. I have regularly flown CX, MSR, MCP X and 120SR outside but I'm lucky to live in an area that has lots of calm weather, a slight breeze rules out the CX and MSR and anything over that takes all the fun out of the other two. The 400 & 450 will handle a reasonable breeze so long as it's not gusty and the 500 is even better although I don't push the point.
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Keep your rotors spinning

Keith

tombo242 · Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 5:45 am Post subject:

+1 on that Admiral.

Tom.
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Keep Smiling Smile

puma · Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 10:02 pm Post subject:

Thank you all for the replies.

I think I'll be looking to buy one heli for indoors and one for outdoors as suggested. Not sure which ones for which yet though lol

celticveil · Extreme 3D Joined: 04 Mar 2010 Posts: 282

For indoors use, I suggest the Blade Scout.I know a lot of folks don't like them due to the 'toy' design of the control radio, but after giving one to my father-in-law for christmas, I'm sold they're worth the money. It's a stable platform with good battery life and maneuverability. My father-in-law, a man in his late 60's who has only flown air hogs toys, was able to maneuver it around the through obstacles with ease and no training. It has clipped the ceailing fan a few times but shows no signs of damage. And Horizon Hobby offers replacement parts for this heli.
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E-Razor 450 + Air Hogs Pocket Copter + Radd's School of Rotary Flight = Teh Awesomness