May 1, 2010
What do I look for when buying an electric RC Helicopter?
I am about to buy my 2nd rc heli. My first was the Novus CX. I'm ready to move up to something bigger. I've been an rc airplane flyer for 2 years and just moved to Helis 6 months ago. I remember spending lots of money on junk planes until I learned how to build from kits and buy my own upgraded parts instead of buying RTF.
I know nothing about helis, and/or how to build or fix them. Should I get a RTF, ARF, or kit? What are things I should look at that determines a good heli from crap? Is belt driven better or worse than direct driven tail rotors?
The other guy doesn't know what he is talking about.
It is great that you bought the Novus CX.
And yes, it is a good idea to the the MSR (I don't what a MCR is…)
Now, how do you know what is junk and what isn't? Well… it all depends on the company you depend on. The Blade CP is not junk… it just depends on the pilot. I have gotten a Blade CP as a present 4 years ago and have replaced nothing but a main motor and tail rotor. Yes, there is a flaw in the design of the main shaft, but there is an aftermarket upgrade you could get for it to make it stronger. To prove to everyone, I've stayed away from the T-Rex helicopters. I've bought the Heli-Max Axe helicopters (Axe CP, Axe 400) and they fly fine. I also have the Blade CP that flys greatly well. It just depends on the pilot's experience.
So, the general rule is to get an RTF kit or the new BNF or PNP kits to fly. The reason being is they are already all assembled for you. If there is any problem, all you have to do is replace the part. As for a ARF, it requires some previous knowledge of the aircraft. You would then have to build it yourself and do some problem solving. You could get a ARF kit and figure it out, but sometimes it just stressed the person out and I wouldn't recommend it.
Again, the company is really what determines if the helicopter is crap. E-Flite is a good dependable brand, along with many other brands like Parkzone.
Yes, Belt Driven is better and more powerful, but direct drive tail rotors require less maintenance and is used in smaller helicopters.
To conclude everything about purchasing a step up helicopter, be sure to go online and check the reviews of the helicopter. Be sure to check the warranty of the helicopter. Typically everything on Horzionhobby.com is good and dependable because they have a good warranty. None of that you fly it, its your fault crap, although they do state it, they do not follow that rule. So be careful, you do not want to be stuck with broken parts and not be able to return them.
Oh yea, that "more you spend, the better the aircraft" phrase the other guy states is completely false. I've spent a lot less than my friends have and have flown aircrafts happily.
Filed under Electric RC Helicopter by RC Heli Guy
Comments on What do I look for when buying an electric RC Helicopter? »
ok heres the deal. A belt driven tail rotor is WAY better than direct driven so that would be a start on things to look for. Same as planes the more money you spend/invest the longer the chopper will last. I have owned a couple choppers I started with a blade cp and learned that they are crap. Then I bought a t-rex 450 and have loved it for the two years ive flown it flawlessly. If I were you and was just comin off the novus cx i would move to something like an eflite blade mcR. They are small durable and will take you to the next step. If you got money buy a simulator like Realflight G4 and then work on a t-rex, Raptor or some other quality name brand. I would suggest learning to fly choppers on the simulator and then buying something that is quality. Its an investment rather than a toy. The eflite blade will break and the T-rex 450 will last you years like mine has lasted me.
References :
The other guy doesn't know what he is talking about.
It is great that you bought the Novus CX.
And yes, it is a good idea to the the MSR (I don't what a MCR is…)
Now, how do you know what is junk and what isn't? Well… it all depends on the company you depend on. The Blade CP is not junk… it just depends on the pilot. I have gotten a Blade CP as a present 4 years ago and have replaced nothing but a main motor and tail rotor. Yes, there is a flaw in the design of the main shaft, but there is an aftermarket upgrade you could get for it to make it stronger. To prove to everyone, I've stayed away from the T-Rex helicopters. I've bought the Heli-Max Axe helicopters (Axe CP, Axe 400) and they fly fine. I also have the Blade CP that flys greatly well. It just depends on the pilot's experience.
So, the general rule is to get an RTF kit or the new BNF or PNP kits to fly. The reason being is they are already all assembled for you. If there is any problem, all you have to do is replace the part. As for a ARF, it requires some previous knowledge of the aircraft. You would then have to build it yourself and do some problem solving. You could get a ARF kit and figure it out, but sometimes it just stressed the person out and I wouldn't recommend it.
Again, the company is really what determines if the helicopter is crap. E-Flite is a good dependable brand, along with many other brands like Parkzone.
Yes, Belt Driven is better and more powerful, but direct drive tail rotors require less maintenance and is used in smaller helicopters.
To conclude everything about purchasing a step up helicopter, be sure to go online and check the reviews of the helicopter. Be sure to check the warranty of the helicopter. Typically everything on Horzionhobby.com is good and dependable because they have a good warranty. None of that you fly it, its your fault crap, although they do state it, they do not follow that rule. So be careful, you do not want to be stuck with broken parts and not be able to return them.
Oh yea, that "more you spend, the better the aircraft" phrase the other guy states is completely false. I've spent a lot less than my friends have and have flown aircrafts happily.
References :
RC Pilot/Tech