Birds for beginners

[jadedfalcon]

I've been drooling over RC Helis for a long time. I have 3 weeks left of school and can now finally afford to jump in. I know I want a nitro helicopter. What size is the best for a beginner who plans on heavy usage and eventually moving into 3D? Any info would be greatly appreciated. :confused:

[midi0101]

Hello,

a 30 size bird will do what you want. If you have some more money to spend I'd go with a 50 (more stable hovering, more power).

the brand and make is not quite that important, but make sure that you can get spare/crash parts easily (nothing is more anoying then crashing the heli on a friday and having to wait for a week for spare parts).

As a pointer:

TT Raptor (30 and 50)
Century Hawk (30 size) or Falcon/Raven (50 size)

the most important thing is: Try to find an experienced heli pilot who can give you some tips flying and help you setting your heli up, as badly setup helicopters tend to fly only once before needing repair

Cheers,
Michael

[tdswan]

I agree with the above, I learned on a Raptor 50. All I have to add is the Kyosho Caliber 5 for another option. If I weren't building a gasser right now, I'd have probably bought one. I am real impressed with the drive system on it and from what I hear, it's a nice flying machine as well. Still a big fan of the Raptor, though. If you're setting your sights on 3D, start with a 50, the price difference is minimal and it can better grow with you.

[Motions]

Agree with both replies. One thing to consider is try to find out what others in your area are flying, either clubs or LHS and lean more towards that. You can get much better help and guidance from others if you fly the same models.

That being said, I can't imagine any club that doesn't have at least 2-3 Raptors.

[franckforet]

Could Hirobo Sceadu 30 Evolution be a good choice for someone who has never flown (Beginer to the bones!) but who intends to go further than hovering (say intermediate flight)?

Thanks ;)

[redlegtu]

I am also new and looking at getting a Heli when I get back. I only know of the Sceadu EVO based on the article in Issue #3. Can anyone tell us what the pros and cons compared the Raptor 30? What about a eletric like the T-REX as a starter?.....less to worry about then nitro as a first Heli.

[midi0101]

Well, here is my opinion on beginner heli's:

1) all heli's are beginner heli's (some are more expensive then others, but all of em do basic hovering)
2) all heli's are capable of aerobatics (again, some are better, but you'll need a year or 2 before you even feel a difference between, let's say a raptor 50 (about $800) and a MA Fury (about $1500 -$2000).
3) elctric micro heli's are in my opinion not really suited for training (rule of thumb, as larger the heli as easier it is to fly).
4) And that is most important: It doesn't matter what heli you buy (elctric, nitro, big, small). try to find a club in your area or a experienced heli pilot to give you a hand with setting up the machine and with the first flights..

Cheers,
Michael



I am also new and looking at getting a Heli when I get back. I only know of the Sceadu EVO based on the article in Issue #3. Can anyone tell us what the pros and cons compared the Raptor 30? What about a eletric like the T-REX as a starter?.....less to worry about then nitro as a first Heli.

[jadedfalcon]

Thanks to all for the information. I think I'll go with the Raptor 50. Parts are a-plenty at the local shop and Raptors (of varying sizes) seem to be "top gun" at my local field. Hope to see you all in the air soon!!

[AaronS]

the micro helis can provide some very good qualities for beginners, but they are limited. if you have access to a good flying feild and experienced help, by all means go for whatever looks good (nitro or electric) if you don't have help, a nitro machine may not only end up being a headache, it could be rather dangerous. If you are on your own I would highly recommend a simulator regardless of what you choose. If you go it alone with a nitro, be carefull, fly in a safe area away from spectators, use training gear, and work your way into it.
There is nothing wrong with flying a small heli to get started, with or without help. true the smaller the heli the more it will be affected by wind and the smaller size will be harder to see. But, the smaller helis do provide a safe option for flying around the front yard or neigborhood park, where flying in neihborhoods really should not be done with a nitro machine. Also repairs are usually less expensive. A counter rotating heli like the Blade CX, Hirobo XRB or Esky Lama 2 will provide a novice with an indoor option that you wont need any help to figure out.

[Jorgecajiao]

Well I `d like to put in my 2 cents.

I started out with a good simulator and practiced till I could hover all over the place.
Then I decided to buy my heli and found some local pilots to help me setup my bird.
The first time I took over the controls It was like second nature, could hover the heli fairly well, so I suggest you get a good sim ( all are good ) and practice, practice, practice........
Your skills will grow and you`ll save a lot of money on crash costs because of it.
Enjoy.

[Felony44]

I bought G3 and practiced for a good 2 months. then i did some research and i bought a raptor 50 the more people i talked to all said the same thing a bigger bird is more stable. I love my R50 it flys great and i can always find someone at the field who can help me with it since it is a very popular heli.