ORIGINAL: TakeshiSkunk
You can't go wrong with Align for a first real heli. Realistically it's the best value per dollar, you get something very nice without breaking the bank. Also EVERYONE carries Align parts and pretty much every heli pilot has experience with Align, availability and knowledge base make it a great choice for a beginner.
Don't get a clone, it seems like a steal at the prices some are offered for but from what I've seen you can easily end up spending more than an Align kit and driving yourself crazy getting the thing flying halfway decently. Some work out great but as far as I'm concerned it's just not worth the risk...also I'd rather use my money to support a company that's developing their designs rather than one that's just copying someone elses work as cheaply as possible.
So yeah, Align is the go to recommendation for a beginner. If something else really catches your eye just do a little research on/ask around about it, there are a lot of nice helicopters.
Takeshi...I almost agree with everything you post...except your view on clones.
I have both a 450 and 500 EXI clones that are fine helicopters. And if I add up what money it took to build them both...it still would be less than the cost of buying 1 500 Align kit.
I know you said "some work out great" and maybe I am in that "some"category. But, from what Ive seen first hand, as well as what Ive read from others across the globe...there are more than just "some" of us clone flyers that work out just fine.
I will say that a person really needs to do a lot of homework if buying a clone. There is a lot to learn about what electronics are needed in order to get a nice build done. I used upper end servos on my 450 from HiTec. I built a 2nd 450 plastic version (sold it at swap meet because I dont need 2 450's)out of all cheap 900g transparent blue servos and they both flew pretty identical. I could definitely tell a difference on the rudder servo...but otherwise I couldnt tell much of a difference between 3 dollar servos and 36 dollar ones.
Im getting of point here. I just wanted to give the "other sides" opinion on clones. And that is that if you carefully plan out a clone...you can get a good result. My 450 has been flying for 2 seasons now and my 500 almost as long and Ive not had the first bit of trouble that I didnt introduce from crashing.
I will say this. I am sure the higher cost of the Align helis arent because they use better materials. If I were to bet...Id say most of the higher cost comes from them (Align) having to pay to publish a manual (clones dont come with any documentation) as well as the man-power it takes to QC their helis to a point that getting a "dud" one is fewer and further between.
If Align would only have patented their design...we wouldnt be having this discussion. As the only way to buy a clone would be from the back of a van in some dark alley somewhere in NYC...like the guy that sells fake Rolex's from inside his trench coat. LOL