BDavison is right. I bought the Blade a week ago, with no heli experience whatsoever...but I practiced in my garage everyday, and have surprisingly only went through 4 blades and a main shaft. The blade is a hard heli for beginners, but I wouldn't shy away from it too much just because it is a very advanced helicopter. If you have the patience, time, AND money, give it a shot. The fun of hovering that heli is just so awesome!!