ORIGINAL: john68
I bought the silver one heli-direct has, and let me tell you...
NEVER AGAIN!
from the word "go" it has been a nightmare. I didn't realize that it didn't come with linkages, and since the Blade CP is different fromt eh esky CP2, you have to get the CP2 control linkages to make it work properly. I found that out after I had made some linkages from the LHS. Once I got it set to go, and got it flying, I used the dirt brakes, and that's when I found out the feathering shaft is made of brass. Yeah, it bent in 2 places, so that it was hard to remove from the head.
John,
From what I can tell about this new blue head, is that it is plug and play. All the linkages are included. I inspected it yesterday and the swashplate it comes with is the E-Flite aluminum swashplate (which I have). It looks like it slides on the shaft, connect the servo links, and it's on. My only concern would be if you can get individual parts for it. The feathering shaft is supposedly compatible with the stock shaft. This one was designed specifically for the Blade and can be used on the HB CP2, where as I recall, the one you have was the other way around, which would explain the difficulties you had.
I doubt that I will make the $120 plunge, as I am saving my pennies for a Trex 450 SE, and I don't feel like putting any more money into my Blade on upgrades. I already have the Bell-Hiller Mixer, E-Flite aluminum swash, aerobaic upgrade, CF blades, superskids, 1320 TP Lipos, and modified tail fin. So I am really happy with how my Blade is flying. I can't see dumping any more dollars into it when I'm going to be spending over $1K on the new more capable heli. But the blue head and tail motor housing look sweeet. Holding them in my hand yesterday made me "blue" with envy. When I got home last night I went on heli-direct and almost clicked on the BUY button, but I came to my senses.
Doug