In idle up mode and executing simple aerobatics like loops, the response is a bit in the slow side, but still workable using the regular stock battery that comes with it. But if you change into Li-pos then there's a significant difference. Stock battery is heavy and a little weak in power thus making it a little hard to do simple aerobatics. Li-po's however are lighter and have more power giving you most of what you need in aerobatic flight. But if you are just starting out, I'd suggest with just the regular stock battery for hovering practice. It has very good response in cases like hovering and /or sport flying. Stability-wise, if this is your first heli and first time flying chances are you'll be "chasing" a hover. Micro-helis are always known for their instability when hovering. You'll have to constantly input throttle/pitch and cyclic corrections to get a good steady hover. If you are a bit experienced in flying helis, then hovering it shouldn't pose as a problem.

The plastic composite parts and OEM replacements for the AXE CP are cheap. However, once you go to the CNC aluminum and CF parts, that's when the costs goes up. Also their wood and CF blades are in the expensive side as well. The wood blades cost (my LHS in my case) is about $21.00 plus tax. The CF blades are about $69.99 - $71.00 plus tax for the pair.

With those prices I could buy a 550mm wooden or CF blades for my Raptor 30; either a little more or less depending on my LHS, but we're talking about a bigger bird here which is a big difference.

If you need more info about the AXE CP, pick up last months RC Heli Magazine. They've reviewed this kit and so far it's getting good reviews as I read through it. Personally I learned flying Helicopters with the AXE CP, but not without incident. Of course I get those occasional crashes which is inevitable and part of the learning process. But as you grow more familiar with it, it's really fun. I've already graduated from it and now flying with the other big boys like my Raptor 50, Trex 450, and Trex 600CF.

Oh and another little advice. Should you lean on getting an AXE CP, be sure to stock up on parts that will most likely break during a crash. Blade grips, see-saw, linkages, tail boom, a pair of blades, main shaft, main shaft gear spur, fly bar, paddles, and tail rotor. In my past experience with this heli, these are the parts that always or often breaks. Some LHS have limited parts and usually have them backordered, so just when you needed it the most, that part is not readily available. If you have stocked up on replacement parts at least you can easily repair it and get back up in the air in no time and practice some more. BTW, when reparing your helicopter back up to working condition you'll need to do several things to set it up right in order to fly right and this does not pertain to the AXE CP alone but all helictopers as well; then again this is a whole new chapter and does not related to your question. So anywayz.....don't let this info discourage you from getting one. AXE CP is a GOOD Heli to start on.

Good luck