Depending on your budget, skill level, dedication/desire, and need for a challenge, there are numerous options. Do you want to spend several hours in front of your PC practicing with a cartoon helicopter in order to develop sufficient zen to tackle a fixed pitch or collective pitch, OR do you want to dump a little heli outta the box, do some preliminary inspection and adjustments while waiting for the batteries to charge, then just go fly?

The E-Sky Honeybee Fixed Pitch is a classic & durable 4 channel heli that will present a challenge to master. Once you can successfully fly one, you will be able to fly almost anything.

Bigger is better, or so they say. 500 & 600 series helis are said to be easier to control. Nevertheless, the inevitable crash is more costly in time and spares to repair.

Flying for the Fixed Pitch - Challenged (like me) directed me towards the myriads of coaxial (contra-rotating blades) helis. The most popular is the Lama version 3 or 4. The cheaper v3 is actually more maneouverable than the newer & cooler-looking v4. Both are popular and proven performers, and have tons of part upgrades available, and With very little fly-time, you'll be able to fully control it. If it's too ordinary or lame looking, you can upgrade in a number of directions. You can go broke on the coaxials alone - you'll just have more to show for it

I started out with a collective pitch Walkera Eagle 50. I spent more bench time fixing it after minor mishaps trying to get airborne, then decided to simplify a little & get the Honeybee FP. It, too was a potential moneypit & I just didn't want to devote the concentration & discipline required to successfully fly & land it.

The coaxials are initially helicopters for dummies, but you can grab one, turn it on, yank it up into the air & fly until your thumbs hurt.

Take a look at these sites to give you more details on which direction you may want to pursue.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/forumid_481/tt.htm
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_7311577/tm.htm
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_7764476/tm.htm

I also have a Belt CP that I concluded, after reading around would be the best choice for collective pitch flight. I've had it out a couple of times & was able to briefly hover it, but was too chicken to actually risk crashing it just yet. It is back in the box, which currently serves as parking space for my squadron of coaxials.

Also, take a look at www.xheli.com They have a staggering array of all categories of helicopters, all with the manufacturer photos & descriptions, and often youtube videos. Look around and drool. For all the bigger & pricier helis, don't necessarily fall prey to the "Great flying outta da box" & "So simple to fly, even a caveman can do it", mfg testimonials. Ask around first in the forums for real life experience and opinions. Also, base decisions on parts cost & availability.