ORIGINAL: motorace
I would beg to differ. If you think just anyone can pick up a tool and fix even an RC car you are wrong, let alone a helicopter which as you have stated is much more complex. My point is that I am very technically minded and have never failed at anything I have put my mind to, so I do not consider myself some who needs to start at the very bottom. How can you say that I don't have a leg up on someone who doesn't know anything about RC electronics whatsoever? I am not going to claim to know even one tenth of what you know about RC helicopters or RC cars for that matter, but I disagree with your assessment of how people's skills and what they bring to the table when starting a hobby can impact what they get out of it.
From what I have read the honey bee is a great starter kit, but I think I want to get my feet a little more wet than the very basic beginner. I am not looking to get the most advanced helicopter either since I agree with you that I WILL crash. It's like motorcycles (one of my other hobbies), its not a matter of if, its a matter of when.
Thanks for the feedback. Anyone have any additional suggestions? The EXI450 that Dude suggested does look like a great kit.
Sorry I think I misunderstood you and then you misunderstood me. I'm wasn't commenting on your ability with electronics or tools but your ability to fly. What I'm saying is that FLYING a heli has nothing in common with driving a car. Being good with tools is a skill that has nothing to do with being an engineer really, I happen to be good with tools but the number of engineers out there that feel superior because they have a degree is depressing and quite frankly embarrassing at times (not saying that you're one of those guys, just that there are too many). One of the best guys I know with heli mechanics is... a mechanic. The head mechanic at a golf course actually.
I've also seen a ton of RC car guys think how fun and easy helis are then see them trying to sell their $1000 heli in a month because they got frustrated.
Basically, I'm just saying don't be cocky, that leads to crashes and high repair costs.
As for your budget, $400 is a decent amount but not enough for a really good heli. The exi that "dude" pointed out is a kit only. No electronics or radio. To that kit you need to add 4 servos, an esc, motor, gyro, radio (tx and rx) and batteries (and a lipo charger if you don't already have one). After you do all that you might be able to squeeze by on $400.
If you can pony up another $70 or so I'd say go with the blade 400. it's RTF w/ everything (including battery and charger) and is a good entry-mid level 450 size heli. it also have very good parts support at most hobby shops. Another choice is the esky belt cp v2, not as good as the blade 400 and the parts support is mostly online but also less than half the price of the blade 400. With $400 you can afford an extra couple of batteries and some spare parts. remember that you'll only get around 8 minutes of flight time per battery.
If you want to build yourself then also look at the TT E325 kit, you might recognize thunder tiger from cars as well and they are even better known in helis.