I've flown rc planes quit a bit over the years, and Ialways wanted to try the heli's. Recently I purchased the Blade SR, and I've gotten pretty good with a decent hover. I can keep the tail under control, and I can move in straight lines. Flying a circuit however is difficult. It bobs and weaves so much that correcting it's flight path takes up more time than the actual intended flight. If I get it up about 50 feet, and fly it relativly fast I can do a circuit, althouh a bit 'clumsy' It seems like the SR is only good and stable if it's moving in a direction at a decent clip.

I considerd getting a blade 400, but they don't offer the radioless version anymore. I already have a pair of dx6i radios, and I don't need another. Isearched around for used heli's and I found a used Raptor 50 with engine for $230. I found another thats actually new and it's a Rapotor 30 with the engine for $260.

Both setups need a radio system, (rx, servos, and gyro). They are both close to the same price, so it's not really a price problem, I just don't know which would be better to get. The one is used, I don't know how much, or if it's been abused, but it looks VERY clean and well maintained.

So here are my questions.
Is the 30 a better heli to train on? Parts cheaper for mishaps and so forth?
Is it worth the risk for higher part cost for the stability of the bigger helli?
Whats a decent head lock gyro? There are just so many out there its hard to decide.


I plan on just casual flying, maybe som sport flying, no 3D stuff. Ido that more with the planes. Ihave no doubt Ican get either one in a hover and hold it, but it sure would be nice to fly a circuit and not have every fly fart blow my copter off path. I would be pretty happy with the little blade sr if I could keep it on path without having to fly it so fast.