the title says it good enough i guess. what has everyone worked with and what is everyones opinion when it comes to a good single rotor chopper to learn on. and also does anyone have an older one they are willing to get rid of?

Hey mxer,

The $64,000 dollar question!

There are many to chose from, and it depends on a few things, like price range, where you will be flying it, how much, if any prior heli experience, etc....

I have a couple of Blade 400's and for the price vs what you get, it's hard to beat. It's not too big, not too small, and easy to get repair parts for at most any LHS...a very important thing to think about...since at first, there will be "mishaps" ...

What are you flying at the present, if anything?

Going from a coaxial to a single rotor is a big step...going to a single rotor from nothing at all is very challenging, and can be frustrating...

A good simulator is worth it's weigh in gold...very helpful for the beginner![X(]

Let us know a little more info...

Glenn

Blade 400 is a great choice, however that's a pretty steep step, I would call that going all in. Personally I would start with something like an Esky Honey Bee Fixed Pitch. Great trainer. Easy to repair, and setup, parts are super cheap. Master the fixed pitch then move on to a collective pitch.

stump,

Good points...the fixed pitch would be great as a stepping stone from a coaxial to the collective pitch...I absolutely love my Quark SRB fixed pitch...but it's pretty pricey...thus my question about price ranges...

Some people have done OK going straight to a collective pitch, but I agree, it is a bigger step up...some people are more up to a challenge than others, so it's kind of an individual thing...and some just learn faster than others...lots of variables..

That is why these forums are so great, lots of good advice...

That is also why it's such a difficult question to answer, as there is no one correct answer![X(]

Glenn

mxer958 - I agree with Shane and Rotarydoc. A brand name fixed pitch is a great interim helicopter. I've had a great time with mine and with a few cheap upgrades it just gets better. The collective pitch can happen later. Why rush - enjoy your current level and look forward to the next level.

I think it's great that the fixed pitch has become a viable trainer. They are challenging for the new flier. With inexpensive upgrades ($10 motor, $8 blades etc) guys like you and me can build a bird with more ability. As they get more sophisticated, they get easier to fly and they become your own design. You really can't lose with a Esky Honey Bee Fixed Pitch like Shane mentioned. And Rotarydoc enjoys his too. I had a Collective Pitch heli and I sold it. I'm staying with a Fixed Pitch and I'm happy as a clam.

The bummer part - I always bought my helicopters as RTF sets and I accepted the radio gear that was included. Experience shows that's not a good move. You want a state of the art radio. The DX6i included with the B400 is excellent. The DX7 is a bit better. The cool thing is that you can get the Dx6i now for about $200. If you decide later to get a B400 you can get it BNF and only pay a $10 penalty for not getting the B400 RTF kit. That's cool. The bummer part is that, for as much as I like the fixed pitch helicopters, no one sells a FP that works with the Spektrum DSM2 signal. (that's the E-Flight 2.4ghz helicopters and Spektrum radios). IF you have a CX2 or CX3, those come with an AR6100 and the HBFP can be converted using those parts.

There ya go - three votes for a Honey Bee Fixed Pitch.
IF you have exceptional natural ability and IF you have money to burn and IF you have a huge amount of patience and IF you enjoy watching your newly built collective pitch helicopter do the lawn dart move - you might want to skip the fixed pitch and just go with the collective pitch. As Rotarydoc said, the B400 is a very nice piece right out of the box.

well right now soloboss you know, ive talked to you about it, ive got a cx2 and have gotten pretty good at flying it. money right now is quiet on the low side and patience is very high. i like a good challenge. but i dont want to put alot of money in something to crash the hell outta it. which is why i came here for advice, and good advice is what i got. i have seen videos of the b400 and like the way it performs but i think thats a lil to advanced for me right now. the hobby store near me has an axe i was looking at for 190. think its the axe cp3?? not sure have heard decent things on it but i havent seen any of those in flight. im still up in the air. there is also a friend of mine that has a kyosho nexus type S size 30 engine with the whole kit ready to go. i can get it for a steal at 200. i know a nitro chopper is a lil too complex for me right now but i dont wanna let that thing get away. anyone have any good site for decent helis?

ushobbysupply.com
helidirect.com
horizonhobby.com
amainhobbies.com
thinkrc.com
helipal.com

Anyone have a list of good fixed pitch helis (single rotor)

Based on the activity of the threads, price, and availability of parts / upgrades, you can't go wrong with:

Honeybee FP
Walker #4
Falcon 40

-Dave (a Honeybee and Falcon owner)

If it helps, I have a cx2 and was looking to jump up. If you watch close, you can catch the Honey Bee FP for $68. I have one on the way so I cant really talk it up yet. I did ask a lot of questions on here and the response for the Honey Bee was the highest.

***Thanks to everyone for their replys !




**I am already researching the next step up from the fixed pitch ( King 2, King 3, Esmart ? ? ) I have a ton of time but want to be ready for the nice weather to try outside