NExt Step from CX2
 

A couple of things. Why is the CX2 or E-Flite so great? I bought what my LHS had and I am happy. But tell me why E-Flite is great compared to some of the other companies.
Then, I love my CX2. Flown it about 30 times in two weeks. I am getting good, but I long to fly outside now. I am not even interested in flying inside, even though it is inside heli. My street is no wind at night, and I fly 3-6 times a night depending... I am married.
SO what would be my next step. I just want to fly outside. I am not interested in 3D and expect I will never will be. I am also electric only. CP Pro or something else.
Anyway, off to fly with my new servo settings.
GFP OUT:D

RE: NExt Step from CX2
 

I would stay away from the CP Pro until you are a pro. The Blade CP wasn't to bad to fly. The bigger the helicopter the more stable it is. A lot of people like fixed pitch helicopters for the next step up. People have had good experiences with the Blade 400 and the E-sky helicopters. Do some research there are a lot of good helicopters out there. I also am electric only and will never change. Its simple and easy to maintain. When I flew 300 size helicopters like the CP Pro it can't take to much wind and stay in one spot. Helicopters the size of a Belt CP or T-Rex 450 can handle the wind a lot better.

RE: NExt Step from CX2
 

Oh this is a deep deep subject with more opinions than there are heli's to choose from :) but that's what I love about this forum and these guys! A whole bunch of super great information.
Eflite can be a touchy subject around here even though we are all huge fans of the CX series of heli. Their parts are without a doubt alot higher priced than the competition. The quality of the CX series is not found in the CP series however some have had super success with the CP series of helis.

Some of us, myself included, Soloboss, BryFlyGuy,Gpach all have the Walkera #4/ Falcon F40 Fixed Pitch machines. They are a 300 class electric heli same size as an Eflite Blade CP. Being a fixed pitch machine they are a little easier to fly than the collective pitch helis. Very robust, can take a real beating, ship in RTF form for under a hundred bucks. Easy to setup and repair. Parts are super cheap and can be found all over the net. Local LHS support can vary, Calgary has nothing, I use the Blade CP main motors and tail rotor motors. Only real downfall with this heli it is a 300 class size and can be a little twitchy at times. Great stepping stone heli.
USHobby Supply is a super place to get heli parts, Michael is a member here on RCU and has helped us all out. http://www.ushobbysupply.com/

One of the economy priced heli's getting alot of buzz around here is the Esky HoneyBee King II with a brushless setup. From what I have read
around here everyone that has one with the brushless setup loves it. And even some Trex owners are getting this as an addition to their fleet.
It's a 400 class heli, collective pitch so it is capable of 3D flight, loads of power, stability similar to the Trex. Ready to fly for under $250.00. Parts are super cheap and aluminum upgrades are showing up all over the net. This is a collective pitch machine and will take some work to get her setup and tuned correctly. But that is also part of the fun of heli's.
http://jaghobbies.com/rc_planes/ek1h-e016a_cart.htm

From here we go into a hot topic. Blade 400. for 500.00 bucks you also get a 400 class machine, a great tx, and a 3D capable platform, aluminum upgrades are on the way as well.

After this your into almost ready to fly kits that you have to build yourself. You will buy and unassembled airframe, then get all your electrics and a tx. This includes the Trex and it's clones, HDX, Diablo, CopterX. Super heli's however your looking at 800 to well over a grand by the time you are fully airborne with spares. This class of helis are among the best. Super powerful, stable and all the aluminum and carbon fiber you could ever drool over. I actually dream about owning one of these bad boys.

There are almost too many heli's out there to choose from, I could list more but I'm sure my collective brothers will fill in even more for you to ponder. My thoughts on a single rotor learner kind of goes like this. Yes I would love a 400 class machine however I would rather crash an 80.00 heli that is going to take 5.00 of parts to fix vs. crash a $500.00 heli that's going to take 20.00 bucks to fix. Once I've progressed to holding full battery hovers and fairly smooth forward flight then I'll look at the collective pitch machines. One bird that has really got me thinking though is that HB King II. Brushless bird for $210.00 spares as cheap as my fixed pitch machine. I would say this is the way to go. Power size and stability....all attributes we look for in a heli.
I'm super tempted to make this my next heli....I'm almost brave enough to say it's going to be :P

RE: NExt Step from CX2
 

Good information to know. I know there are so many out there. I was just reading on coaxial and non-coaxial. Seems there is a difference. And the Honeybee looks a little to much for me. I just want to fly outside, right, so what would be a good coaxial for outside? or is that not an option.
Thanks for taking the time to write so much. Lots of good info in there.
GFP out

RE: NExt Step from CX2
 

The CX-2 is the greatest as far as the Radio, quality of the CN parts, stability, manueverability. . .

I will never say that E-FLITE is the greatest; they just happen to have the best hands down indoor COAX; in Millions of people's opinion, I'm sure.

I have no interest in the CP, CP PRO, 400 (to which they dangle the dx6i 'carrot') etc.

I went to whom I thought had the best learning platform, stability, affordable parts, quality, etc.

I went T-REX 450SE V2 for My first Single bladed heli. I bought a DX-7 TX.

BUT, right now, I have the money to burn (won't later, but won't need as much then).

The initial cost is huge; but the learning curve is less, because it is a VERY STABLE heli; very forgiving heli, even if not dialed in perfectly; parts are READILY available, and value added for the money.

E-FLITES parts are a premium; always have been. Overpriced, I'm sure most will agree.

I'm serious when I say that I have more than a Grand (at least $1,400.00) in CX-2 parts, upgrades, replacements, etc. but I have 3 to show for it.

If it weren't for the aftermarket upgrades, I probably would have burned out on the last crash, bending everything from the inner, outer, flybar, blades, etc. It gets a little tiring after a bit.

I got tired of it; so hopped up my own parts, bought upgrades, etc. and Now I have some nicely tuned helis built like tanks, but fly very gracefully. That's why I now have 3; I got so bored NOT breaking or bending parts, that I kept building more to satisfy my 'tinkering' craving.

Some people will chide,

"Just don't crash"

Please ! ! Give me a break. If You ain't crashin' You have a Hanger Queen. You will never go far in this hobby if You don't push it, at least to some degree.

There are great helis other than the T-REX, to be sure, that will fit someone's budget a little better. I dang near bought a HBK2.

Gary

RE: NExt Step from CX2
 

I need to get to a gym so I can really push it. I am to cautious outside, and not enough room inside. Off to check the Trex.

RE: NExt Step from CX2
 

Here's a fresh thread that I started on the T-REX (yes, they have a dedicated forum) that got Me off the fence and laid to rest the reservations that I had of not having any support.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_6804271/tm.htm

You will see some familiar people from here on this thread.

Gary

RE: NExt Step from CX2
 

If you really want to see a heli I just can't wait to get have a look at the Diablo!
http://www.rc-tek.com/us_store/rct-4...mbo-p1772.html
It's a Trex clone, a little cheaper than the 450SE V2 with a little nicer tail box on it.

RE: NExt Step from CX2
 

Galactic,


I have my first heli being a cx-2 1 month ago. I flew it alot and got around 60 batteries into the thing, before i could basically fly it with my eyes closed.

I moved up to the blade 400 RTF.

The radio is perfect for your next heli even after that. Its big and is in the 450 class so dont get confused. I had my first flight today, i was nervous, but had some 35 second flight. It was great. If you can become proffecient in the cx-2 get this.


Its been done by me and about 2 otherso n this forum. Also ive seen some on other forums do it. And all the kids who dont go to forums.

So i think its definetly worth it.

RE: NExt Step from CX2
 

Well, there's '2' endorsements for the 400, so far.

When are the spare parts due out on the 400? I heard July or August, but I could be wrong.

Anything is better than the CP and CPP crap they have been hashing out for the past few years. They should have left the 'blade' off of the name of the 400, IMO; why name something that is potentially good after a couple of fragile, quirky 'turds.'

One man's opinion based on reading pathetic complaining about the pair over the past few months. I feel bad for them, but will benefit from them.

Gary

RE: NExt Step from CX2
 

Most of the parts for the Blade 400 are already out... except for the electronics. My LHS got another shipment of parts today and commented that he could make a few Blade 400's out of them.

RE: NExt Step from CX2
 

I have a cx2 that I have been flying for a little over a month. I am pretty good with it and felt that I was ready to move on to something a little more advanced.

I bought a CPP (two actually, got a good deal). They are very difficult to fly. They are all over the place and very twitchy.

I have a regular CP with a HH gyro on the way now. Maybe I will have better luck with that.

I wish I would have known about the Walkera #4, before, I would have gone that route.

RE: NExt Step from CX2
 

Keep in mind he has no intention of doing 3D, the T-rex will be total overkill for sport flying. The Blade 400 can be had at a cheaper price than a well equipped T-rex. I have both and for sport flying I have no problem picking up the Blade to fly on lunch break. It gets my vote, very stable and can handle winds surprisingly well.

RE: NExt Step from CX2
 

Have you had any experience with the blade CP? The reason I ask is because I just started learning to fly mine recently after stepping up from my CX2. Now that I understand more about helis and have had some experience I was able to get the CP tuned up and flying great. It seems very stable to me being my first single rotor machine. Ive only really been flying it for that last week and a half or so and Im already flying without training gear. I will definately agree that E-Flite parts are overpriced but I would disagree that these helis are crap. I have had nothing but great support from E-Flite and I feel that I will be a customer for life. Just my $0.02.

PS: I have my eyes set on the Blade 400 now BTW. I cant wait!

RE: NExt Step from CX2
 

Great observations/impressions and opinions all......You guys are pointing me invariably toward the Esky HBK II. Mother of god its cheap! I wonder if it is spot on stable to fly hmmmmmmm??

RE: NExt Step from CX2
 

Right there with you rikybob, Ive been flying the blade cx for three weeks now non stop. Ive gotten really good w/ foward flight and guiding it through the house. Have flown it outside so im looking around for the next step. Have my eye on the Blade 400 because I WILL eventually want to fly 3d, and the dx6i seems to good of a deal especially since Im looking at planes too. But w/ the HBKII looking so cheap/quick and a step up Im not confused LoL. Heli's are awesome!

RE: NExt Step from CX2
 

I have to admit.........between having been on this earth for a while and reading the fourms.......baby steps seems the best way to go and with the HBK II being so affordable it only makes sence. I am going to practice some self control ala Radd and see if I can force myself to wait until I have to break the CX2 alllllll the way down and be able to dial it baaaaack up. I will wear out the motors and some other parts and will learn the little bugger inside and out! I tend to belive success here is built on not only hand/eye but the ability to understand completley how the machine works......Further, I beleive that just because you master one doesn't mean you will can smoooooothy transition to another..........wait was I talking about helos, boats or women? ;)



Rikybob

RE: NExt Step from CX2
 

This is exactly what i have done. Saved me a fortune, i took it all apart every bit and re assembled it learning and understanding how each part fits and functions, i could not stress enough to noobs to do this first to learn how to tune it in. I think if you do this then your a better pilot even before you have picked up your tx

I too have decided to make the jump as im getting real good with the cx2 so have invested in a belt cp. I choose this for ease of getting parts, good reviews, 3d capable even though i dont think ill ever go there its there to use if i do

After trawling through rc universe i find blade 400 owners to have a mixed bag of oppinions which is a little off putting so choose the belt cp instead

RE: NExt Step from CX2
 

I looked at the B-CP as well but a radio is more important to me right now than anything. It would nice to have more options with setting up my CX2 and my CPP has a lousy radio , though I think that is just the nature of FM in the city, there is just too much interference. Everything I have read says to buy the best radio you can the first time. I don't want to watch as my heli tumbles from the sky from some gliching FM single, plus I want to get more intamate with programming curves and customizing the controls.
So, the options are to either: go spend $330 (My cost in canada) for the Dx7 and use that, or spend $470, get the Dx6i and the B400. For me the B400 will be a stepping stone to the T-rex SE v2. That is truly the heli I want, but spending $1000+ for the kit and the DX7, Gyro and charger isn't really an option. So, If I buy the B400, I get a nice 450 sized heli, an awesome radio and all the electronics I need to eventually transfer over to the T-rex kit, plus an extra battery and charger and I will be able to sell the B400 airframe kit of for a little bit of cash.
i also considered waiting until the Dx6i is released on it's own and buying that but it doesn't really seem like a great deal by itself when compared to the Dx7 kit which comes with 3 servos, a 1500 mah nimh and a wall charger. But then buying the Dx7 kit doesn't make sense when for $130 I can get the whole B400 package.

RE: NExt Step from CX2
 

Sounds to me Green like you have already just made your mind up, get the b400 then you get radio servos and a bird to play with too

RE: NExt Step from CX2
 

Ya, I think so. If I was to buy the Dx6i on it's own, the 4 servos, HH gyro and a charger for a T-rex kit it would cost about the same as the B400 kit I think. And if I buy the B400 then I can hold off on the T-rex purchase until later in the summer or maybe even next year and I can use the 1 radio for all 3 helis. And from what I have heard the CPP has a great performance increase under DSM control.