I am learning on a Blade CP right now, and I am having an absolute blast with it.
There is no doubt I will continue in this hobby and buying another heli is already entering my mind.
I plan to continue learning with the CP, but definitely want to move up in size and pick up something that will be better suited for outdoor use. I hope to be ready for it by summer.
ARF or kit is ok with me, I actually would not mind putting one together to learn all about it.
Price is not really a concern, but I also do not want to buy more then I can handle, or need at the moment.
Parts availability and upgrades are important considerations for me.

What do you think is a suitable second heli for someone just getting started in the hobby, but plans on staying with it?

I'm amazed you need to ask...


Trex if you want an electric.... somehting like a Raptor would be nice if you want nitro

Personally, I like the stability of my MX400. The Trex is meant for expierenced pilots. I am sure it fills its niche perfect, but for me, A beginner pilot, I wanted something not so cat-like. The MX400 is a good, stable platform, that will accept ALL the Trex upgrades (other then frame), with no modification. I've had my MX400 for about 2 weeks now, and I have a full CNC Trex tail, and a full CNC auminun head on the way. It's a good all-around bird, with the option to improve its flight characteristics as your skill improves.

I tried a TREX, but they are just too agile for a beginner pilot with no Nitro/400-class stick time.

I had 0 stick time on anything other then my Blade CP (and only about 5 flights at that), and as soon as I got my MX400 in the air, I was hovering it. Not that it was a pretty hover, but a hover none-the-less.


Another thing you might consider is LHS support. My LHS *GLARE@Riders*, carries 0 parts for the MX400 because it's such a rare bird around here. I would have been better off (Support-wise) with a Trex.

Thanks for the quick responses.

I had read up on the Trex, and have heard it is quite nimble, perhaps too nimble for an inexperienced flyer.
Any particular model you might recommend?

I need to look into the MX400. LHS support is nice, but most around me cater to cars and trucks.
I like what you said about getting into hover pretty quickly, the fact that the upgrades are there is very nice to hear.

Any other info is appreciated, thanks.

I just work there!




But..now that we know the Trex parts fit... you are in luck!

Indeed I am!

I ordered a buncha crap from a french company. We will see how the new head works out. I might eventually end up with a MX400 with all Align parts, in which case, It would have been more cost-effective to buy a damn Trex.

I just wanted to be different. At the heli meetings, There's normally 12-20 Trexes, and 1-2 MX400s. I like being unique. Plus, the MX400 is so much quieter. Even Mr. George commented on how absolutely quiet the MX400 is.

hi all...
if you want to get a great performer and still have a heli that you can get parts for readily and cheaply and still easy to fly with very few vices then i can recomened all of the raptor sizes..
i fly vario and graupner helis too which are great but harder to get bits for and more expensive.. the general rule of thumb is bigger means more stable in hover and wind but bigger means more expensive ofcause. but if you wallet can cope with that then why not !
i probably would still recommend you get a raptor 30 still but saying that i learned on a 60 size so go for what ever is best for you !
which ever heli you get ,raptor or not then happy flying ,,

I would not discount Trex because it is too nimble or sensitive. That can be taken out by your radio setup. First you need a good radio - buy the best you can afford. I use Futaba 9CHP Super and I don't regret it. Then get a good simulator. Most of the best pilots are using Reflex. This will help immensely when learning 3D and save you way over the cost of the simulator. With the 9CHP you can program out the sensitivity by restricting the amount of servo movement for various functions. When you are ready to try more you just add more servo. Trex can do anything - think about it.