I'm a beginner, never flown anything RC but think it's about time I start having as much fun as the rest of you.
After much reading, I realize that learning to fly one of these is not as easy as it looks, but that there are some nice options out there for beginners.

I'll likely get a sim after I get a heli so that way I'll have a controller to plug into the computer and can crash at not cost.
Now the most recommended beginning electric heli, would have to be the Blade or the CP2 due to their price range and parts affordability.
I like both of these, but will probably go with the CP2 since the parts are a bit cheaper and all my purchases will be online (no LHS within 70 miles).

Eventually I want to get the King, I doubt I will be a radical 3-D flier, but want the stability and "look and feel" closer to a real chopper.

I've thought about a FP, but think I'd wish I got a CP shortly after.

Here's my question:

Since the King is actually my goal, why not just get the King to start with? As a draftsman, I often think in 3-D and think I can soon develop the spacial orientation needed to fly a CP and keep the crashes to a minimum.
From what I can see, the King is not a heck of a lot more expensive than the CP2 and from what I gather it's a heck of a lot more stable.
I'm sure I'll go through a few main shafts, blades and spend more on batteries etc. but IMO the King has a lot more potential.

What do ya think, is it possible for a beginner to learn to fly a RTF out of the box King?

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Dave

Anyone care to help? Thanx

I am also new to helicopter and I am going to buy the Honey Bee CP2 within 2 weeks and I was wondering what type of extra/spare parts I should also buy with my new helicopter. I am also going to get a mini wireless camera and the traning gear. What should I do to get used to the controls on my CP2? I am also getting an x-tra Li-Po 1200mah battery and upgrading the stock batery to a Li-Po 2200mah battery, are my batterys ok for a continous flight? Thanks

Hi Spy,

I'm not sure, but you might want to be sure that the 2200 battery is not too heavy for the CP2.
I think that as far as spare parts go you might consider a crash kit for the CP2, I think they make one for it (just not sure).
It would likely consist of set of main blades, tail blades and some landing gear parts. I'd want to have a couple pieces of small fuel tubing like the one that holds the tail rotor on in my kit, in case that comes off in the grass.

Hope I'm not steering you wrong ...

NO WAIT GET THE BLADE CX trust me u will like it, easiest thing to fly then other micros VERY hard, i have more touble flying my hummingbird v3 which is smililar to the esky cp2 then my giant gas raptor 30

do you think a 1800mah Li-Po battery is good?

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show...ceiling+landing


Check that thread regarding batteries.

point is, a bigger capacity may not be the best idea because of the weight.

PLUS, your motors will prolly last longer if you fly in 10 minute increments. i have a 1100mah lipo, but now wish i got the 800mah

i pruchased my cp2 3 months ago,flew it four time had four minor crashes and spent 65 bucks repairing it,just got my king 2 in flew it 11 time with not one simgle crash,..the king2 is a much stable flyer.i would recomed it for starters...i does need a brushless though..

Larry at Helidirect.com actually talked me out of the CP-2
He said the HBK ver # 2 was a much better heli.
But I got mine from Jag hobbies for $149.99.
It flies so well I ordered anopther one.
I'm new at flying helis but the Honey Bee and the newer VER # 2 were the easiest for me to fly.
I read about so many crashes with the CP-2 here on RUC.
Below is a picture of it all dressed up.[8D]
I'm really pleased with the way it flies.
Vegas/

Yes,Honybee cp2's parts are a bit cheaper.good beginner's rc helicopter.

wow, if that isn't a necrothread (ie a thread from the dead

The tail motor heli had there day but those days are gone!
Simulator is good investment no matter what skill level.
The Lamas & CX are low cost (good indoor heli)
The king is better in wind & more stable.
STAY AWAY FROM TAIL MOTOR HELI[:'(]

necro thread.. lol. no doubt.

but yeah if your a new flyer DONT GET ANYTHING CP!!!!! get a dually like the cx. if you just want to fly around, maybe stick a wireless cam on there and spy on the girls next door what have you its hte ticket.

cp's are truly frustrating and a HUGE comitment to learn how to fly them.

check out raidentech.com for some really cheap stuff straight outta japan. its hella cheap in every way. but they fly, customer support is good and parts are available. you can get a knock off of the 190.00 blade cx for 70 bucks from raiden. and thats with a lipo. they even got em to look like little apache helis if thats your thing. i know im ordering one to mess with when my bcp is broke {most of the time}


oh yeah, get a sim. even crappy fms will help you learn the conditioned response you need. blade tx can be adapted towork. check out smartpropo

tail motor craft suck. i hear the king is the way to go... hope to get one but funds are low.
for that fact, the blade sucks for a first craft. its small, its wicked cool and very fast. its also probably the hardest heli to fly due to its small super touchy nature and super ****ty tail design. once u start flying you will realize how important it is to be able to trim the thing out.




lastly im not really posting this to anyone in particular. thinking out loud i guess. i wish i had started witha cx instead of a cp

With jag hobbies it's more like 40 to 50% cheaper on the parts.
Blades for $8.75
Vegas/

I got a cp2. The rear tail rotor had given me a lot of trouble and the money I spent on the 7th rear motors purchased I think honeybee king 2. No question. In fact I am tempted to buy a HBK2 now.