What is the cheapest RTF Heli on the market right now thats not a complete peice of junk. Keep in mind I'm an electronics technician so if i can get one really cheap and do some homestyle upgrades then that will work also. Thanks.

-sybur

I think if you ask around, most will recommend forgetting about an RTF or ARF... you save money by getting a kit, and you gain valuable knowledge about your heli by building it. When you crash, or have problems, you'll be able to easily troubleshoot and rebuild your heli if you built it from a kit. If you get an RTF, you won't have a clue where to start. I've seen guys with ARFs have simple problems and be clueless as to how to fix them, and I've had a few problems myself, and have been able to diagnose them and fix them very quickly (I built mine).

Heli suggestions (in preference & price order):
Raptor 50V2
Raptor 30V2

Radio suggestions (in order):
Futaba 9CHP
Futaba 7CHP

sybur,

I'll have to agree with -pkh- as far as knowledge gained by building a kit. Here are some other things to consider.

Check with your local hobby shop for parts availability. (This alone should have high priority on your selection process.) Also, look into local clubs or other heli pilots in your area. See what they fly and ask why.

If your not too mechanically inclined, RTF's or ARF's are a good way to go providing that you have a local support system to help you with some of the more frustrating issues that will arise.
On line forums help a lot but nothing beats flying with someone that has experience.

As far as cheap RTF or ARf's... I'd look into a Raptor 30 or Venture 30 with a Futaba or JR flight pack. There both fairly well built and cheap enough that all you really want to do is keep them in the air. Don't go overboard on upgrades unless you absolutely have to.

Rich

Unless cost is a real concern.. go for R50V2

A great inexpensive semi ARF trainer heli is the Century Hawk Sport at only $159.95. That leaves you more money for the more important things like a dependable and user friendly engine (OS32), a better radio or gyro (at least a Futaba 7C and 240).