DBuck42

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I am looking for a Heli for my son (12) and I to play with. The three most important criteris are;
-Durability
-Easy of use, and
-low cost

Thanks for you suggestions.

geepfreek

blade cx or must any thing with couter rotation blades

SkyUp

[link=http://www.hobby-lobby.com/cocolama.htm]The Co-Co Lama[/link] is a nice heli and fairly easy to fly from what I hear (I've never owned one).
I think they are fairly durable as well, and fun.
I know several people on the forum recommend it highly for a beginner heli.
Good luck in you decision and welcome to the forum!

I can testify that Hobby Lobby is really good about standing behind their products, that's why the link above.
I got a Falcon 3D from them and are very helpful and have lots of satisfied customers on this forum.

Oh, these are generally for indoor flying only, maybe outside on a VERY calm day.
I think you will find this is the case with any Counter Rotating heli or Flat blade heli.
Bigger heavier and more expensive helis are generally the only heli's that would be good outdoors.

Dave

DBuck42

My Feedback: (3)

TTT

zflarez

How about a ion-x by Minature Aircraft..............
The helis mentioned above are a good starting point but may I also add the picco-z since your son is 12 and you mentioned in your post that you want cheap (40.00) ease of use (can fly out of the box) and durable.

DBuck42

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Does anyone have any experience with the Picco-Z? Is it durable and stable? How about parts availability?

TheVirus

It's a 2 channel heli, it goes up/down and spins left/right. With a thumbtack on the nose it can do forward flight. It's pretty quick and there really are no 'spare' parts, just extra rotor blades in the box. Pretty simple to fly, though it can't do anything fancy.

savage 40

I would be more inclined to find out which one would have good parts availablity.. My local Hobby store carries everything for all the Blade models.. which is great because i seem to crash alot..LOL! I would think the best bet would be a Blade CX...

makatron

i have the picoo Z and its a blast!! my office mates loves it

durable, you cant break it not even if you want to

ct420

The E-sky Lama2 aka co-co lama is a great little beginner heli. Parts are widely available as well. I've had one for about 1 year, and I still love it.... Highly recommended...

Prozak

I'm in the same position as you are, although I already have a picco z. Let me tell you, it's a blast to fly around. It's simple and it takes quite a beating. They go for 30 dollars at toyrus and they sell for 40 at radio shack. You might have to modify them a bit to get them to fly foward or if the tail motor is too powerful you sometimes have to trim the tail blade, but nothing thats too complicated. People sometimes mod them with ball bearings too to make them more efficient. In short they are fun, but I believe they are considered to be more along a toy when compared to the more complicated and expensive hobby helicopters. It all depends on your budget, but after you've played with these and seen some videos of hobby helicopters you might be itching for something bigger or better like I am

For the price though, they are definately worth keeping around.

anothersteve

I'm new to this stuff too, I've been having a blast with the "Air Hogs" Helix. ToysRus has em for 60. I have a very small house with low ceilings, 7'4", and alot of things to crash into. It's pretty durable, and easy to control. I'm waiting on a new Blade CX 2. Good luck.
Later, Steve

DBuck42

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I got the Picco-Z and my son and I have been having a blast with it. The tail rotor blade is definitely a weak point. Two have broken and we are on the last one that comes with the kit. A company in CA will sell you replacement blades for $5.00 shipped. That is alot to pay. Not sure I will. I am going to check with the LHS to see if I can find a blade that may work. Does anybody know of a replacement tail rotor blade for the Picco-Z? I am also waiting to get the Blade CX2 in Novemer. I am on the waiting list at the LHS.

hally2k

I have the picco z and its pretty fun after a few small mods. like putting a tack in the nose and cutting 2mm each side of the tail rotor blades.

its just a toy though and you dont really have much control over it.

i would def reccomend an esky lama 2 ive been flying with my futaba 7c tx and its great. really stable and even my girlfriend can fly it a little.

Blade cx is antoher great hli ut its slightly arder to fly than the lama imo.

cal_gecko

Get an E-Flite Blade CX2 ... I got one and it's a BLAST. parts are cheap, it's easy to repair, and it's durable!

FMB42

hello Dbuck,
Try this old trick; remove and install the tail rotor blade several times or more. This should result in a slightly looser fit and will allow the blade to "slip" a little rather then break when it hits anything. Good luck on the CX2.