hey guys just bought the axe cpv3 good bad or what it was fairly cheep but looked well built any coments??? 1st time to fly

That's what I started with. Actually a CP-l (v2?).

I flew it for a year.

Great for teaching hovering, flying basics, and eCCPM setup & repair.

If you feel you are going to stay in the heli realm for awhile (years) consider avoiding too many upgrades that can't be transferred to a bigger heli.
That leaves radio electronics.

The cost of other upgrades can easily add up to the cost of more capable helis (less the radio).

Another issue is motor life. The are brushed type and thus have a finite lifetime. Plus they are costly- $15 for a main, $30 for a tail (give or take).

Many have upgraded to brushless motor(s) and a HH gyro and some to a belt tail. Depending on how much is replaced/upgraded it eliminates the 3 in 1 board completely.
(This is also referred to going "separates".)

I have NO regrets but I learned from these and other forums to limit the upgrades and my expectations of it's performance.

For new pilots the wind can be a problem with this size heli.

It is tough and can take alot of abuse as compared to some of it class peers.

Opinions vary so "to each his own". Think of it as a journey not a destination.

Mine is retired now and I'm focusing on 450 size helis.

uneze,

I have been flying for a year now and I started on the blade cp. If I would have kept with that one I would have ditched the hobby all together. I picked up the CPv3 and first flight I was able to hover. I love this bird. Yes it is a bit tricky in light winds, but beyond that I personally would recommend it as a starter. I know have 2 450's and got rid of the other birds except the cpv3, I love taking it out for a spin.

You WILL have a problem with the tail motor unless you let it cool down between flights. I was going through them left and right until I learned that the hard way at $30 a pop. Just a little money saver tip, The new blade cp pro v2 that just came out has the same n60 motor and you can pick it up at the hobby store for $7. I picked up 2 but luckily I have not had to use them yet.

I would recommend doing the gyro upgrade they mention in the back of the instructions, it will help if you think you will keep it for a little while. The only other upgrade I will tell you is to get the alum blade grips. It costs about $35. When you crash you are guaranteed to snap the ball links off and it is a pain in the butt to keep pulling apart the head to replace them. The rest of the upgrades, save your money like r_williams says for your next bird.

Happy flying.