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Kit or RTF????

Old 05-26-2010, 04:47 PM
  #26  
Rafael23cc
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????

Just out of curiosity. Simulators are great. I have a friend that went to Iraq, just after he bought his first heli. Did not even have time to assemble it. He took the sim with him and used it every chance he got. When he came back a year later, he was flying without a training gear in 3 weeks. By week 4 we were attending a fun fly together.

I ask everybody the reason why the suggest a particular item. I want to know why the think the item is a good option for the subject at hand.

Rafael
Old 05-29-2010, 01:48 PM
  #27  
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????

Well I may move my thinking up a little and also buy a simulator before I try to fly. Anyone no much about the Walkera and Exceed Helos?
They make a full fuslage and one with just a small standard fuslage. I would assume if you need to get in and work or repair anything you don't want the full fuslage

models I am looking at and bear in mind I am going the cheaper route I know but that is my budget right now.

these are the same style and electronics just diff brand
http://www.xheli.com/walkera-hybrid-...elicopter.htmlby walkera

http://www.xheli.com/50h28-madhawk300-red-lcd.htmlby exceed

this is the same helo just with the smaller fuslage

http://www.xheli.com/wahmcbhe2mee1.htmlby walkera

http://www.xheli.com/50h28-madhawk300-original-lcd.htmlby exceed

or this one by Esky http://www.xheli.com/4ches2grhobe.html




Old 05-29-2010, 11:42 PM
  #28  
Solman
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????

I don't know anything about Walkera, but I know my LHS won't carry them anymore because they didn't want to honor the warranties and required a lot of arguing.
Old 05-30-2010, 05:16 PM
  #29  
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????

What about this one it is a collective pitch but seem like I could grow with this where I couldn't with others
http://www.bladehelis.com/Products/D...rodId=EFLH1350
Old 05-30-2010, 06:01 PM
  #30  
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????


ORIGINAL: formula87

What about this one it is a collective pitch but seem like I could grow with this where I couldn't with others
Trust me, that is one helicopter you don't want to learn on. I did so and it is horrible. The frame is crap and very fragile as is the gear. If you want to go with something of that route, go with the Blade SR. It is the newer model of the CPP2 and much better. It is cheaper as well at $200. If you really want to go with the CPP2, I got some spare gear you can have. You'll need it.

Old 05-30-2010, 06:07 PM
  #31  
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????


ORIGINAL: Solman


ORIGINAL: formula87

What about this one it is a collective pitch but seem like I could grow with this where I couldn't with others
Trust me, that is one helicopter you don't want to learn on. I did so and it is horrible. The frame is crap and very fragile as is the gear. If you want to go with something of that route, go with the Blade SR. It is the newer model of the CPP2 and much better. It is cheaper as well at $200. If you really want to go with the CPP2, I got some spare gear you can have. You'll need it.


okay thanks what about this one http://www.xheli.com/exrcg2brrche.html
Old 05-30-2010, 06:18 PM
  #32  
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????

I don't know nothing about that brand, but seems awful cheap for a 400 size heli. One other thing to consider is where are you going to get your parts. If your only source is online, then expect long waits for parts and customer service won't be worth much either if you have problems. I am not saying to go or not go for it, just some questions to ask yourself.
Old 05-30-2010, 06:41 PM
  #33  
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????

Don't go with the Exceed G2. It is the same as the Walkera DF36. I had one for 2 years and never could get it to fly.Each time was a crash. And I changed everything you can name on it. I know people have had luck with them but not me. I finally gave everything away and got a trex 450 and a copterx 450. I was surprised that I could hover. Big difference.
Old 05-30-2010, 07:37 PM
  #34  
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ORIGINAL: drobin

Don't go with the Exceed G2. It is the same as the Walkera DF36. I had one for 2 years and never could get it to fly.Each time was a crash. And I changed everything you can name on it. I know people have had luck with them but not me. I finally gave everything away and got a trex 450 and a copterx 450. I was surprised that I could hover. Big difference.

If they are so hard to learn to fly do they just make it look so easy in the vids? Again I have never flown a heli before or a plane for that matter just waht to go cheap becuase the first 50-100 I spend in parts I will just throw it in the trash and go back to rc cars. I don't want to go and spend 4-500 and crash that............
Old 05-30-2010, 09:33 PM
  #35  
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????

If you truly want to go the easy route, you can go two routes which would be fairly inexpensive in parts and easy to fly. One of my recommendations from what it sounds like you are telling me would be:

Easiest: MCX2, it is a coaxial helicopter and very easy to fly and durable. It will teach you the basics and when you are bored, you could pass it on to your kids down the road if you have one or two.


Easy: Blade MSR, It is a traditional fixed pitch heli and is very small and durable. It can take a bit more to learn, but will stay more fun longer. It can be flown outside on calm days and can actually be quite fun. I fly mine in the house or garage all the time when I can't fly due to weather just so I can get my flying time and practice certain skills.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOAHw_MD56g[/youtube]

As I have said, this is my opinion and others may have a different opinion or approach. I started on coaxials and worked my way from there. It kept me interested and helped me learn the skills needed to progress.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSORNaAJ7kQ[/youtube]
Old 05-30-2010, 11:02 PM
  #36  
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????

I'll add one more to consider- the walkera cb180-.

My brother has the cb100, a smaller version and it's a joy to fly. As stable as a coax (we did hands free for over a minute) but still an FP so it's capable of anything an FP can do. It would be almost as easy to learn on as a coax but able to grow with you and not get boring.


Wow hobbies has been a very reliable source for both heli and parts. They have several different versions with different options and prices.
[link]http://www.wowhobbies.com/walkeracb180zbrushlesshelicopterwk-2402txcncheadshaftdrivetail.aspx[/link]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoWOGKNxRos[/youtube]
Old 05-31-2010, 12:54 AM
  #37  
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????

How durable is it during a crash and what would be the average repair on a crash? Just curious.
Old 05-31-2010, 06:22 AM
  #38  
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????


ORIGINAL: karlik

I'll add one more to consider- the walkera cb180-.

My brother has the cb100, a smaller version and it's a joy to fly. As stable as a coax (we did hands free for over a minute) but still an FP so it's capable of anything an FP can do. It would be almost as easy to learn on as a coax but able to grow with you and not get boring.


Wow hobbies has been a very reliable source for both heli and parts. They have several different versions with different options and prices.
[link]http://www.wowhobbies.com/walkeracb180zbrushlesshelicopterwk-2402txcncheadshaftdrivetail.aspx[/link]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoWOGKNxRos[/youtube]
Was that the 100 or the 180? looks fun that was what I was going to originaly go with in an earlier post. It looked pretty slow in forward flight in most vids but in that vid it looked like fun for a (beginner). Exceed makes the same heli http://www.xheli.com/50h28-madhawk300-red-lcd.htmlmore color options to choose. Both co also make one witha small fuslage would it be easier to work on with the small fuslage Iam guessing.. but I would rather get the full fuslage I was always an hugh Airwolf geek lol.
Old 05-31-2010, 07:23 AM
  #39  
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????

I just saw this and it is the same heli as the link you gave me (karlick) exceed makes one similar but with a belt drive tail rotor system and it says full 3d. I am looking at that also.

the exceed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnwHY...layer_embedded


thewalkera http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFq8F...1&feature=fvwp
Old 05-31-2010, 10:10 AM
  #40  
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????

To my knowledge exceed doesn't "make" anything, pretty much everything they sell is a rebranded walkera that they assemble and in some cases modify a little.

I don't have any firsthand with the 180, so I don't know how durable it is. The 100 has banged into stuff pretty hard and suffered no damage yet. But it's not quite 8 inches long and weighs almost nothing - it's almost like throwing a feather against the wall. Since the 180 is bigger and heavier I don't think it would fair to compare as far as durability so I really can't comment. I know the technology is the same - instead of a 90° flybar with paddles it has a 45° flybar with weights. Instead of a single axis gyro (rudder) it has a 3 axis gyro. Flying the 100 - as long as you don't overcontrol it's as stable as my coax. But unlike the coax, if you do want to fly it'll get up go. If you overcontrol it can get away from you in heartbeat, but so will pretty much any single rotor.

And please don't think I'm suggesting this is better than the two solman suggested - it's just another option to consider.

There is a dedicated eflight forum here [link]http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/forumid_447/tt.htm[/link]

and a dedicated walkera forum [link]http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/forumid_405/tt.htm[/link]
Old 06-01-2010, 07:00 AM
  #41  
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????

Okay I was thinking of buying a heli and the simulator with it but what about just buying a cheap little 2 or 3 channel to practice on instead of a sim?
like this rtf and I can practice with this.http://www.xheli.com/sys0racoairw.html would it be better then a sim it is about the same price
Old 06-01-2010, 08:25 AM
  #42  
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????

I would recommend at least a 4 channel even if it is a coaxial. That way you still have the basic controls and you can get parts for them. Going too cheap really diminishes the experience. Get a 4 channel coaxial, you'll be happier down the road.
Old 06-01-2010, 09:39 AM
  #43  
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????


ORIGINAL: Solman

I would recommend at least a 4 channel even if it is a coaxial. That way you still have the basic controls and you can get parts for them. Going too cheap really diminishes the experience. Get a 4 channel coaxial, you'll be happier down the road.
Okay save my $20-30 what about getting a 6chan 3d like I am looking at above and with the $6 stabilizer kit and adjust it to be very neutral and as I get better at hovering ect........make adjustments for more flight input? just take my time seems that way would be more interesting then a simulator on a computer.
Old 06-01-2010, 09:49 AM
  #44  
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????


ORIGINAL: formula87


ORIGINAL: Solman

I would recommend at least a 4 channel even if it is a coaxial. That way you still have the basic controls and you can get parts for them. Going too cheap really diminishes the experience. Get a 4 channel coaxial, you'll be happier down the road.
Okay save my $20-30 what about getting a 6chan 3d like I am looking at above and with the $6 stabilizer kit and adjust it to be very neutral and as I get better at hovering ect........make adjustments for more flight input? just take my time seems that way would be more interesting then a simulator on a computer.
It is up to you to decide, but I would recommend you going to a hobby store and use their simulator. Almost all of the hobby stores that I have gone to usually have one up and going. GIve it a try and you can get a feel for where you stand.

Old 06-01-2010, 10:03 AM
  #45  
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????


[/quote]

It is up to you to decide, but I would recommend you going to a hobby store and use their simulator. Almost all of the hobby stores that I have gone to usually have one up and going. GIve it a try and you can get a feel for where you stand.


[/quote]

So a sim sounds like the best way how about this one from Esky any good? http://www.xheli.com/rc-flight-simulator.html

Old 06-01-2010, 11:34 AM
  #46  
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????

Have you ever heard of the term "you get what you paid for it"? Sure you can use it but it is only a 4 chnl setup and you will outgrow it. Then what? Spend the money on a Phoenix sim and it will last you for a long time.
Old 06-01-2010, 01:11 PM
  #47  
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????

ok, i started to read this thread, but im to lazy (sorry its just my nature) so if i repeat any thing anyone has said i apologize,, but i suggest just going out and buying a good simulator, "Realflight" has great graphics (if computer power is not a problem) and also decent physics,, i would suggest "reflex" because it has great helicopter physics (physics = flight characteristics = how close to real) but but requires a radio. so IDK but i suggest a good sim because it far out weighs a helicopter, sims are expencive like $100-$200 but will save you tens of thousands of dollars trust me, and just ask anyone serious about this hobby, and also a good sim is something you will still use 3 years from now when you may own a 50 size heli and are working on puroflips, once you have gotten good on a sim then go get a heli, and a decent one to not some piece of crap that is not going to be enjoyable to fly. i know exactly how you feel, i was once there, but i must say if it had not been for the sim i would have gone brok from having to fix my heli so much, and have ended up quiting the hobby, but since i got a sim i always knew what i was doing, and crashed much less and am happier now.

thats just my suggestion

Chase
Old 06-01-2010, 01:56 PM
  #48  
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????

I'm 100% with solman on the sim. We have 2hobby stores - one has phoenix, the other has real flight.

The sim you linked at xheli is FMS - you can download the sim free from here - [link]https://www.ushobbysupply.com/downloads.php[/link] You are actually paying 20 bucks for the controller. I have it (the controller) and it's ok for 20 bucks - 4 channel only. The ones that come with phoenix and realflight are much better.
Old 06-01-2010, 04:38 PM
  #49  
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ORIGINAL: karlik

I'm 100% with solman on the sim. We have 2hobby stores - one has phoenix, the other has real flight.

The sim you linked at xheli is FMS - you can download the sim free from here - [link]https://www.ushobbysupply.com/downloads.php[/link] You are actually paying 20 bucks for the controller. I have it (the controller) and it's ok for 20 bucks - 4 channel only. The ones that come with phoenix and realflight are much better.
Alright.............. tell me if I am an idiot ...............I am reading all the comments and these are from people who have a vastly more knowledge and experience then I on flying helis since I have never flown........... anyone would have more experience then me. I get one of the "cheap" brands I get the trainer ($6)and the simulator ($20 E-Sky) and I just learn on the sim and practice with the trainer on the heli just power ups andsome throttle50% hovering ect..... just take it easy. The sim you say is 4 chan and the heli Imight get is 6 chan. If I can master that4 chan $20 sim would'nt I have a better chance at flying then without one at all? whatabout the trainer? I justcan't bring myself to spend 100-200 on the sim whenI may not move up in helis. Ijust am getting one tohave fun andmaybe thatwill be it, I have no asperations of spending thousands of dollarson this hobby like I havespent on myracecarbut some in this hobby have spent as much. I just want to move into a "cheaper" hobby (which isa relative term).
Old 06-01-2010, 05:19 PM
  #50  
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Default RE: Kit or RTF????

I don't know what rc cars cost, but if you are looking for a cheaper hobby, then helicopters probably isn't what you are looking for. You would probably be better off with airplanes. They are generally cheaper, more crash resistant, and easier to fly. Except for the ultra micro's like the MSR, typically when you crash, you will be spending money on parts. From my experience, you don't fix much generally, you just replace parts. I also find the maintenance schedule much more intense than airplanes as well.

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