I was wondering about the issue of beginner helicopters and radios. I am yearning to buy a helicopter, and because I am fifteen, the cost factor does weigh in a bit, but not enough that I would buy a low-quality heli.

I heard (and read) that Hirobo makes a trainer helicopter (the Hirobo Shuttle Challenge) that can be transformed into a Shuttle ZXX (or Z or ZX?) when the user's skill transforms as well. Is this a good way to go, or should I go ahead and buy a "real" helicopter and put trainer legs on it and such?

Sorry for the run-on sentences.

Also, should I go ahead and buy a better radio to start, or a low-end radio for learning and ease of use?

And what the heck do Gyros do?

Thanks for your help,

http://members.telocity.com/fritzthecat/novice.html

Some good tips and FAQs from Fritz.


My .02
On the heli selection:
1. Fly the simulator. You may find out you don't even like the challenge (it is a big challenge to fly helis).

2. Buy a good computer radio. (like Futaba 9C. Awesome radio that will grow with you. If you can't afford that you can look at the 6HXS).

3. Stay with the brands of your flying buddies at the field if you can find time with them. This helps for tips/tricks/setup/parts. This will be a much easier journey if you can hook up with some heli-pros. Beyond that; brands really becomes a religious debate.

4. Keep it simple and cheap until you get good. I went with Century Hawk for my first "real" heli. Raptor, is on the same caliber. You can get Hawk Sport (new and untested by me) for like $160. This is less than the cost of a set of Carbon Fiber blades, main shaft, and Tail boom for a .60 sized bird. That way if you auger it in you can buy another one and use the first one for parts. Stay away from electrics: From everything I know they aren't for beginners (especially the micro helis). They aren't durable enough for a beginner. I started with a Kalt Whisper. It barely had enough power to take off with training gear. I never got it past low hover.

I really like my Hawk for a first helicopter (knowing I have never flown a Raptor or Hirobo). Rugged and forgiving. On RunRyder some guy was flying inverted and hit the ground. He picked it up. Check the blades for balance and flew it again with no repairs (or so his story goes). I went cheap on the TX and Gyros with my first attempts. It isn't worth it. A computer radio and good gyro (like Futaba's 240 or better 401) make a big difference probably more so for a beginner. Don't skimp on the radio gear. Your be frustrated like I was until you upgrade.

Make sure to be safe and follow AMA. These things can kill you like a food processor on drugs!

BTW you are missing some other good choices in your poll:
1. TT Raptor
2. Century Hawk/Sport
3. JR Venture

Good Luck!
THX-

Raptor 30

I will make a new poll in this forum and add your suggestions. Thanks for the great response. Very helpful!

don't think you can beat the century hawk IV right now for $219 heli gyro and muffler, great heli that can do it all with little mods. stay away from the nexus, good learner but parts wear out fast, it is designed as a learner which is good, but the older concept 30 is a much better heli you can find them on ebay cheap for $200 heli and engine

thanks for all of the input. Keep it up!

Either a Raptor 30 or a JR Venture would be an excellent first heli. The Century stuff is cheap, but sooner or later you'll need parts, then you'll have to deal with Century and their crappy service.

Thanks

I would suggest the caliber 30. It is a great machine.