SOLD

Depends on your budget and what you want to do. IF your on a tight budget go with a 30. If you can spend a bit now at the start and want to do aerobatics then I'd recomend a 50 (I went with the R50). If you want to get the biggest and the best and don't mind the extra repair, running, and crashing cost of the 60 then go with the 60.

The bigger the machine the easier it is to fly, I think that the R50 is a GREAT choice because it offers ease of learning and will take you into extreme 3D. The R50 is not much more than a 30 but does cost a little more to run (fuel goes down about 1.5 times faster), the crash cost is about the same, though.

Now before you get the heli the best thing to do is go out and get yourself a good flight sim, a good radio, and a good gyro, in that order. Then you can think about what type of helicopter to get. I'm sure there are quite a few who will agree with me.

I didn't quite learn the hard way, but I was sure close to it!

Thanks for your reply. Looks like I should go for the 50. Do you know which brand/model is easy to build, cheap parts, easy to fly for 50 size? thanks

While I agree with RS2K on some points, I disagree with others. This is my speech I've given many times. First thing to do is find the person or people in your area that fly helis. Ask them what you should start with. Something they are familiar with. I would recommend a Raptor 30 or a Venture 30. Both are cheap on fuel and the least expensive/best supported helis. No helicopter is "easy" , but 60's are easier to see, more stable, more precise. A 30 size helicopter will take you very far into this sport. Spend your money on the transmitter! Buy a JR 8103 or a 10x. If you like Futaba, then purchase a 9C or 9Z. Don't buy anything cheaper. Regardless of what helicopter you start off with, you'll no doubt end up with several. However, an intelligent transmitter purchase will provide many, many years of service. I purchased a JR PCM10 in 1988, used it untill 2001, when I bought a transmitter only(10sx) from Ron Lund. I've just recently upgraded to a 10X for $200. I plan on using the 10X for many years. The original PCM10 is on my simulator.

Thanks so much for your valable advice. I'm going to get the 9CUP and I think this is good enough and is still afforsable for me. Thanks again!

This is what I would do:
The posts above have many good pointers, I reccomend someone trying a 30 size because kits are really advanced now more than ever and offer a lot for the money. The 30 sized heli are cheaper to maintain lets says on parts prices as a crash kit inexpensive. Plus on a 30 sized heli fuel cost is a good bit more affordable than lets say a 60 sized heli.

Some of the 46 sized helis are nice too, but I reccomend a 50 as the OS 46 carbs were a bit touchy on the needle settings moreso than the new OS 50. As far as power the OS 50 has lots more power and a better carb than the 46 OS. MPG LoL, is defitnetly less than the 30 sized engines..
30 Sized Heli's available in Kit Form: (popular)
Caliber 30
Hirobo Shuttle -Even though the Challenger doesn't have auto rotation set-up can be upgraded
Shuttle ZXX -Good Solid Heli-W/lots of upgrades
Shuttle TS -Good Kit w/Top Start-For me a must-I didn't like belt starts
Shuttle Plus -I have seen this kit online for $179.99 Very affordable
Nexus -OK but I like Caliber Much Better
Raptor Good Sound heli 30 or 50 size-I saw 29BB On sale w/bb upgrade very reasonable
Sceadu 30
Venture-30
Quick 30-Learner-Pro Version
Just a few to consider

WOW!

Is that Right? You ranked the Caliber 30 as your #1 in popular---That is great -I am thinking about this machine but just a little scare due to Kyosho lack of support lately in RC Heli Market.

Now---I just wish there is a solution for that canopy. Fiberglass is nice but a plastic model will help with controlling costs with mishaps.

Khoi

No LoL, not ranked #1 just first heli to come to mind. It has had some great reviews on its performance. This is not a list of top best and bottom worst at all, just a list of 30 sized helis. Try Google (search Engine) and look for reviews on each heli and you decide. Or better yet check out the forums here to see if a review on a heli you like is available.
I research for weeks until find out what I want.. to fit my particular needs.

Few people are not inhibited by cost when it comes to training. Consequently if one can find a heli that is inexpensive to buy, flies very well (can take one from initial hover training to aerobatic 3D practice), is easy to build, is proven to be reliable (has had few issues in its design that would result in extra maintenance or problem solving), is inexpensive to repair and always has a source of parts that are easily attainable (not short on crucial parts for any length of time), etc. then it will prove to be a great entry level heli.

The 30 size seems to be the class that has the least "financial pucker" factor. So finding one in this class that can answer "yes" to all the criteria above is the one to look for. This is why I recomment the Century Hawk Sport at only $160.00. (check out Kirk Voclain's build it review here). IMHO it would be a solid contender at even another $100.00, but at this price it leaves you with a lot more money to spend on the radio equipment, motor or gyro.

As for the reliability and dependability issues of the various models, you just have to check out the problems discussed by the owners of these models on various brand/model specific forums as you can find here and on sites such as www.runryder.com.

The more time an individual can spend flying insetad of repairing broken clutches or solving flutter problems etc. the faster he / she will progress.

The less money one has at risk, the more one will be encouraged to push himself / herself to move forwardin their practice regime.

Check it out.....you will be impressed.