i was wondering what is a good, not to expensive, but durable rc heli to start learning with and practicing with. preferrably electric.


thanks!

GI'd go with a HBFP or a falcon 40 to start. Both under $100. I started with a Belt cp for $200, but as a beginner, shoul've started with a FP(fixed pitch). I've crashed my belt cp already and ewaiting for parts, so I ordered a falcon 40 to learn on, then I'll pull out the belt cp. The FP's are more durable and less expensive to repair. Good luck!
Gord

yup, HBFP is the answer. I'm on the same boat (not really) as droggy. [Since he asked at this forum and i told him NOT to get Belt-CP for first heli and I didn't even have an awesome forum like this lol]

HBK2 can be the answer if you got the cash. Since HBFP I heard can barely stand moderate wind... HBK2 is an awesome heli to start and keep going on with. I've got Belt-CP wasted aroudn 50 dollars, then stepped down to HBK2 and I'm lovin it.

But I gota warn ya, you'll need around 300 dollars in total for the helicopter, spare parts, and necessary upgrades (the motor and esc also battery along with em.)

HBFP, yeah yeah

HBFP, the HBK2 is a good heli,( I have one) but the 43 tooth and brushless conversion which is pretty much mandatory may be a bit much for a noob.

not to be a total noob, but does hb stand for something?

its the name of the heli,,,

hbfp = honeybee fixed pitch

hbk2 = honeybee king 2

If you want to be able to do things like go inverted, loops, flips, etc, and have the patience, skip the FP and go for a CP (Collective Pitch). A good CP is just as easy to learn on as a good FP. Yes, the FP will be easier to setup and fix, but the CP isn't THAT hard.....

A general rule of thumb for RC heli's for learning on is the bigger the better. The larger the heli, the more stable it is and thus easier to fly. With that said, money becomes an issue as you go bigger. I personally would recommend a heli in the 450 class. A good one that includes a decent radio is the Blade 400. If money is not an issue at all, the TREX 450 SE v2 is the cadillac....or actually Ferrari )

BUT with all that said, if you really want to improve your learning curve, and save money in the long run, get a simulator! It will be your best investment.

You will get a ton of opinions.....I've noticed there are two "sides" to starting out.....some say go fixed pitch, others say go CP. I am one in favor of CP since I had and still have no desire to fly a FP heli. None are wrong.....just simply opinions so do your research and make your own choice.

Good luck man and welcome!
Skarn

I would recommend as I always do, skipping the HPFP and go for the CP- HBK2.

It is a very stable bird, and does not require a whole lot of upkeep. The support that comes with it is almost unbeaten.

I have one for sale right now that has got all of the obligatory upgrades as well as a metal head. I think for all of what I am selling with it, everyone here would agree that it is a pretty big steal.

If not, let us know what you choose!

Would a T Rex 450se be a decent starter heli?

If you can afford it, by all means it sure is.

That is the heli out there that has the bast support- it just costs so damn much.

the HBFP def isn't for everybody but if you can fly the HBFP then all other helis will be easy to fly once you are comfortable with the heli. The HBFP is like a standard shift car, not easy to learn on but a blast when you do. And its still cheaper then getting a CP, 2 crashes with my Belt CP cost me $100, thats the cost of an entire HBFP, needless to say its been sitting on the shelf for a while (not comfrtable with the heli, sounds down right scary compared to the HBFP or HBK II), not to mention the HBFP comes with a sim, so I just feel like the HBFP is the best option for people who are just starting, cause even if you decide you don't like flying rc heli (there would have to be something wrong with you, this is soooo much fun) you don't have a crap load of money into the hobby. But I will say that my HBK II (CP) is amazingly stable, having learned on the HBFP flying the HBK II is like driving a cadillac for me, soo smooth and nice. A properly set up CP is really easy to fly compared to the HBFP, like driving automatic shift car. I think you'll be better going with the FP first but it really isn't for everyone, and the only thing I can't do with my HBFP that a CP could do is fly upside down, I found out that you can fly the HBFP in a decent breeze as long as you're moving forwards, something I was not expecting it to be able to do, but it can, gonna have 10 times more fun with mine now (theres no way you can get bored with the HBFP unless you can actually fly 3D), now everyflight of my HBFP's will be outside down at one of my local parks. damng batteries, charge charge

But start with what ever heli you want to, get something you like (whether for looks or accesories) and don't let anyone tell you it was a bad decision, just stick to the sim training, go slow when actually flying, have patience and you'll be fine.

Absolutely! In my opinion THE best heli in that size to start with. Some other very nice options in that same class is a mini titan, CopterX 450 (trex clone) or Dragonus 450.

Skarn

Get a RTF blade 400 with the DX6i radio and youll be happy as long as you have a flight sim.The only problem with the blade400 is the servos.DONT get one of them helis with the tail motor cause all it will do is piss you off and drive you away from the hobby.The blade 400 is a awsome starter heli..........

Holy Cra&*%p! I just realized in my first post I accidentally said "A good one that includes a decent radio is the Blade CP...". What I MEANT to say was a Blade 400! I've edited the post now to reflect that!

Just for the record....do NOT get a Blade CP! You will be frustrated and as flyinghigh400 said any tail motor heli is frustrating.

Skarn