New heli suggestions

[Wyatt450]

I have been practicing on a lama v4 and am looking for a new heli to switch back and forth.
What do you suggest is comparable to the v4 ( I'd like some thing different to try) that might have the upgrades already done
such as the blades, skids and maybe more non crashable parts?

[jasmine2501]

There's no such thing as unbreakable parts, but the Blade CX2 and CX3 are about the same thing as the Lama.

[Balr14]

SRB Quark. It's the same size as the Lama, nearly unbreakable, will never need upgrades and is different, for sure. It's a single rotor FP heli that's about as stable as your Lama, but can really move and do it with great precision. It's really a perfect step up for somebody who has developed reasonable skills on a coax.

[osterizer]

$360 for a 160mm fixed pitch heli? There may be a reason there aren't many people flying the Quark.

[Balr14]

$360 for a 160mm fixed pitch heli? There may be a reason there aren't many people flying the Quark.

Actually, you can get them for $325 easily from a member of this site. Many people can't see past the initial cost, but in reality it's the cheapest heli you will ever own in total operating costs. All you are ever going to break are the foam blades, which cost $2. But, the most significant thing is even though they are extremely stable, they respond very quickly and with great precision. You aren't going to crash nearly as much as with any other heli. The Quark allows you to concentrate on learning to fly a heli because you never have to chase it. You confidence level goes up quickly and if you have reasonable coax skills, you will be a pretty decent single rotor heli pilot in two weeks.

It also has a brushless motor, shaft-drive tail and very high-end electronics; you are never going to need any upgrades, because there's nothing better to upgrade to.

[osterizer]

That may be true- I'm sure as a Hirobo it's a good machine -but for beating the ground with I'd stick with the Honeybee FP at less than a third of the price if your goal is to move to CP or larger helicopters. That assumes following my other bit of advice on that heli, which is to upgrade nothing, learn to fly it, and then keep moving. If you're going to replace half the heli trying to make it "better," then whatever you get is going to be expensive.

[DNO1BULL]

what do think about the nine eagle 500sx?

[osterizer]

I honestly hadn't heard of it before you posted. It looks like it uses a classic hiller head (no paddles) like the coaxes, so it would probably be very approachable, but beyond that no idea. Interesting idea, though.

[Balr14]

what do think about the nine eagle 500sx?

Poor man's Quark. It's a pretty solid heli that has flight characteristics very similar to a coax, due to the flybar configuration being the same as coax. It's somewhat difficult to get parts for and tail authority is weak.

[Balr14]

That may be true- I'm sure as a Hirobo it's a good machine -but for beating the ground with I'd stick with the Honeybee FP at less than a third of the price if your goal is to move to CP or larger helicopters. That assumes following my other bit of advice on that heli, which is to upgrade nothing, learn to fly it, and then keep moving. If you're going to replace half the heli trying to make it "better," then whatever you get is going to be expensive.

OPs stated intent was an alternative to a Lama, which implies some indoor flight capability and similar characteristics. He also stated all upgrades should already be done. That certainly doesn't fit an HBFP.

[osterizer]

OPs stated intent was an alternative to a Lama, which implies some indoor flight capability and similar characteristics. He also stated all upgrades should already be done. That certainly doesn't fit an HBFP.

Ok, that's fair, but it depends on what you mean by "upgrades." If you mean unnecessary metal parts and so on, then no, the feep isn't already blinged.

[Jimbo45cn]

OPs stated intent was an alternative to a Lama, which implies some indoor flight capability and similar characteristics. He also stated all upgrades should already be done. That certainly doesn't fit an HBFP.
Really the only upgrade needed for an HBFP would be a better battery, and you can certainly learn to hover one indoors, thats what I did.

[braden_conza]

what do think about the nine eagle 500sx?

Their 2.4ghz radios have poor range, 15-20m and funny things start happening :censored:

[Balr14]

Really the only upgrade needed for an HBFP would be a better battery, and you can certainly learn to hover one indoors, thats what I did.

I think you guys are really pushing the limit of "comparable to a V4". Where the Quark is the same size and is easier to hover, but really performs when you want it to.

[osterizer]

Yes, but the Lama doesn't cost $360. Neither does the feep. I expect the Quark is a high quality heli, like the other Hirobo products-- and I expect it's overpriced, like the other Hirobo products. It may be you who is pushing the limits- it depends on what attribute the OP wanted to be comparable. If it's performance per price, the Quark isn't remotely comparable.

[Wyatt450]

You all are right in your opinions because i wasn't clear enough on my comparison to the lama v4.
I fly my lama fairly well and was looking to have a spare heli on hand.
I wasn't thinking of a single rotor but maybe I should be.
Are they much harder to fly?
I need to advance to the next level. If the SRB Quark is in line for an UP GRADE (level) then it seems to be the helicopter i would choose because of the (how do I put it with out starting a debate) finer parts to begin with out of the box.
I have a heated garage 24 X 27 so there is room for error or learning.
My goal is to get good and a good craft to fly outside a lot.
I have a landing strip here at my new house complete with wind sock. It's about 175 X 1500+

[Balr14]

You should read the SRB Quark thread in micros. It's extremely long, but nobody has ever said a bad thing about it or suggested any upgrades. That's impressive! Many people have used the Quark as stepping stone to bigger CP helis because it gives you confidence that you can do it. As I said, you can get one from Gmitch for $325.

It will hover in less space than your Lama V4, is more stable and has way more accurate response. But, it will really rip when you let it. Don't take my word and especially don't take the word of people who don't have one. Read the thread and make up your own mind.

[osterizer]

I'm intentionally not repeating myself :).

FP single-rotor helis are ok for gentle flying outdoors, but the coaxes are pushing it in more than a slight wind. You may want to consider an entry-level CP for outdoors if you plan on learning aerobatics, though.

[Balr14]

If you want to stick to something like a coax, but want something really different to tweak and play around with, there's always the Walkera 38. That has the added advantage of being able to clean the garage for you. You've never seen anything move that much air.

[Wyatt450]

Well now it's a toss up between the fp (SRB Quark ) or an entry-level CP.
1) Is a cp commenly used for learning aerobatics or and just a good outdoors heli?
2) Are either of a good steping stone from coax? or do I need a sim first?

[Balr14]

A Quark is as stable as a coax and easier to hover. It won't cost you a fortune in repairs. When you are ready, you can dial up the settings and it can get pretty wild. You can probably do OK without a decent sim.

I have several "entry level" CP helis. I wouldn't recommend them to anyone. They almost always have motor driven tails and cheap gyros and are more hassle than they are worth. The only advantage to them is they tend to be cheaper to fix than a bigger and better CP heli. A decent CP heli is not more difficult to fly than a comparable FP heli; they are just much more fragile and cost a lot more to fix. A typical minor "incident" with my Quark will cost me some epoxy to glue the foam blades back together; with my HBFP it will cost me $2 - 3, if anything. With a decent CP heli, figure $20 - $50 and 4 hours of repair time.

If you chose any CP heli, you REALLY should invest in a decent sim. Again, it's not because it's harder to fly, it's the repairs. If you buy an entry level CP heli, get two (one for spare parts and to see what it's supposed to look like).

[osterizer]

Most people who fly helicopters fly CP helis just because they're much more capable. The big difference between a CP and FP is that the FP, in order to have control of the heli, has to have the rotors spinning above a minimum speed. Since the angle (pitch) of the blades is fixed, an FP is always generating positive lift- there's no way to change it. You can do a limited set of aerobatics with them, but only maneuvers that are positive g like loops, barrel rolls, piros and funnels. A good CP helicopter has a much greater repertoire available to it.

In windy conditions, a helicopter can show various behaviors, but the most common is ballooning, where the heli gets carried up to altitude by translational lift. The only ways to counter that with an FP are to reduce RPM (and you can't do that too much and maintain control) or in a pinch, to dive back toward the ground. Once you're comfortable with it, you'll usually set up a CP with some amount of negative pitch so you have a range of lift you can use. The range of flight and weather it can deliver in is much greater as a result.

For aerobatics, a CP will typically have a range of +/- 10 degrees to as much as 14 degrees either way. Even in sport flying, you'll reduce your hovering pitch from about 5 degrees to as little as 1 or 2 degrees in forward flight. You don't think about these things much when flying it, since your control inputs are just to reduce the left stick a little to maintain altitude, but it's much more efficient and easily controlled as a result of being able to control the lift.

The downside to a CP compared to a feep is that they are more complicated, and they inevitably break something in a crash- it's almost unavoidable, though a plastic RTF like a Honeybee King with a low enough head speed can sometimes survive a light mishap without breaking. If you take learning slow and carefully, the HB FP, on the other hand, survives many crashes with only parts popping off and needing to be snapped back on. You can break it if you seriously dive for the dirt, but it's dirt cheap to fix, too.

The two big things that I think of are that people new to single-rotor helis often crash regularly, and usually, not always but usually, they ultimately want the "fun" heli- the TRex, Raptor, Outrage, or whatever -so whatever trainer they get is only going to be a stepping stone. It's for those reasons that I recommend an inexpensive FP to get some real-world experience on, with no mods or anything else. If it's only going to wind up being transitional, and a learning aid, then don't put too much cash into it, basically. If you're sure that you don't want to move beyond it, then by all means, get a really good FP; if that's what you want to fly, then don't restrict yourself to the base model. But if it's not, or you don't know, then.....

BTW, when I said "entry-level" CP, I didn't have the motor tail ones in mind. I wouldn't suggest those for learning, either.

[Wyatt450]

oh so much thanks for the help and such great explanations. I see a Quark flying around here in the near future. If I would have came here first. I wouldn't own the worst heli on the market now for $200 +.
$375 ish. is nothing in this hobby when it's a good product.

[Balr14]

oh so much thanks for the help and such great explanations. I see a Quark flying around here in the near future. If I would have came here first. I wouldn't own the worst heli on the market now for $200 +.
$375 ish. is nothing in this hobby when it's a good product.

GMitch (member name) is $325 shipped, YRBuy is 329.95 shipped. Both provide fast service.

So, what is this "worst heli on the market" for $200+ ?

If you buy the Quark, make sure you read the manual. A Quark looks like any other small heli, but there's nothing about it that's the same.

[Wyatt450]

GMitch (member name) is $325 shipped, YRBuy is 329.95 shipped. Both provide fast service.

So, what is this "worst heli on the market" for $200+ ?

If you buy the Quark, make sure you read the manual. A Quark looks like any other small heli, but there's nothing about it that's the same.
The e-flight cx3. If I have to spend $200 getting my $200 back, I will.
Thanks again. I'll contact Gmitch soon. I'm getting excited.

[Balr14]

Make sure you let us know what you think after you've had a chance to try it out.

[jasmine2501]

Actually the CX3 is far from the worst - it's one of the better coaxials out there. I find myself wondering if you just haven't taken the time to get it tuned right?

[Wyatt450]

Actually the CX3 is far from the worst - it's one of the better coaxials out there. I find myself wondering if you just haven't taken the time to get it tuned right?
Taken the time? I've spent way more time trying then I'd like to admit. I've searched more threads with the same troubles and still cant fly it. It is a lemon out of the box and mine isn't the only one. From the cheesiest landing gear to the poor body mount design to the wont adjust and the tail twitchen. You bettcha it's crap. I have over $300 in it and haven't had fun with it yet.

[Balr14]

Jasmine hasn't read this thread:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=991490

[jasmine2501]

No I haven't read that, All I did was fly it and examined it carefully, and the one we had was working very well. I don't doubt there are a few defective CX3s out there, but we probably aren't hearing about the ones that fly good. I see it as a slight improvement over the CX2, and the CX2 was also very nice, although it took me several batteries to get the proportional and gyro working right.

[osterizer]

My impression from the first page of that was that the gyro was getting hit up by vibration. Just meant to me that it needed balancing/tracking.

[jasmine2501]

My impression from the first page of that was that the gyro was getting hit up by vibration. Just meant to me that it needed balancing/tracking.
That is possible, but there's a couple users that report problems with it. I think E-Flite could do a better job of making sure each helicopter really is RTF - they claim to flight test every single one - and we all know that is BS - so I can understand the irritation about these issues. If they truly are testing every single one, the only problems we should ever see are those related to shipping damage and user error.

[osterizer]

Could be. I know the BCPP I got wasn't ready for prime time out of the box, either. That factory test flight might be a bit rushed :).

[Balr14]

Here's a follow-up: Wyatt450 bought the Quark and got very comfortable and proficient flying it in about a month, indoors and out. He is now flying a TT Innovator 530 and still has his Quark.

There just isn't a faster, more hassle-free way to learn than with a Quark.

[Wyatt450]

Thanks, Balr14.
Wow, a month later and I'm already flying the TT Innovator 530.
I never used a sim to date, just the Quark. I still want to invest in a Sim but the little zippy SRB Quark taught me a lot in no time.
Besides some foam blades, I just ordered my first real broken part but it still fly's w/ ca (parts are not here yet)
I'm not sure If I'd be flying other larger heli's but I did gain a lot of confidence w/ the Quark.
I've never flown a H.B.F.P. but I would recommend the Quark any day as they are CHEAPER in the long run.
The MD530 can be easily tamed with the software and you get 2 settings on the TX to switch back and forth to try or 1 for calm- 2 for windy days.
If you mess up the settings, just simply go back to your saved good one and upload it to the Heli.
Or like I did, I copied X-Rated's settings to start.
I think I'm going to like the Innovator as much as I like my Quark which I fly every day.
Here are some screen shots of how you adjust and settings on the MD530

[Wyatt450]

double post

[Balr14]

Thank you, Wyatt. I'm just trying to open some eyes and minds to a learning path that's not as conventional, but works really well. I probably have more learning experience than anyone, because I'm so slow and inept and my memory is so poor. I've tried every learning method possible. I've tried them at the same time, or started over and tried each method alone. I've tried 4 sims and 22 helis and still have not progressed very far beyond the learning stage. So, I remember the difficulties, fears and frustrations a lot better then most.

I believe anyone who wants a fast, painless learning path and doesn't mind spending a few dollars upfront should invest in RF G3.5/4.5, an SRB Quark and an Innovator 530. It will cost you about $1400, but I've already spend way more than that and I don't have an Innovator 530, yet. :mad:

I'll bet you broke the sewsaw or stabilizer bar. Those are the only parts I've managed to break. I tried to fly through the opening in a bi-fold door that had an opening about 16" wide. I missed!

[Wyatt450]

Thank you, Wyatt. I'm just trying to open some eyes and minds to a learning path that's not as conventional, but works really well.

I believe anyone who wants a fast, painless learning path and doesn't mind spending a few dollars upfront should invest in RF G3.5/4.5, an SRB Quark and an Innovator 530. It will cost you about $1400, but I've already spend way more than that and I don't have an Innovator 530, yet. :mad:

I'll bet you broke the sewsaw or stabilizer bar.
I couldnt agree more.
1) Sim
2) Quark
3)MD530.
It's hard to get board w/ the Quark because it's such a GREAT indoor FP Heli
Most new flyers start out with a coaxal and get board fast and soon start to look into a F.P. like I did. Since I skipped the g3-4 or any other sim, I think I'll go back to that next.
I see a lot of people selling their trex's and such and getting the Innovator 530 or exp. And some already own both and are still selling their others. I craiglisted a few things in order to get mine. I know you'll join the Innovator thread soon.
Oh, nope, I broke the tail and gear housing. I should of ordered the sewsaw and stabilizer bar just in case.

[Jimbo45cn]

I couldnt agree more.
1) Sim
2) Quark
3)MD530.
It's hard to get board w/ the Quark because it's such a GREAT indoor FP Heli
Most new flyers start out with a coaxal and get board fast and soon start to look into a F.P. like I did. Since I skipped the g3-4 or any other sim, I think I'll go back to that next.
I see a lot of people selling their trex's and such and getting the Innovator 530 or exp. And some already own both and are still selling their others. I craiglisted a few things in order to get mine. I know you'll join the Innovator thread soon.
Oh, nope, I broke the tail and gear housing. I should of ordered the sewsaw and stabilizer bar just in case.
I am glad this worked well for you all, but not everyone is going to throw down 1400 bucks or would want to.
$75 bucks for used HBFP
FMS and Helisim Free
Next step , Eco 8 , add motor, batts and controller I already had about $250
I was flying circuits figure 8s and nose in with both in about 6 months.
Moved on from there. Jim

[Wyatt450]

$1400 is the *ultimate way to go which includes a good sim for and the end product.
What worked out for me was.
Quark $325
________________________
Then I Move on
Innovator MD530

[osterizer]

Hehe, well, I guess now we should all acknowledge that the Quark is The One FP, The FP TO RULE THEM ALL! :D



Or maybe not.

[wnppmy]

I'm currently enjoying the SRB Quark, its loads of fun, very stable for a FP, and yes flys right out of the box....

Gave one of my Honey Bee FP to a friend to check out as I was not making much progress with it, its indeed a low entry investment, but things seem to break in a hurry with this one, alwary requires some type of fix, he did manage 2 minute hovers, so it does work...

Then the Quark after enjoying coaxials, Quark is loads of fun outdoors on the calm conditions, flew it around easily after few days of practice, its simply an increadible flyer...

Had some other issues with more Honey Bee models then broke open the Eflite Pro 2 just this evening, hovered it just under a minute after several bunnie hops, and was stunned I could hold it, not really close to flying it but handled well out of the box, guess I was a lucky to get one tuned up this well, its a keeper..

Yep have an Innovator coming yet to arrive, hardly wait, sure it will be my next step after the Quark, finally making some progress..BEST ..<>..

Pssst...
Lets see two Honey Bee's FP $180, actually have a 3rd one but refuse to admit it..
HB King 2 and King 3, so far don't fly, around $150 and over $200
Hirobo SRB Quark FP, worth every cent as flys, $350, success-priceless
Eflite Pro 2, recall over $200, looks promising as hovering maiden flight just tonight
Eflite mini coaxial, beauty start here, $120
Innovator on the way $600
FMS Free Flight Simulator, only dang freebie I've enjoyed, get a better sim but works

You add it up, I really don't want to know, hi hi..

[Blade_Killer]

Hehe, well, I guess now we should all acknowledge that the Quark is The One FP, The FP TO RULE THEM ALL! :D



Or maybe not.
it would be if it didnt cost so much at the start...imo

[Blade_Killer]

IGave one of my Honey Bee FP to a friend to check out as I was not making much progress with it, its indeed a low entry investment, but things seem to break in a hurry with this one, alwary requires some type of fix, he did manage 2 minute hovers, so it does work...
as long as you acknowledge that many many many people fly them with little to no issues as well.......

[geostomp]

congrates on the new forum!!

[Wyatt450]

congrates on the new forum!!
????

[Jimbo45cn]

$1400 is the *ultimate way to go which includes a good sim for and the end product.
What worked out for me was.
Quark $325
________________________
Then I Move on
Innovator MD530
So instead of 1400, it's 325 plus 600 for the Innovator? Still doesn't sound much cheaper to me.

[Balr14]

So instead of 1400, it's 325 plus 600 for the Innovator? Still doesn't sound much cheaper to me.

My $1400 estimate represented maximum costs and is much more realistic than lots of other costs being claimed:

$200 for RF G4.5
$350 for SRB Quark
$650 for Innovator ESP
$200 for parts and batteries

You can get RF G3.5 new for $120, a Quark for $325 and I'm sure you will be able to get the Innovator for $500 in another 6 months. These two helis are going to provide everything you need for years. They give you something for indoors and outdoors. They are both highly adjustable to fit every flying style.

Keep in mind these helis use all high quality parts. Comparing these costs to your 450 you built with $5 servos, a $20 gyro, a generic motor and other stuff you found on E-Bay is absurd. It's been my experience everyone seriously understates the costs it takes to build and repair. They omit things or just plain forgot. Or, they got lucky on E-Bay and got something good at a real bargain price. Your costs and luck may vary... a lot!

In any case, I presented this course as the fastest, most painfree way to learn, for the individual who doesn't mind spending the money, upfront. There are people who don't want to build helis, do constant upgrades and modifications, do many hours of research finding out what goes together, or search the internet looking for bargain parts. They just want a decent heli they can learn to fly and don't want to get an aeronautics degree in the process.

[osterizer]

In any case, I presented this course as the fastest, most painfree way to learn, for the individual who doesn't mind spending the money, upfront. There are people who don't want to build helis, do constant upgrades and modifications, do many hours of research finding out what goes together, or search the internet looking for bargain parts. They just want a decent heli they can learn to fly and don't want to get an aeronautics degree in the process.

Different strokes is fair. I think that was where we were trying to get all along.

You won't find any $20 gyros on my list, though. More like....

HBFP - 100
Mini Titan - 110
Scorpion - about $60
Phoenix 35 ESC - 85
GY401 - 140
6EXH FASST - 250, but sell the S3001 servos
3x3153MG - 150
9257 - $60

So about US $950 (plus about $40 if you want the cool Radix blades for the MT :) ) for a top drawer 325 and the FP. And yes, you could spend a lot less than that (the 3153 servos are a little luxurious, but I like them).

[Wyatt450]

Balr14.
Read the latest Innovator thread. New to CP-er went from coax g3.5 to the Quark. Bought a MD530 and did so well and liked it so much he bought the EXP too.

[Balr14]

Balr14.
Read the latest Innovator thread. New to CP-er went from coax g3.5 to the Quark. Bought a MD530 and did so well and liked it so much he bought the EXP too.

Yup, I saw that. I wish I had an Innovator. :(

But, on the plus side, the Outrage G5 just got removed from my list. :p

[Jimbo45cn]

My $1400 estimate represented maximum costs and is much more realistic than lots of other costs being claimed:

$200 for RF G4.5
$350 for SRB Quark
$650 for Innovator ESP
$200 for parts and batteries

You can get RF G3.5 new for $120, a Quark for $325 and I'm sure you will be able to get the Innovator for $500 in another 6 months. These two helis are going to provide everything you need for years. They give you something for indoors and outdoors. They are both highly adjustable to fit every flying style.

Keep in mind these helis use all high quality parts. Comparing these costs to your 450 you built with $5 servos, a $20 gyro, a generic motor and other stuff you found on E-Bay is absurd. It's been my experience everyone seriously understates the costs it takes to build and repair. They omit things or just plain forgot. Or, they got lucky on E-Bay and got something good at a real bargain price. Your costs and luck may vary... a lot!

In any case, I presented this course as the fastest, most painfree way to learn, for the individual who doesn't mind spending the money, upfront. There are people who don't want to build helis, do constant upgrades and modifications, do many hours of research finding out what goes together, or search the internet looking for bargain parts. They just want a decent heli they can learn to fly and don't want to get an aeronautics degree in the process.

First of all who the heck are you to tell me I bought my gear from ebay. Nothing could be further from the truth. YOu think an ECO 8 is a junk heli? None of my gear is substandard. All I was pointing out before you got upset was that yours is NOT the only way to go or necessarily the best way and certainly not the most economical way. There are many , many paths to learing to fly helis, period. To each, his own. Jim

[Balr14]

First of all who the heck are you to tell me I bought my gear from ebay. Nothing could be further from the truth. YOu think an ECO 8 is a junk heli? None of my gear is substandard. All I was pointing out before you got upset was that yours is NOT the only way to go or necessarily the best way and certainly not the most economical way. There are many , many paths to learing to fly helis, period. To each, his own. Jim

I was making reference to many of the generic "build a 450 for $250" posts; it was not meant specifically in refererence to you or your heli. Sorry if it seemed that way. But, I will bow to the followers of established practices. Everyone should start with a 450 or 500, or bigger!

[Jimbo45cn]

I was making reference to many of the generic "build a 450 for $250" posts; it was not meant specifically in refererence to you or your heli. Sorry if it seemed that way. But, I will bow to the followers of established practices. Everyone should start with a 450 or 500, or bigger!

No problem Balr, I am a bit testy today anyway. I just firmly believe that there are many good paths to learning how to fly these things. If you go to the large electrics, they all jump up and down on learning with a Swift. The nitro forums are the same way concerning 30s and 50s. Glad you found something that works for you. :) Jim

[Balr14]

No problem Balr, I am a bit testy today anyway. I just firmly believe that there are many good paths to learning how to fly these things. If you go to the large electrics, they all jump up and down on learning with a Swift. The nitro forums are the same way concerning 30s and 50s. Glad you found something that works for you. :) Jim

Unfortunately, I went the Lama V4/HBFP/Trex 450 route and paid the price of never ending updates and repairs until I got fed up and started over. If I'd have known then what I know now, I could have saved a lot of time and money.

[osterizer]

Except that none of the helis you mentioned required continuous upgrades. Some people buy a ton of aluminum for HBFPs, but the biggest thing to learn there is, well, not to. If you wanted something that flies like a 425 or 500mm heli, you should have bought one, basically.

[jasmine2501]

I wonder what Bruce Jenner flies? I trust his word on the issue :D

[osterizer]

I want to know what Chuck Norris flies! :D :cool:

[Blade_Killer]

I want to know what Chuck Norris flies! :D :cool:
a real jet ranger :D

[jasmine2501]

I wasn't entirely joking actually...
http://diydrones.ning.com/photo/jb-training-bruce-jenner

[Balr14]

Except that none of the helis you mentioned required continuous upgrades. Some people buy a ton of aluminum for HBFPs, but the biggest thing to learn there is, well, not to. If you wanted something that flies like a 425 or 500mm heli, you should have bought one, basically.

That is NOT true. I added no bling. I performed the upgrades I thought would make the HBFP more durable and fly better. But every change mandates another. As for the Trex kit, I purchased the parts I thought I needed to build it, based on conflicting information I got. I was a beginner, I didn't know any better. I replaced blades, head pieces, gyro, all servos, ESC and added a BEC; because they didn't work well together. As with the HBFP, one upgrade mandates another.

As I said, if I knew then what I know now...

That is the whole point in trying to help other beginners.

[Blade_Killer]

the only "upgrades" on a HBFP that make a huge difference is the slomax, M24s, and DD tail, a cnc paddle control frame is a good idea but thats all.........the HBFP flies well stock too.

[Balr14]

the only "upgrades" on a HBFP that make a huge difference is the slomax, M24s, and DD tail, a cnc paddle control frame is a good idea but thats all.........the HBFP flies well stock too.

Yes, it does. But, soon enough the main and /or tail motor give out. Then the fun begins.

[osterizer]

And it's still a feep. It's a great heli- leave it alone :). If you want a solid tail, high head speed and plenty of power, get a Mini Titan.

And yes, balr14- I'm saying that "upgrading" a $90 fixed-pitch, motor-tail heli is bling by definition. I wish more people would share that with beginners.

[Balr14]

And it's still a feep. It's a great heli- leave it alone :). If you want a solid tail, high head speed and plenty of power, get a Mini Titan.

And yes, balr14- I'm saying that "upgrading" a $90 fixed-pitch, motor-tail heli is bling by definition. I wish more people would share that with beginners.

Ain't hindsight wonderful! :rolleyes:

[Jimbo45cn]

And it's still a feep. It's a great heli- leave it alone :). If you want a solid tail, high head speed and plenty of power, get a Mini Titan.

And yes, balr14- I'm saying that "upgrading" a $90 fixed-pitch, motor-tail heli is bling by definition. I wish more people would share that with beginners.
Agree 1000%.
Jim

[Balr14]

Damn, they're ganging up on me! :eek:

[Blade_Killer]

IMO, bling would be shiny objects add to a heli to make it look better, and upgrade is something to make it fly better.....

[osterizer]

Ain't hindsight wonderful! :rolleyes:

Nah, with me it usually comes just before, "why the *** did I think that was a good idea!?!"

[yogibbear]

Well i'm a noob HBFP owner... ~9 weeks

In my first week i broke the flybar, ring-like push rods and the landing skids.

Then I ordered the xtreme EVERYTHING. (enjoyed their stuff on my Lama v3)

Put the xtreme skids + batt holder on to begin with, and left the other upgardes alone.

Liked them a lot.

Put the metal main axis and swashplate on.

Like them a lot too ^^

Then decided to add the metal paddle control thing and the metal blade holder.

Liked them too ^^

Then decided to add the xtreme blades and the xtreme 380x motor.

Liking both of them as well.

Then i broke the xtreme landing skids...

So i put the SuperSkids v3.0 on my HBFP

Liking them very much.

I also purchased the stuff for the DD tail conversion, but am yet to put it on as my tail motor is yet to die.

So far i'm happy with all the modifications... i know that if i add that all up i probably could have bought a stock Blade 400.... :D But i would have broken the Blade 400 and then started the modding process on that as well.... (which i look forward to doing in 3 months anyway).

Plus for me in Australia the HBFP actually cost ~$200 AUD (inc. postage) and a Blade 400 costs ~$600 AUD. So yeah....

Happiness = priceless. And i don't really care how much money i waste on helis at the moment (as i just started my first job so still living life like a student but have a full-time job :D )

[Blade_Killer]

I wasn't entirely joking actually...
http://diydrones.ning.com/photo/jb-training-bruce-jenner


I hate to even admit this but..........

I was flipping through the channels and came upon that reality show with him and those high maintenance girls he lives with, anyway.......on this show he was teaching his wife to fly a CX2 and he said he would never let her fly his expensive helicopters........so, I know he has at least, a CX2......

My wife said it would be funny if he was a member of RCG.......

oh, and his wife ended up flying way up in the air then cut throttle on top of someones car......he seemed more concerned with the chipped blade then the poor guys dented car

[jasmine2501]

Oh that's funny... his son Burt is on here somewhere... Bruce endorses the new RealFlight in a magazine ad.

[osterizer]

Man.... Ok, so the $64K question is, how many of us know who the heck Bruce Jenner is? I think for most of us the 15 minutes are over.

[Blade_Killer]

Man.... Ok, so the $64K question is, how many of us know who the heck Bruce Jenner is? I think for most of us the 15 minutes are over.

O O O O O O O!!!
I know Mr Car-teer, I know!!!

[osterizer]

O O O O O O O!!!
I know Mr Car-teer, I know!!!

Oh.... eh, anyone else? Ok Horschach, what is your answer?


:D

[Blade_Killer]

He won the decathlon in the 1976 Olympics getting a gold medal in track and field, he was also on the Wheaties box and now spends his time as a motivational speaker and putting up with those crazy women he lives with...........on a side note, his wife Kris is the ex-wife of the now dead Lawyer Robert Kardashian who is best know for getting OJ Simpson off for murder, even tho he really was guilty as sin and had major amounts of evidence against him......

[jasmine2501]

Bruce Jenner also operates an aviation company, selling high-end planes mostly. He apparently also enjoys RC helicopters, which I find cool even if he's washed up :)