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View Full Version : Discussion Noob Upgrade path after Lama v3?

yogibbear
Feb 08, 2009, 09:21 AM
Okay. So i've got a Lama v3. Flying it pretty well now. Understanding that this thing is freaking easy to fly once you get your head around setting it up properly and the controls. Now i'm starting to feel bored. Half the time it flies itself.

So.... what upgrade path would you recommend?

I'm thinking either:

a) stock HBFP ~$110 USD from Miracle Mart
b) HBFP with upgrades ~$220 USD from ^^
c) Gaui e200 with gyro/motors/etc. ~$??? USD from ^^
d) HB King v2/3 or Blade CP Pro v2?
e) ... Blade 400, Mini Titan, T-Rex 450 SE v2 etc.

Now i know that generally the Swift/HBFP get recommended as the next step for a noob going from co-axial to something more realistic in terms of RC helis... but by the time i spend money on upgrades etc. i'm basically in the same ballpark as a King v3 etc. I'm about to get some money back from the govt. due to the impending recession here in australia, and intend to use it on a new helicopter. So money isn't really an issue, more what would be best to learn on next? Personally, i think i might just go for the HBFP with upgrades... but then if i get bored of that, i'll end up with a Blade 400 in no time anyway. So can someone comment as to how long they stayed interested in their HBFP? (i.e. would it last me more than 6 months before i get bored)

NB: lama v3 only lased about 5 weeks before started to get bored....

Thanks for any help you can provide a noob. :cool:
yogibbear
Feb 10, 2009, 04:43 AM
Blargh! Don't help a noob out then :cool:

I went with option b), planning on flying stock till i break a few things, then switching all the mods on and going crazy. I blame on you all if this decision was the wrong one!

New forum fails. No one looks here to help noobs anymore. :eek:

Shoulda just renamed the general section to "large helis" and made the general section where noobs could post.
Blade_Killer
Feb 10, 2009, 09:21 AM
yogi
go with the HBFP, fly it stock until you can really fly it then try some performance upgrades, since you already have the proper lipos get the NiMH version of the HBFP for $69 shipped at radentech.com and use your lipos you already have. Buy a few spare parts with the "extra" money.

Also, with that attitude, you'll be lucky to get any help on these forums.....
Balr14
Feb 10, 2009, 10:28 AM
I second that. Buy the cheapest HBFP you can find and use your Lama batteries and charger. Buy extra bladeholders and dogbone links and you will be all set for many happy hours of cheap crashing.
hypnolobster
Feb 10, 2009, 10:36 AM
yogi
go with the HBFP, fly it stock until you can really fly it then try some performance upgrades, since you already have the proper lipos get the NiMH version of the HBFP for $69 shipped at radentech.com and use your lipos you already have. Buy a few spare parts with the "extra" money.

Also, with that attitude, you'll be lucky to get any help on these forums.....

Could you link to that? I'm in the exact same spot as far as decisions go as the OP, and all I can find on radientech are $99+

Edit: I guess searching is ineffective on their website. I found this browsing.
http://www.raidentech.com/20eshobeeiv4.html
Is this the same as the Mk3 that's so widely adored? (http://www.hobby-lobby.com/honeybee.htm)
Balr14
Feb 10, 2009, 11:30 AM
Could you link to that? I'm in the exact same spot as far as decisions go as the OP, and all I can find on radientech are $99+

Edit: I guess searching is ineffective on their website. I found this browsing.
http://www.raidentech.com/20eshobeeiv4.html
Is this the same as the Mk3 that's so widely adored? (http://www.hobby-lobby.com/honeybee.htm)

Yup, same heli. Try Xheli if Raidentech doesn't have it. Same site and free shipping: http://www.xheli.com/juinye20esho.html
Use this code: CJFREE2
Blade_Killer
Feb 10, 2009, 11:34 AM
the heli is the same as the Mk3 but the Mk3 comes with a Lipo and Charger, the V4 (same heli) comes with a heavier NiMH battery......
hypnolobster
Feb 10, 2009, 01:31 PM
Yup, same heli. Try Xheli if Raidentech doesn't have it. Same site and free shipping: http://www.xheli.com/juinye20esho.html
Use this code: CJFREE2
Oh wow, and that's even still including a lipo/charger, and it remains that cheap. I guess I'm buying one now ! :)
Blade_Killer
Feb 10, 2009, 03:59 PM
wow, a Mk3 for $66, jump on that now!
Balr14
Feb 10, 2009, 04:31 PM
^^^^

Hey, for that price I was tempted to buy one myself, even though I just sold my Compy 300 and GuruZ HBFPs.
yogibbear
Feb 11, 2009, 05:15 AM
Thanks for all the replies everyone! ;) Pretty much going with Blade Killer's advice HBFP stock till i get good, then start throwing some mods at it.

yogi
Also, with that attitude, you'll be lucky to get any help on these forums.....

Yeah yeah i know my attitude is a bit blunt, was probably around 2am and i just started full-time work for the rest of my life so getting a bit edgy :D. Will get used to it though. :rolleyes: