Best micro for trying new stuff on

[greg.lloyd]

All,

These days I'm flying a Trex 450 and recently I also built the latest Trex 550. My flying is currently circuits, flips, and loops with the 450. But I know I'm not comfortable with backward and inverted flight yet. Had some recent near misses where I was able to do a quick save before planting the 450.

The big birds are expensive to repair and I've been thinking that practising in a micro may help out here (I also have Phoenix but a real heli is just different!)

I've flown the mcpx v2 and 130x in the early days of starting out. I've also had a trex 250 plus dfc but sold that recently as it was very close to the 450 in both speed and crash damage and I found myself grabbing the 450 most of the time rather than the 250.

Was wondering if anyone uses micros to practices orientations and moves they are not comfortable with yet to save crash damage costs and if so, what do you recommend?

I'm aware of the maintenance involved with them due to owning a few before but I'm really looking to know which will suit best for sport / 3D / inverted flight the best?

Options seem to be: Mcpx v2 (£70), Mcpx BL (£130), 130x (£150), Trex 150 (£225 with Spektum Sat, battery, charging cable).

It's a tricky one as I want decent flying characteristics but also for it to be able to take a knock and cheap repairs as I plan to use it extensively for practising when I can't fly the bigger birds.


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[SaneAdam]

I think the Align 150 looks very smart. But, as it is not out yet, it is difficult to say how well it will crash. Although the spares prices looks good. Time will tell how robust it is and how well it fly's for that matter. But it certainly looks an exciting addition to the micro market

[greg.lloyd]

Yes, I do like the 150 which is part of the reason I haven't done anything yet. The components are more like a proper heli (brushless motor, proper servos, etc). Will have to wait for some reports though. Bit of a pain batteries wise though possibly? I'm running an icharger 306b and I don't think you can charge from the balance ports only?







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[Bee_random]

All things considered, I'd use the 450 for practicing new stuff. This is all personal and this is just one opinion, however...

Micros are not like the larger heli's, just like the sim isn't. If you really work the sim then your thumbs will know what to do, after that it is a combinations of familiarisation with the air and developing confidence/experience.

Start up high and do a little of your new move each flight, gradually increasing time practicing the new move. if its not working for you then go back to the sim and practice some more... This has worked for me and this season I've gone from fff to backward and inverted flight. I have an mCPX, but have just lost interests in these small heli's.

[greg.lloyd]

Best micro for trying new stuff on

Yes, I somewhat agree with that view too - and it's been on my mind. The 450 does handle much differently than the micros. When I had the 130x for example I couldn't just do a move with it and then be able to do it with the 450 straight away. Nerves and the different characteristics made it a challenge.


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[Pj1969]

Greg, sounds like your in the sane boat as me, want to try new things etc, put a few in and the cost of repairs soon mounts up. I have the mcpx but if I'm honest unless it's dead calm it can be a handful to control. My 450 is pretty quick and not even going to try with my 500 and 600. I have been using the sim, but it's not the same, but what to get? My pals have 3 150's on order, but near on £200 for everything is not mcpx price is it. It's a tricky one mate

[Bee_random]

Could it be that you need to increase the stability of your 450 while learning new orientations?

[greg.lloyd]

Greg, sounds like your in the sane boat as me, want to try new things etc, put a few in and the cost of repairs soon mounts up. I have the mcpx but if I'm honest unless it's dead calm it can be a handful to control. My 450 is pretty quick and not even going to try with my 500 and 600. I have been using the sim, but it's not the same, but what to get? My pals have 3 150's on order, but near on £200 for everything is not mcpx price is it. It's a tricky one mate

Exactly! I want to progress to that next stage but I don't want to do it wrong with the associated cost and time spent repairing stupid mistakes. The 450 is unforgiving as it is and I simply won't take any risks with the 550 as it's huge and expensive compared to the 450. But! I still want to learn moves and progress. What is the general consensus? I'm trying to avoid costly mistakes


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[Pj1969]

Tbh mate, now is the best time to buy either mcpx or the 130x as the trex 150 launches, people will want one and to fund it, will want to sell their beloveded micro. Some good deals to be had mate, just keep your eyes out.

[pgkevet]

Buy a cheap 500 clone as a basher: accept it for what it is..underpowered, cheap blades and cheap fbl unit - built for easy maintenance with all the wires and stuff outside - ignore looks. Ugly is good. A bunch of clone spares and cheap blades and go practice. HK is your friend...

[expensivhobby]

Hk is your friend! Hk is your friend! Hk is your friend!

[Bee_random]

HobbyKing is unreliable for delivery time (you'll get everything in the end, but don't expect the same service you get from others UK based). But is cheap.

450/500 parts won't break the bank. But get the really cheap stuff and chances are you'll have some avoidable mechanical failures to deal with - my buddy drifted down that path. He's always waiting for stuff from China and its nearly always shit quality. Here is one area you'll get what you pay for ( with exception of FBL unit, IMHO the zyx is bloody good value for money for sub-hard core 3D).

If you're really struggling with the move IRL then go back to the sim.

[pgkevet]

Unfair.. HK is actually pretty reliable if it's in stock.. it's the postage/distance/customs holdups that cause the delays. One plans accordingly - expect average 3 weeks and keep lotsa spares. If you want to pay more and have quality then buy tarot.

Cheapest best mix is fusuno side frames, tarot ally bottom plate and tarot gears, HK the rest with their 3D blades and cheap canos and a beastx or vbar clone from ebay. HK esc, motor and servos, plastic tail blades and gorilla skids. Patc stuff with duct tape and epoxy until it really has to be swapped out.

[noste500]

Sell one if your helis and buy a HC3SX and set up captain rescue and practice
all you moves with the knowledge it won't go too pear shaped ;-)
Just an alternative option .