Thumb only or thumb/finger ?

[hotstocks]

I don't want to start off getting in bad habits. I use thumbs only,
but can also use thumb finger. Since I am just starting, which way
should I practice and go with for small electric helis (I will never go nitro)?

[kiwipilot]

The size of heli is irrelevant as the system is pretty much the same for both.

Thumb and forefinger are harder to use initially but better for control (imo)

I have not witnessed any decent 3D pilots using thumb only

This thread may help http://www.rcheliaddict.co.uk/showthread.php?t=9947

[xygax]

Its whatever you feel comfortable with. If thumbs works for you then its good i use thumbs only but there those who favour the finger and thumb vice grip and that is ok as well dosent suit me....

Steve

[RaptorStudent]

I fly 3D and scale planks plus learning on nitro heli's, i use thumb and fingure as it gives you more control of the aircraft and more of a feel

[steelie600]

I have not witnessed any decent 3D pilots using thumb only

I have, im sure andy hornyak uses thumbs only. Steve g uses mainly thumbs but an index finger for stick stabilty. Im also sure Chris walton uses thumbs only but could be wrong there. I use thumbs only but my 3d in comparison to the above is really poor!! lol

[machasm]

I'm a thumb only man but feel that I should learn to use thumb and finger as i believe it offers that bit more precision.
I can imagine that it comes in useful when doing 'crack' moves as well.
With thumbs only i guess there is always the risk that the thumb could slip off then end of the control stick.
Adrian.

[SRH990]

I flew fixed wing thumbs only for 20 odd years and never had my thumb slip off a stick. I originally flew helis finger & thumb but also with a transmitter tray. These days I've weaned myself off the tray and just use a kneckstrap but still use stick extensions which add to precision but might not be such a good idea for stick banging. I now fly fixed wing finger and thumb and it does seem to have smoothed my plank flying out. <imd you, I have noticed that quite often I've only got my thumb on the left (collective/rudder) stick with the finger hovering in midair

I don't think either method is better than the other, try both at your stage and see which feels better although you may find finger & thumb easier at least in the early stages.

[jboweruk]

I do finger and thumb, it's harder initially but feels better when you fly a proper heli, aka with a tail rotor and single main.

I'm finding it a nice way to fly.

[cambs flyer]

I'm a Thumb man, I've tried using Thumb & Finger and found it awkward.

There's no rule, it just depends on the pilot and what suits him best.

[RotaryOne]

I understood that heli pilots primarily use finger and thumb because it gives more sensitive control, so that is the way I have developed my use of transmitter controls. But I prefer the thumb on the top (near) corner and the finger a little way down the stalk. The throttle/pitch is set longer with the index finger further down the shaft to give more precise control and I find this works very well for me, but then I am still only is the early learning stage (see today's post - An alternative nose job).

[GizmoB73]

I used to use thumbs only on RC cars but with heli's I have always used thumb and finger from the start.

I did try thumbs only once and it scared the life out of me, but I guess it's because I am not used to it.

If you can fly well with only your thumb then great. There is no right or wrong answer but if you are starting out and it doesn't matter which way you go, I would opt for thumb and finger IMHO.

[Tim Procter]

I have not witnessed any decent 3D pilots using thumb only

You havent been to many events then..

I went to the 3D Clubman at Goole and saw more thumbs only pilots than pinchers.

Check out robgt's videos on these very forums for a close look at his stick inputs.

I know he comes under a decent 3D pilot.

[Sesame]

I have not witnessed any decent 3D pilots using thumb only

This pilot uses thumbs and he's not half bad, Ive heard of him somewhere

[ame]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=20_VQoD8cz0[/ame]

Notice the reversed throttle and pitch, only reason I can figure is to stop other people flying his models

[chugga-bug]

Great find Sesame

Personally I'm a pincher. That must be why I can't fly like Lukas!
That's my excuse anyway...

[Tim Procter]

Great find Tony, Well worth a watch..