Beginners, Looking for Best Indoor Model?

[kennyp]

Just to pass on a little advice for those wanting a first time indoor heli for not too much money.
I started about 6 months ago with models like the little Apache S7 Gunboats. They are OK but can be a bit quirky. Then I discovered the Syma S107 3ch helis. (although I now fly outdoors as well). The body looks very classy, more so than the Apache. (check it out). Lift off and hover is exceptionally smooth even for a novice, and it has an in-built gyro that gives great movement control. Has a USB charger too. Takes about 40 mins and gives 8-10 mins flight time. You can get them in a lot of places for between £18 -£25 and spares are readily available.

So, unless the far more experienced guys out there think differently, it is without doubt the best indoor I've flown and will be great for even a first timer but always remember, you will at some time crash any heli, so tread carefully at first and enjoy

kennyp

[johnc150x]

I like my little Nine Eagles Solo Maxx - bit pricier but it hovers well and is quite tough. Mine came with 2 LiPo's that charge from the Tx (which switches from Mode 1 to 2 very cleverly).

Good little 4ch fixed pitch heli. Not sure if the UK has an importer, I got mine from the local hobby shop in Japan for about 65 quid. Spares are available for not a lot as well.

[kennyp]

Beginners

Sound interesting JC. I'll take a closer look at that. Is it outdoors as well?

[rexxy]

How is it compared to the blade msr? Tempted by one of these

[kennyp]

Beginners

I can't profess to having flown a Blade MSR but from what I've seen and heard it looks like a good and durable little heli, fast too ! I like the fact that it can fly outdoors too in calm conditions.

Syma S107 might do as well but haven't had a windless day since I got it! It's a dream to hover and turn. Rise it on about a third throttle. Goes up in a perfectly straight line, and unlike some others, once trim is set you don't need to constantly alter it. It's also pretty fast. Turning is a doddle. Will do a quarter turn at a time if you want to - and stay there! Turn left or right, centre the stick and it stays and hovers in that position. Not too much noise from rotor spin and only a slight hum in forward motion. You can land it in a small area with ease. You will enjoy one of these - and I might just get the Blade !!

[smithysamrc]

Im thinking of getting a Syma S107 for when i go on holiday this year...should i ?

[kennyp]

I would say go for it Sam. Best indoor I've ever had (and maybe outdoor in flat weather). You will find lots of them on ebay but oulets are mainly Hong Kong. Delivery about three weeks. Look for a good price with delivery included. Enjoy your holiday flying time !

[smithysamrc]

I have had a few indoor helis before, most of which when i push forward it'll just spin one way, does the Syma S107 go straight forward and not end up spinning when you push forward.

Could you give me some Pro's and Con's of this heli please..


Thanks

[kennyp]

I know what you mean by auto spin when you push up. Usually that can be controlled by rising the heli 2 metres off the ground, then just hover and if it's spinning right, adjust trim left until it hovers correctly and vice versa.

With numerous flights on the S107, I have never had rapid spin when rising. It goes up dead straight. The only thing I had was when rising on first flight out of box, very slight tendency to slowly turn right. The trim on this model is a round knob just below the on/off switch. All it needed was two small clicks to the left and it immediately stopped.

PROS -the forward/back/left and right stick auto centres. So, if you are in any of these modes on steady throttle i.e. the stick is in full or partial turn/forward/backward mode, take your finger off stick, it auto centres and the heli instantly stays in hover mode exactly where it is until you go back on the stick again. Forget the sometimes not quite true hype about "RTF, even a total beginner will be flying in minutes." On this model, they could well be !! With this kind of control I flew it in among some furniture and up and down stairs. Never crashed once !

CONS - I really have not found any so far. Took my eye off the ball once and blades struck the ceiling. no damage at all. I get the same flight performance each and every time. It's a delight to fly. As with other helis, I only wih they could make the ratio of charge time to flight time the other way round !! Hope it helps.

[smithysamrc]

I know what you mean by auto spin when you push up. Usually that can be controlled by rising the heli 2 metres off the ground, then just hover and if it's spinning right, adjust trim left until it hovers correctly and vice versa.

With numerous flights on the S107, I have never had rapid spin when rising. It goes up dead straight. The only thing I had was when rising on first flight out of box, very slight tendency to slowly turn right. The trim on this model is a round knob just below the on/off switch. All it needed was two small clicks to the left and it immediately stopped.

PROS -the forward/back/left and right stick auto centres. So, if you are in any of these modes on steady throttle i.e. the stick is in full or partial turn/forward/backward mode, take your finger off stick, it auto centres and the heli instantly stays in hover mode exactly where it is until you go back on the stick again. Forget the sometimes not quite true hype about "RTF, even a total beginner will be flying in minutes." On this model, they could well be !! With this kind of control I flew it in among some furniture and up and down stairs. Never crashed once !

CONS - I really have not found any so far. Took my eye off the ball once and blades struck the ceiling. no damage at all. I get the same flight performance each and every time. It's a delight to fly. As with other helis, I only wih they could make the ratio of charge time to flight time the other way round !! Hope it helps.

Sounds good ... so does the heli travel in a straight line when going forward, or does it have the tendency of twirling...

Cheers

[kennyp]

No twirling at all on the model I have. Goes forward or back in a straight flight from the moment you take off. You can do a complete 360 degree turn, or easily turn at either 45, 90 or 180 degree increments. Release the stick the moment you command any one those and the heli immediately stops and hovers and does not continue flight until you go back on the stick - and it does not twirl at any stage.

It really has a good degree of precision control. Unlike some similar helis that require much more pilot input to avoid crashes, and obviously after you have had a bit of careful practice first to just get the feel for it, you will probably not crash into walls with this one ! I took it easy on my first flight with it just to determine what it wanted from me. Answer - not very much !! Second flight was up and away.

[ben100580]

I don't know much about heli's yet, but the s107 is a wicked toy. Flies perfectly straight, only crashes when you tell it to. If you remove the tail fin, the bars supporting the tail boom, and the skids, you'll find it much quicker and even more fun. The only part I have broken (as did my 2 mates with the same one) was the flybar. They're 99p delivered on ebay.