Looking to get in to flying - Would you recommend this?

[xiztrn]

Morning Everyone,

My names Dan, first post on the forum.

I have been looking at different RC helicopters for about a week trying to decide what would be the best place to start. I spent a few hours yesterday reading many posts in the beginner section about recommended starting helicopters.

Firstly, I know after reading so many posts yesterday im going to get a lot of people telling me that I should get a simulator first. This is not really the route I want to go down as I know ill get bored with that very quickly, I spend all day on computers for work and so mostly avoid them in the evenings I know its not the way everyone started and im sure ill do fine without, just as many people say, end up spending a little more on spare parts. To me, its worth spending a little more on parts to have the hands on flying experience.

As its not exactly nice out at the moment, im not really looking for something too big to fly inside, so a sub-micro seems to be the way to go for me. I had originally looked at a budget of around £150 to get me started but then saw the deal on the link below and wondered if it would be a good thing to start with as it includes a decent transmitter, one 4 channel and one 6 channel. Almost double what I had intended to buy but it seems I could get that and learn enough to be able to buy myself a bigger 6 channel helicopter once the weather get a little nicer next year.

After looking around at different stores online, I have ended up with the thought of possibly getting the following:

Buzz Fly BE plus 3D Deal --- BuzzFlyer UK

Are these any good?

Is the transmitter any good? (Will I be able to use it for the next few years with any helicopter I buy?)

Do you think this would be an 'ok' starting point?

Also, if it all doesnt go too well or I find that RC helicopter flying isnt for me, whats the resale value like?

Thanks in advance for any advice.
Dan

[rachel]

hi Dan welcome in .
x Rachel

[PGpilot]

Hi Dan,

I'm pretty much in the same boat as you. I saw the same deal and thought it was ideal, but further reading and advice from my first post on here:
http://www.rcheliaddict.co.uk/beginn...estions-2.html

I think I will go for the Blade 400 because it's widely used and documented and the TX is a well known make (not a re-badged or clone), plus the price will allow for a sub micro for indoors if required. I think it'll be the Simulator for me though.
Cheapest price I found was:
E-Flite Blade 400 3D Helicopter DX6i - RTF - Helicopters - Radio Control - Toys & Radio Control - Daniel Stores -

Hope this helps.

Steve

[Eckchaz]

Hi Dan.

The item discription doesnt say alot about it, its got 8 model memory is it compatible with any other systems?!?!.. TBH, I would say no and get a used DX7 or DX6i.. a good Sim like Phoenix (must have!!) and then something like a blade MSR to have fun with and get used to fying! You can get all the mentioned and still have change from the £290!

[xiztrn]

Ok, so what I had thought, is probably not the best idea.

As stated in the OP I'm really not keen on being sat on a SIM, if I can just actually have a play with an RC Helicopter im much more likely to keep at this hobby. Maybe at a later date I may purchase a SIM but for now, I just wanna play really!

So the blade MSR? with a DX6i or DX7?

[EtheAv8r]

My personal view is a Blade 400, whilst a very good machine and exceptional value for the money, is not a good beginners helicopter, as I have voiced in other posts numerous times, but there will be those that believe it is and promote it as such. I know from experience that it did not work well for me. The description on the link says it is “is designed to give intermediate to advanced heli pilots a ready to fly experience” and you are a beginner.

You may be successful with it if you have experienced help and guidance on hand, but if like me you will be a lone learner then I believe you will find it tough, and crashing will be very disheartening. A good sim will help, but there is nothing like a real physical machine.

I also think that as good value as it is, you would be better going for a DX7 rather than a DX6, the DX7 is a much nicer and more capable TX – and could be all you ever need.

My route to eventual ‘success’ with flying R/C helcopters is well documented in other posts on this forum, and there are different workable routes for different folks, depends on budget and commitment. Good luck.

[Ewan]

Hi and welcome.

MSR and DX6i is the way I went and it is great as an indoor heli very robust. I also felt the same as you about the sim but did get one and after a bit of perserverance find it quite useful.

[scallybert]

After looking around at different stores online, I have ended up with the thought of possibly getting the following:

Buzz Fly BE plus 3D Deal --- BuzzFlyer UK

Are these any good?

Is the transmitter any good? (Will I be able to use it for the next few years with any helicopter I buy?)

I really rate the BuzzFly BE, used with that BF8 Tx.

It's massively better than a Blade mSR.

However, they can be quite fiddly. I had an earlier BuzzFly as one of several beginner helis. I learnt a lot from it, but also spent a lot of time fixing it when I'd smashed it up.

The 'BE' is generally *much* more reliable, and flies better. However, you probably need to get sorted with a co-ax or simulator first.

The BF8 Tx is good in many respects - but I doubt I'd use it on a 450 or above.

RTF is only 'ready to fly' until you crash it.

[xiztrn]

Ok, so now im getting mixed feelings...

[coptermanic]

Hi and welcome to the forum Dan.

[Eckchaz]

I really rate the BuzzFly BE, used with that BF8 Tx.

The BF8 Tx is good in many respects - but I doubt I'd use it on a 450 or above.

Ok, so now im getting mixed feelings...

How much can you afford realistically.. the £150 or the £290??

Its really only +1 for Buzzfly and even then, Scallybert says he wouldnt use it on a 450 or above.. considering most people fly 450's and above.. your really buying the buzz for that and that alone and already answering a no to your original statement of future planning with the Tx!

I understand your not keen on the Sim but it has to be a given purchase as it helps you more than you think.. It doesn't mean you have to sit for hours after work on you pc.. I do 10-15mins tops every now and then but all this adds up and it massively helps Wait for a few more guys to respond and make your decision but take into account on the advice you've been given.. theres not really a right or wrong way.. but how expensive you want to make it and how quickly you'll lose interest in the hobby! Trust me.. I've been there!

[Mart61]

As I've commented on one or two similar threads, alas you will find here, as in life, if you ask 10 people the same questions, you'll get probably 10 different answers.

However, your best route is to look into the answers and find a common theme. I think, if you do a little homework on the forum using the search facility, you will find a common theme here. And that theme is based around:

- flying CP helis is pretty darned difficult
- get a good simulator (Phoenix is the weapon of choice in these parts)
- smaller, whilst possibly cheaper, is less stable (co-ax helis aside)
- whatever you buy, you'll want another one (bigger, better, more expensive) within a few weeks. But buy the wrong heli to begin with and you're in danger of becoming disillusioned, frustrated and skint

Here's a few links to get you started:

Newbie needing Advice

Hiya from a newbie - Phoenix Sim then Heli is my approach!

A Few Newbie Questions ?

Few beginner questions

[scallybert]

Its really only +1 for Buzzfly and even then, Scallybert says he wouldnt use it on a 450 or above.. considering most people fly 450's and above.. your really buying the buzz for that and that alone and already answering a no to your original statement of future planning with the Tx!

Yep, that's the trouble with the BuzzFly.

Unless you accept that you're going to chuck loads of money into helis - which is possibly the real issue anyone thinking of taking up helis needs to face.

[bigbas]

with a dx7 or 6 will still retain a decent value to sell be carefull to select the right mode for youre needs on any non ajustable tranny but will be fully useable

[tiddler]

To not involve a "good" simulator when learning to fly any heli other than a coaxial or maybe the mSR, is a big mistake tbh. If possible see if your local hobby shop can give you a demo of Phoenix. You may well be pleasantly surprised