Which heli?

[Chumpy]

I am a novice flyer. I've done a few basic circuits on a sim, and then managed to do them on a Align 450 Se v2.
I'm looking to go for something bigger. I've seen the TREX 600, and I like it. However, I'm nervous about buying it, and smashing it up. I'm considering whether to buy an intermediate heli, something like a Raptor 30/50 ish.
I'm set on getting a TREX 600 at some point, but should I get something 'less expensive' than the TREX600, but bigger than the TREX450, such as a Raptor, so I can make mistakes without trashing the 600.
I'm not planning on doing any 3d stuff at this stage, I'm more interested in scale flying, but that may change.
Thanks

[scoobystig]

the raptor 50 is the same size as a trex 600, so the crash cost will be more or less the same
they both use 600mm blades

if you are interested in putting a scale body on it then i would suggest the raptor 50 as there are a good selection of bodies that fit it

the raptor 50 is not as agile as the trex 600 as its heavier, although will still perform very well in the right hands

the raptor 30 is only sightly smaller running 550mm blades, shorter boom by about 30mm and obviuosly slightly less power,

[heli]

I started by buying a Logo 400 (from scoobystig funny enough) and it still worries me about the cost of rebuild. Then I bought a 450 PRO (from the forum) and I don't care as much because the parts are so cheap and easy to get. Since the 450 arrived, I've dumped my training gear (this week) and flying both helis without worries. The 450 has the advantage that you can park fly without treks to the main site. Why not look at a Trex 500 or a cheap good alternative might be a Flasher 500 from Andy. Cheap to buy and fix.

Without overly repeating what others have said on posts. Sim and Radio should be first then come the heli. Don't forget things like the mSR/Mcpx can be very good for learning.

[bladeboy400]

Spend the money once get a 600 trex fit it with training gear and get someone at the club to set it up so its a gentle flyer you can always fit a raptoor 90 size skid once you've lost the training gear and then up the settings however the guys at our club are doing great with the 550 and beast x setup they have had a couple of lessons 70 quid the price of putting a heli in and the difference is amazing ! this I would recommend asthe confidencehas increased tenfold also battery helis are a lot easier to fit into scale fuselage hope this helps talk to rocket Ronnie from purfleet on the 550 regards j boy