When should I upgrade to FBL ?

[Bob H]

Like everyone else has said, fbl isn't really 'better' than fb. It's just flies differently so if it's not broke don't fix it. They are as difficult or as easy as each other to set up and tune but each needs a different skill set and arguably a different mind set to get working well. Both do the same thing but one mechanically and the other electronically.

Having said that the way they feel in the air can be markedly different. I much prefer how my 450 pro flies since I converted it to fbl but that's based on personal preference rather than fbl being better. If you can, try flying another trex or tarot 450 that is fbl side by side with yous and see which you prefer then go from there. I wouldn't swap over just for the sake of it though.

[James75]

Thank you all for your replies, it is good to get a mix of opinions, gives me more to think about !!

I think, for the sake of my bank account, I won't go FBL until I become more proficient with the FB 450, or if I crash and the cost of repairs is similar to the price to convert it, but I agree converting for the sake of it is not worth it at the moment, I still have so much to learn on the 450 !

i do like the idea of getting a micro to gain confidence with practicing manoeuvres though, which leads to the question, which micro do people recommend ?

i like the look of the Blade 130X, but is that a bit too big, is that still classed as a micro ? I like that it has a torque tube as opposed to a tail motor.

Thanks James.

[expensivhobby]

Just to add you can get a nice new fbl blade 300X for the same price as the conversion give or take.

[tomatwalden]

Thank you all for your replies, it is good to get a mix of opinions, gives me more to think about !!

I think, for the sake of my bank account, I won't go FBL until I become more proficient with the FB 450, or if I crash and the cost of repairs is similar to the price to convert it, but I agree converting for the sake of it is not worth it at the moment, I still have so much to learn on the 450 !

i do like the idea of getting a micro to gain confidence with practicing manoeuvres though, which leads to the question, which micro do people recommend ?

i like the look of the Blade 130X, but is that a bit too big, is that still classed as a micro ? I like that it has a torque tube as opposed to a tail motor.

Thanks James.

Blade mCPXv2 is perfect for this kind of thing. The 130X is more finicky due to its torque tube as you already mentioned. Now that the mcpx/BL is out, you can get v2's for quite good prices.

[James75]

Just to add you can get a nice new fbl blade 300X for the same price as the conversion give or take.

Thanks, that is worth consideration for the future as I've just seen it for £230 with the Spektrum AR7200x which is worth £150 alone so for some FBL action I could get one of those and then use the Spektrum AR7200 x on a bigger heli further down the line if I prefer FBL. Thanks.

[KevDavies]

Only just seen this, but agree with the other flybar less is no different than flybarred. Apart from you have a computer pretending to be a flybar. Theres nothing I can do with my flybarred helis that I cant do with fbl and vice versa.

FBL is the future and soon enough all helis will be fbl, but better..........I dont think so

[BavarianRob]

When should I upgrade to FBL ?

I had a FB 450Pro last year, got it while I was learning and loved it, taught me a lot. I later converted it to FBL and found it much more stable BUT your setup needs to be much more accurate with FBL. If you get a bit of drift on a flybarred model, just give it a bit of trim, can't do this with FBL. The other advantage I found with FBL was less parts in the head to damage BUT I had the Align DFC head and after a couple of crashes I had to change the metal gears in my servos, something which I never had to do when it was flybarred.

Just my experiences, but like others have said, I'd stick with the flybar for now, if you learn on that then FBL will feel easier, at least it did for me.

[cjcj1949]

I've spent a lot of time flying a 450 FB and then I bought a msr-x and then a 130-X. I haven't flown my 450 since. 450s break very easily and you either have to be cautious or do a lot of repairs and spend a lot of money. The 130-X flies like a 450, but you can get away with a lot and it can be flown anyware. When I get round to it I'm going to upgrade the 450 to a tarot flybarless unless I buy a 300X which has the BeastX in it and for £209 looks very good value. The 130-X is flyable indoors and even in the house. It has a problem with vibration, but that will get sorted eventually. The mcpx is good as well but a bit small for outdoors. I would certainly advise getting a 130-X as your next heli. It will allow you to learn quickly and you need at least two helis as one will often be waiting for parts.

[Jonp]

If I may add my experience......I keep thinking about going flybarless.....but then I have only ever known flybar flying - so why change? Sure, I know I can gain some power, the heli looks neater, the head is simpler.....but it's not what I know. I still think I might do it one day but for now I am sticking with what I konw. Good luck with what ever you decide.

[cjcj1949]

Sticking to flybarred is probably cheaper. Lots of heads for sale.