Do you really need to start off with a 600+ size heli?

[450man]

I have never actually flown a 500 but side by side the 550 is significantly bigger and so I would imagine that it would be more stable. There is only a small difference in size between the 550 and 600 though so the differences there would be much smaller.

[450man]

The main difference seems to be the 550 is 6S and the 600 is 12S.

If you go for the 550 with 6S 500mah packs you are then ready for a 12S 700e when you decide to upgrade as it uses 2x 6S 5000mah

This is true for the newer 600 version but the older 600 version runs on 6S also... as mine does... so I can share the batteries between the 550 and 600.

I chose the 550 over the newer 600 specifically so I could carry my 5000mah 6S batteries to a 700 should I choose to go that way. As it happens I am considering nitro or even petrol for a 700 instead.

[Barrymartin]

Just popped over to my local flying club, met a few blokes who flew helis.
Seem a nice bunch, but when I said I had a Blade 400 they said I would find it too difficult to fly due to it being "Too Small".
Now I understand that due to where the club is based (close to the coast) that wind will always be an issue.

But my question is
a) Is it really a no go for anything under a 600 size heli.
b) Is this going to be the right club for me as im just starting out.

As normal all opinions greatly received (Unless I don't like them)

I started with Blade 400, The Blade 400 is good for a beginner because it comes RTF (ready to fly) and the DX6i radio is a good one. You really have to weight the pros and cons though and decide for yourself which way you want to go.

Pros:
RTF - Charge battery and have your first crash right away
Good radio that will grow with you as you get other helis
Price
Cheap to repair
Lots of great support from the B400 owners here


Cons:
RTF means ready to fly but you really should go through the head setup from scratch


It is less stable than a 500 or 600 and from what I hear, even a Trex 450.