Honey Bee CP2

[Sqwidge]

I was debating getting one of these but was told to stay away but not why, does anyone know of a good reason why i should not buy one of these? its not the belt version it will be electric tail motor

[Bugster]

Hi, I've got a Honey Bee fixed pitch I'm learning with. When I crash it nothing usually breaks, just pick it up shake the blades loose then take off again. My mate bought a HBCP2 last Christmas (2007) 12 months ago. He tried to fly it once and crashed. Bits to repair it came to over £30. It's still in the box under his bed. Mine's flown over 140 times and is the most beaten up old wreck in the air but I'm still flying - unlike my mate And the FP is £10 cheaper than the CP2.

[163phil]

Hi Sqwidge

I think the cp2 is a great little heli for the money, but I wouldn't advise it if you've never flown before. As Bugster says the headspeed is much higher on the cp2 and you will have alot more damage in a crash (you won't be able to fly it again after crashing like you sometimes can with the FP). Also, with any heli with a tail motor the tail is not so locked in as with belt drive, which can lead to sudden unexpected changes in orientation and a crash for the inexperienced. Once you've got the hang of it the cp flies well, but it can be a twitchy little beggar, so it's probably better to get something with a belt driven tail and independent gyro if you're just starting out. If you can stretch to it I just happen to be selling my Belt CP: http://www.rcheliaddict.co.uk/f78/belt-cp-with-case-and-spares-17776/

If you're still hooked on a CP2, I shall be selling mine shortly and looking for about £70 with spares. Just have to get round to changing the main frame

[GtD]

Hi Sqwidge,

just to add my thoughts as I bought a CP2 as my first 'proper' heli (well, compared to a the little indoor co-ax little thing I had 1st). I saw some videos of people flying it around and doing some 3D and thought "that looks cool - I'll go for that!".

However, as Phil said, it really is hard work and I had a number relatively gentle crashes (1 in a bush & 1 in a tree - so damage wasn't too bad...although one time I hit a BBQ - and the BBQ won that match )

The most frustrating thing I found as a beginner (and I still count myself as one today...hehe) is the way the tail often seemed to have a mind of it's own. I'd spend ages fiddling the with gyro gain...also upgraded to twin tail rotors - but it never had a 'locked' in feel....a sudden increase or decrease in throttle would move the tail as well...which as you are starting off really doesn't help!

Anyway - the route I took was to get Phoenix simulator + a Blade CX2 (I used the Blade CX2 controller with the sim). I can't say I used the CX2 too *that* much - but I certainly used the sim - and when I then decided to follow the advice on this forum and went for what seemed like a good quality kit. I didn't have a fortune - but for a bit over £500 I got a brand new but fully assembled Trex 450 SEv2 with GY401 gyro & metal geared servos...and the difference to the CP2 is just amazing. I was very quickly into doing basic figure eights / circuits, and even some sloppy flips & loops.

I realise that is a lot more money than a CP2 - but if I had my time again I would rather have started with the Trex. So in your case I would certainly advise going for a heli with a belt driven tail and a good heading hold gyro - and if you buy it from someone on here 2nd hand then I think you should be pretty safe that they are honest and it will be as good as they say!

And just because I can't stress it enough - it *really* will pay for itself if you go for Phoenix sim. It really will help teach your thumbs the rough direction they should be going in a given situation - and I'm sure I've had 2 'saves' which I could not have done if not for the time on the sim!

Good luck and enjoy whatever you buy!

[liambaker996]

my trainer had 1 of theese and told me to stay away from them they are the most unstable machines out there and if you dont know what you are doing dont even bother with 1 as you will just end up lying in a hospital bed

[Sqwidge]

Phil it looks like i want your beastie but need to sell my fp and my bike first lol, just out of curiosity why does it say £70 here but £150 in sales?
i would pay 150 if bike sold but 70 was posted after the initial 150 thread

[163phil]

I think you've misunderstood me Sqwidge. The CP2 will be for sale at around £70 when I get round to fixing it, the Belt CP is for sale now at £150 posted. (The belt CP is a much more expensive and better heli than the CP2)

[Sqwidge]

i got it now i had a blonde moment

[heliboy]

Good helis but better on the market...

[heliboy]

blade 400?

[Bugster]

But 2 crashes with a Blade 400 would pay for a bounceable HBFP

Cheers

Bugster