Blade 400 3D or Twister 3D Storm...

[maderdog_1024]

Skip the co-axial and buy phoenix instead.

I bought a Blade 400 in mid December 2008 and im now doing flips,rolls inverted. Flying nose in etc, i still have alot to learn but the Blade helped loads.

Having said that, the Blade 400 is incredibly twitchy and will bite you in the ass quickly, if you can fly a blade 400 then anything bigger is so so so so so so so much easier to fly !

Get a Blade 400 and dont be scared to crash it ! - worked for me !

Mike

[rceccleston]

Phoenix is definitely a must have but you still can't beat real-world experience.

Good Luck!!

[Holst]

I think its better to buy a micro heli, like a 4#3B

You will learn alot from one of these fixed pitch indoor helis, they are very hard to damage and cheap to repair (much cheaper than the blade400)
Plus you can practice inside your house and get alot more flying time in as your not limited to the weather.

I have now upgraded to a Belt CP and I can fly around ok without training gear with only the 4#3B and Phoenix for practice.

[Dedcalm]

Thanks for the advice, the B400 / TS3D are for a mate who is currently using Phoenix. I will be doing the maintenance / maiden / repairs on which ever model is final purchased. Originally looked at a T-Rex but final setup costs of 550 - 750 ended up being a little too high once he started on Phoenix and realised how tricky his new hobby actually is and how often repairs might be required.
Personally I started with a 30 size heli years ago and taught myself - upgraded to a Rappy 50 about 4 years ago and then not flown for about 18 months currently (due to lack of time (i.e babies), flying planks etc. etc.) although I hope to get the old rappy dusted off and flown this weekend (thankfully its raining today - I am working a 12 hour shift!).
Having looked at the options I am quite keen to have a B400/TS3D/T-Rex/Mini Titan for myself to mess around with when I cant be bothered to get out the Rappy... garden hovering practice becomes a reality with a little lecky. Anyway if I find a spare 100-200 quid I might jump on Want to get my mate sorted out 1st though, he wants to fly outside, but I might mention a contra to teach him the basics inside 1st... depends how he gets on with Phoenix I guess...