Msr vs mcx

[Robbo]

Getting both isn't an option really with xmas ect as im getting blade 400 for xmas just think im going to go for msr as i think a contra heli may lull me into a false sense of security

[liambaker996]

40 quid if you want my mcx remember Liam
Liam

[tiddler]

Getting both isn't an option really with xmas ect as im getting blade 400 for xmas just think im going to go for msr as i think a contra heli may lull me into a false sense of security

Before you even think about flying the blade 400, Get Phoenix and get in loads of practice Your xmas present will end up in bits otherwise
If flying the mSR is tricky for a beginner, the B400 will really scare the pant of you The sim will take the edge right off those first few scary steps

[cyberman]

Getting both isn't an option really with xmas ect as im getting blade 400 for xmas just think im going to go for msr as i think a contra heli may lull me into a false sense of security

Thats cool, its not a cheap hobby and we all know that. Its a cross we all bear!

As for the contra giving you a false sense of security, I fully understand your concerns. But on the other hand there is something to be said for having something nice and easy to fall back on.

If I had to choose between them though I would go with the mSR, maybe get the training gear though as this will help with your initial flights.
I'd also set some expo on your aileron and elevator settings (info is on the forums here, I'll try and find the link and post it) as this makes it a bit more controllable.

I would also echo the comments made already, get the Phoenix simulator. Its well worth it as it will give you a realistic idea of what to expect.

[dam74]

I've started with the B400 and then bought an MSR to prac indoors when not using the sim. The MSR is a good little learning tool. I've never flown the MCX but from what I've heard it's very stable. The MSR handles similar in respect to the B400 but with it's offset flybar (45/135deg to main rotor as opposed to 90deg) makes it quite a stable little heli. If you let go of cyclic it will return to a hover given space. However if you've got a bit of momentum you might have to counter it with reversing the cyclic in the opposite direction to brake this travel. Otherwise you will collide with things in the house as I have found. Once it's slowed and avoided the walls you can release the cyclic and it will maintain a fairly stable hover unlike what you'll get with the B400.

If you want a mini heli that handles similar to the big boys to practice in the house while the weather is unpermitting then definately go the MSR. Take it easy and don't try too much to start off with until you're familiar with how it handles. I'd set up somethings like a coaster/placemat on the table and use it to perform hovers and landings on a spot. That is what I did for a while. I actually had two of them, one on a coffee table and another on an ironing board. Travelling between the two and hovering on the spot over them.

[dam74]

Don't get the training gear, I don't see the point of altering the COG on such a lightweight and relatively stable heli. You're better off putting the money towards landing skids, feathering shafts, blade grips as these will break I'm guessing within the first week or two as I did with mine

I'd suggest putting a bulb of epoxy on the two joints of the landing skids where it forms the stud that attaches to the heli. These are weak points and tend to crack at this point. Also put a dab of epoxy between the metal casing and the plastic cap on the tail rotor as this has a tendency to pop off when you piro into a wall. I've had to replace a tail rotor due to this and from reading other websites others have had the same problem.

[Boggy]

i would agree with Darryl on the training gear these little heli's will stand up to quite a large knock as long as the power is cut quickly and its not still powered up when it hits anything

[dam74]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention this as this is a habit you need to get into with all heli as far as I know. When ever you feel your heli is going in hit the throttle cut switch or low/negative collective (aslong as you're in non-3d mode). It will stop the MSR flapping about against the wall or on the ground. This is something you need to get into the habit of doing with any heli that you've got when you know in your mind it's going to crash. Turning off power/momentum will theoretically reduce the damage done to it. Well it's what I've witnessed anyway

[dam74]

I know I'm only a beginner myself but in my opinion is that you shouldn't have it too easy. If you do you'll slip into a false sense of security. I'd rather have it as realistic as possible. To me the MCX (never flown it) is most likely good for those who don't really want to get into the hobby or those who are in the hobby and want a no brainer when flying in tight spaces. That is my opinion, if any of the seasoned veterans disagree then I'm happy to accept that. Personally I'd rather start off with training wheels and remove them once I've become confident that I'm in control.

[cyberman]

[quote=dam74;362161]Don't get the training gear, I don't see the point of altering the COG on such a lightweight and relatively stable heli.[quote]

I found the training gear did not really alter the centre of gravity. But it did make it more likely to land upright when I killed the throttle during a crash. I think the training gear saved my blades on a number of occasions.
And I think its saved me a few spares, in fact during the 30+ plus flights I've made I have crashed it a few time and not had any breakages so far. (Although I've got a few on standby!)
But i guess I should add I've now removed the training gear and am practising without it.

For the small cost I am glad I did get the training gear, but then I am a newbie with no experience.
But I am equally sure some people could have have success without it.

[dam74]

Well I've had mine indoors and outdoors and have had it caught by wind and land on the road. I've never broken my blades in all of that experience. I've had the blade grips seperate and lost the feathering spindle. Ive got a few knicks in them but not snapped in two.