R/C Helis

[Carrera2]

I want an electric one to play with I've decided. :)

Quick question then: Whats the best electric one to buy all assembled (or in kit form with all the bits needed) and from where.

I know some of you will very sensibly suggest buying a cheap one to muck about with, while I practise, but I'm not one to go in cheap - I want the best! Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[bengt40]

hehe. same here, i was actually looking for one a few weeks ago, dont know why but just spur of the moment thing. Although i want one for under 100 quid ideally just to mess around on
any ideas/websites?

[shadytree]

5p under ?

www.boysstuff.co.uk/product.asp?id=12769&src=Home

[KITT]

If you're looking to learn I would not go electric. They tend to be more fragile because they have to be as light as possible to compensate for the battery weight.

However, the Ikarus Piccolo is pretty good, although only for in-door or no wind days

[hedders]

Carrera2 said:

I know some of you will very sensibly suggest buying a cheap one to muck about with, while I practise, but I'm not one to go in cheap - I want the best! Any suggestions? Thanks.

My suggestion is go to a model shop that has a computer with the R/C helicopter training software on it. I did this a few weeks ago for a laugh ..R/C copters are very difficult to fly and you will destroy it before you get it off the ground if you don't know what you are doing!

[Nevin]

hedders said:

Carrera2 said: I know some of you will very sensibly suggest buying a cheap one to muck about with, while I practise, but I'm not one to go in cheap - I want the best! Any suggestions? Thanks. My suggestion is go to a model shop that has a computer with the R/C helicopter training software on it. I did this a few weeks ago for a laugh ..R/C copters are very difficult to fly and you will destroy it before you get it off the ground if you don't know what you are doing!

It is very, very hard. I can recommend the Ikarus Piccolo if you have a reasonable amount of room inside. It is pretty sturdy and tends not to get so far off the ground that a crash landing will destroy it.

It also has a good range of bodyshells and accessories available.

If you want an idea of just how difficult it is though, either do as suggested and try a simulator somewhere, or get an original playstation with a copy of RC Stunt Copter. Its actually pretty realistic (and therefore one of the hardest games ever).

[Gaffer]

If you want petrol go for a Raptor V2.

I bought Roop one a few christmas's ago

www.raptorv2.co.uk

They are a good starting point and then you can upgrade them to more serious 3D stuff.

Alan Sazbo uses raptors for his comps. Now seeing as he is one of the best in the world, the Rappys cant be all that bad.

Claire

[Carrera2]

Cheers for that - the raptor looks good...now to find one that deliver quickly!

[Gaffer]

I bought it from Sussex model center.
I spoke to a guy called Marcel. He spent hours on the phone going through what I needed.

It was delivered at a later date (I requested that) but can do next day as well.

Best thing to do is mail roop via his profile:

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?h=0&memberId=287

He can let you know who is best and what its like, he learnt off the Rappy.

He did find that buying the G3 sim for the PC allowed him to progress a lot quicker, and crash, without damaging my Rappy.

Claire

[driftwood]

Keep this thread going guys as I want one as well....trouble is I aleays want a 'good one' like the Cornwall Air Ambulance model and they cost hundreds and are for experienced flyers

[Gaffer]

You can buy body kits for models.

So have a look at what kits fit either a Raptor or a Hirobo Shuttle.

out of the 2 I would go for the Raptror every time though.

Claire

[Nevin]

Gaffer said:

You can buy body kits for models. So have a look at what kits fit either a Raptor or a Hirobo Shuttle. out of the 2 I would go for the Raptror every time though. Claire

There will be loads. Have a look at Midland Helicopters who do a massive range of stuff (www.midlandhelicopters.co.uk), but never have any batteries in stock.

If you want really, really high end stuff which you can put bodies on, look at some of the amazingly cool Vario stuff. (www.vario-helicopter.co.uk)

For example:





>> Edited by Nevin on Tuesday 6th September 11:40

[stig]

Having recently learnt to fly R/C Heli's I'd recommend the Hirobo Lama. There are two available, the tethered version which has the power cable running to it (not as bad as you think as it's indoor use only really and no worries about batteries running out) and the Lama XRB which used a lithium battery. If you buy on eBay it's probably better to go for Mode 2 (throttle/'rudder' on left stick), not Mode 1. Can be down to personal preference, but seems more natural this way to me.

Nice and stable (once they're set up which any decent hobby store will do for you) and cheap(ish) to crash. Which you will do A LOT at first

Practice on a sim as it will save you a lot of dosh! Thoroughly recommend Reflex XTR.

Not a cheap hobby by any stretch though (especially when you move on to larger helis)!!!!

[Nevin]

stig said:

Not a cheap hobby by any stretch though (especially when you move on to larger helis)!!!!

Damn right. Some of the Vario bodyshells (i.e no heli parts, no RC kit etc) cost over £1000

[KITT]

Gaffer said:

I bought it from Sussex model center.

Top place. Order a lot of my modeling stuff from them They got a website too:

www.sussex-model-centre.co.uk

although I usuall phone them up.

[stig]

It's well worth getting to know (and buying from?) a local model shop. You'll need spares and advice aplenty and they're 'usually' very helpful.

[dave_s13]

I bought a Parkzone F27 Raptor from these lot

www.wonderlandmodels.com/index.php?option=categories&category_id=24506


Delivered next day for 6 quid and cheapest price anywhere.

It took me a good while to get the hang of the plane and I crashed it a few times (these things superglue back togther though). Heli's are notorious for being an absolute bastard to fly so be bloody careful with it m8, ridiculously steep learning curve; you either smash it to smitherenes.....or you don't

BTW if anyone would like a second hand, slightly scuffed but perfectly functioning F27 Raptor and can pick up from Leeds it's your for £50

www.wonderlandmodels.com/index.php?option=categories&category_id=7818





>> Edited by dave_s13 on Tuesday 6th September 12:27