My first Micro (Help Needed)

[MicroMan]

Well Ive decided that Id like to buy a Heli and my first should be a Micro. Ive done some research and narrowed the choices to the Mini-Zoom CP and and the Blade CP both which I hear are great machines.

My R/C knowledge in general on a scale of 1-10 is 11. My knowledge of R/C helis is 3 if that much Ive never flown before but wouldnt mind putting together a heli at all and upgrades I say bring em on.

Basically I dont want much from my first heli, but my laundry list is below.

1) Mid range in Price $125-$200 (Without electronics)
2) Upgradeable
3) Ready parts availability (A must)
4) Needs training gear
5) Nice canopy selection

Thanks for your help

[swatson144]

You are looking at 2 distinct different classes of heli.

The mini zoom is head and shoulders above the blade in every category. It costs a lot more to get started, but will serve for a long time. Parts are not going to be as available as the Blade

The Blade is really an entry level ~225$ RTF. The motorized tail is its biggest detraction. Parts are everywhere. My thought is to just get a blade and learn to hover and putz around a bit with FF. By that time you'll have a good idea of where you want to go next with the hobby. IMO upgrading the BCP is a waste as you still have the crappy motorized tail when it's all said and done. When it no longer does what you need move on to a better heli.

I still am firmly convinced the best 1st heli is the LMH Corona.

Since you seem to have been in RC for sometime you may have gear around that would influence your first purchase. Batteries are a biggy so if you are currently flying planks with 2100 mAH 3s and have several you may want to consider a 400 sized to use them etc. Another point would be the TX if you own a good heli capable TX you won't need to factor it's purchase price into the initial heli so the RTFs start losing apeal.

Steve

[MicroMan]

Thanks for youre input swatson144, youre totally right about the Mini Zoom and the Blade CP Pro being two different classes of Helis. We noobs are distracted so easy lol. I forgot to mention as far as my R/C experience goes it has been with Nitro and Electric cars/ trucks, so I'll be starting from scratch basically.

I think Im going to do more research on the MIni-Zoom, it is a Micro and more than anything I want to do some indoor flying.

[Sleepstalker]

Microman...another choice for inside could be the Mini Shogun pick up a copy of this months RCHeli mag....tons of good info and reviews....

[swatson144]

Since you are starting from naught, I'd have to give the nod to an RTF. My thoughts are that you get everything you need from the start for very little money. It'll give you a chance to see if flight is something you want to do with out a big initial cost. I'd probably recommend the honeybee CP2 from balsa products as the most bang for the buck (though the FP is a great choice also).

If you decide you don't want to subject yourself to the huge investment of time and effort you can sell the whole rig and only be out a pittance.

If you decide it's the most fun you have ever had with your clothes on... You can get a good TX as the first upgrade and you'll be ready for whatever heli you want next, and have a chance to learn the TX on a heli you know.

Starting with the mini zoom, trex, x400, or any of the kit helis you'll have about 1000$ in the thing before you ever get it off the ground. That figure is based on initial purchases that won't need to be replaced because of quality or functionality. You can probably trim that down to 650$ if you don't mind rebuying some gear later. Just food for thought.

Good luck in you choice, any thing I can help with just ask away.

Steve