Esky Honeybee CP2 Vs. Blade CP Review

This thread will be under contruction for the next a few weeks. You can comment, discuss and add anything about the two helicopters as you wish.

Esky Honeybee CP2 Vs. E-flight Blade CP Review
By HeliTown.COM

Introduction
Esky Honeybee CP2 and E-flight Blade CP are the two leading micro RC helicopters in the RC helicopter market at the time of this review. They are the most talked helicopters. RC helicopter pilots always ask which helicopter is better all the time, especially those who've just entered the RC helicopter hobby world. To help those who are having this question in mind, this review is written by comparing these two helicopters part by part so that those who are having the question don't have to read or research any further. After reading this review, you will have all the information about the two helicopters: price, upgrade options, etc. and you can just make up your mind and buy one of them so you can start enjoying it! Regardless of which helicopter you buy, we here at HeliTown will help you when you run into problems.

http://www.helitown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_CP2_Vs_CP2_563x472.jpg

E-sky HB CP2 Specifications:

Main rotor diameter: 530mm
Motor Size: 370 motor
Tail Rotor Diameter: 149mm
Gross Weight:305g
Length:520mm
Control System:CCPM
Transmitter:6CH CCPM system
Mix controller:"4 IN 1"controller(W/gyro,mixer,ESC,
receiver)
Battery:11.1V 1000mAh Li-Polymer

Blade CP Specifications:

Main Rotor Diameter: 527mm
Motor Size: 370 main
Tail Rotor Diameter: 149mm
Gross Weight: 325 g
Length: 20.625 in (524mm)
Motor Size: 370 main motor, N30 tail motor
Control System: CCPM
Transmitter:6CH CCPM system
Mix controller:"4 IN 1"controller(W/gyro,mixer,ESC,
receiver)
Battery: 9.6V 650 mAh Ni-MH

Specifications of these two helicopters are very similar. The only significant difference is the stock battery that comes with the helicopter. Esky Honeybee CP2 comes with 11.1V 1000 mAh Li Po, whereas Blade CP comes with 9.6V 650 mAh Ni-MH. Because of the battery, it adds about 20 grams to the weight of Blade CP and of course 9.6V 650 mAh Ni-MH provides shorter flight time than 11.1V 1000 mAh Li Po pack does.

http://www.helitown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_CP2_Vs_CP_4_534x400.jpg

Manufacturer, distributor and customer service information:

Esky HB CP2 is manufactured by ESKY HOBBY (http://www.twf-sz.com/) located in Shenshen, China and distributed by many different companies.

Blade CP is manufactured by E-flight (http://www.e-fliterc.com/) and distributed solely by Horizon Hobby (http://www.horizonhobby.com/) located in Illinois, USA

ESKY HOBBY provides both direct and indirect customer services to customers. Telephone number: 86-755-25905606 Fax:86-755-25905636. E-mail:esky@esky-sz.com
Horizon Hobby provides direct customer services and support to customers. 1-800-338-4639 and Product Support: 1-877-504-0233

Price
Esky HB CP2 is listed around $180USD. BPhobbies (http://www.bphobbies.com/view.asp?id=V019752BP) sells it for $180USD Vs. Blade CP is listed around $219USD. Horizon Hobbies sells it for $129.99USD.

Though ESKY HOBBY states they provide customer service and support, I've never had any experience dealing with ESKY HOBBY directly. I bought an E-sky Honeybee FP from RCexpert before and I returned a defective 4 in 1 unit to RCexpert. I did not have any problem e-mailing them except it took about 2 weeks to mail the defective part to RCexpert in Hongkong and another two weeks to get the replacement back. So, I do not recommend you buy it from a non-reliable vendor such as someone on Ebay or non-reputable website in case you have problems getting help to get a part replacement from China if there is a defective part on our helicopter.

For Blade CP, you can always deal with Horizon Hobby Customer Service. I had dealt with them before and did not have any problems with the customer services they provide. So, the price difference may be a good trade off for direct and local customer services to some buyers.

What is in the box?

Blade CP
A complete Blade CP RTF airframe
6 CH CCPM Transmitter FM 72 Mhz
9.6V 650 mAh Ni-MH Battery
AC Ni-MH Battery Charger
Mounting Accessories and Wrench
Owner manaul
http://www.helitown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_Blade_CP_What_is_in_the_box_600x450.jpg

Esky Honeybee CP2
A complete Esky Honeybee CP2
6 CH CCPM Transmitter FM 72 Mhz
11.1V 1000 mAh Li-Polymer battery
3-Cells Li-Polymer charger
Mounting Accessories and Wrench
Owner manual

http://www.helitown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_CP2_What_is_in_the_box_1_600x450%7E0.jpg

Though it sounds like these two helicopters come with the same things, there are some differences here:

1. Esky Honeybee CP2 comes with symmetrical blades whereas Blade CP comes with flat bottom blades

2. Esky Honeybee CP2 comes with Bell mixer head whereas Blade CP comes with regular mechanical mixer head

3. Esky Honeybee CP2 comes with a 9 teeth pinion motor where as Blade CP comes with a 10 teeth pinion motor

4. Esky Honeybee CP2 comes with 11.1V 100 mAh Li-Polymer battery whereas Blade CP comes with 9.6V 650 mAh Ni-MH

5. Esky Honeybee CP2 comes with AC 3 cells Li-Polymer battery charger whereas Blade CP2 comes with AC Ni-MH charger

Personal Thoughts
Though a beginner pilot may not need to have symmetrical blades, a 9 or 8 teeth pinion motor and Bell mixer head right away for aerobatic flying such as loops, rolls or inverted, etc., I personally think that lacking of Li-polymer battery and charger is one of important things that a Blade CP owner needs to have sooner or later. The 9.6V 650 mAh Ni-MH battery only provides about 6 to 7 minutes of flight time. When you are trying to adjust, trim and balance your helicopter and your battery runs out each time to try to lift off your helicopter, it is irritating. It takes from 2 to 2.5 hours to charge that 9.6V 650 mAh Ni-MH battery with the provided stock charger. This is to me it is almost impractical: you spend 2 to 2.5 hours to charge the battery and you get only 7 munutes of flight time! I would strongly recommend you buy a Li Polymer battery and a Li Polymer charger so you can have more time to fly your helicopter rather than wasting your time charging the Ni-MH battery. If you decided to buy a Li Polymer battery and charger, make sure that you also get a 9 teeth pinion motor and heatsinks for your main motors and tail motor. Without the heatsinks, the Li Polymer battery can shorten your main and tail motors. Heatsinks are also recomended for Esky Honeybee CP2 as well.

Updgrade Your Blade CP
If you want to upgrade your Blade CP to approximately (more or less)what Esky Honeybee CP2 has, here are what you need to buy:

http://www.horizonhobby.com/ProdInfo/EFL/100/EFLH1168-100.jpg
Aerobatic Enhancement Kit for $22.99 USD. You get a pair of symmetrical blades, one main motor heatsink, one tail motor heatsink and a 9 teeth pinion motor.

http://www.horizonhobby.com/ProdInfo/EFL/100/EFLH1170-100.jpg
Bell mixer upgrade for $24.99USD. Read Bell mixer review here and installation instruction here. (http://www.helitown.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=273)

http://www.bphobbies.com/img/esky/xEK1-0180.jpg
11.1V 1000 mAh Ly Polymer battery. BPhobbies (http://www.bphobbies.com/view.asp?id=V019752&pid=NESKY177) sells it for $28.74USD.

http://www.bphobbies.com/img/esky/xEK2-0851.jpg
2-3 Cell Li-Poly, 650ma Fixed Charge Rate. Output jack fits E-Sky/EFlite balancing connectors. BPhobbies (http://www.bphobbies.com/view.asp?id=V019752&pid=W323375) sells it for $10.95USD. This unit does not come with an AC/DC wall adaptor. If you are serious about the hobby, I would recommend you buy a better Li Po battery charger that can charge 1 to 10 Cell Lithium Batteries, peak detection, built in voltmeter, etc. Some good Li Polymer chargers can charge Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries in addition to Li Polymer packs. Please check here (http://www.helitown.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=35&sid=127a89901a98db59935b4df92eed1bb2)for more information about Li Polymer batteries and chargers.

Note: recently Esky Hobby includes a wall adaptor in the kit. Please see here (http://helitown.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2510#2510) for more information.


http://www.bphobbies.com/img/esky/xEK1-0221.jpg
If you are new, a training gear is recommended for both Esky Honeybee CP2 and Blade CP. BPhobbies (http://www.bphobbies.com/view.asp?id=V019752&pid=NESKV011) sells it for $6.36USD.

Owner Manual

Esky Honeybee CP2 Owner Manual
Download Esky Honeybee CP2 owner manual here (http://www.twf-sz.com/english/download1.asp?ProdNum=27)

Included in the box are the black and white 19 page owner manual and a color exploded view and part order illustration.

The owner manual includes:

1. Basics of Helicopter Information, illustrating helicopter movements for Mode 1 (right throttle) and Mode 2 (left throttle)
2. Connection and Adjustment of the Electronic Components, illustrating servo connection and receiver channels and how to trim and adjust gain
3. How Does CCPM Works, illustrating how the three servos work together to obtain a desired blade angle
4. Blade Tracking Adjustment, illustrating how to track both plastic and wood blades
5. Preflight Inspection, explaining the 5 points of thing to check before flying
6. Charging the Battery Pack, explaining how to connect and charge both Ni-Mh and Lithium Polymer battery
7. Flight Instructions, providing the 4 steps of learning to fly including practicing on a simulator, check center of gravity (C.G.), etc.,

E-flight Blade CP Owner Manual
Download Blade CP owner manual here (http://www.horizonhobby.com/ProdInfo/Files/BladeCP-Manual.pdf)

Included in the box is the black and white 27 page owner manual.

The owner manual includes:

1. Battery Charging and Lithium Polymer Battery Upgrade Recommendations, explaining how to charge the included 9.6V 650mAh Ni-MH, upgrade options of lithium polymer battery and motor combination and brief basic information about a lithium polymer battery packs
2. How to Install Battery to Helicopter and Center of Gravity, explaining how to attach the battery pack to the bottom of the helicopter and adjust the battery position to obtain the correct center of gravity.
3. Control Test, illustrating how to test each swashplate movement and make sure the transmitter is working properly corresponding to head assembly movement.
4. 4-in-1 control unit description, arming and adjustment, explaining how the 4-in-1 unit works, how to adjust the trim and gain pots
5. Normal and Idle up Flight Modes, explaining how to activate the idle up mode and providing basic information about idle mode works.
6. Throttle and Pitch Curve Adjustment, illustrating where to adjust pitch and providing throttle and pitch curves for both normal flight and idle up modes.
7. Blade Tracking Adjustment, illustrating how to adjust blade and get them tracked
8. Replacement Part List and Pictures
9. Exploded View and last but not least – the Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code

Personal Thoughts

Obviously, Esky Honeybee CP2 owner manual is a one size fits all kind of manual. It is not specifically written for Esky Honeybee CP2 – it is for the series of the Esky Honeybee helicopter. For example, information about tracking plastic blades is really intended for Esky Honeybee FP – not for Esky Honeybee CP2 which uses wood blades. By far, Blade CP owner manual is better written and provides more relevant information. I personally think that there should be more picture illustrations for Blade CP owner manual, especially in the Throttle and Pitch Curve Adjustments section. Both Esky Honeybee CP2 and Blade CP owner manuals should include more information about lithium Polymer battery safety. Since both helicopters are very similar to each other, I would recommend that you download both manuals and take the best use of them. If you don't find the information you are looking for in either manual, feel free to post your question in the micro helicopter forum.

Transmitter

Blade CP and Esky Honeybee CP2 Transmitters (front)
http://www.helitown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10006/normal_BladeTXandCP2TXfront_733x445.jpg

Blade CP and Esky Honeybee CP2 Transmitter (back)
http://www.helitown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10006/normal_BladeTXandCP2TXback_686x445.jpg

Blade CP transmitter and Esky Honeybee CP2 are very similar to each other. They are both 6 channels and cyclic/collective pitch mixing (CCPM) and run on 72 MHZ. From the back, they look exactly the same with the trainer outlet in the center. Both have LED voltage indicator and extendable antenna. They run on 8 AA batteries. The only things different are the transmitter Idele-up and Trainer switch position and the transmitter handle. The Blade CP transmitter has the Idle-up switch on the right side and the Trainer switch on the left. Esky Honeybee CP2 has the Idle-up switch on the left and the Trainer switch on the right. Balde CP transmitter has a low, small and chrome look handle, whereas Esky Honeybee CP transmitter has a high, big and back plastic look handle. Overall, they are the same: they both are made in China.

Replacement Part Price
Balde CP transmitter costs $42.49USD (Horizon Hobby)
Esky Honeybee CP2 costs $39.95USD (BPhobbies)

4 in 1 Unit

http://www.helitown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_CP2_and_Blade_CP_4_in_1_Channel_Linned_up_0 13_539x445.jpg

Both Blade CP and E-sky Honeybee CP2 4 in 1 units are basically the same. The 4 in 1 unit contains gyro, mixer, electronic speed controller (ESC) and receiver. Each one of them has the proportional trimmer, gain trimmer and LED, main motor connector, tail motor connector and JST battery connector on the right side. On the left side, there are connectors for channel 1, 2, 5, 6 and BATT. All 3 servos are connected to channel 1, 2 and 6. Channel 5 and BATT are not used. Channels 3 and 4 are built in for mixer. Channel 3 is internally connected to Mixer, then ESC and main motor. Channel 4 is internally connected to Mixer, then gyro, ESC and tail motor. On top of the unit, there is a socket for crystal. Both receivers and crystals operate on FM 72MHZ. From the outside, E-sky Honeybee CP2 is a little bigger than Blade CP unit. The new version of Blade CP 4 in 1 unit comes in a see-through hard plastic box. Some E-sky Honeybee CP2 4 in 1 units come in a grey hard plastic box and some are in red/pink hard plastic box.

In terms of quality, I would say they are about the same. I personally had one Blade CP 4 in 1 unit and one E-sky Honeybee CP2 4 in 1 unit smoked on me with no reason. I hear people taking about their 4 in 1 unit get fried all the times both Blade CP and E-sky Honeybee CP2. In terms of exchangeability, you can swap either the 4 in 1 unit or transmitter with no modification needed. The only thing you have to do is to make sure that both crystals in your transmitter and 4 in 1 unit are the same.

Replacement Part Price
The 4 in 1 unit is one of the expensive pieces of the helicopter.
BPhobbies sells E-sky Honeybee CP2 4 in 1 unit for $67.11USD. Horizon Hobby sells Blade CP 4 in 1 unit for $69.99USD.

Servo

Both Blade CP and Esky Honeybee CP2 use 3 servos. They are positioned exactly the same on the frame: two servos behind the main shaft and one is in the front, left side of the frame. They look exactly the same from the outside. Esky Honeybee CP servo horn is a little bit longer than the Blade CP.

Esky Honeybeen CP2 Servo Specs

Weight:8g (.28 oz)
Torque: 1.3kg/CM @ 4.8V
Speed 0.13s/60 deg @ 4.8V
Dimensions: 22.8*11.5*20.8mm

Blade CP Servo Specs
Weigh7.5 g (.26 oz)
Torque:1.17 kg. cm @ 4.8V
Speed 0.12 sec/60 deg @ 4.8V
Dimensions: 23 x 12 x 24mm

Replacement Part Price

http://www.helitown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/Esky_Servo.jpg
BPhobbies sells Esky Honeybee CP2 servo for $8.95USD
http://www.helitown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10006/Blade_CP_Servo2.jpg
Horizon Hobby sells Blade CP servo for $13.99USD

Main Gear and Shaft
E-flight decided to make the gear and shaft in one piece for Blade CP as seen in the picture. That means you have to replace the whole part though you only want to replace the bent/damaged shaft or gear.

On the other hand, Esky Honeybee CP2 shaft is installed into the main gear with a metal pin. It is very easy to install and removed. This will allow you to only replace the shaft if the shaft is bent and you can just replace the gear if the gear is damaged.

Besides the differences stated above everything else is about the same. Blade CP and Esky Honeybee CP2 shaft and main gear are not exchangeable.

Blade CP and Esky Honeybee CP2 Main Gear and Shaft
http://www.helitown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10006/BladeAlumGear_013_400x341.jpg

Esky Honeybee CP2 Main Gear and Shaft
http://www.helitown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10006/BladeAlumGear_012_400x324.jpg

Part Replacement Prices
BPhobbies sells Esky Honeybee CP2 main gear for $3.02USD and the shaft for $1.91USD
Horizon Hobby sells Blade CP main gear and shaft for $5.99USD

Reserved

Reserved

Please check below to read information on RC Precision Products Blade CP Alum Drive Gear & Main Shaft
http://helitown.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=670

[krekrek]

The CP2 is best choice!

[ranger306ci]

I bought a CP2 for $120 shipped. The parts are alot cheaper than the blade, however, I have seen more blade parts in hobby shops. Since i pretty much only do internet buying, this is a non issue.
After exhaustive reviews on both helis, I felt the CP2 is the better choice. Then again, I am biased because I am happy with the 3 esky helis I have bought. Also, the ESKY BL motor, reciever, and HH gyro, on my compy 300 heli.
I think ESKY is a stand up company and I never fear buying from them right now!

[Vernski]

I guess I can't choose one they both have good-bad points I guess for what you get money wise Eskys got Eflight beat. Starting price for Blade cp is $219.00 to make it like a CP2 you would have to add sym blades & heat sinks 22.95, Bell-hiller upgrade 24.95, Lipo batt 28.95 Lipo charger10.95=87.84 +219.00=
$306.84 The parts available for Eskys on the internet is increasing almost every day. So when you can get a Esky CP2 for $130.00-$140.00 kinda changes ones opinion. I have a Blade cp and I love to fly it but it's not stock. I have a Esky CP2, King2 and a HDX 450 .I think Eflite could learn some things from Esky and I wish Eflite would print Eskys manual ---Verski:rolleyes:

[basic]

The better comparison of the esky/eflight helis would be to compare the cp2 to the cp pro

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFLH1300

but you are right, the cp2 still has the cp pro beat in price. although the cp pro does have a 3 in one and the rx seperate and has a better written manual and the ability to add a hh gyro and brushless motor quite easily.

Also another good point about the cp pro is that a lot of hobby stores in the US get their stuff from horizon which makes the parts sometimes easier to find. Any time i can get parts from the LHS i try to, unless they have to order it in which case i will usually order my own. (now to convince them to carry align parts)

[j.c.clark]

Thanks for all the great advice and info, fantastic report... I have just purchased my 1st ESKY Honey Bee CP2 6CH RC helicopter thanks to the advise in this thread... I have been researching for 3 weeks to decide on a good 1st 6ch Helicopter, one that wasn't too expensive, so if I crash it really bad, it wont cost a fortune to fix... And tonight, I purchased it... now all I have to do is wait for the postman... Thanks again, and I will let you know how I go with this model, as my first 6ch Heli... Cheers... J.C

[swatson144]

Welcome to HeliTown J.C. I think you'll like it just fine.

Steve

[j.c.clark]

Thanks for your welcome! :D I think I did well in choosing the ESKY Honey Bee CP2 6CH for a first real Heli... I've only ever had a dinky 3 ch Dragonfly Budget-copter to play with, and that didn't really have any real control, but played with it so much, I made it work... But all that did was get me hungry for something bigger, and meaner... I'm just glad I ordered it locally, so I dont have to wait long... Thanks again... j.c

[eddiemoth]

... But all that did was get me hungry for something bigger, and meaner...

Sound familiar. I first thought my only heli was Blade CP but no....this hobby is highly addicting. Most of us like the Broker thought these helis breed themselves as we don' remember buying them but now we have a fleet with small and big ones. lol

[j.c.clark]

You are definitely right... I only bought it 2 hours ago, 9.30pm, Friday... and already I'm thinking of how I can travel the 30 klms to pick it up... So I dont have to wait for delivery... And to make it even worse... I just broke my 1st dinky Heli, So now I'm really hungry for my new plaything! Cheers J.C

[Sleepstalker]

Welcome to Helitown JC and thanks for stoppin in...8-) This place just rocks with all the new folks sayin Hi I LOVE this!!!......:D Don't forget to bookmark us JC and also you can stop in even when you Don't have a problem , thats what makes this place a community not just a fact finding spot...8)

[beeblebrux]

I too went with the CP2 as my first heli and have been happy with it so far. But I do agree with someone who posted before me that it is a more fair comparison to compare the CP2 to the Blade CP Pro. The CP2 is a great value for the money (got it for about $110 with shipping, extra blades, and training gear). Now all I have to do is master flying it.

[estarter]

CP2 has bell hiller head and BCP doesn't
CP2 comes with 3S lipo pack and sysmetrical blades and BCP doesn't

CP2 will beat the BCP by miles, it is not a fair duel, the thread starter should rename it CP2 vs BCPP or BCP pro. The BCP is discontinued and BCPP will be discontinued soon.

[ranger306ci]

I just recently aquired a cp pro from a trade. I like it, it is a responsive little heli, but I would never pay for it. they are way overpriced!

[Roto Rob]

CP2 has bell hiller head and BCP doesn't
CP2 comes with 3S lipo pack and sysmetrical blades and BCP doesn't

CP2 will beat the BCP by miles, it is not a fair duel, the thread starter should rename it CP2 vs BCPP or BCP pro. The BCP is discontinued and BCPP will be discontinued soon.

Yes, Looks like we will need a new review, and poll to compare the new 2.4ghz models. With the old versions the CP2 is certainly the best deal winner. Anybody get the new ones yet?

[estarter]

Looks like the 2.4G radio is proprietary and not interchangeable between brands. The only difference for the Esky 2.4G RTF kit is the radio frequency.

[avainy123]

I like honeybee

[fly1mann]

Hi, just found this great forum! It's gonna take me days to read all the good stuff here!

For my money, it's gotta be the CP2. Yeah, it's got its faults but that just goes with the territory. It works for me.

[estarter]

I have heard that Esky has discontinue the production of CP2, bad news!

[ranger306ci]

Really! Say it ain't so! BTW, I finally got to fly that bcp you sent me, outside.
Tail motor is fading, but all in all flys fine! Thanks!
ken

[estarter]

The CP2 is not in the Esky official web site.

[estarter]

Good thing the Compy head is same as the CP2 and the Compy v2 head is better design.

[ranger306ci]

What is the official esky website, anyways? The one I use to go to times out now days.

[estarter]

Version 3 of both Esky and Blade 300 size CP are out, they have similar power system and the latest Blade SR has similar rigid frame like the CP3.

[estarter]

Actually, the CP3 and the Blade CP pro2 have similar power system, brush main and tail motor.

The lates Blade SR has brushless main motor, DD brush tail motor.

[kartinkent]

Hello guys, I have just found this great forum! It's gonna take me days to read all the good stuff here! For my money, it's gotta be the CP2. Yeah, it's got its faults but that just goes with the territory. It works for mine.

[estarter]

The Esky CP2 and the Eflite Blade CP are discontinued.

The 2.4g RTF CP3, Blade CP pro2 / Blade CP SR are available.