3 Things You MUST Consider Before Buying Your First Radio Controlled Helicopter

So what's all the hubbub about radio controlled helicopters? You've seen them on the internet, late night TV, toy stores, and you've been tempted to buy one, but you're just not sure what to buy, if you can afford one, or if you are even capable of flying one at all. Well, I'm here to lay those fears and questions to rest and give you some solid, no BS answers and advice on the best way to get started in the world of radio controlled helicopters...even as a total beginner.

Let's Talk About Control...Or Lack Thereof

The first question that is always asked is,"how hard are they to fly?" The short answer...very hard...and...not hard at all. As with full-sized helicopters, some radio controlled helicopters are controlled with a very realistic combination of throttle and the collective pitching of the main rotor blades. These helicopters take a great deal of skill and finesse to fly. And let me tell you, if you don't know what you are doing, run for cover or you might have a scene right out of the French Revolution...viva la guillotine! Not to mention, your $1000 helicopter will look more like it belongs in my son's Lego bucket, rather than the expensive piece of high-tech equipment that it once was.

But wait...don't run yet...there IS hope for the newbie. Newer technology and construction techniques have come to the rescue. First and foremost, many of today's popular models now have dual blades that rotate in opposite directions at the same speed, which basically eliminates the natural tendency that helicopters have to spin wildly out of control.

Secondly, many lower priced RC helicopter also have fixed pitch blades that allow even newbies to take the controls and have a relatively smooth, successful flight with just a minimal amount of practice. Some of the mini RC helicopters that are on the market today are so easy to fly, that they are even safe enough to enjoy indoors...so you can amuse yourself in your office (like I do)...uh, I mean, so you can let your kids fly them in the house.

The Great Debate--Nitro Vs Electric

Nitro (or gas) versus electric you ask? Well let's see...with nitro you start by filling up with special nitro fuel; then hook up the battery and fire up the glow plug; hook up and spin the starter mechanism (and hope it starts); and then make sure you are in a well ventilated area so you aren't sucking in all the wonderful smelling exhaust fumes.

Or...with electric you take the battery out of the charger, pop it in the helicopter, turn it on, and fly away...even indoors! Hmmm, tough choice! Do I sound a little bias...well I am. It's not that I have anything against nitro, per se, but to tell you the truth, these days I'm more interested in having fun with fewer hassles, and electric helicopters are all about hassle free fun.

Aside from that, many of the advantages that nitro once had over electric, such as the longer flying times, are quickly vanishing. With the newer Lithium batteries, electric helicopters are now achieving flying times that equal or exceed that of a nitro bird. The other advantage that electric helicopters have hands down over nitro is the noise factor. Electric helicopters are super quiet, and in my opinion, that's a biggy...that is unless you like the sound of a flying lawn mower on an otherwise quiet, peaceful day out with your kid..."are you having fun?...huh...WHAT?"

And That Brings Us To The Biggest Consideration Of All...Price!

OK, I've addressed a couple of the questions you may have had about buying an Radio Controlled Helicopters, so let me tackle the biggest one of them all. Yes, there are many very expensive helicopters out there that almost require you to mortgage your house just to buy one. But there are just as many, if not more, helicopters that are now available in the sub $100 range. And many of those are in the $20 to $40 dollar range. Bottom line...RC helicopter prices vary considerably depending on the model, the range of functions they might have, and the skill level required.

How much you spend really depends on your needs and wants, and how many bells and whistles you feel you need in order to keep up with guy down the street. But as a beginner, I would advise you to stick with the models that are below $100. Frankly, in my experience, I have found that the low to moderately-priced helicopters are just as much fun to fly as the more expensive ones.

As far as where to buy, if you have already been looking online, you may have noticed that many online stores focus on the high priced RC helicopters, but if you look, you can find stores that carry a wide selection of low priced, easy to fly helicopters that will be a good fit for both your budget and abilities.

Jump In, The Air's Fine

It used to be that RC helicopters were reserved for the diehard enthusiast, and you practically had to have the equivalent of a degree in aeronautical engineering (and deep pockets to boot) just to fly one, but not anymore!. Today, RC helicopters are available in all shapes and sizes, and for all ability levels. From micro to very realistic scale models, the choices are endless. So jump on in....the air's fine.

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Comments

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 at 10:17 PM, by Radio Controlled Helicopters
Great info here that I have used on this site http://www.radiocontrolledmachines.com/ - thanks for sharing

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