A new generation of 4G3 (Heli-max Novus CP) is here. As the manufacturer for the Heli-max Novus CP (based on initial Walkera 4G3 design from January 2009), Walkera has just released the newer 4G3 Double Brushless Metal Helicopter (based on updated 4G3 Designs from July 2009). Even though basic Novus CP parts and 4G3 parts are fully compatible, virtually every other major component on the 4G3 Double BL is now more advanced. Newly upgraded 4G3 versions have been coming out every month since it's initial release and now there are 4 major upgrades (10 to 12 parts) on the most recent 4G3 version. The final major upgrades include the brushless main motor and most recently the brushless tail motor which makes the 4G3 double brushless (or fully brushless). Making a smart initial heli choice will save you a lot of money, time and headaches down the road. However, all is not lost if you already have a Novus CP because it can be upgraded to the newest 4G3 Double Brushless Metal version although that will add another $120 to $160 to the price. That's why we recommand that you get a head start by going with an upgraded and lower priced Walkera 4G3 which means you are virtually getting multiple upgrades for free. However, as you will see from below, even Walkera's newest Double BL Metal heli is not the ultimate choice for the 4G3. Here are three upgraded 4G3 options to pick from.
OPT#1: The 4G3 Metal Brushless has 2 major upgrades more than the Novus CP (Both made by Walkera)
* 4G3 with Precision CNC Metal Rotor Head Mechanism (4 parts) vs Novus CP with Plastic Rotor Head Mechanism
* 4G3 with Durable BL Main Motor/Esc (2 parts) vs Novus CP with Brush Main Motor
* 4G3 with Precision CNC Metal Rotor Head Mechanism (4 parts) vs Novus CP with Plastic Rotor Head Mechanism
* 4G3 with Durable BL Main Motor/Esc (2 parts) vs Novus CP with Brush Main Motor
* 4G3 with Walkera BL 2g Tail Motor/Esc/Tail Holder (3 parts) vs Novus CP with Brush Tail Motor
* Walkera WK-2601 Transmitter
OPT#3: The 4G3 Double Turbo Brushless Metal is 3 upgrades & 2 generations beyond the Novus CP (Both made by Walkera)
* 4G3 with Precision CNC Metal Rotor Head Mechanism (4 parts) vs Novus CP with Plastic Rotor Head Mechanism
* 4G3 with Turbo Ace 81220 BL Main Motor & Walkera ESC (2 parts) vs Novus CP with Brush Main Motor
* 4G3 with Turbo Ace 29700 2.9g BL Tail Motor with Dual Bearings & Exclusive Motor Clamp, Walkera Tail Converter/ESC, Turbo Ace 2.9g Tail Holder (3 parts) vs Novus CP with Brush Tail Motor
* Walkera's Programmable WK-2801 Transmitter is include with this package.
OPT#1 is a pratical 4G3 option that has 2 extra upgrades with basic 3D capbilities and it costs less than the Novus CP. OPT#2 includes an additional 2g Brushless tail which is a significant improvement over the brush tail in OPT#1. However the 2g Brushless tail motor lacks bearings and is less powerful than the 2.9g Brushless tail in OPT#3. OPT#3 is the ultimate 4G3 RTF combo which includes the 4G3 brushless helicopter with extra lift and torque with the Turbo Ace 81220 BL main motor upgrade and a 2.9g BL tail upgrade. This fully integrated brushless heli is customized in California so it's tested before and after the simutaneous Double Turbo BL upgrades where the super powered Turbo Ace 81220 main motor is matched with a powerful 2.9g tail motor to counter the extra rotational force. The resulting 4G3 Double Turbo Brushless is the ultimate time tested combo used by professional 3D pilots in extreme 3D manuvers. Please remember that OPT#1 and OPT#2 can always be upgraded at a later date with additional parts so that you don't have to commit to OPT#3 on your intial purchase. For further verification please check out for yourself some of the most popular independent forums on both Walkera and Novus. By far, the newer and lower price Walkera 4G3 helis are smarter buys with more advanced features and upgrades.
SERVICE & PARTS: When you purchase a complex helicopter, service should be of primary concern. First of all avoid purchasing from an overseas vendor. Due to distance and time differences, even a reputable Chinese or HK vendor can not compete with fast convenient shipping and service from a US vendor. As for parts and upgrades, you have the option of using either Novus CP or Walkera 4G3 parts from your local hobby shops or simply shop online for lower prices.