| | |
|
| |
| | |
|
|
RC Helicopter Review & Buying Guide Includes Unbiased Rating on 4 Major Brands & More
|
|
Pre-order Available
|
RC Helicopter Review / Buying Guide / Rating Chart for Align, Walkera, E-Flite, CopterX, HeliMax, Gaui, Turbo Ace, Esky. (Updated on 8-14-2011)
Toy vs Hobby Grade RC Helicopters: Toy grade helicopters are usually $20 to $50 infrared controlled 3-Channel co-axial (two layers of main blades) designs with simulated 4-Channel movements. Restricted to basic up-down-left-right-forward-backward movements, the stability of these rigid design prevents the main rotor from rolling or tilting in any direction. For limited budgets, our Toy RC helicopter line provides several choices to get your feet wet. Please keep in mind that toy grade RC helicopters are not designed to be maintained over time, because spending labor and parts on a toy quality heli cost as much as buying a new one. On the other hand, a hobby quality high performance helicopter & transmitter (usually $100 to $300) are designed to be maintained and upgraded over time. So if you plan to make RC helicopter a long term hobby, you should seriously consider a hobby grade RC helicopter instead.
Stick with the major brands of Hobby Grade Helicopters: Too many helicopter model to choose from? Don't end up with a FIAT. Because hobby grade helicopter are usually maintained over serveral years you will need a consistant and reliable supply of parts. Purchasing a Walkera, E-Flite, Align & CopterX is like purchasing a Lexus, a Chevy, a BMW or a Toyota. Parts availability is pretty much guaranteed if you pick a popular helicopter model amongst these 4 major brands. Another area of concern is the integration and implimentation radio tranmitter (TX) and a matching receiver (RX) on the helicopter. As a rule of thumb, E-Flite helicopters are integraded with JR or Spektrum TXs and RXs which are all supplied by the same company, Horizon Hobbies. Walkera helicopters are integraded with Walkera TXs and RXs. Neither Align nor CopterX has a prominent line of TXs and RXs so they generally use JR, Spektrum or Walkera TXs and RXs. Because Wow Hobbies carries all 4 major brands, we are able to integrate multiple brands into a turn-key product which is not normally available in the market. For a buyer, the worse case senario is getting a "good deal" at the local mall for $80 but the heli's parts are only available in China. Or flying it for 2 weeks and realizing that the motor is designed to last 2 weeks.
Walkera, Eflite, Align or CopterX:
Walkera is known for their break throughs in mini & micro helicopter designs, extensive use of CNC aluminum parts, standardization of high performance brushless systems and integration of cutting edge flybarless system with 3-axis gyros. Due to limited profit margins and quantity import requirements, local hobby shops usually can't carry Walkeras. When purchasing Walkera helis and parts on line, make sure you purchase from a reputable vendor. Because Walkera aggresively update most of their most popular models several times a year without changing the model number, you might end up with last year's version. It's critical that all Walkera helicopters be properly test flown in the USA before shipping to ensure performance and to prevent deffects. As a prolific developer of prominent models including the Lama2-1, CB100, 4#6/S/BELL, V120D01/02, CB180Z, 4F200 and V450D01 Walkera also supplies an ever changing super models including the V120DQ02, 4F200LM, V100D03.
E-Flite Blade helicopters is a very well established brand distributed by Horizon Hobbies along with associated Spektrum and JR transmitters and receivers. It's a company that take it's time to complete and merticulously tested each model before it's released. Quality control and customer service is excellent. Because Horizon is a more diverse company, there are only a few prominent RC helicopter models. The Blade MCPX and the Blade 450 3D are currently two of the hottest sellers in the market.
Align's has one of the best reputations for designing manufacturing larger size RC helicopter such as the T-Rex 250, T-Rex 450, T-Rex 500, T-Rex 550, T-Rex 600 & T-Rex 700. With each successive release, Align is slowly but surely integrating updated flybarless technology with Compact 3GX stabilization. Because Align has not yet developed it's own line of transmitters and receivers so most Align helicopters are sold as kits which requires end-user assembly and the additional integration of Walkera, Spektrum or JR transmitters and receivers.
CopterX has become a popular alternative to Align helicopter kits because of its extensive experience in manufacturing inexpensive Align compatible parts. CopterX ready-to-fly packages has recently emerged as one of the most pratical choices for pilots who are seeking high quality low cost solution. To optimize performance, Wow Hobbies developed a number of packages that combines the advantages of CopterX 250SE and CopterX 450AE & 450SE with Walkera and E-Flite receivers and electronic components.
Pick the helicopter that fits your ability, setting & tolerance for safety:
Many a beginner pilot has fallen into the trap of buying a fancy RC helicopter that's more suited for advanced pilots. While looks might be important, it's a RC helicopter after all and you want to be able to fly it. Secondly, consider where you are going to fly. Do you want a helicopter for indoors or outdoors? Smaller helicopters are usually more suited for indoor applications and you can fly them 24/7. And if you are the outdoor type, perhaps a mid-size helicopter will fit the bill. And, of course you need to take into consideration the local seasonal conditions. If you have limited indoor or outdoor space, please remember that smaller helicopter are less threatening to people and property. If you are not sure of what size is good for you, it's a sign that you are not ready for the bigger models so just stick with micro to mid-size helicopters!
Here are some additonal notes for beginner pilots. A co-axial helicopters utilizes 2 sets of counter rotating main blades so the clock-wise and counter-clock-wise torque cancels out each other. Because they naturally hover without a lot of pilot input, a co-axials helicopter is usually the starting helicopter for beginners. However, this is no longer the case in 2010. Recent developement of new stabilizing technology has made single-axial (standard helicopter) almost as easy to hover and fly as co-axials. Novice pilots should look for the 45 degree bell structured helicopter such as the Walkera CB100 (Indoor Micro), 4#6 Bell (Indoor Sub-micro with shaft drive CP tail) or the Walkera CB180Z-PRO (Outdoor Midsize Mini with shaft drive CP tail and 3-axis gryo). Other than a more authentic look, these single-axials features better aerodynamics and manuverbility. While a co-axial floats, turns and tilts to all directions, a single-axial hovers, banks and zings. Another key consideration is that co-axials usually come with two cheaper brush motors compaired with upgraded single axials which comes with more durable single or dual brushless motor(s).
Performance, Durability & Maintenance: These three key factors are closely related. For example, a brush motor is less powerful and it uses brushes and cheaper bearings that will soon quit after 30 to 40 flight cycles. Whereas a more expensive brushlesss motor is usually more powerful and lighter (standard on higher end models and packages) and specced for over 500 flight cycles, thus greatly reducing the need for maintenance. The quality of a helicopter also depends on when it was produced which determines what technologies and structures were available and if they were implemented. A good example just happened recently. Within a short span of 2 months, a very popular Walkera model, the CB180D was upgraded to the CB180Z. Major improvements include a shaft driven collective pitch tail which corrected a major tail motor flaw on the CB180D, a more advanced and higher quality receiver with self leveling 3-axis gyro that also prevents tail swings and finally a brushless main motor which greatly increases the power and lifespan of the CB180Z.
Beware of online RC Helicopter Reviews: A growing number of on-line reviews are made by marketing companies or their agents. When you see a few visitors raving about a specific product in a small thread, usually it's not a good sign. Even the most popular forums are now influenced by their sponsors. You will see things like "plastic is better than metal" or "I heard they use better parts even though it's from the same factory". The rc helicopter review date is also very important. You should look for unbiased reviews from an established and experienced rc helicopter hobbyists or resource that is no older than 3-4 months. To use our CB180D versus CB180Z example again. An older review on the older CB180D model may be valid 3 months ago but it's not as valid as a current Walkera CB180Z review.
So here it is - a remote control helicopter buying guide for beginner to advanced pilots. We have included several common brands for further comparison. Because there are virtually dozens of new models and updated versions released every month, we encourage you to call us (714-939-7895) for the most updated reviews on the most popular models. With constant feedbacks from RC heli technicians fellow hobbyists, we are uniquely qualified to recommend the heli that is best suited to your needs.
Legend: RC Helicopter Rating of (1) Through (10) with (5) being average
* Pilot Level: (B) Beginner, (I) Intermediate, (A) Advance, (M) Masters
* Agility: (1) Basic Maneuvers, (10) Advanced 3D Tricks
* Stability: (1) Easy to Hover, (10) High Head Speed & Torque
* Power & Lift: (1) Lower Speed, (10) Fast & Sustained Acceleration
* Indoor Appropriate: (1) Too Big & Too Fast for Indoor, (10) Small & Stable
* Outdoor Appropriate: (1) Not Wind Tolerant, (10) More Wind Tolerant
* Durability & Maintenance: (1) Requires More Maintenance, (10) Better Crash Resistance
* Main Rotor/Motor:
> (CA) Co-Axial: Extra Stability but Less Agility
> (FP) Fixed Pitch: Easier to Fly
> (CP) Collective Pitch: Harder to Fly but Quicker & More Powerful
> (MH) Metal CNC Head Mechanism: More $ but More Precision
> (PH) Plastic Head: Less $ but Less Precision
> (MPH) Metal & Plastic Head: Medium Precision
> (3A) 3-Axis Gyro or TAGS: Good Stability
> (Bell) Bell Structure: Extra Stability
> (FL) Flybarless: Less Stability but More Wind Tolerant
> (B) Brushed: Less $ but Less Durable
> (BL) Brushless: = More $ but More Durable
> (C) Cooler Operating Temperature: Extra Durable & No Waiting to Cool Off Motor
* Tail Rotor & Motor:
> (STM) Separate Tail Motor: Slower Tail Hold
> (SDCPT) Shaft Driven CP Tail: Faster Tail Hold & Durable
> (BDCPT) Belt Driven CP Tail: Slight Lag & Belt Not Durable
> (B) Brush: Less $ but Less Durable
> (BL) Brushless: More $ but More Durable
> (NB) No Bearings = Higher Operating Temperature & Less Durable
Durability & Maintenance: Longevity, Ease of Repair, Parts Pricing and Availability
Design & Accessories:
> (BCT) Battery Charged by Transmitter: Lower Quality Battery & Charger
> (BCW) Battery Charged from Wall Outlet: Higher Quality Battery & Charger
> (SC) Sculpted Canopy: Creates 3-Dimensional Visual Impact
> (2.4G) 2.4G Transmitter: Professional Quality with Reliable Operations
RC Helicopter Review & Rating Table:
|
Model
|
Pilot
Level
|
Agility
|
Stability
|
Power &
Lift
|
Indoor
Use
|
Outdoor
Use
|
Durability & Repair
|
Quality & Design
|
Main Rotor & Motor
|
Tail Rotor
& Motor
|
Size
Inches
|
Price for RTF Pkg
|
|
Minix Helicopter
|
B
|
5
|
9
|
6
|
8
|
1
|
6
|
BCT
|
CA, PH, B
|
NA
|
5
|
$26
|
|
Swift Helicopter
|
B
|
5
|
9
|
6
|
8
|
1
|
6
|
BCT
|
CA, PH, B
|
NA
|
7.5
|
$26
|
| Eflite Blade MCX
|
B
|
5
|
9
|
6
|
8
|
1
|
6
|
BCT
|
CA, PH, B
|
NA
|
7.9
|
$99
|
|
Walkera Lama2-1
|
B
|
6
|
10
|
7
|
9
|
2
|
7+
|
BCW, 2.4G
|
CA, MH, B,
|
NA
|
8
|
$100
|
| Heli-Max Novus CX
|
B
|
5+
|
9+
|
7
|
8+
|
1+
|
7
|
BCW, 2.4G
|
CA, PH, B
|
NA
|
8
|
$120
|
|
Walkera 5#10
|
B
|
6
|
10
|
7+
|
5
|
3
|
8
|
BCW, 2.4G
|
CA, MH, B
|
NA
|
15
|
$130
|
| Eflite CX3
|
B
|
5
|
9
|
7+
|
5
|
2
|
6
|
BCW, 2.4G
|
CA, MH, B
|
NA
|
15
|
$176
|
|
Walkera CB100
|
B, I
|
7
|
8+
|
7+
|
6
|
3+
|
5
|
BCW, 2.4G
|
FP, MH, Bell, BL
|
BL, NB
|
8
|
$139
|
|
Walkera CB100 with 2.9g BL Tail Motor
|
B, I
|
8
|
9
|
8
|
8
|
4
|
8
|
BCW, 2.4G
|
FP, MH, Bell, BL
|
BL, C
|
8
|
$189
|
| Eflite Blade MSR
|
B+, I
|
7
|
8
|
6
|
7
|
2
|
7
|
BCW, 2.4G
|
PH, B
|
B
|
8
|
$159
|
| Walkera V100D01
|
I, A
|
8
|
6+
|
7
|
8
|
4
|
8
|
BCW, 2.4G
|
FP, MH, BL, FL
|
BL, NB
|
8
|
$199
|
|
Walkera Lama3
|
B, I
|
6
|
8+
|
8
|
1
|
5
|
6
|
New Cell
|
CP, MH, CA, BL
|
NA
|
24
|
$420
|
|
Walkera CB180D
|
B, I
|
7+
|
8
|
8
|
6
|
6
|
6
|
New Cell
|
FP, MH, Bell, B
|
B
|
17
|
$140
|
|
Walkera CB180Q
(Mad Hawk 300)
|
B, I
|
7+
|
8
|
8
|
6
|
5+
|
5
|
New Cell
|
FP, MH, Bell, B
|
B
|
17
|
$140
|
|
Walkera CB180Z
|
B, I
|
8
|
9
|
8
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
New Cell
|
FP, MH, 3A, Bell, BL
|
SDCPT
|
17
|
$170
|
| Walkera V200D01
|
I, A
|
8+
|
7
|
8+
|
6
|
9
|
9
|
New Cell
|
FP, MH, 3A, FL, BL
|
SDCPT
|
17
|
$220
|
|
Walkera 4#3B
|
I, A
|
8+
|
6
|
8
|
9
|
3
|
6
|
New Cell
|
FP, MH, BL
|
BL, NB
|
8
|
$170
|
| Heli-Max Novus FP
|
I, A
|
8-
|
6
|
7
|
9
|
3
|
4
|
New Cell
|
FP, MH, B
|
B
|
8
|
$160
|
| Walkera 4#6 (Heli-Max 125 FP)
|
I, A
|
8
|
7
|
8
|
8
|
4
|
8
|
New Cell
|
FP, MH, BL
|
SDCPT
|
11
|
4#6: $130
125 FP: $200
|
|
Walkera 4#6S (Heli-Max N125 FP)
|
I, A
|
8+
|
8
|
8
|
8+
|
5
|
8+
|
New Cell
|
FP, MH, 3A, BL
|
SDCPT
|
11
|
4#6S: $170
125 FP: $200
|
Walkera 4#6S With
71316
|
B+,I,A
|
8+
|
8
|
9
|
8+
|
6
|
9
|
New Cell
|
FP, MH, 3A, BL
|
SDCPT
|
11
|
|
|
Walkera
4#6 Bell
|
B, I
|
8
|
8+
|
7+
|
9
|
4+
|
9
|
New Cell
|
FP, MH, Bell, BL
|
SDCPT
|
11
|
$165
|
| V120D01
|
I, A
|
9
|
7
|
8
|
8
|
8+
|
9
|
New Cell
|
FP, M, 3A, FL
|
SDCPT
|
11
|
$210
|
|
Walkera 4G3
|
I, A
|
8+
|
6+
|
8
|
8
|
5
|
4
|
New Cell
|
CP, M, BL
|
B
|
10.5
|
$235
|
| Heli-Max Novus CP
|
I, A
|
8
|
6
|
8
|
7+
|
4+
|
2
|
New Cell
|
CP, P, B
|
B
|
10.5
|
$200
|
|
Walkera UFLYS
|
I, A
|
8
|
8+
|
8
|
2
|
9
|
9
|
New Cell
|
FP, 3A, BL
|
SDCPT
|
18
|
$200
|
|
Walkera UFLY
|
I, A
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
1
|
8
|
8
|
New Cell
|
FP, BL
|
SDCPT
|
18
|
$180
|
|
Walkera 4G6
|
I, A, M
|
9+
|
7
|
8
|
7
|
7+
|
8
|
New Cell
|
CP, MH, BL
|
SDCPT
|
11
|
$250
|
| Heli-Max 125 CP
|
I, A
|
9
|
6+
|
7
|
7
|
7
|
7
|
New Cell
|
CP, PH, BL
|
SDCPT
|
11
|
$280
|
|
Walkera 4G6S
|
I, A, M
|
9+
|
7+
|
8
|
7+
|
7
|
8
|
New Cell
|
CP, MH, 3A, BL
|
SDCPT
|
11
|
$260
|
| Heli-max N125 CP
|
I, A
|
9
|
7
|
7+
|
7
|
6
|
7
|
New Cell
|
CP, PH, 3A, BL
|
SDCPT
|
11
|
$280
|
|
Walkera 4G6S (WK2801 & 31714)
|
I, A, M
|
9+
|
8+
|
9+
|
8
|
8
|
8+
|
New Cell
|
CP, MH, 3A, BL
|
SDCPT
|
11
|
$384
|
|
Walkera 4G6S
(WK2801 & 71318)
|
I, A, M
|
10
|
9
|
9
|
9
|
8
|
9
|
New Cell
|
CP, MH, 3A, BL, C
|
SDCPT
|
11
|
$410
|
Walkera 4G6S - 2S
(WK2801 & 80814)
|
I+, A, M
|
9+
|
9+
|
10
|
8
|
9
|
9
|
New Cell
|
CP, MH, 3A, BL, C
|
SDCPT
|
11
|
$460
|
Gaui 200SD (DX7)
|
I, A, M
|
9
|
8
|
8
|
7
|
8
|
6+
|
New Cell
|
CP, MH, BL, C
|
SDCPT
|
16.3
|
$629
|
| Walkera V120D02
|
I+, A, M
|
9+
|
7
|
8
|
7
|
8+
|
8
|
New Cell
|
CP, MH, 3A, FL, BL
|
SDCPT
|
11
|
ETA
8-15-10
|
Gaui 200 V2 XFES (DX7)
|
I+, A, M
|
9+
|
6
|
7
|
6
|
8+
|
6
|
New Cell
|
CP, MH, FL, BL, C
|
SDCPT
|
16.3
|
$679
|
Walkera 4F200
(WK2801)
|
I+, A, M
|
9+
|
9
|
9
|
5
|
9+
|
8
|
New Cell
|
CP, MH, 3A, FL, BL, C
|
SDCPT
|
16.5
|
$360
|
Align Trex 250 SE
(DX7)
|
I+, A, M
|
8+
|
8
|
8
|
4
|
9+
|
6+
|
New Cell
|
CP, MPH, BL
|
BDCPT
|
18
|
$739
|
| Align Trex 250 (DX7)
|
I, A
|
8
|
7+
|
7
|
4
|
8
|
6+
|
New Cell
|
CP, PH, B
|
BDCPT
|
18
|
$569
|
|
Walkera 60#B
|
I, A, M
|
9
|
7
|
8
|
1
|
9
|
6+
|
New Cell
|
CP, MH, BL
|
BDCPT
|
20
|
Not Available
|
Align Trex 450 SE (DX7)
|
I+, A, M
|
8+
|
8+
|
9+
|
1
|
9+
|
6+
|
New Cell
|
CP, MPH, BL
|
BDCPT
|
22
|
$989
|
Align Trex 450 (DX7)
|
I, A
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
1
|
8+
|
6+
|
New Cell
|
CP, PH, B
|
New Cell
|
22
|
$809
|
This Buying Guide is constantly being updated so information may change without notice.
|
|
|