Recommend a large beginner RC helicopter?

Off-topic Chatter
1

I'm looking for recommendations on a large-sized RC helicopter that would still be beginner-friendly. I have the fantastic Syma S107 myself, but this is for a Christmas gift for my brother-in-law. I would like to get him something larger he could fly outdoors on still days. He's never operated an RC helicopter, so it will need to be stable and easy to operate. I would like it to have replacement parts readily avilable as well. OF course, I'm on a budget, so I would like to keep the price around $50

I'm looking at some options on Amazon:

Syma S033G: http://www.amazon.com/S033G-Channel-Helicopter-Colors-Yellow/dp/B005OHLAG2

Double Horse 9053: http://www.amazon.com/Double-Channel-Outdoor-RC-Helicopter/dp/B004PBJPN8

Double Horse 9118: http://www.amazon.com/NEWEST-Double-Horse-Helicopter-Colors/dp/B006LPSMYY

...but the Syma is looking like a really good option. It has a replacement parts kit available and reviews look decent...

Anyone have any experience and can make a recommendation?

2

Remember larger helicopters weigh more, so when crashed contain a lot more energy and are far more likely to break.

My advice would be to get something smaller and cheaper.

Outdoor flying is also not about size, but movement authority. And to be honest, no coax is really up to this.

On a still day a Fixed pitch will be flyable, but will still be very heavily influenced by the wind. Collective pitch is the way to go, but this requires much more skill and isn’t the sort of thing you should jump into straight into if you can’t fly already.

I’ve taught myself to fly using one of these:
http://www.tmart.com/New-Wltoys-V911-4-Channel-2.4GHz-Single-Blade-Propeller-RC-Helicopter-Red_p162484.html

Works brilliantly inside and can be flown outside. Very durable too and easy to get parts for.

If you really want bigger then there is this:

http://www.tmart.com/Wltoys-V912-4-Channel-2.4GHz-LCD-Remote-Control-Single-Blade-Helicopter-Black_p171844.html?utm_source=rcgroups&utm_medium=review&utm_campaign=rcheli

But chances of breaking it are far higher.

If I’m honest a Quad copter would be a better thing to fly outside. Very easy, lots of movement authority and a good learning step.

I have the WL Toys V202, although there are some newer ones now.

3

And the villagers stood by in awe! They had never seen a CD fly.
Just kidding CD. :slight_smile: Love the name, BTW.

4

+1 to what Chicken Drumstick said.

Banggood.com are a good source for cheap RC parts too. Fast shipping and good service.

5

I got a heli (IR remote) for $10.00 from a wallbuys seckill. I believe reg price is $25. My only previous experience has been with a AirHogs heli i got for my nephew….wow, this heli is a completely different animal! So stable, so controllable and so badass! (I feel like a kid!)

Now I’m curious about non-IR controlled units so this thread’s right up my alley. Any other recommendations?

6

I’ve been into rc copters for a couple years now. I’m gonna agree with CD and say that a WL toys V911 is gonna be your best toy copter. I’ve got at least 8 of those alone along with 4 s107s.

with toy copters you really have to work your way up to learn how to control them and not destroy them on the first flight.

I picked up all my v911s off aliexpress for 36bucks w/ controller or 19 for just the copters.

As well another thing if you want to fly outside is that the remote and copter must be RF and not IR (syma s107) the sun floods the IR sensor and makes them unresponsive.

7

What do you guys think of this as a first copter ?

cheers

Charles