I have found that micro size helicopters tend to be very twitchy, and more reactive to wind than a larger helicopter. They will definitely be cheaper to fly and cheaper to fix when crashed. But when I started to get into 3D, I was much happier with my old T-Rex 550E. I think (and this is just my own opinion) that a 550 size helicopter is the perfect platform to learn 3D on, because they are large enough to see at a distance, they have enough power to perform most 3D maneuvers, and they are less expensive to maintain and repair than a 600/700 size machine. Another plus to a 550 size, is most of them only require one flight pack.

 

I'm in the same situation. I went from a 120sr to a Nano CPx for my transition to CP. It seems to be a tough little bird aside from the flimsy landing skids. Being so small, it is difficult to see sometimes, it responds very quickly to cyclic and gets a little out of control if I happen to overcorrect. That being the case though, I think It will help me in the long run. If I can master the Nano, then I will already have the necessary skills I need when I move up to a larger heli, as I hear they are more stabile and not as twitchy. The BNF version was $120. If you have a DX6e or better radio, then you will have more adjustments to use in taming the little beast. I recommend Lectron Pro 1S 35c 180mAh packs as the E-Flite packs leave the Nano a little underpowered.

 

It's a catch 22. The smaller helis are cheaper to fix and less intimidating but they don't give you time to make mistakes and correct.
I started on the smaller helis and if I had my time over again I would have been flying a 550 size from the start, as ever since I moved to the larger helis my flying has progressed.


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I don't dispute the value of starting with a larger heli. Believe me, if it was practical for me to do so, I would have. Where I live, the weather is frequently less than cooperative for outdoor flying due mostly to wind. At least, in my case, I can still do some indoor flying with my micro-helis even though there is less room for any advanced maneuvering. I will, however, be looking to get my hands on a 450-550ish sized heli when finances allow it.

 

Oh yes... Micros are harder to fly. But once you know your micro it can be a blessing in disguise. You can do most tricks with micro and it IS more twitchy. But think of this. A micro close up looks like a 700 far away! and its all in your back yard or lounge room (if your lounge room is large enough!). I was a micro enthusiast for a long time. I could not afford time down the heli club and the tricks i wanted to learn required lots of stick time. Well my mcpx gave that to me. Sure it did cost and i think i brought 5 new helis over the course of a couple of years BUT - i could piroflip, fly inverted do all sorts of stuff. And my dog was not so terrified of my mcpx! I personally recommend a smaller heli if you need more stick time than what you can get down the field.

 

In a way, flying a Nano is similar to being on a sim- both small and difficult to see. The sim, as with most things in life, is just not as good as the real thing. (until an epic crash occurs, then- advantage = SIM)

 

Sim is probably the best place to start


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My approach which is working for me is 3 fold. 1. SIM until I can do the move backward, inverted, flip what ever.. 2. NANO, get stick time in real life until can do repeatedly without crashing, then.. 3. 500-550 size heli.

I have not crashed my 500 or 550 doing new moves since I instituted this method. I have crashed my nano lots, but very minor expenditure, around 150 last year.

Stuart
Citizen #507

 

That's similar to my line of thinking, I just don't have a 550 yet. Seems like a good Anti- @Crash Heligod ritual.

 

Yes I agree, a sim is the core of your learning, I find it easier to transition new move to RL with a larer heli though! I do think smaller helis are more challenging.

 

Yes and no for smaller being harder to fly.

My first heli was a 50 nitro. I think they are way to intimidating for a beginner. But there was a time when thats what people had to make do with.

Like its been mentioned, the mid sized electrics are good.

I have a 450 class, ( 325 mm blades ) and find it non intimidating. Great for a first hover in calm conditions, they fly forwards nicely and hover stable, but when it comes to doing more then its a different story. I find its not easy to do some things in a refined manner, such as flips and rolls, as it was a bit too twitchy.

I have gone to mid sized electrics, 425 mm to 550 mm blades, and the mid sized electrics have the best of both worlds, the stability and flight characteristics of a big helicopter, without the intimidation. Even the 425 mm blade size immediately had a huge impact over the 325 mm helicopter.

With a good FBL system, I find (from my perspective) that a mid sized electric feels like it has the stability of a 90 sized helicopter.

In conclusion, a mid sized electric.

 

Yes that works to @HungryHungryHippos . It sort of comes down to what the individual feels most comfortable with and i suppose also their environment. Imagine if you had a paddock you could fly in just outside your dooorstep! then a micro would not be as attractive as say a 550...

 

Sim - 130x or 450 - then 550 - then 700
I guess I kind of do it order of crash cost and danger to myself and others


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