RC Helicopter Buyer's Guide
Hopefully the info on this page will help you decide which
heli is right for you. When you are looking to buy an RC helicopter, as
well as finding the right model, it's important to consider the after-sales
backup - both in availability of spares and technical support if you do
have problems.
At BuzzFlyer we do our best to ensure we have all spare parts stocked -
and will post them same day 99% of the time. We also provide the best technical
support to customers - we fly these helicopters everyday and know them inside
out.
We would warn against buying RC helicopters on eBay or from discount web
sellers- although they may appear cheaper you're unlikely to get any after-sales
support - purchases from overseas sellers are likely to incur import taxes
when the package eventually arrives.
See also: Our
2.4G helicopter guide
If you need any further info you can always call us on:
0845 094
1265.
Buying as a
gift or want an easy-to-fly model helicopter?
The Co-Comanche comes ready to fly straight out of the box. Its twin (co-axial)
rotor design makes flying a doddle - which means you can be having fun
within minutes. Primarily designed for indoor flight - it can also be
flown outside (in good conditions) - the 4 channel control and high
power battery provide a genuine RC helicopter flying experience - this
is NOT a toy! This helicopter makes an ideal gift purchase - our package includes a simulator cable and spare blades.
Buy
it here.
Looking for
the best beginner RC helicopter?
The
ESky Honey Bee is a great introduction to RC helicopters for anyone
wanting to get into this hobby. The fixed pitch blade setup means this
heli doesn't need much initial adjustment to get in the air. The stable
behaviour allowing you to develop your skills with the minimum of frustration.
Ideal for learning all the basics of flying: hovering, turning circuits
etc. It can be flown indoors - large rooms or double garage - as well
as outside. The plastic blades are extremely tough, able to absorb the
inevitable impacts. This helicopter is often underestimated - but you'll
see its full potential when you buzz it around an open field. Fantastic
fun flying!
Now comes with hi-spec LiPo battery as standard.
The BuzzFlyer deluxe kit comes with a simulator cable (the sim
software can be downloaded free from our
FAQ page).
Need more power?
Aerobatic performance?
The Honey Bee CP3 takes you to the next level. The collective pitch rotor
system allowing more responsive control than the fixed pitch. This extra
sensitivity makes it more of a challenge for the beginner - but with a
training kit and a steady hand it can be mastered. If you've developed
your skills on a Honey Bee FP you'll have a much easier time of flying
this model.
Of course the main advantage of the CP3 is the greater performance and
potential for full aerobatic flight. Not recommended for indoor flying
(unless its a big space) you'll love the speed and responsiveness of
this model.
The New, Ready-to-Fly ESky Honey Bee King 3
The Honey Bee King 3 is another step up from the CP3. It offers very smooth flight
characteristics, controlled hovering and fantastic aerobatic potential.
The tail is belt driven through an alloy boom. Separate receiver and speed controller deliver more responsive performance. The 6 channel transmitter controls allow fine adjustment of hover and flight
blade pitch while in flight.
The Fantastic ESky Belt-CP V2
The Belt-CP introduces an all new design from ESky -
now available in ready-to-fly (RTF) form. Larger (and heavier) than the King 3, it has rock solid stability in the air. Fitted with brushless motor, speed controller and head lock gyro, as standard, it's able to out-perform more expensive models in its class. Its rugged good looks come from it's tough mainframe design and the quality of it's strengthened component parts. Many upgrades and accessories are available, allowing you to exploit the model's full potential.
Buy the ESky Belt-CP V2 from BuzzFlyer.
Comparison Table:
| |
Dauphin/Lama/
Co Comanche |
Honey Bee V2 |
Honey Bee CP3 |
King 2/3 |
Belt CP V2 |
Hurricane 550 |
| Length (mm) |
360 |
510 |
520 |
520 |
650 |
1060 |
| Height |
165 |
165 |
195 |
225 |
230 |
305 |
| Weight |
215g |
304g |
305g |
350g |
650g |
1950g |
| Rotor dia |
344 |
510 |
530 |
595 |
680 |
1110 |
| Blade type |
Plastic |
Plastic |
Wood |
Wood/Carbon |
Wood |
Wood/Carbon |
| Power |
7.4V 800mAh |
11.5V 800mAh |
11.1V 1000mAh |
11.1v 1000/1550mAh |
11.1v 1550mAh |
2x11.1v 2200mAh |
| Main motor |
Twin 180 |
370 |
370 |
370/3900 |
450 |
|
| Tail drive |
- |
Motor |
Motor |
Belt |
Belt |
Belt |
| Channels |
4 |
4 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
| Available in 2.4G |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
- |
| Price (from) |
£69.95 |
£107.64 |
£127.95 |
£156.59 |
£244.14 |
£273.14 |
| Battery |
LiPo |
LiPo |
LiPo |
LiPo |
LiPo |
LiPo |
| Rotor type |
FP |
FP |
CP |
CP |
CP |
CP |
| RTF/ARF |
RTF |
RTF |
RTF |
RTF |
RTF |
ARF |
Key:
RTF = Ready to fly
ARF = Almost ready to fly
LiPo = Lithium Polymer
FP = Fixed pitch
CP = Collective pitch
ESC = Electronic speed controller
2.4G = 2.4GHz RC system