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Guide to shopping for RC helicopters

RCHelicopters can be a really fun hobby but only if you make the right decisions. First off you have to make sure you can easily obtain parts for it when you take a tumble to the ground. After that you just have to decide which type to go with. In this article the three basic types are briefly explained.

Dual Rotor Helicopters - These are generally the traditional beginner helicopter. They have 2 sets of rotors that are stacked one on top of the other. One will turn clockwise and the other counter clockwise. This design is extremely stable and perfect for beginners. They are best to be flown indoors away from the breezes of the outdoors. A good example of this type would be the E-Flite Blade CX3. They typically run in the vicinity of $190 ready to fly. The downside to these is the fact that you are limited to non acrobatic flight. Even without it though it can be a blast, but experienced pilots might yearn for something more.

Single Rotor Helicopters - These are generally more advanced helicopters. Designed to fly in low wind conditions or large indoor areas such as a gym. These can be flown acrobatically meaning you can do dives, loops, and even fly upside down with some. These have a much steeper learning curve than the dual rotor helis but you can do so much more with them. Be prepared to spend more money on parts for these as well because faster and more acrobatic flight typically means more crashes. Best way to start with one of these is to simply learn to hover in an indoor location. After that slowly start to learn to move around.

Micro Helis - A relatively new area of RC helis is the micro world. These are usually around 4-9 inches in length and are for indoor use only due to their extreme light weight. These come in both dual and single rotor designs. A dual rotor one such as the E-flite Blade MCX is a great beginner heli. It is ridiculously easy to fly. Once trimmed out it will hover on its own with minimal user input. Also it is very durable. Mine has taken several hard hits and has yet to break a part at all. These are also generally lower cost than the other types which is reason enough alone for some people to choose this category over another.

Learn more about this author, Ryan Clarke.
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