Hopelessly Lost: Venom NR3DXL vs. Walkera vs. ??

[nathansvt]

I've got a Blade CX2 currently and love it. But I'm ready to upgrade to something that will fly outdoors in a little wind.

Of course, my first inclination was the Blade CP Pro (~$250), but that lead me to the Venom NR3d (~$200). Then that lead to the Venom NR3DXL (~$500 :eek: ). And from there to the Walkera 60 (~$150-200).

My LHS sells both the CP Pro and the Vendom NR3d, but not the XL yet. Their recommended path is CX2 → CP Pro → TREX.

However, I like the idea of going to a shaft or belt tail and a slightly larger airframe for outdoors. It sounds like the NR3DXL is what I want, but is there a good reason it's up to 4x the price of the Walkera 60? I've seen the Walkera's in supposedly RTF trim for $150. So why not buy 3-4 of them instead of a single NR3DXL?

I have a hard-cap of about $500 to spend, but if I max out on the initial purchase that doesn't leave room for spare parts. So, I'd prefer to stay under $300 and have a repair budget. Any suggestions?

[dcg9381]

You'll crash going from CX2 to CP Pro..
I have aircraft 3d experience, sim time, and I still could barely get a Blade CP to hover when I swapped from a CX2. The Blade will make the CX look like driving a tricycle.

I'd go with the CP.. It should be less twichy... It'll also do 3d on a 11.1v lipo and a 9t main.

I don't know anything about the Walkera or Venom..

The blade can fly outside, but it is a micro - it will be twichy and really teach you to fly the heli.

I chose to buy a Falcon recently and think another good choice for a RTF larger heli is the King 2.

[nathansvt]

You'll crash going from CX2 to CP Pro..

of course ;)
but I think that's part of the heli experience anyway. Actually I was going to go with the CP Pro and put a set of CP blades on it to start with. And use the RADD method.


The blade can fly outside, but it is a micro - it will be twichy and really teach you to fly the heli.

I chose to buy a Falcon recently and think another good choice for a RTF larger heli is the King 2.

How's the assembly process on those? I've taken my CX2 completely apart but it's not a complex machine. I was shopping for an RTF because to my mind it's easier to figure out what the completed object should look like if you learn by disassembly rather than full assembly. I'm also a touch concerned about getting it trimmed out properly for the initial flights ...

[futura]

The Cp is of course an RTF to no assembly required. GET THE TRAINING GEAR AND USE THEM....that will help you keep your parts replacement cost inside the upper limit.

I would not go with Venom or Walkera. To many problems....do a search for VNR3D or Walkera and you will quickly see I'm not alone in my feelings.

The Eflite Blade CP is a great heli for what you pay. If your carefull, take your time and use RADD's religiously (even when its boring....that's his whole point) you will have success.

Good luck and happy flying