E-Flite Blade RC helicopter review

Introduction

I thought i should give an overview of some of the more economical micro and sub-micro remote control helicopters out there. As i know these are popular routes into the hobby. One brand that has shown a great deal of excellent micro and small RC helicopters is E-Flite. These are typically fixed pitch or coaxial micro helicopters, small, cheap and fun. Such as the Blade mSR or the Blade CX2. Usually easy to control indoors, but much harder to master. E-Flite have a number of models in there range, but ill just cover a few of the most famous concepts here. Also note, Align are now entering this market, and they will be releasing their T-Rex 100 micro helicopter shortly.

Next step up from a coaxialReady-to-fly or bind-an-fly4 channelStable and responsive"Almost" indestructibleExcellent after market support

The Blade mSR is a super sub-micro RC helicopter that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. It is a good choice after learning with a coaxial helicopter such as the MCX or the CX3. It is recommended over the 120 SR, as it is slightly easier to control and less expensive in a crash. It weighs in at an incredible 1 ounce, which is astonishing to be honest. Considering it crams in all the usual goodies such as gyro, servos, DSM2 receiver and motor ESC. Along with a selection of the other Blade helicopters it is available as either bind-an-fly or ready to fly variations. It uses a single, fixed pitch rotor, and is ideal for flying around the living room on a cold winters day. Also an excellent gift for a more experienced pilot, due to the "wow" factor of such a capable super micro machine.

Ultra-micro indoor flyingTest flown and factory assembledEverything needed to fly in one box1S 3.7V 110mAh Li-Po includedExcellent precision compared to other coaxials

A micro version of the CX/CX2 range. It is the entry level coaxial contra-rotating helicopter. A good choice for the beginner pilot, it is super stable and easy to control. Like the rest of the Blade range, it utilizes a Spektrum DSM2 receiver and can be teamed up with a compatible Spektrum controller, or the one provided in the ready to fly package. The package has everything required to get in the air for a single price. Parts are cheap, and due to the size and weight it is very crash tolerant. As usual for this type of helicopter, is is best suited to indoors flight.

All the best bits of the mCXUpgraded precision swashplateCoaxial counter-rotating headLED lights

In keeping with the original mCX, it is an updated version, with a few extra features for slightly more advanced flight. It is still easy to fly, and anyone can have a go. But for the more advanced pilot, the swash is now user controlled via various parameters, allowing some tuning of the flight characteristics. Larger motors, LED's and a bigger battery means more fun, and greater flights. Essentially an advanced coaxial remote control helicopter.

Smaller than micro sizeReady to FlyStability of a coaxial helicopter2.4GHz DSM2 receiver

The Blade 120 SR is a gorgeous little heli. It sits on the line between a small coaxial helicopter, and a sub-micro fixed pitch model. But, it uses only a single rotor. It achieves the stability of a coaxial, but with the agility of a single rotor. Which makes this a nice stepping stone up from a coaxial model. It is available as either a bind-an-fly, if you already have a spektrum DSM2 compatible transmitter. Or as a ready-to-fly unit complete with controller. It hares many similarities with the mSR, essentially just a bigger, faster, better version. If you have got to grips and are confident with a coaxial model, then either this or the mSR is a perfect choice.

Heading lock gyroCoaxial stabilitySpektrum AR6100e receiver100% factory assembledBlade CX2 compatible parts

If you are after scale on a small budget, then this RC helicopter is for you. It is a faithful representation of a MD 520N Police helicopter, and it certainly looks the part. Utilizing a coaxial drive system for super stability, it will be hovering in minutes. The counter-rotating head means that almost anyone can pick up the controls and have a blast. Sub-micro servos allow full backwards, forwards and banking motions of the cyclic controls. The heading lock gyro means it will stay fixed on a rock solid course until you tell it otherwise. As a first heli, it is definitely recommended, and it is sure to give hours of fun.