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.

Traxxas Nitro Rustler Review

Out-of-the-box, without upgrades or modifications, the 1:10 Traxxas Rustler 2.5 Nitro Stadium Truck is a force to be reckoned with. Sporting the most powerful engine designed by Traxxas, 4 wheel independent suspension, high torque off the line, and precise steering; not many stock vehicles out there will upstage the Rustler come race day. Worth much more than the price tag. A definite bargain. And a few simple upgrades make it even more fun to own.Although the Rustler is Ready-to-Run, there are still some essential extras you'll need immediately or very soon after purchase including: Batteries for the Controller 7.2 volt Battery Pack (for included electric starter) Nitro Fuel After-Burn Oil 7.2 volt Battery Pack Charger

These items are not included and must be purchased separately, also having a couple of extra glow plugs and a can of compressed air on-hand doesn't hurt either.

Assembly is a breeze. Pre-assembled and ready to run out of the box this beast is itching to tear up turf. All you really need to do is apply the included decals in any way you wish (design freedom), prepare the antenna, glue the tires, insert the batteries in the controller and the receiver terminal which is located on the back, fill the fuel tank with your choice of Nitro Fuel (20% is what I use), start 'er up and go. OK, as you can see "Ready-to-Run" doesn't mean just take it out of the box and go.

With the stock tires, gluing the tires down is a must. This can be done with super glue or glue recommended by your local hobby shop. Be careful though to not get it on the foam inserts as it will eat straight through them.

When breaking in the Traxxas Nitro Rustler RC truck, for your own sake and for the sake of your wallet do not give it full throttle immediately. Take the time and effort to break in the engine; this also gives you the opportunity to learn how this vehicle responds and to adjust the steering and idle speed according to your own personal preferences. Patience is the keyword here. I know it’s hard to not start racing immediately but the truck and your bank account will thank you for waiting.

Drive in circles and do some straight aways at about a quarter throttle for about 10 minutes, then do short spurts of speed equal to about one third throttle for another five minutes or so. Remember, this thing is fast and it is very easy to either lose control and crash, or destroy the engine if you do not properly break it in. The whole process should take about 30 - 60 minutes, but it doesn’t hurt to go a little longer. You only have to do this once. When the engine is set and properly broken in it will run at optimum performance.

At as little as a third of the throttle this vicious vehicle will spin and pop wheelies without effort. On-road use is not what the Rustler was built for, but if you must, ease into the speed. Lucky for me this RC truck was built very strong. I have personally flipped it over a few times and half of those were within a couple of hours after breaking it in for the first time.

Get the Rustler off-road and now you're talking. After breaking it in and getting use to the vehicles attitude; (yes, it does have an attitude) taking it off-road is the next step to showing its full potential. Off-road handling is a lot better than on-road handling. The suspension system is durable and easily absorbs whatever the terrain throws at it. Jumps, hills, mud, dirt, rocks, grass; this nitro-powered monster will chew it up and spit it out... literally. You learn to dodge flying objects quickly if you don’t already know how. The torque is amazing. With all the room in the park that I have access to, I still haven’t been able to get it to maximum speed, but who cares! Fast, light and durable; the Traxxas Nitro Rustler RC truck owns the off-road track.