Blade SR RTF Electric Micro Heli

Well, here we go, bought the product based on text and video reviews as well as the (deceiving) advertisement. Plus an attractive price point for the package. Having flown coaxial helis, the promise is to have an easy transition to collective pitch. For a number of reasons, there is no such thing like that. The physics are entirely different and so is the behaviour of the helis. If you are a novice pilot with only a few coax hours under your belt, you are in for a ride of a different kind. Here's what to expect:

- Adjust your expectations to fly the bird out of the box, it's not going to happen. Attaching the optional training gear becomes mandatory as you will likely only start to hop around while figuring out controls and behaviour
- watch the centre of gravity very well. The position of the battery is the means to control it and it for my bird the pictured mounting position in the instructions (cables to the front) does not work at all. The battery needs to be...Read more

I read some of the poor to mediocre reviews being given to the SR and thought I'd chime in with some thoughts.

I think the Blade SR is a great choice for beginner RC pilots, it's a cheap platform with some kid gloves worked in (a very forgiving rotor head and a dumbed down Transmitter), but with some options to upgrade it into a more advanced fully 3D flier.
This is not a self stabilizing helicopter like the CX2 or the mSR, and if you aren't used to a true collective pith heli, you will have a learning curve to master. Learning takes time, and it takes mistakes. You should factor in the cost of repairs into the general cost of ownership.

Some facts about my experience with the Blade SR:

1. I'm about two months into ownership, I've spent about an additional $75-$90 in parts and accessories so far. About 50% of that is for the cost of repairs.
2. I flew it out of the box, that is, I took it out of the box, put the batteries in, and...Read more

First this is not Toy Helicopter that you can fly the second you pull it out of the box. This Helicopter that you need put yourself with experienced trainer, or follow methodical training system for learning to fly, do not be in rush to get the bird of the ground.. If your interested in getting into the air fast, look at the Blade MSR Fixed Pitch or Blade CX2 Co-axial Helicopter, lot more stable and you can launch them from your hand.

I have to say the build quality is fantastic on this helicopter, and the stock radio is good starter transmitter, one thing if you if you want to learn with this chopper, get extra blades and at least two batteries, and the SR training gear.

I also own the MSR and few other lower cost Co-Axials, But for feel of stable larger bird this great helicopter for the money. It different thrill of spinning this bird from their smaller brothers.