For a while now I've been flying and servicing the Blade series of electric helicopters. The most common models being the CX2 and CX3. Both I consider to be the strongest training electric choppers available for a novice. However, there are some key differences to consider for the beginning pilot.
First, let's take a look at the CX2. The CX2 is a coaxial counter-rotating designed chopper that makes hovering easier for first time pilots. The CX2 uses an advanced 3-in-1 control unit including main motor ESCs, mixer and rate-mode peizo gyro. The CX2 also employs a simple easy to remove 2 piece body. This chopper uses a 7.4 volt 800 mAh lithium polymer battery for continuous power output and light weight. This helicopter uses a Spektrum 2.4 GHz DSM2 radio for interference free flying.
Next, the CX3. The CX3 uses the same coaxial counter-rotating design as the CX2. The CX3, however, uses the same advanced 3-in-1 control unit with main motor ESCs and mixer, but with a heading lock gyro. The CX3 employs an outstanding looking scale 1 piece Police MD 520N body. The head and blade assembly must be removed for body change-out, however. The CX3 uses the same lithium polymer battery and Spektrum 2.4 radio as the CX2.
Now for the differences. Both choppers fly very well and are very stable in hover. No surprise here with the coaxial counter-rotating design. The real difference in flight characteristics comes I believe from the gyros of the two helicopters. The CX2 will perform smooth scale-like turns giving plenty of time to think through maneuvers. The tail however, will slightly drift, especially as the battery discharges. It will require constant gentle pressure on the left stick to keep the nose straight. No big deal, but worth noting.
The CX3 on the other hand with it's shorter body seems quick i the turns - almost too much so. You feel the head lock gyro kick in as soon as you lift off, but turns are very fast. The shorter body (tail) seems to enhance this sensation.
All that being said and $20.00 more for the CX3 I say save the money and buy the CX2. But hey, that's one sales consultant's opinion. And you know what they say about that. It does seem to me that TRUE novices have an easier time (read as "more time to think") with the CX2. Until next time - keep the sky side up.
Berley Stabler
Hobby Sales
Monday, June 8, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Great Escape (Spartanburg) Hobby Shop
Hello everybody and welcome to The Great Escape (Spartanburg) Hobby Shop blog.
Between all of the folks working in the hobby shop, we will strive to have new content posted at least once a week, probably (or at least possibly) more often. We are all novices to the world of blogging, so as we become more and more comfortable things will be easier (or so one must hope).
Anyone out in the world of cyberspace who reads this and has questions, comments, ideas for discussions or general observation about topics relevant to The Great Escape (Spartanburg) Hobby Shop - which would include plastic models, trains, radio controlled cars, planes or boats, or other similar things - are welcome and encouraged to share.
With that said, on to today's topic:
We're going to start with plastic models (everyone else stop reading now…just kidding).
One thing that is refreshing in any industry is finding manufacturers who listen to their customers' feedback and actually do something about it in an effort to deliver a superior product. One such manufacturer that has recently come to our attention is Round 2. For those unfamiliar with Round 2, they have obtained permission to re-release many of the kits previously released by AMT and Polar Lights - most notably the line of Star Trek models, most of which have been out of production for many years. Instead of simply re-releasing the kits (which would certainly have been welcomed if that's all they did), Round 2 has made IMPROVEMENTS to several of the old kits. Their re-release of the old AMT Enterprise from the original Star Trek TV series was updated to eliminate the grid pattern so many of us spent so much time removing with files and sandpaper. This however, pales beside their recent re-release of Polar Lights 1/350 Movie Enterprise. This kit now includes 4 huge, new decal sheets replicating the multicolor "Aztec pattern" featured on the movie prop. Previously, this level of detail required hours of tedious masking or the purchase of expensive aftermarket templates or decals. As if this weren't enough, the single biggest gripe leftover from the original release has been dealt with. The original release featured a stand consisting of two clear plastic rods supporting the primary hull with a small clear prop under the secondary hull, leaving the starship perched precariously on top. The re-release eliminates all this, replacing it with a metal rod that slots securely into the bottom of the secondary hull.
Round 2 is certainly not the only manufacturer that falls into this category. Dragon and Trumpeter have revised or updated molds when their initial released have contained flaws or inaccuracies. Model manufacturers take a lot of heat when they make a mistake. Maybe it's time that they get an "attaboy" when they do something right.
Between all of the folks working in the hobby shop, we will strive to have new content posted at least once a week, probably (or at least possibly) more often. We are all novices to the world of blogging, so as we become more and more comfortable things will be easier (or so one must hope).
Anyone out in the world of cyberspace who reads this and has questions, comments, ideas for discussions or general observation about topics relevant to The Great Escape (Spartanburg) Hobby Shop - which would include plastic models, trains, radio controlled cars, planes or boats, or other similar things - are welcome and encouraged to share.
With that said, on to today's topic:
We're going to start with plastic models (everyone else stop reading now…just kidding).
One thing that is refreshing in any industry is finding manufacturers who listen to their customers' feedback and actually do something about it in an effort to deliver a superior product. One such manufacturer that has recently come to our attention is Round 2. For those unfamiliar with Round 2, they have obtained permission to re-release many of the kits previously released by AMT and Polar Lights - most notably the line of Star Trek models, most of which have been out of production for many years. Instead of simply re-releasing the kits (which would certainly have been welcomed if that's all they did), Round 2 has made IMPROVEMENTS to several of the old kits. Their re-release of the old AMT Enterprise from the original Star Trek TV series was updated to eliminate the grid pattern so many of us spent so much time removing with files and sandpaper. This however, pales beside their recent re-release of Polar Lights 1/350 Movie Enterprise. This kit now includes 4 huge, new decal sheets replicating the multicolor "Aztec pattern" featured on the movie prop. Previously, this level of detail required hours of tedious masking or the purchase of expensive aftermarket templates or decals. As if this weren't enough, the single biggest gripe leftover from the original release has been dealt with. The original release featured a stand consisting of two clear plastic rods supporting the primary hull with a small clear prop under the secondary hull, leaving the starship perched precariously on top. The re-release eliminates all this, replacing it with a metal rod that slots securely into the bottom of the secondary hull.
Round 2 is certainly not the only manufacturer that falls into this category. Dragon and Trumpeter have revised or updated molds when their initial released have contained flaws or inaccuracies. Model manufacturers take a lot of heat when they make a mistake. Maybe it's time that they get an "attaboy" when they do something right.
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