Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Helicopters / July 2004

I have AeroFly Professional, it is great if you ask me.

Hello Stan,

   The Vigor CS is a great helicopter although it might not be the "best"
anymore.  If not though, it is still in the top ranks.  This is a helicopter
for "flying", not necessarily for scale stuff.  I do not have experience to
justify my thoughts on the scale stuff though.

   You can start with a 60 sized machine.  I did and I did not have any RC
experience at the time.  Just realize that WHEN you crash it will set you
back quite a bit, probably in the USD $200.00 to USD $400.00 range per
crash.

   Since you are looking at the Vigor CS I will assume the money is much
less of an object to you than to many people.  If you are starting to think
that money might be some object, I would suggest that you put a big chunk of
money into getting high end radio gear and electronics ( doesn't have to be
the "best" though ) to start with and get less helicopter.  Perhaps a Raptor
50 or a Voyager 50.  With these helicopters you will have one that has a lot
of potential, but, is MUCH less expensive than the Vigor to repair, the
Raptor being considerably cheaper than the Voyager.  If money is truly not
much concern get the Vigor and the Raptor / Voyager.  You always try out new
stuff on the cheap one because it is capable and much cheaper to fly and
fix.

   If you are going with the Vigor I would suggest getting at least a 70 or
80 sized engine.  You can go ahead and get the 90 / 91 size if you want.  It
should be pretty tame for quite a while since you will be running it rich
for break in and hovering a lot in the near future.

   What about a simulator?  YES, get one.  I think the two best ones at the
moment are RealFlight G2 and Reflex.  The RealFlight is getting long in the
tooth graphics wise, but, will still serve your needs.  I hear the Reflex is
awesome, but, I have no experience with it.  Just make sure you have enough
computer / graphics card to run them.  In the "high quality" settings I am
sure they require a fair amount of grunt.

   If you are still thinking Vigor check out FAQ section at
http://www.curtisyoungblood.com

Good Luck,

Douglas Kaip