Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Ok I did not buy this on Amazon, I got it at a local expo show and paid a little more but it is the same heli. This is a very nice helicopter and despite other reviews seems to be very durable. To give an example I have crashed numerous times, including into the ground, into a tree, a telephone pole, a steel automotive lift (the things that lift cars in mechanic shops), while I have a few dents and dings in the rotors they are still solid and it still flies. The balance bar bent as well but I just bent it back and all is well. I would call that pretty good considering some of the more high dollar helis like my friend has the rotor will shatter upon contact with a solid surface. There is a learning curve to flying this. Just because it is a gyro copter, dont think that you can just take it out and fly with out crashing. I had a hard time getting off the ground for the first day, ground effect came in and made it go left every time. After some practice and messing with the trim tabs on day 2 I got really good at it. It is affected by wind but ALL helicopters are. This is to include real helicopters. Not something I generally bring up but in this case it might help, I use to be on a flight line with the AH-64A and AH-64D on a regular basis, I also worked on the guidance systems and weapons. Wind has a dramatic affect on a large heli so small winds can and will knock an RC to the ground. To start learning either do it on a day with no wind or find a gym/auditorium to start. Battery time is not bad, I get about 15 minutes per charge, it takes about 2.5 hrs to recharge the battery. I just ordered 5 more batteries here on amazon so that I can get about an hour or more of play time before having to wait on a charge. Overall I am satisfied with the purchase and actually am going to get one for my buddy who paid over 400 on his Pro heli that is too hard to get off the ground. I figure use these a learning tool then get to the bigger more advanced 4 - 6 channel helis. Again just a suggestion, but get good with it at about 1.5 - 2 ft off the ground first. Its harder to fly closer to the ground because of ground effects so if you can get good close to the ground you should have no problems higher in the air.