Best Beginner RC Helicopters - E190 Huey vs E186 Bell

Summary

In this video, Steve from the Captain Drone YouTube channel reviews two beginner-friendly RC helicopters, ideal for Christmas gifts. Both models feature brushless direct drive motors, digital servos, CNC aluminum, and high-quality construction. They are equipped with Optical Flow, altitude hold barometers, and Six-Axis Gyros, ensuring stable flights in winds up to level 5. Steve demonstrates various flight modes, including manual and optical flow, and shares insights on the detailed design and features. The helicopters offer great flight stability, ease of control, and potential for advanced maneuvers as users gain experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 These RC helicopters are designed for beginners, making them great Christmas gifts.
• 😀 The helicopters feature brushless direct drive motors, digital servos, and high-quality CNC aluminum parts.
• 😀 Both helicopters are equipped with Optical Flow, a barometer for altitude hold, and a six-axis gyro for stability.
• 😀 The helicopters can fly in winds up to level 5 and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
• 😀 Flight times vary slightly between the two models, with one offering 12 minutes and the other 13 minutes of flight time.
• 😀 The remotes for the helicopters offer a 120m range, which is quite far, and can be switched between Mode 1 and Mode 2.
• 😀 The joysticks on the remote can be locked to prevent accidental motor activation when holding the helicopter.
• 😀 Optical Flow and barometric sensors allow the helicopters to remain stable in the air with minimal input from the pilot.
• 😀 The helicopters offer different flight modes, including a manual mode for faster, more dynamic flying.
• 😀 Both helicopters feature impressive details, making them visually stunning and a good choice for RC enthusiasts.
• 😀 The helicopters come with spare parts, tools for maintenance, and USB-C charging cables, ensuring ease of use and longevity.

Q & A

What makes the two RC helicopters in the video suitable for beginners?

The helicopters are designed with beginner-friendly features such as Optical Flow, barometer for altitude hold, and a six-axis gyro, making them easy to control. They also have digital servos, brushless motors, and a range of up to 120 meters, ensuring a stable and controlled flying experience for newcomers.

What is Optical Flow, and why is it important for beginners?

Optical Flow is a feature that helps maintain stable hovering by using a camera to track the ground. It is especially useful for beginners, as it allows the helicopter to hover in place without requiring constant control, providing an easier flying experience.

How does the flight time of the two helicopters compare?

The flight times are quite similar, with one helicopter offering 12 minutes of flight time and the other offering 13 minutes. The difference is minimal, and both provide sufficient flying time for beginner use.

What are the benefits of the detailed design and construction of these helicopters?

The high-quality construction, including CNC aluminum parts and highly detailed aesthetics, adds to the durability and realism of the helicopters. This makes them not only visually impressive but also robust, making them a good investment for hobbyists and beginners alike.

What does 'manual mode' do, and when should beginners use it?

Manual mode disables Optical Flow and relies solely on the pilot’s control for stability. It allows for faster speeds but can make the helicopter harder to control, especially in windy conditions. Beginners are advised to avoid manual mode until they are comfortable with the basic flying controls.

What should beginners avoid doing with these helicopters in terms of advanced flight modes?

Beginners should avoid using high rates and manual mode, as these increase the helicopter's speed and make it more challenging to control. Additionally, beginners should refrain from attempting inverted flight (flying upside down) until they gain more experience.

How do the two helicopters differ in terms of their physical features?

The Huey helicopter has a wider body but sits lower, while the Bell 206 helicopter is slightly taller with a more compact design. The Huey also includes a removable rocket launcher and sees-through windows, while the Bell 206 has a headlight and LED lights at different locations.

Can these helicopters fly inverted, and what challenges does this present?

Yes, both helicopters can fly inverted, but it requires manual mode, high rates, and a significant amount of skill. It is recommended that beginners not attempt inverted flight, especially in windy conditions, as the helicopters can become difficult to control.

What comes included in the box with each helicopter?

Both helicopters come with a user manual, spare blades, a USB-C charging cable, and tools for assembly. The Huey includes snap-on accessories, two sets of tail fins, and a gun that can be added or removed. The Bell 206 includes LED lights in different positions and no spare tail fins.

How does the video compare the overall experience of flying both helicopters?

The video demonstrates that both helicopters fly similarly in terms of speed and stability, with the Huey having a slight advantage in terms of detailed features and design. However, both offer a great flying experience for beginners, with the option to progress to more advanced maneuvers as the user gains confidence.