Fingertips, or Thumbs?

[Mustang67]

I use only thumbs because no neck strap method.

In Electric Brushless Class
Best Micro - Gaui
Best 400   -Blade
Best 450   - X-cell Furion
Best 500   -Between Protos & Align
Best 600   -Align

[dditch66]

I fly thumb and index finger and usually w/ a neck strap if I have a Heli, No neck strap w/ a plane.
I used to have a tray for helicopters. I have also been trying to ween myself off of the neck strap but can't seem to do it and still fly inverted. If I'm doing just forward flight, I'll go w/o the neck strap.

Unless you have a tray or neck strap, using 2 fingers is harder to move the sticks to the extremes expecially the collective when you flip inverted.

Back in my mid-20's (1990's) I flew Helicopter and Fixed wing Pattern contests.  Flying 2 fingers allowed more precision to the maneuvers and allowed me to fly really smooth (smooth flying is something I strive for). A couple years ago, i tried to convert to thumbs but was too accustomed to 2 fingers and could not get my flying to smoothen out.
A pattern guy said "show me someone who can write their name with only their thumb".

You gotta I think try it both ways and see which is easier. Do it on the sim w/ a hot helicopter. I think each person may be different (I don't know) but I've seen some good pilots fly thumb only though.

Once you get to CP helicopters, I think the electronics make a big difference so long as they are Bell-Hiller design. The G2 is Hiller Only but that also helps it to be less sensitive. Align, EXI, Mini-Titan, E-Flite, I've flown all 3 but have the EXI's.  I noticed more about the setup and electronics make the difference than the actual helicopter.  How you fly it (or how you bury it) makes more of a difference.
I am NOT an advocate of "I want the best so I can fly this one helicopter for the rest of my life".  I know of so few that have done this on a small electric. They usually get something inexpensive to fix, then learn the hobby then pick something else later.

[MAKMOV]

Years ago, it was hotly debated as to which to use to work the control sticks.  Should I grip each of the two joysticks between my first finger and thumb, or should I just put my thumb on top of the joysticks?

Another quick one - Is there a brand of helicopter considered to be the best?

It's going to be real hard to beat a Bergen Heli. They are pro industrial level mutli thousand dollar helis.

JR Pro
Align

I also agree that the electronics is what really makes or breaks a heli.