Beginner: 6 channel vs 4 channel

[jpstep]

i am going to purchase a radio electric heli for my 13 year old son. i am wondering the difference between 6 channel and 4 channel.  i want to be sure i purchase something that is easy enough for a 13 yr old beginner but not something too juvenile.

[smotpoker269]

I would definately recommend the 4-channel for a beginner.  With the 4-channel, you can control its vertical position, as well as spin it left/right, slide left/right, and move forwards/backwards.  Basically, you can maneuver just like a real chopper.  The 6-channel choppers are a bit more complex, and thus more difficult to fly, especially for a beginner.  Maybe the Falcon 40 (Exceed RC) or the Dragonfly #4 (Walkera).  Both of those 4-channel units are built pretty well, and the replacement parts are pretty reasonable. 

Check out www.xheli.com if you need a place to purchase one.

RC Heli's are the hardest RC vehicle to master, but the rewards are well worth it, in my opinion.  You can also find some good "Pilot Training" pages on the internet to help get him started.  Be warned that there is much frustration when trying to learn, and it's best to take it sloooooow!  Crashing is going to happen, but if you learn how to maneuver the chopper before you get it off the ground, it will make a lot more sense when it's in the air and you're trying to avoid a crash!  Best of luck!

[viper6]

again great advice, your all over this thanks for the expertise.....Rich

[mj]

also, it is cheaper to repair a 4 channel than 6 channel if you crash. need to do it step by step. from easy to hard

[IZasPIE]

I am a new beginner, and I bough the 6-channel instead. When I first got it, I was amazed! Then on the remote control I clicked on the inverted-flight switch because I didn't know what it was, and stripped the gear. I then bought the gear without the bearing. That was  a bad idea. So I got the gear and took the bearing out of the broken gear and put it in the new one. But I bet it wasn't put in straight because now it pulls toward one side. Well I took it outside to test flight it and Whamm.. Crashed it right away. Now I need the main blades. I was thinking that maybe it pulled to one side because I didn't put in the bearing the right way? Now I bought the main blades with the gear that has the bearing in it. When I get those items, I hope it will get fixed and it wont pull to one side anymore. We'll see, if it still pulls to one side. Now I can't wait until summer. It's very cold here, I don't want to take it outside.

[Z-man]

Also
 from a beginner
 I gotr a 6 channel Raptor G2 for christmas. Crashed serveral times already & have repaired it several times. LOL
 I definetly recommend the 4- channel for a 13 yoa. I am very patient & it it very challenging with the 6 channle, But that's what I like about it. So have fun !

[yadac123]

The blazing star is very stable and easy to learn. I recommend that over the simulator but must know your controls.

Andy

[jeffrey]

i started with a two chanel myself  it is a syma its about the same size as the other 4 and 6 chanel but alot tougher adn is the best place to start for a beginner i still fly it to practice . only thing is you have to chase it lol

[gerk2k]

i am a newbie to this hobby. but very much interested in rc helicopters. i am planning to get 1. i need your opinion because im planning a 6-channel rc. what's the difference between the 4 & 6- channel mainly?  thanks

[yadac123]

i wouldn't recommend 6 ch the first time. It's hard to manage the rotor head after crash.

4 chan is better. The only difference is flying inverted.

Andy

[gerk2k]

thanks andy

[Baghdad RC]

I'm a beginner and I have both.
The 6 channel is set up with light weight, breakable parts.
The Falcon 40 (4 channel) has a very tough set of wings and takes a licking.
Just throttle back each time it hard lands and it's fine.

After much $$ and @*%!!, I put the 6 channel away until I can get proficient on the Falcon.

[Blackdog1352]

 ???what am I doing wrong
My Blazingstar craped out on me. So yesterday I put in a new reciver in it.I can not tune it in.it wants to spin or fly off into the sunset. I gess I don't know what I'm doing.I have two 2 v-3 cocos same thing. Good on the ground stays good until it leaves the pad.then it will start to spin.Every receiver I have put in anythingt will not work. CAN YOU HELP? can anyone help ??
                                                             Rick.

[yadac123]

Please make sure you did not plug the motors in their wrong slots.

Andy

[JMAN]

I went 2 - 3 - 4.  You can get an inexpensive 3CH at xheli.com and it will help him to learn the basics very easily.  I purchased the Syma S001 3CH and it was great to train on.  Very stable platform, breakaway blades, and very durable.  Mine still flys and I bet I have close to 100 crashes on it.  It was cheap enough that I didn't mind upgrading later to a 4CH.

I would never start with a 6CH and I'm 40 something.