Blade MCX Review

This little heli seems to be the catalyst that is bringing many baby boomers back into radio control, as well as providing a great way for the younger generations to discover this great hobby.

During my childhood the only micro aircraft were slide together balsa gliders that had no external controls. A fully functional helicopter that you could do touch and go landings on your coffee table were only far off dreams of rich men.

Well, times have changed. E-flite's Blade MCX micro helicopter is just the ticket for preforming flight maneuvers in your living room and it's within the budget of just about everyone. For about $120 you get a complete set-up that includes this little heli with a 4 channel tranmitter, LiPo battery pack and portable charger. It even includes AA batteries for the Tx and charger. There is nothing else to buy and nothing to assemble. It is ready to fly right out of the box.

Traditional helicopters are very unstable but with the MCX's coaxial counter rotating blades, it's very easy for a beginning pilot to hover. Weighing in at 1 ounce with the battery pack, this is one tough bird. It takes a beating and jumps right back into the air, time after time. Even if you manage to break something on this heli, all parts are replaceable and readily available at most local hobby shops.

Specifications:

• length 7.9in (200mm)


• Height 4.7in (120mm)


• Main Rotor Dia. 7.5in (190mm)


• Wt with Battery 1 oz (28g)


• Main Motor Micro Coreless (2)


• Battery 1S 3.7V 110mah LiPo)


• Charger 1S 3.7V DC LiPo)


• Transmitter MLP4DSM 2.4Ghz DSM2 4 Channel


• On-Board Elec. 5-1 Receiver/Servos/Mixer/Esc's/Gyro

Having spent many hours flying the MCX, I can tell you this little heli is a load of fun, but I have to warn you, it can be addictive. It won't be long and you'll be looking for the next step up, which in my case was a Blade MSR. A review on this baby is soon to come.

For more information on the MCX or any of the Blade model helicopters, visit the E-Flite site.