Unpacking the Exceed-RC MadHawk 300 heli was easy enough. It comes in a variety of body styles. If there is one thing I’ve learned int this hobby so far, I’m going to CRASH. So I went for the simple ‘Normal’ canopy style instead of the cooler looking full-bodied birds.

Closeup photos of the heli

I dot not yet have any in-flight video of this to upload, but I’ll say this. WOW, it’s fun! Establishing your first full hover with the blades of death whirling violently around, is as cool! The blades also make that trademark ‘whoop whoop whoop’ any proper helicopter should. It just adds to the fun.

There is a lot to learn about handling helicopter physics, but I’m finding that the 300 class with training gear installed is EASIER TO LEARN than the smaller co-axial craft. And the price is just about the same (or about 1/2 that of the CX3 to be honest).

So, the advice I’d received from a few people, and read on a few other sites is RIGHT ON. If you really think you are going to get into this, just buy a decent Fixed-Pitch kit for $120, add the $8 training kit and learn. You’ll be happier in the long run. Less frustration from slow co-axial heli response, heavier so you can fly in our outdoors, and it’s probably going to be fun to fly for quite some time.

So, once I get my head-in hover fully mastered I should have a nice EXI-500 built and ready to go. The EXI-500 will be good for years. I’ve met a number of people who suggested going from the little trainer STRAIGHT to the Collective-Pitch 500 or larger birds. And as crazy as it sounds, right now, I think they are right.

For now though, I’ll keep learning on the Co-Axials and Fixed-Pitch helis littering the house. Weather is pretty nasty outside so having some good indoor fun is a bonus. One of the next ‘upgrades’ to the CX3, after I fix the swash plate issue, is going to be a cargo hook. 🙂