In Part 1 of this tutorial, we looked at the different terms that you would encounter when shopping for rc helicopters. In Part 2 we will look at different points to consider when buying your first rc helicopter.

Should You Buy A New or Used RC Helicopter:

• Most new rc helicopters are sold in kit form, with the consumer assembling the product. This can be a problem for the novice, as kits can have several hundred parts.
• If buying used, ask to see the rc helicopter flown. It normally does not matter if the rc helicopter was ever crashed, as long as the broken parts have been replaced.
• If you are unsure about the condition of the rc helicopter, you can always ask another pilot to look at it with you.

Operating Costs of RC Helicopters:

• Visit your local hobby store and look at the various parts you will need. The cost of replacement parts is important.
• Find out what kind of fuel or batteries your rc helicopter uses. Costs vary depending upon the amount of nitro in the fuel or the number and capacity of lipo cells.
• If you plan to become a member of your local rc club, consider the membership costs.

Where to buy RC Helicopters:

Consider these points when choosing where to buy your rc helicopter.

Online:

• There are many online hobby stores. These stores usually have lower prices than conventional hobby stores due to the increased number of sales.
• Obtaining your rc helicopter at an online establishment usually means you can get your heli sooner, even if it is out of stock. A conventional hobby store can take weeks to restock a part you might need.
• When purchasing your helicopter on the web, it can be harder to find exactly what you need. Instead of being able to ask a store representative to help you find what you need in person, look for the availability of ‘live help’ or ‘live chat’ features .
• If you do purchase your helicopter online, make sure that the organization is respectable, and that they will stand behind their product.

Hobby store:

• At a hobby store, you can actually see and touch the items you are buying. This helps when comparing brands and to get a feel for the scale/size of the rc helicopters.
• Also, the dealer will most likely have several used models available. When the time comes to get a new rc helicopter, these can be a good deal.