E-flite's Blade CX2 and CX3

For a while now I've been flying and servicing the Blade series of electric helicopters. The most common models being the CX2 and CX3. Both I consider to be the strongest training electric choppers available for a novice. However, there are some key differences to consider for the beginning pilot.

First, let's take a look at the CX2. The CX2 is a coaxial counter-rotating designed chopper that makes hovering easier for first time pilots. The CX2 uses an advanced 3-in-1 control unit including main motor ESCs, mixer and rate-mode peizo gyro. The CX2 also employs a simple easy to remove 2 piece body. This chopper uses a 7.4 volt 800 mAh lithium polymer battery for continuous power output and light weight. This helicopter uses a Spektrum 2.4 GHz DSM2 radio for interference free flying.

Next, the CX3. The CX3 uses the same coaxial counter-rotating design as the CX2. The CX3, however, uses the same advanced 3-in-1 control unit with main motor ESCs and mixer, but with a heading lock gyro. The CX3 employs an outstanding looking scale 1 piece Police MD 520N body. The head and blade assembly must be removed for body change-out, however. The CX3 uses the same lithium polymer battery and Spektrum 2.4 radio as the CX2.

Now for the differences. Both choppers fly very well and are very stable in hover. No surprise here with the coaxial counter-rotating design. The real difference in flight characteristics comes I believe from the gyros of the two helicopters. The CX2 will perform smooth scale-like turns giving plenty of time to think through maneuvers. The tail however, will slightly drift, especially as the battery discharges. It will require constant gentle pressure on the left stick to keep the nose straight. No big deal, but worth noting.

The CX3 on the other hand with it's shorter body seems quick i the turns - almost too much so. You feel the head lock gyro kick in as soon as you lift off, but turns are very fast. The shorter body (tail) seems to enhance this sensation.

All that being said and $20.00 more for the CX3 I say save the money and buy the CX2. But hey, that's one sales consultant's opinion. And you know what they say about that. It does seem to me that TRUE novices have an easier time (read as "more time to think") with the CX2. Until next time - keep the sky side up.

Berley Stabler
Hobby Sales