If you are a beginning hobbyist, buying your first remote control helicopter can be confusing. Different statistics can sometimes sound like a new language that you need to learn. In order to know as much as possible about buying your first RC helicopter, it’s important that you know the following statistics and terms.

The first thing that most people are confused about is the size of the remote control helicopter. The .30, .60, and .90 sizes that helicopter hobbyists refer to is about the size of the motor in the helicopter. This is purely a personal choice for many. Another size that might be referred is the ratio between this helicopter to a real one . Usually would 1:10, 1:12 , the number will be smaller the larger the helicopter is.

When choosing how to power your remote controlled helicopter, you can choose electric or nitro. Many longtime enthusiasts are switching from nitro to electric, simply because the engineering focus of many companies has switched from nitro to electric. The result of this focal switch is that many electric helicopters are now outperforming gas ones. EP might be written next to the name of your favorite RC helicopter, and that signifies that it’s electrically powered.

Buying your first RC helicopter also means you’re going to run into the phrases “Kit” and “RTF”. RC Helicopter Kits are meant to be helicopters that are built by you. If you are a beginner, and don’t have much construction talent, getting a kit probably isn’t a good idea. RTF stands for Ready-To-Fly, and they generally come preassembled. RTFs are almost all electric.

Maneuverability is a major factor when it comes to buying an RC Helicopter. Most RC helicopters come with the option of 4-channel, or 6-channel controls. Basically, that means how many different radio channels are used in order to direct the helicopter. The more channels used, the more accurately you can control your helicopter, and the more tricks you can perform in order to wow your friends.

Another major factor that should not be overlooked is the flight time , charge time and reception range , these are the most crucial factors that will determine what the flying experience will be. Generally one should be very careful not to fly the heli away from the reception range. And watch out for when its battery is draining out , this would be a good time to land and recharge.

Once you actually learn what those terms mean, picking a helicopter that fits your needs is pretty easy. Remember, if you don’t understand some of the lingo that other helicopter hobbyists are using, just ask. Most people will explain it to you without issue.

Tom Moore is a writer and has a passion for RC Toys. This article was written for Cobra Toys.