Blade Helicopters
A Good Brand For You To Start With

by John Salt - Updated September 2023

So why do I claim Blade Helicopters are a good brand to start your journey into RC helicopters with, when the market is literally saturated with entry level RC helicopters?

Blade Makes Good Entry Level RC Helicopters Such As The Popular 230.

It all comes down to some very important criteria, much of which I talk about on my Best RC Helicopter page, but I will reiterate the specific features as they apply to Blade helicopters that are both time & money savers for most people who are first starting out in the Hobby.

After that, we will look at each model they have so you can get a good idea of what models and features they offer. Feel free to skip down to that section if you're already familiar with Blade.  

Blade Helicopter Decent Quality

Carbon & CNC Aluminum Parts

I guess the first criteria to look at is overall quality since the main reason we get into the hobby is to actually fly, and for a model helicopter to fly and stay flying, a base quality line is a necessity.

Blade helicopters are all of pretty decent quality.

Sure, there have been duds over the years, but for the vast number of helicopters they have released over the past 15 years or so, there were & are way more good ones than bad ones.

Their track record in other words is very decent for the lower cost, entry level stuff.

There is no question, there are some other low cost entry level brands out there that are just as good if not better such as XK Helicopters, but you don't get the same level of after sales support and help that Blade/Horizon Hobby offers. 

You notice I keep calling Blade helicopters "Entry Level", why?

Simply because that is exactly what they are. These are not $1000 dollar plus larger high end machines like Align, Mikado, Miniature Aircraft, MSH, Oxy or SAB that many experienced RC helicopter enthusiasts seek out and aspire towards.

Blade helicopters are lower cost, small in size (nothing larger than a 480 size), ready to fly RC helicopters that offer a good introduction into the hobby for a reasonable price.  

For a few years, Blade actually did dabble in the larger & costlier higher end, 500 to 700 size electric helicopters, and they were actually fairly decent machines. However, for the rather high cost, they couldn't compete with the established high end brands such as Align, SAB, Mikado, HD, JR, Compass, etc.

Serious RC helicopter hobbyists just didn't see Blade as a viable contender to these other brands after they progressed to that level. So after a short 3 years or so, all the large Blade helicopters were discontinued. Lots of people I know got some really smoking great deals on these larger Blade helis when this happened as some were being cleared out for 1/2 price (even less).

What I and others have noticed however since Blade dabbled in the larger machines, is the quality of their smaller helicopters started getting better for the most part. A large RC helicopter requires a much higher level of build and component quality after all, and I personally feel Blade learned from their time producing the bigger birds; some of that has now filtered down into the smaller stuff.

Blade eventually got back to doing what it does best - produce lower cost, pre-built, smaller size helicopters aimed directly toward folks just starting out or are fairly new to the hobby. 

Blade 330S Collective Pitch RC Helicopter

Blade's Good After Sales Support

Since I already touched on this, lets talk about after sales support... What is it?

Simply put, it means after you walk out the door with your shiny new RC helicopter, there is a vast help network out there should you have any questions, problems, or simply need parts for repairs or maintenance.

I put extremely high priority on this, especially for newbies getting into the hobby. Blade has helped successfully introduce more people to RC helicopters than just about any brand out there.

Blade helicopters are simply incredibly popular. They are sold at most good hobby shops world wide (both on-line and off), so help and parts are almost always easy to get. They are the helicopter brand you will generally see the most of at the local hobby shop in other words.

Horizon Hobby is also very good with their warranties should you get a defective product, and yes it does happen from time to time like any high-tech product.

Going well beyond the hobby store and Horizon Hobby for after sales help and support, there are countless websites & forum posts offering help as well with all of Blade's helicopters. This is true for many brands, but going by the numbers, there is simply way more on-line help should you need it with Blade. For seasoned and experienced RC helicopter enthusiasts, this is not so important, but it can be an invaluable resource for beginners and newbies.

This also makes used Blade helicopters more desirable than other entry level brands for the simple reason they are both so popular and work with a very popular radio system. Many newbies really catch onto the hobby fast when they get bit by the heli bug.

It's very nice at this stage to be able to easily sell your first or second Blade heli to get into a more advanced model. This is where the slight cost premium of Blade's entry level helicopters can easily be recuperated over other brands.

Blade Helicopter Spektrum/JR DSM2/X Compatibility

Okay, many beginners won't even understand what this means (you will shortly however); but it's the single biggest reason why I, and many other experienced RC hobbyists put Blade head and shoulders above the rest of the entry level stuff on the market.

Spektrum DSM2/X is a 2.4 GHz spread spectrum protocol used by all Spektrum brand RC radio system and earlier JR spread spectrum radio systems. This is basically the digital language & coding sequence used in the radio system that allows the radio (RC controller) to communicate with the aircraft. I have a page that goes into much more detail on spread spectrum if you want to learn more about it.

Every brand of RC radio system has it's own unique protocol so they are not compatible with one another.

So why is this important to understand right now?

GROWTH POTENTIAL.

First off, DSM2/X protocol is a very robust spread spektrum radio control communication system. In fact, in the RC heli world, it's one of the most popular (even for the higher end stuff as you progress).

I often say the radio system is more important than the helicopter if you are even somewhat serious about the hobby, and I strongly support this statement. When you get a good radio system to start with, you won't have to change systems later on and Blade is one of the few entry level heli brands that provides this very important benefit.

Spektrum DX6 Computerized Radio

First off, you won't have to get a new radio for each helicopter or quad rotor you purchase.

You can get a decent Spektrum computerized radio such as the DX6, and fly every single Blade heli and quadrotor with that radio.

As you progress further, you can then fly all the higher end machines with this radio. So many of today's top flybarless systems are designed to work seamlessly with Spektrum DSM2/X systems for example.

The other big convenience here is for RC airplane enthusiasts that already fly their planes with a Spektrum computerized radio and are thinking of coming over to the "dark side" of the flying eggbeater world to give it a whirl. If that describes you, starting out with a Blade helicopter or quad is almost a no-brainer since you already have a radio that will work with the aircraft. 

Using one radio to fly everything is not only extremely convenient, it saves a substantial amount of money over the years. It also means you won't have to waste time re-learning the programming menus, or getting used to the feel of a different radio.

Many of Blade's helicopters and quadcopters for example come with or without a simple RC radio. The version's without the radio are for those of us who already have a Spektrum or JR DSM2/X radio and naturally those versions cost less money. Blade calls this "Bind N' Fly" (BNF). I talk about this feature in the many Blade helicopter reviews I have done, and is once again why I feel this feature alone is so beneficial for so many people.

So, if you already have a computerized Spektrum RC radio system or older computerized JR DSM2/X system, you will want to get the "BNF" version of whatever Blade helicopter model you are looking at.

If you're just starting out and have no radio system, you can get the RTF version to start with and then get a better quality Spektrum computerized radio later on as you progress to open up all the benefits of programmable radio systems to cater your radio to your flying style. One radio to fly multiple helicopters, quadrotors, planes, and gliders - that is what I mean by growth.

So, those are the main benefits to you as the consumer that Blade offers. 

I suppose a very simple way to look at all this, is out of all the lower cost, entry level, small RC helicopters on the market, Blade is the only brand that allows you to truly "invest into the hobby"; if you don't mind being locked into Spektrum and their proprietary SMART technology.

That is the one downside to Blade RC Helicopters - the proprietary direction Spektrum are going. This is unfortunate, and why I personally don't fly any Blade products anymore. With that said, most newbies love SMART, and it's certainly not a bad proprietary system to be locked into. 

Blade Helicopter Models Available

Blade has an array of helicopters to suit most budgets and ability levels. 

Blade has more or less divided their lineup into three categories based on experience levels.

• Beginner - these include micro single rotor fixed pitch helicopters.
• Intermediate - include their smaller & less powerful collective pitch helicopters. 
  
• Advanced - larger & more powerful / complicated collective pitch helicopters.
  

As you may likely know from my Best RC Helicopter page, I personally don't feel you can simply pigeon hole any RC helicopter to cater to a specific experience level.

It's possible for example for people to start with any of Blade's (or any other brand for that matter) more advanced collective pitch RC helicopters if they do their research and know what to expect.

You can for example setup any collective pitch helicopter to be very tame and as you progress, change the setup to allow more aggressive flying. This takes a good deal of understanding at first to do properly; but for someone who knows they have the correct mindset (I was borderline obsessed when I got into the hobby for example), and wants to start with a more advanced model, it's certainly very doable. 

In short, take these Blade experience categories as guidelines only - focus more on the sizes, prices, and the features they offer.

You know your underlying passion towards the hobby, natural abilities, and hobby budget better than the manufacturer or I do. Base your Blade helicopter purchase decision on what's the best match for you.

Blade helicopters also use the standardized RC Helicopter sizing method of using main blade length. For example, the Blade Fusion 360 uses 350mm long rotor blades. 

On that note, let's look at all the models Blade offer in each of the 3 experience level categories. I have links to to their RTF & BNF versions so you can check them out in more detail if you wish. 

Blade Beginner Models

Blade 70S

The Blade 70S is a great choice for those that are seriously thinking of getting into the hobby, yet don't want to spend much at first. Here's my full review. 

It's a great beginner micro fixed pitch helicopter for those looking for more performance than a micro coaxial will give, yet don't want to venture into collective pitch quite yet. The flying skills learned on the 70S will of course come in handy when you do progress to a collective pitch machine down the road.

At $60.00, the value is outstanding considering helicopters like this used to cost well over $160.00 just few years ago. 

Equipped with SAFE Technology, the fixed-pitch flybarless design offers great stability. The low parts count makes repairs quick and simple with one of the most unique features being the location of the swashplate for added protection. It is located inside the frame instead of up on the rotor mast using pushrods that exit up through the top bearing inside the oversized main mast. 

• RTF Version Only

Blade 120 S2

Larger than a micro-class machine, the sub-micro Blade 120 S2 is great for outdoor flight in low wind, yet is still small enough to fly in larger indoor spaces.

Built off the proven duable design of the original Blade 120SR & S with updated flight characteristics and integrated telemetry, the 120 S2 is a great way to graduate from coaxial helis & quadcopters to a single-rotor machine. 

• RTF Version
• BNF Version

Blade Intermediate Models

Blade Nano S3

The tiny Blade Nano S3 is Blade's smallest collective pitch RC helicopter making it the PERFECT indoor collective pitch RC helicopter.

Not overly powerful, but a great indoor practice aid when first getting into collective pitch or when you simply need some indoor collective pitch flying fun. See my full write-up.

• RTF Version
• BNF Version
  

Blade mCPX BL2

Think all the way back to 2010.

The announcement of the very first micro sized collective pitch RC helicopter that would fit in the palm of your hand shook the RC heli world. 

The mCP X and then the mCP X BL (brushless motor version), and now the BL2 version building on the same platforms of success. Positioned as a beginner to intermediate heli between the Blade Nano S3 and Fusion 180. 

Exclusive SAFE and AS3X technology help keep control by delivering the stability needed to develop confidence quickly. Three progressive flight modes allow this heli to grow with each pilot's skill level, making it great for intermediate pilots to pick up with the assurance of panic recovery.

This micro heli is suitable as a beginner model thanks to SAFE, but also extremely attractive for experts looking for a durable model for everyday practice and fun.

• BNF Version Only

Blade 150 S

For those looking to hone their skills on a small collective pitch RC helicopter that is well suited to flying in your own yard, the Blade 150 S (replacement for the 130 S) is worth considering, sharing many of the same characteristics of the popular 130 S.

Enabled with SAFE® technology, its progressive flight mode system makes flying a collective pitch heli more comfortable, even if it's your first collective pitch helicopter.

Self leveling stabilization and a more accurate panic mode, give beginner pilots the confidence to master collective pitch flight. 3D flight performance when in aerobatic mode is decent and crisp provided you manage your collective energy.

Carbon fiber main frame and main gear along with metal gear servos and Fiber Reinforced Plastic main blades can survive the learning curve and add confidence. The brushless direct drive tail motor driving a tri-blade tail rotor gives a solid tail lock while minimizing tail maintenance.

Flying weight comes in around 200g so for us Canadians as well as many other countries that impose over 250g RC aircraft registration/regulations/restrictions, the 150 S will legally fly under the radar.  

• BNF Version only

Blade 230 S Smart

The Blade 230S Smart (building on the awesome original 230S and then the V2 version) is one of the best, if not best collective pitch helicopters for newbies getting into collective pitch to start with in my humble opinion. 

I don't know a single person who didn't love their 230S original or V2, and now the SMART version continues to build on this loyal following and great design.

It's simply an economical little heli in this size and price range which offers up good value, with user friendly features and added improvements over the originals. Perfectly suited to learning & growing collective pitch piloting skills.

Engineered around the abilities of innovative SAFE technology, its progressive flight mode system makes flying a collective pitch heli more comfortable, even if it’s your first collective pitch helicopter. The 230 S Smart as the name suggests incorporates Spektrum's Smart technology when flown with the included DXS or Smart compatible transmitters, pilots will automatically be aware of the flight packs voltage.

A reinforced frame and main gear along with metal gear servos and ABS main blades can survive the learning curve and add confidence. The flight and strength improvements make this a blast to fly in your local park or backyard.

• RTF Version
• BNF Version

Advanced Blade Models

The Blade 330S is pretty much my favorite heli in this "advanced" segment. Why?

Because it's based on one of my favorite electric powered RC helicopters of all time, the Blade 400, which became the Blade 450, and then became the Blade 330 (the size of blades it has always been spinning). 

The Blade 400 is the collective pitch helicopter that first introduced me (back in 2008) to the benefits of electric powered RC helicopters after two decades of flying nitro & gas RC helicopters. It was a game changer and wonderful helicopter. I still have my original Blade 400 and fly it 15 years later. 

It's so nice to see Blade keep updating this classic 3S powered bird with new components and electronics in it's latest form - the 330S. 

It's the perfect collective pitch trainer for those that want to forgo the micros, and get a nice size heli to learn on that is not a grossly overpowered & costly 3D smacker. Yes, I'm totally biased because I love this size helicopter. It's also my favorite size to instruct on for most people. 

• RTF Version
• BNF Version

Blade Fusion 360 BNF

The Blade Fusion 360 Smart is a BNF, 6S powered 450 size machine.

Blade has taken a fresh approach in redeveloping the Fusion 360 by adding integrated SAFE and Smart technology, all carbon fiber and aluminum construction & improved power system package.

Easy to fly and easy to see in the air, it is designed to help pilots progress from simple maneuvers to advanced 3D stunts with confidence. This powerhouse features lightweight carbon fiber and anodized aluminum construction presenting exceptional rigidity and durability. Plus, with the inclusion of Smart Technology, battery charging and power system management is now easier than ever and virtually worry free.

The expertly tuned Spektrum 6250HX flight controller is ready for more advanced Spektrum aircraft transmitters. Pilots get kit level quality in a Bind-N-Fly package.

• BNF Version Only

Blade Fusion 550 Kit

The Blade Fusion 550 is Blade's first "kit" heli in several years as well as their largest. 

I really like the concept of this helicopter as it's a good indicator if nothing else, that the hobby is still healthy and Blade is still innovating and giving another go at the higher end, larger kit build market.

The Fusion 550 Quick Build Kit offers a perfect fusion of convenience and performance with the included motor and blades. 

The 550 is based on the popular Fusion 480 and stretch kit for a perfect fusion of convenience and performance. The Quick Build Kit includes factory-finished assemblies so it can be ready to fly in less than half the time of typical kits.

The kit comes with carbon fiber 550mm main rotor and 95mm tail rotor blades, a 4320-1180Kv brushless outrunner motor that delivers incredible torque and power along with top-of-the-line Spektrum components.

• Super Combo Kit Version

My Top 3 Blade Helicopter Recommendations

Let's fact it, there are pros and cons to every RC helicopter out there and with all the models that Blade offers, it's no doubt confusing choosing if you are just starting out. Budget, ability, expectations, size, etc. all come into play.

With that in mind, out of all these models, there are 3 that currently (September 2023) stand out in terms of "best value" and are the ones I most often recommend.   

• In the beginner segment, the Blade 70S would be my top recommendation for those first getting into the hobby who don't have any idea of what it's like to control and fly an RC helicopter. Low cost outlay, but important skills & knowledge building experiences gained.
• The Blade Nano S3 is amazing if you want a mini collective pitch heli for indoor flying.
• The Blade 230S Smart hands down owns the intermediate choices.

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