Best Beginner Helicopter for under $99 - RC ERA C138 BELL 206

[@winstonsmith7801]

I'm glad you mentioned this Heli has two brushed motors . Some other reviewers have been stating the main motor is brushless which is incorrect. Thank you for being accurate in your reviews.

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

No problem. Glad you enjoyed the vid.

[@ayssarahmed645]

@@winstonsmith7801 How can I buy one?

[@winstonsmith7801]

@@ayssarahmed645 There's a link to the store and discount code in the video description .

[@ВикторКостенко-э4к]

Hello. what does the switch "Mode..." next to the gas handle mean? What is it for? helicopter made in 3D? Flips?

[@winstonsmith7801]

@@ВикторКостенко-э4к You mean the 3 switch mode on the top left side of the transmitter ?

[@babyjoker8344]

No need to buy both helis. Press LEFT trim tab DOWN 3 seconds, light will blink, optical flow is now off. Trim your helicopter and save settings by pressing LEFT trim tab DOWN again. Light will be solid. Optical flow will be on again. Turn it off by holding LEFT trim DOWN 3 seconds. It is now off , light will be blinking and no need to trim as the settings were saved. When the light is blinking, you can press R/L on LEFT trim tab to raise and lower HEAD SPEED. Lower headspeed for indoors and raise headspreed for outdoors. This works for all RC ERA helis. Love the Vids.

[@egertkabilattekivi2496]

It works also amewi rc helis too.

[@winstonsmith7801]

Push the trim tab like a button works for me. And if you fly mode 1 , it's the right trim tab.

[@staysmallrc]

Love the comments. Just ordered. Gonna try to save trim on my mini Hero-Copter similar transmitter. So far, I have to reset the trim after powering down, but it flies really stable

[@userman444]

Any chance you can tell us there any failsafe joystick combinations? I tried both down left/right and down forward to each other but it's still flying..

[@ianmangham4570]

It blows my mind how awesome this is , we could only dream a decade ago of an affordable helo that actually flies 😅 ,and the price is just perfect 👌, I ordered one straight after watching this AWESOME 👌 vid 😊 🇬🇧

[@Slithh]

Thanks for the vacay video! These little heli's are cute but definitely toys in my opinion. With that in mind, they look like a fun way to kill 10 minutes on a lazy afternoon. The difference between optical flow and without seems pretty negligible. Might as well save a few bucks and go without. Thank your wife for giving you up for half a day to shoot, edit and post this video!

[@staysmallrc]

Finally arrived from BestBox or whatever and worked fine, with no damage. US Customs opened it, no doubt, but it's all good. I did try to cancel the order because there were no shipping updates. Emailed them and quick response. No help, but they at least replied back and said to be patient. 24 days, 98 bucks with 2 batteries, optical flow, and upgraded thumb sticks? Metal vs. plastic. Feel bad for anyone who waits 3-4 weeks to save 10-15 dollars, and it shows up broken. Thanks, captain, for the discount code! It just feels like a gamble ordering from foreign wholesalers. Probably because it is. 😊

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Great! Enjoy the heli! Also, please note that in CHINA, they do not hire staff for customer service, so this is why it is difficult to get a response.

[@ianmangham4570]

Can't believe he's flying it up and down the street 😅 , years ago if you took a small heli outdoors on the calmest of days you were in big trouble 😊

[@MichaelBarber-z8f]

Hi Steve 😀👋. Very nice. Though they are brushed motors. They fly amazingly great and are really fast lol.😂. Both are affordable price and easy to control. Hope you are having a great summer vacation my friend. Thank you so very much for sharing this video and God bless 🙏. Have a great weekend

[@ka4172]

So such a nice "Toy" not more not less but the nicest looking Toy Heli that flys amazing easy and scale even at a light breeze ! I love it!

[@timtoadbeatz]

I really enjoy your videos my friend, your are very thorough and honest with your reviews and you have a very likable personality as well as quality videos in terms of editing and audio, keep bringing us these videos and enjoy the rest of your vacation!

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

I appreciate that!

[@staysmallrc]

Thank you so much for your channel and content. You are a confidence influencer! I used your link and ordered the 2 battery option with upgraded transmitter for 98 USD with free shipping. Used your code. Best deal anywhere! My 2nd mini. I was happy to use your link!

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Glad you’re happy with the purchase! It’s always nice to hear from my subscribers.

[@roywilliams4903]

A speed a beginner would enjoy, nice words. 😊

[@davehicks5418]

Great review. You convinced me to pull the trigger and order one. Thanks for the coupon code! It saved me $20!

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Glad I could help! Hope you enjoy it!

[@buddhabeach9666]

Happy I found you again. KZbin deleted my account when my account was hacked. Sad, so I lost all my Subscriptions, including yours. Very attractive beginner helicopter, surprised it could carry the cam! Cool little Heli.

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Thanks for finding my channel again.

[@loyaltyovermoney5942]

Remember u have to trim and save setting then optical flow will work better

[@ReaperODumbacraps-ju4et]

Hey, just wanted to thank you for this informative and cool video. I've been wanting an RC helicopter but didn't want a POS or to spend too much and destroy it because of inexperience. I have found this helicopter and I'm getting it for myself for Xmas. Your review helped making my decision easier. $120 with three batteries on Amazon. Now I feel like a kid again all exited for a new learning experience and some laughs at my dogs trying to turn into King Kong. I've played with smaller ones to get the feel and that's how I learned to have fun with my fuzzy kids. I digress, great video and review and I appreciate the referral to this product.

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Glad it helped you make a decision! Enjoy!

[@ReaperODumbacraps-ju4et]

@@CAPTAINDRONE798 I will and I'll post another message after I receive it and take it for it's maiden flight. Looking forward to having fun. 👍

[@sumner407]

You are the only guy that continues to work on vacation🤣 Great video👍👍

[@nickrich710]

Hope you having fun on your vacation 👍👋

[@jasonthompson6809]

The detail on those are amazing. The tail number is even correct and comes back to city of Los Angeles Fire Dept. Enjoy the rest of Vacation

[@monsterfeet6926]

I'd avoid the OPTICAL FLOW version. I find with these toys it either doesnt work and if it does work it hinders flying by holding it back continuously trying to lock in. Just ordered the NO optical flow version with Master Controller and 3 batteries. Thanks for the coupon code CAPTAIN.

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Enjoy!

[@mystlcgreatness]

It looks so good that if there was no sound or objects for sense of scale you could fool me into thinking it was a real helicopter

[@ianmangham4570]

Amazing scale ⚖️, and the price is insanely cheap

[@mr.sinister1279]

Nice copters nice house too, u can stil trim it I have copters either optical flow n I trim it to keep it stil

[@AnaCarolinaGarcia-ny7wc]

I just bought one. I like scale helicopters and since I live in an apartment this model will be excellent.

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

You could easily fly it in an apartment. Enjoy!

[@Richard-3068]

Hi Steve, I also ordered the Bell 206 without optical flow, but it was out of stock. I see in the video that your helicopter also pulls to the left, mine does this too, you can trim 4 or 5 taps to the right. otherwise it flies great. I also ordered the red version yesterday and the blue ones with optical flow are available again. with the upgrade transmitter. it is also possible to connect this Heli to the Radio Master. is also on KZbin. Steve, have fun with your new helicopter. 👍😃 🎮🚁

[@ianmangham4570]

These new brushed coreless motors are fantastic 👌, powerful and extremely LIGHTWEIGHT.

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

So far everyone I know who has this heli is super impressed and loving it.

[@hollieboptv2996]

nice to see someone in america built a house out of bricks , in the uk we are amazed at all those wrecked wooden houses in tornado alley

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

I’m in CANADA (those friendly, once upon a time UK people, who now live across the pond).

[@julianmclean3869]

Well done Captain!; great option and looking into it!; hope you are enjoying the Holliday !

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Thanks!

[@OHHP3712U]

I have Optical Flow. Does ok indoors and out. I always Calibrate with Sticks Before every flight. 😊

[@Openguy23]

What a great little helicoper , I want one .

[@TouchlineMC]

Keep up the great work ❤

[@_gelon]

_RC ERA is pretty smart because they made this helis configurable_ Regular Chinese Aliexpress shop does the same, the difference is that they remove stuff and lie you instead ^_^

[@otisstokes-rp1rc]

hey i have tow of them but one is brooken but it still flys

[@bobbylefebvre6298]

Good morning captain really nice helicopter cool set up

[@colscopters]

Great video ive oreded one and I've noticed they might be bringing out a Chinnook helicopter on the back of the box .

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

My fingers are crossed for a Chinnook. That would certainly be an awesome looking heli.

[@colscopters]

@@CAPTAINDRONE798 on the back of the box there are loads in grey that are coming even a gazelle helicopter and a huey fantastic

[@pjfonline]

I am 45 minutes away from your place (on vacation, doing a roadtrip from Toronto to Halifax).

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Enjoy the hot weather!

[@pjfonline]

@@CAPTAINDRONE798 loving it, downtown Ottawa now.

[@Johnwinchester546]

Keep up the good work, your videos are very detailed and exciting.

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Thanks, will do!

[@YGWong-mr4io]

At Tao Bao it is USD 57 then the oversea courier charge is around USD 42

[@ianmangham4570]

The difference is night 🌙 and day ⛅️ with the 2nd Helo Optical flow 😊,that baby is on rails 🚈 👌 she's so stable 👍 fantastic through the house 🏠, I'd be happy with either because without it was still amazingly stable.

[@DanoSlingz]

Great review, Captain. I've been wanting a chopper so I just ordered the blue one. 😎✌️I have a Tello and Jjrc Heron X9PS drone and have never down a helicopter. Really looking forward to flying this one! 🚁

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Enjoy!

[@72launchpad]

Optical flow was a known issue on the C189. It was responsible for a lot of fly aways crashing many of them...........

[@henrytaaffe7058]

great review Captain

[@johnmead2580]

don't forget to trim the servos, it will help with stabalization....

[@gagaswift8438]

can this model be trimmed though?

[@gabriel-bl4ckh4wk-6]

I think the optical flow will help only to keep the altitude, the difference to the one without it, is that the sensor can detect the difference in level, if you fly for example over a table, will soon understand it, and will keep clear from the table, only affects the altitude. And btw you can buy the sensor and just plug in your helo if you want, $8, I don't like it at all, I want all the freedom that I can get, I wish had a free mode or at least 3D, I've one, red, is awesome, the price is great, the only bad thing is the flight time, around 10min.

[@babyjoker8344]

@@gabriel-bl4ckh4wk-6 the heli has barometric pressure sensor that hold the altitude. Optical flow affects forward back left right only . Turn optic flow off for smooth flight.

[@lynsmith1096]

Good review Steve. Got 1 on order.

[@bobbylefebvre6298]

Decent price enjoy your vacation always nice information

[@tomkoller749]

In theory, you can use the same remote control for both helicopters. It's the same protocol for both. Have fun flying

[@Raptor50aus]

Yeah great little heli ordered mine a few weeks ago.

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Enjoy it

[@randallhill7979]

Very Nice 👍

[@bobbylefebvre6298]

Enjoy the weekend

[@derikdang8829]

Thank you again As Always, top review 👍.

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

I appreciate the kind words!

[@BRASILVISTOPORDRONE]

Belíssimo vídeo! Parabéns pelo canal! Like carimbo e inscrição. Um abraço do Brasil Visto Por Drone

[@willrine8614]

Fun video ! 😃 Consumer Watchdog Steve at your service! Best reviewer anywhere!!!!

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Thanks, I appreciate it

[@CedricNunez-k5k]

I love watching your video demonstration i wish i could order helis from your company , i am currently living in Bermuda island

[@bobbylefebvre6298]

I like the details

[@willeymunda]

Is this the version of the model that has optical flow localization or without? an the master control or the ordinary remote control? They seem to offer them two option on most sites?

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Please watch the video before writing such a comment. BOTH VERSIONS of the drone are shown in this video.

[@JBSATE]

Que câmera do helicóptero e essa ?

[@nsbob70]

9:10.. TURN AROUND MAN!! INDEPENDANCE DAY HAPPENING RIGHT BEHIND YOU IN THE SKY!! lol ;)

[@userman444]

Hi Captain, any chance you can tell us there any failsafe joystick combinations? I tried both down left/right and down forward to each other but it's still flying..

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

For this item, I have no idea.

[@ВикторКостенко-э4к]

Hello. what does the switch "Mode.." next to the gas handle mean? What is it for? helicopter made in 3D? Flips?

[@mrdrone1386]

Thanks for cupon....i buy one..👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Great 👍

[@FarrellMcGovern]

Is it just me, or does the one without optical flow seems to fly more scale? Anyways, either is a nice looking aircraft! I always look up the tail number of these model flying aircraft, and always find out interesting information! For example, there has been three helicopters with the same tail number, all have been Bell/Bell-Textron (Canada) aircraft and were manufactured in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada and have been operated by the City of Los Angelis fire department. I would guess that is why they kept the same tail number and very similar livery. The first two aircraft were Bell 206 models, the same as the model aircraft flown here, and the latest one, registered in June 2024 is a very similar looking model, the Bell 505.

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Cool info

[@ВикторКостенко-э4к]

what does the switch "Debug mode"mean on the control panel?

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Debug mode? That is probably for firmware updates

[@pittrotter8877]

Best Helicopt

[@pittrotter8877]

Best helicopter tes

[@gagaswift8438]

hey capt, u have the GO2 which prob has the same profile as the GO3. do u think it's possible to trim the body work so that the cam can sit flush with the skids?

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Certainly

[@kerrylewis-qj6li]

mine will only fly for about 5 seconds then lands, its brand new and yes i charged battery, lights are not blinking when flying but once it lands the lights blink fast

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Sounds like the battery has never been fully charged which means you may be using a damaged charger or one with minimal WATT output.

[@ianmangham4570]

Just got mine ,can't see a charger in box ? How does battery recharge?, EDIT ,lucky my phone charger fits 👍 i got the old controller even though the modern one was in photo 😅

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

When you watch the video again, pay close attention to what exactly comes in the box. Enjoy the heli.

[@johnricci7935]

I had a question the upgraded remote do you think it’s better than the standard one

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

The standard one is useless, get the upgraded like I had in the video review.

[@PietervanGinneken]

they should make an Airwolf one!

[@jongonegone1262]

did the weight scale say under 250 grams ? it look like 120 grams ? lots of companies aiming towards 250 grams and under because of laws in the usa now. good review.

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Yes 120 grams which is Waaaay under 250 grams

[@jongonegone1262]

@@CAPTAINDRONE798 ahhh thats good, thank you.

[@coreyslater8956]

I love all your vids. Cheap or pricey

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Thank you!

[@johnricci7935]

Ok thanks

[@nsbob70]

Idunno man... I'm thinking all this talk about "Optical flow", I was given to think that was just for altitude hold help, not actual aileron and elevator cyclic assistance.

Hello, I would like to inquire if there is a method to establish a connection between an additional transmitter (Flysky) or receiver via i-BUS/s-BUS. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

[@michaelholmes4808]

Can the optical flow be turned off if if you are a noob but learn how to fly and want to try manual mode?

[@velvetjones8634]

According to someone in the top of the comments, yes.

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Yes. I have showed how to do it in other vids. You simply hold down the left trim button for 3 seconds while in flight.

[@solongbattlestar]

Hey Captain, make it a fpv helicopter.

[@dustincoressel1312]

What you do with all these aircraft after your videos?

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

The answer is in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWqYpXV_eNGtesksi=k6ms1tYGD-H-L9or

[@22lambo]

Looks like the Banggood coupon doesnt work anymore, it says the coupon can only be used 140 times

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

That sounds about right. When companies give me coupons they always have a start & end date and max usage.

[@22lambo]

@CAPTAINDRONE798 I appreciate yhe response, thanks!

[@Johnwinchester546]

How are you doing captain drone

[@pritamchakraborty4951]

Does it deliver in India ??

[@jgminiaturas8319]

Brasil ✈👍

[@kayezero703]

جميل جدا

[@Onions6724]

How long have you been flying drones

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Since 2013

[@JayThom111]

I just received the C138 Bell 206 from Helidirect and all three batteries fall out so easily I do not even try to fly it. They will not seat in the frame slot. I got it up about 2 foot the first time, landed and 'plunk' That's all I've flown it..Kinda regret the purchase. No way to fly with batt's that so easily fall out. ---Update: I used the seal flex band off a 16 oznc bag of coffee beans, cut it about 8-9 mm long, insert between the two battery flares and it's just like a hook, although it will survive a few crashes.. would'n't try to hook anything with it .., cool little heli'o once you can keep it in the air., free quick fix if you hv this problem! works great.

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

That is really weird regarding your batteries. Something is very wrong if they don’t lock tightly in place. Well, at least you Jerry Rigged it to work!

[@vinayakdalvi599]

Price?

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Hilarious!!!

[@Johnwinchester546]

First one here

[@Mikeylikesit1968]

Those helis fly better with a Radiomaster tx16s

[@dougcallahan171]

I bought this from best buy boxes they didn’t respond to my emails to their customer service and the helicopter was broken on arrival and now I just have a broken product no response from them at all so order at your own risk

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

I’m not 100% familiar with that store as to how it operates but I think it is just an online store like AMAZON. My advice to everyone, is check to see where they are located and if in CHINA, send you email to them written in Chinese/Mandarin…. In other words type your email up in proper English… no slang, no words that only people your age know in your country, then put it in GOGGLE TRANSLATE, translate it to Chinese or Mandarin, send it off, and expect a response back in one of those languages… then translate the response.

[@chrisrc845]

Hi has anyone ordered directly from RC ERA OFFICIAL website...they have one in polizei livery...but I have never ordered anything from them before....just wondering if anyone else has I live in the UK...and if I wanted it in polizei livery they would be my only option

[@JEANSS222]

only $45 usd in china

[@cmtwgrdk2748]

You really need to buy a simple all in one fpv camera,, this kind of toys beg for one ,,

[@firstpersonvictoria5050]

Optical flow is like cheating. Better to learn without it if you're serious about getting into the hobby. Do we know if there is a protocol that will work on Radio master?

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Try FUTABA FHSS

[@josephcox4319]

I've got two of these and sadly to say I'm not impressed as there kinda difficult to trim, plus for some reason I don't get the flight time past 5 to 7 minutes. The blue one was my first. The red does fly a bit better than the blue one. Overall for the price they are a descent beginner helicopter just wish a better battery option was available.

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Honestly, don’t TRIM a helicopter, and NEVER TRIM a helicopter with Optical Flow. The reason is simple…. If you attempt to TRIM a helicopter indoors, you are fighting the down draft from the blades causing air to bounce off walls & furniture. Your TRIM will only be successful if you only hover in the exact same spot each time. Second, you NEVER TRIM any device that is using a separate system to stabilize itself, such as OPTICAL FLOW.

[@Mikeylikesit1968]

I get mine from Heli direct. Heli with one battery plus buy 3 more , $100 with Free shipping and don't have to wait a month to get it

[@ianmangham4570]

3 day delivery hear with one battery $75

[@Xxxx-d4z]

MADE IN CHINA ?

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

Everything is made in China young man

[@MitchellPetersoncustomdrone]

You will simply ignore this because....well that is how you are.

[@CAPTAINDRONE798]

I am “simply ignoring this” because apparently that is how I am 😂

[@kanarimentos7056]

i pay $42 from aliexpress