Best products from r/radiocontrol

I'd suggest you find your local hobby shops, find out what they carry for brands (so you can get parts on short notice when they break, and they will break constantly with newbies using them) and then go in that direction.

I sell these things everyday, and the marketing of every brand will tell you that their stuff is indestructible. They all lie. I can and have seen everything break. Especially those who trumpet their indestructibility the most..

That being said...

For drones, this thing https://www.amazon.com/WLToys-Quadcopter-Battle-Onboard-Channel/dp/B00AZEALUK is nearly indestructible. I've sold this under another brands name at my shop and it was the best product in our 40+ year history. I would let people I didn't know the ability of use it in our back room and fly with no worries, we could not kill it. This has about a 12" span from motor to motor that helps it stabilize while people are using it. The tiny quads are definitely fun, but tend to be too twitchy for newbies.

Airplanes, the Hobbyzone Champ is nearly bombproof. Its light and made of good foam that can handle a lot of crashes. If it ever does break, just tape it back together with some scotch tape and toothpicks. It's a fantastically simple plane to fly. Just throttle, rudder and elevator. All ya need to fly. It's got a smaller controller with it which is perfect for kids to use. Heartily recommended. https://www.amazon.com/HobbyZone-HBZ4900-Champ-RTF-Airplane/dp/B003DZ35GK/ref=sr_1_2?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1525570176&sr=1-2&keywords=hobbyzone+champ+rtf That price is silly, at our shop we sell them at 89.99.

Cars, the ECX Brand cars seem fairly durable from a new driver perspective. And Redcat Racing cars seem pretty well built as well. Stick with cars that are slower, slower cars have less potential to break. They will still break, but less often than faster, sexier cars. Traxxas stuff can be good as well, but I'd suggest stocking up on their replacement motors for their brushed trucks. Their recent batch of motors have been weak and not as good as they should be. I would definitely suggest crawlers instead of fast cars. Crawlers, especially within a camp setting, would be AWESOME fun! https://www.amazon.com/Redcat-Racing-Everest-10-Waterproof-Electronics/dp/B00O9MSR78 We sell this one and have had awesome luck with it.

Stock up on the batteries and definitely invest in a charger for them other than the slow-poke one that comes with it. If you are going to be looking to maximise the runtime, you aught to check out lipo batteries. They get a bad reputation, but if you set the cars up right and charge them up properly, there are rarely issues with them. (Always charge them in a lipo bag, and store them in some sort of protective container. I'd suggest real terra cotta pots as they can handle the fire if they decide to go up.)

Boats, don't even try. They are the most needy of r/C equipment. We have neared the time when selling boats at our shop is a thing. Nobody's boats last worth a damn anymore.

I wish I knew what area you were in, I'd love to work with you and get you guys going!

Good luck! if you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me. I've been at this for `over 18 years and would love to help out however I can!

First of all, I would never attach your cell phone to a helicopter (I doubt many--if any, could even hold it). They make cheap cameras that are made to attach to the bottom of RC helicopters. Go that route :)

Now I just sort've got into this hobby. I know very little but I can give you some advice.

There are 3 types of RC Helicopters:

-Coaxial = two sets of rotor blades (not including tail rotor) EASIEST AND CHEAPEST
-Fixed Pitch = single rotor with fixed blade pitch EASIER AND CHEAPER
-Collective Pitch = single rotor with controllable blade pitch HARDEST AND MOST EXPENSIVE

Those are also listed from easiest to hardest to fly. You can learn to fly a coaxial in like 20-30 minutes if that. Coaxial heli's will easily hover with little to no controller input as the gyro/accelerometer does all the work and dual rotors are inherently stable. A good first coaxial could be the Syma S107 @ $27. Feel free to skip to a fixed pitch heli if you are daring but with the Syma S107 being less than $30 you should still get it.

Fixed pitch heli's are an entirely different animal as I've recently learned. They are much less stable than a coaxial helicopter but not uncontrollable if you are patient and careful. The physics behind a FP heli is much different than a Coax. These heli's are also more powerful (usually) so be very gentle otherwise you'll be replacing parts even more so than you will normally. YOU WILL NEED TO BUY REPLACEMENT PARTS. YOU WILL CRASH. Keep in mind though, it's not completely terrifying :). Don't be afraid to learn. I love and recommend getting a Blade 120 SR @ $160-180. I just got one and I love it. It's so fun. It's so appealing to fly a single rotor heli because it's more realistic and challenging.

Finally, you have Collective Pitch helicopters. These are what the "pros" use. The rotor blades have a variable pitch that allows for very intense and tricky maneuvers. These are sometimes called 3D helicopters because (if you are skilled enough) can fly them upside down or any direction in between while zipping through the air. I don't know too much about them because I'm still learning to fly a fixed pitch heli. Do NOT start with one of these helicopters. The Blade 450 3D @ $470 is a common example of a Collective Pitch 3D helicopter. As you can see they are quite expensive.

Helicopter Cameras: EXAMPLE

TL;DR: Start with a coaxial (Syma S107) to learn. Then move up to a fixed pitch helicopter (Blade 120 SR). Buy lots of replacement parts/training gear/flight sim (optional). Get used to crashing. Don't fly too high at first. Have fun!

I did not end up getting it, found a different gift.

Another option I forgot to mention is a quadcopter - depending on how you fly them and the level of electronics, they can be easier than a plane, or about the same as a fixed-pitch (simple) helicopter. The micro ones are really cheap (~$50) and fun to play with, though I find them a little boring compared to helis.

I don't know much about boats but yea I did see the self-righting feature of the barbwire. Personally I would hate to have my boat flip over and have to go out into the water to get it. Depends how convenient it is to go into the water though. It's all about your situation. If you're standing on dry land in normal clothes and your boat flips over or somehow dies, I guess you just have to be prepared with a long stick or rope or something to get it out. That's what turns me away from the idea of boats. But if you're in a swimsuit and planning on going into the water anyway, then I guess it wouldn't be a problem.

I guess one more thing I'll say is, what are you looking for in terms of fun? Do you know what you will find amusing? Everyone has their own underlying reasons; I personally fly helis because of the big challenge of controlling them, keeping their orientation in your head and avoiding the ground. Some people like the act of building and the joy of seeing something you built actually work (or not), thus the other comments here about building your own foamie plane. R/C car guys are often into racing others around a track or crawling over rocks, which sounds like it can be challenging.

In terms of helicopters, the starter ones are usually the mCX 2 and the mSR X (wow that's cheap! must be about to announce a new one). Good starter planes are called "trainers", they usually have a high wing and only 3 channels (throttle/elevator/rudder, no aileron), popular two are Champ and Super Cub. For quadcopters, you simply start with a full-featured but micro one, the Syma X1 is most commonly recommended and very cheap. I don't know enough about the cars to recommend. But notice all of these are cheaper than the boats... Granted, they're all smaller than a boat, but when it comes to something flying through the air, smaller and lighter means less likely to break in a crash. Only once you have your orientations down and can keep the micro size in the air, should you graduate to full size. That's not a fact but a commonly accepted opinion. On the other hand, for boats and cars, you basically can't break them unless you try (slam it into a wall, drop it off a cliff, make it go over a huge jump) or of course if something just goes bad on its own, so you can start with the biggest boat or car you can find and be just fine. If you're looking for size from the start, cars and boats are the way to go.

Hey

Disclaimer: I do not own a nano cp s nor a dx6i, and english is my second language so…

I did a bit of research about collective pitch heli, so I might be able to answer some of your questions so:

First, Single transmitter versus AR610 receiver: the one with the AR610 receiver, it's if you want to use it in boat/planes/car or even bigger helicopter. If you only plan to fly the cp s it is not need to buy (for now, flying is addictive).

Mode 2 is a good idea for helicopter, so you have your cyclic on the same stick (right one).

You do not need anything else to fly with nano, only the transmiter. It would be a very good idea to get more batteries and a charger unless you plan to fly 6/7min and wait more than half an hour to fly again for your battery to charge (and it's a good idea to wait for the battery to cool down after flying and after charging (and for cp s motor too unless they will burn very fast too)).

You'll need a charger, two ways of going:

1s charger

Charger and parallel harness/board, more hassle than the 1s one, but if you plan to fly something bigger someday, you would have to buy one anyway.

If you only want a 1s charger, looks like something like this http://www.amazon.com/E-Flite-Celectra-4-Port-Battery-Charger/dp/B001XIMGP0/ref=pd_bxgy_21_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1B607A3B3CNZK8RSK8R9 or Hitec X4 (I think) would be a good buy.

For the battery, as the horizon hobby website show, it uses the same as Nano qx so:

http://www.amazon.com/4-Pack-Lectron-Pro-3-7-volt/dp/B0088W63AS/ref=pd_rhf_se_s_cp_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=41r%2BuA5GizL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_SL500_SR135%2C135_&refRID=0F6HY90N2525TFX3XDWA (I didnt test those mysef)

Mylipo.De 205mah (didnt test those myself too)

I tested those for nano Qx: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__38358__Turnigy_nano_tech_160mah_1S_25_40C_Lipo_Kyosho_E_flite_Nano_CP_X_Parkzone_Etc_EU_Warehouse_.html but they were a bit bigger than the original battery, had to use a dremel to make it fit, not that of a good idea. (edit: they are not high quality battery, they are standard, cheap, but you get what you pay for. For me at least, couple of them already show increased resistance (might be because of the shitty plug))

For sim:

I'm using this one everyday:
http://www.heli-x.info/cms/ it even have a mac version!

Now, for the cable, I have no idea since I dont have a dx6i.
But google said:
Heli-X DX6I and Mac

I suggest you ask your question on:
Helifreak They have a section special cp s

Some very interesting reading:

Newbies guide to the DX6i for RC helicopters how to set up the dx6i to calm down the helicopter
From tail-in to all 8s and funnels in 6 months. Plan to learn 3d flying ? Read that post, very interesting.

Why the nano cp s and dx6i combo by the way ?

Well, went longer than expected … heh

I don't recognize the chassis, so can't recommend a specific body. If you have a decent RC hobby shop close by, you could just take it there and get help fitting whatever bodies they have in stock.

The 27mhz, especially the crystal radio sets are quite old now, and may be hard to find or unreliable at best. You should be able to get any 2-3 channel car radio set and just replace the receiver you have with the one that will be included in the box. This one is priced very well, and should be an excellent radio for $37.

For the battery, that charger will work, the connector is a Standard / Tamiya plug. If that's the battery that's been in the attic, it's probably toast though, so again, off to the hobby store. You'll want a 7.2v NiCd or NiMh, unless you want to upgrade to LiPo, which will require a different charger. I'd stick with NiCd or NiMh for a kid though, as they're less hassle with charging safely and discharging to store.
Here's One for $18 and looks to have the right plug. A battery with higher mAh will last longer running the car.
This Charger will work fine, more expensive chargers will have more options, usually be able to charge faster, or different battery styles. I'd buy 2 batteries, run one and charge one, or charge both and go to the park.

Good luck and have fun!

You should start small. It was the advice given to me several years ago and it paid off. If you try to learn flying a larger more powerful quad you are likely to end up with a pile of busted parts you don't know how to repair. You need to learn how to fly first and small quads with brushed motors are the perfect learning tool.

If you want a brand name and great customer service and local hobby shop support, look no further than Blade. The MQX is the larger of the two quads and is easier to see if you want to fly outdoors. The Nano is brand new and all I really know is that it is tiny and seems to have auto level which I don't think the MQX does.
If you go this route you should consider purchasing a DX6I radio which will allow you to buy the BNF or bind and fly models. The DX6I will bind with any Horizon Hobby (parent company) sells. It is programmable and will help you understand that aspect when you eventually get to larger models.

If you just want to get something cheap to try out the hobby, I suggest you order a Syma x1 from amazon or go to banggood.com and pick one of the quads they have there. The V9?9 series is very popular and highly regarded.

Check out the rcgroups.com mini multirotor forum if you want specifics on any particular model.

Can't find the exact name of the connector for that battery, but that doesn't look like a contemporary standard. Which leads me to believe that it is a NiCd or NiMH battery.

Closest I can find is this listing: http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/con-240/2-conductor-locking-connectors-w/leads/1.html

For charging, any charger that has a NiMh or NiCd setting will do, though you will want to find out the cell count and what the chemistry is (NiMH vs NiCd). These types of batteries also have some special considerations when it comes to charging, as there used to be something about cell memory and the need to fully discharge the battery before charging. Something like this would probably do: https://www.amazon.com/Tenergy-Universal-Charger-Airsoft-Battery/dp/B003MXMJX8/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1469000731&sr=8-8&keywords=NiMh+battery+charger

Though you would want to find a matching connector and uh... do some surgery.

However, I would ultimately recommend finding a similarly sized and voltage Lipo battery instead to swap in for that battery. Mainly because they don't have that memory problem and have more support in terms of chargers, connectors, and so on, atleast for model aviation. You may be able to find a NiMh battery with a Traxxas connector and do that instead, as I know that they are still popular for RC cars.

Apologies for a bit of a long post, I hope that answers your question.

Basically, it is capable of doing more things than other similarly priced helicopters. It is trickier to fly, but that's because it is doing less of the flying for you.

On something like the S107 (or other coaxial helicopters), if you stop giving it any inputs, it'll level itself out and just kind of sit there. The V911 (and other single rotor helicopters) will do less of that for you, so you have to learn more control. It'll help prepare you better for flying larger helicopters and (IMO anyways) will keep your interest longer because there's more you can do with it.

I personally went from the S107 to a Blade MSR-X, but the blade is probably more than you're willing to spend ($90). If this is your absolute first helicopter, the S107 (http://amzn.com/8499000606 for example) may not be a bad idea - it's less than $20 and will let you start learning how to deal with orientation.

Do you want to move to outdoors?

Edit: A quadcopter might be a good way to go. I have this one and it flys outside great as long as the wind is mild. Also small enough to practice inside. Comes with a 4 channel TX and if you want can upgrade to a 9x radio to start practicing for the big boys. (The 9x will pair to the syma quad) The 9x will also work with the larger helicopters so you won't have to purchase another TX:

https://www.amazon.com/SYMA-Channel-Copter-Spacecraft-shown/dp/B0096SJU3U/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1474044639&sr=1-1&keywords=syma+x1

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__8992__Turnigy_9X_9Ch_Transmitter_w_Module_8ch_Receiver_Mode_2_v2_Firmware_.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaEPEVb9i0k

You don't need to spend a lot, but you do need something better than a $7.99 special. I use this http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-40-Watt-Soldering-Station/dp/B000AS28UC/ with a fine point tip that I picked up locally. It takes practice to solder to those tiny pins, but it can be done. Get a decent iron, some flux, a brass ball cleaner, and some leaded solder. Watch youtube videos, and practice on old electronics.

The electrons don't care where on the trace that you do it, but the closer you are to components, and the skinnier the trace, the more likely you are to screw something up with too much heat.

I have done the mod you are trying to my 9x, and it really improves the radio. I've since bought a 9xR, and use the 9x as a trainer.

I just posted this in your other, now deleted, post...

You are going to have a hard time finding something that can do 10+mph in grass for $30-40. And do you mean that the battery needs to last a few hours on one charge? I have never heard of an rc car lasting for more than an hour, 15-20 minutes is typical on one charge.

I just bought my kids this one (it was on sale for $25 on Prime Day)

It doesn't quite do 10mph but it handles grass well, seems durable enough, and the kids love it. However it is definitely not in the same category as my hobby grade rc trucks and doesn't have any user replaceable parts should it break.

Get the $20 syma indoor helicopters on Amazon. They are great and cheap. They only work indoors though. It’s great for beginners, it’s only 3 channel. Once you master it you can move on to 4 channel. Enjoy. I saw them at fry’s also, same price.

Syma S107/S107G R/C Helicopter with Gyro- Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F4WMAAW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_filkDb5QFAWP8

More info such as battery type, size, or connector would be helpful.

I've got one of these and it works great.

Combo Special: Tenergy TB6-B Balance Charger for NiMH/NiCD/Li-PO/Li-Fe Battery Packs + Power Supply https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00466PKE0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_zxaozbHDJ31TQ

If you only have one type of battery or much smaller batteries, there are definitely cheaper options.

I might suggest an indoor vehicle. I personally have these:
http://www.amazon.com/Syma-S107-S107G-Helicopter-Colors/dp/8499000606/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369769242&sr=8-1&keywords=syma+s107g
http://www.amazon.com/Maisto-Lamborghini-Mucilage-Colors-Vary/dp/B003PBPHBS/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1369769256&sr=8-8&keywords=maisto+rc
Great fun if you just wanna screw around inside :)

It appears that your heli doesn't have fwd/backward control. When given enough throttle, the tail rotor begins to spin tilting the helicopter forward. You'll have much better luck with one of these Syma S107 helicopters. They are the best for toy-grade helis.

I probably should mention the prop is not a direct fit. I used an 8mm bit on a drill press to get the prop to fit over the shaft and then a 10mm bit to ream out a part to have the prop sit flat against the backplate. The bits I use are at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007G4MX4Y/. It's pretty easy to get the prop to fit.

I love this little guy, I have a bunch of ducted fan jets and still like to fly this one around.

https://www.amazon.com/HobbyZone-HBZ4900-Champ-RTF-Airplane/dp/B003DZ35GK/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=hobbyzone&qid=1573855022&sr=8-4

yeah, that's pretty good for a beginner.

If you want to save some money, this one is also very good. Spare parts are everywhere and it flies very well.

I have large hexacopters and gas helis, but i still have a little hubsan to fly around. Good practice and it takes a beating.

I would recommend getting a real hobby balance charger, one that can handle multiple chemistries. If you have any desire to continue in the hobby it is a worthy investment. If originally got this charger. If I were to start again, I would have either bought a two channel charger or a higher wattage charger so I could parallel charge since I have more batteries and some high-capacity 6S batteries.

Can't go wrong with this, $19.07 shipped with Prime.
http://www.amazon.com/Weller-SP40NUS-Medium-Soldering-Black/dp/B00B3SG6UQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1398198851&sr=8-3&keywords=weller+40

If you need something safe for smaller projects as well, this would be fine. $41.19 with Prime
http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-40-Watt-Soldering-Station/dp/B000AS28UC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1398198808&sr=8-2&keywords=weller+40

I guess I'm a fan of weller products. I've had them at home and a shop. I got one of their higher end soldering stations when I was about 11 to build my own battery packs for my R/C cars and it saw a lot of use. Back then we hardwired the leads from the ESC to the motors and batteries between heats for the lowest resistance. (not to mention deans plugs weren't a thing yet, tamiya connectors would melt together with a hot motor/battery combo) I still have it over 20 years later.

I would say 40 watts is about the standard with typical R/C projects. Also, the lower end brands 40 watt irons don't ever seem to create the heat as something of decent quality.

Also, if you don't have something like this yet, pick one up. $7 shipped all over Amazon. Also available at Harbor Freight for about the same price if you have those in your area.
http://www.amazon.com/SE-MZ101B-Helping-Hands-Magnifying/dp/B000RB38X8/ref=pd_sim_hi_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0TB7X5RYFKZ3SR4EXY1P

Syma 107's are incredibly durable and easy to fly.

http://www.amazon.com/Syma-S107-S107G-Helicopter-Colors/dp/8499000606

Super cheap too, but it does look like a "regular looking helicopter".

I can regulate the maximum power output of the LEDs in software, I'm just saying that i definitely wont get anywhere near their max. I can also design animations so only so many LEDs are illuminated at once. I was just about to pull the trigger on 4 of the 20w BECs that you linked, but they are on back order! Any tips on how I can find more of the standalone ones? I keep trying to search but ones with ESCs keep showing up. Sorry if this seems rushed, I am trying to have this thing done in 6 days (yikes!). Your help so far has been invaluable!

​

Will this work?

https://www.amazon.com/BINZET-Converter-Regulator-Regulated-Transformer/dp/B00J3MHTYG?th=1

For push rods, I use these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BQ7YUM. You might have to get creative with servo horns on your control surfaces. I 3d printed some copies of what flitetest uses, but you can cut up a gift card and drill holes the the necessary size for the push rod, or just buy some.

I built the FT Tiny Trainer as my first plane, which was a good starter. For my second, I have built an FT Storch with these linkage stoppers https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EE6W2TW. I have not had a chance to maiden it yet, so your mileage may vary.

The only problem with 3ch helis is they have the controls reversed on the transmitter, so you'll end up learning the wrong way. If you're never planning on upgrading to "real" helis (4ch fixed pitch with swashplate, 6ch collective pitch with swashplate) then this won't be an issue and you can just buy the cheap ones and have fun. If this is the case I suggest something like a syma s107

If you want to learn the real control scheme (mode 2) then you can start with an easy double horse 9116 that will auto-balance when you let go of the control stick (thanks to the weighted flybar) which makes it a good beginner heli.

7" LCD from amazon. - $30.72
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007SLDF7O/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have one but haven't put it to use yet. Powered it on and ran snes games on it from my raspberry pi. Color and everything seemed nice enough.

From what I've read the screen is actually pretty important. Some screens will go to completely blue/black when signal gets too bad. This screen will basically go to static so you can still see the majority of what's going on without blanking when signal gets a bit of interference and phones/laptops/tablets rarely have analog video in which is what most fpv setups require.

I'd also throw in the syma x1 quad. Can be had for ~$30 shipped with Prime from amazon and is a great starter.

If you are looking for a good beginner quad copter that you can easily learn to fly then you should go for the Hubsan X4 or the Blade Nano QX

Syma X1 - one of the best beginner quads you can get.



Also, not a "drone"

This is probably one of the most fun things you can get, and it's only about $40. I have 4 of them, and they are very maneuverable, can hold a key-chain camera, and are nearly indestructible. They are also able to be flow indoors and out.

The Blade mCX2 is really good for beginners, as is its predecessor if you want something a little cheaper!

• Turnigy 9X
  
• transmitter pack
  
• backlight kit
  
• USBasp
  
• Extra reciever
  
• servos
  
• Gorilla Glue
  
• lipo checker
  
• motor/esc combo
  
• lipo charger
  
• airplane lipo
  
  You'll also need some Dollar tree foam, some music wire, clear tape, razor blades, ect. That setup will get you started with tons of room to grow. The one transmitter will handle 8 planes at least.

Hubsan x4 is a good trainer rc copter.

It does flips, goes 25+mph, 300 foot range, LEDs for night flying, and is inexpensive to repair!

The best option I found was this Celectra 4-Port 1S 3.7V 0.3A DC Li-Po Charger but I just cant justify buying it when it cost almost as much or in my case more then what I paid for my Quad. Also the AC cord is optional and it uses D batteries.

I just use 2 USB chargers with my 5 batteries and get almost an hour before I have to wait for them to charge. Find that works for me.

Woah man, that's kind of pricey for a Hubsan X4.


You can get virtually the same thing sans camera for much less:
http://www.amazon.com/Hubsan-H107L-Mini-RTF-Quadcopter/dp/B00IZC6C8E/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415335149&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=hubsam

If you want the camera:
http://www.amazon.com/Hubsan-H107C-2-4G-Quadcopter-Camera/dp/B00EXBDWZC/ref=sr_1_sc_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1415335149&sr=8-3-spell&keywords=hubsam

And if you want it in all in one FPV:
http://www.amazon.com/Hubsan-H107D-FPV-Mini-Quadcopter/dp/B00GSNWB5K/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1415335149&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=hubsam

Also, consider a 2.4ghz hack for your AR drone:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1420951

Strange that it lists the rather spendy fpv version of the Hubsan instead of the cheaper (and still very good, especially for a beginner) base model: http://www.amazon.com/Hubsan-H107L-Channel-2-4GHz-Quadcopter/dp/B00IZC6C8E

You have a lot of options...I would just get a general purpose charger and be done with it. I have one of these and it works well: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00466PKE0/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_74x5wbMBQD0YD

I second this, but I though it came with a wall charger?

Edit: never mind I'm dumb, the DC wall adapter is separate from the actual charger E-flite Celectra 4-Port 1-Cell 3.7V 0.3A DC Li-Po Charger

They're all over Amazon, this is the first link: http://www.amazon.com/Syma-S107-S107G-Helicopter-Colors/dp/8499000606 . And for the record, this and all small coax helis will not lift ANY weight. Maybe a penny or 2 tied underneath (at the center of gravity).

A bit over budget, but worth the extra 10 dollars. Takes a beating and comes with it's own tx.

Syma X1

I'm sure the crash protection on that is just a plastic blade guard. It looks like a Hubsan H107 clone but personally, I would go for this http://www.amazon.com/Hubsan-H107L-Channel-2-4GHz-Quadcopter/dp/B00IZC6C8E/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1418505430&sr=1-1&keywords=hubsan+x4

The s107 is persistently cheap on amazon

The price actually went up to $25+ around christmas time but it sits at under $22 the rest of the year from what I've seen.

I haven't seen that FT video, and this is 9 days late... but isn't what you're talking about the same as the Blade mCX2?

http://www.amazon.com/Syma-Channel-2-4G-Quad-Copter/dp/B0096SJU3U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1396148095&sr=8-2&keywords=syma+drone