Review:Eflite’s Mini CX hits Hobby Shops!

Just released this week is Eflites new Mini CX. It comes in 2 versions, a Bind and Fly, or a RTR version. The RTR version contains a PC Game pad/Playstation type controller. It has trim tabs, and surprisingly, a Dual Rate option, but not on a conventional switch. In order to switch between Dual Rates you actually press in the right stick, and the LED on the transmitter will blink to signify the change, and when switched back, it will go back to a solid red. Pretty nifty.

However, I opted for the Bind and Fly version, seeing as I already have a DX-7, and a X9303 at home, and because it was $30 cheaper :). When you open the box, it comes with the instruction manual, and another sheet of paper describing how to Bind. It comes with the Heli, 4 AA batterys(for the charger), a 1s 110mah Eflite battery, a screw driver and about 8 extra canopy grommets(orings really)……im glad they did, I took the canopy off of one, those orings get small fast. Putting them back on was even more of a challenge.

The binding process was simple, I grabbed my DX7(normal swash mode), Plugged the heli into the battery, waited 5 seconds till the 5 in 1 board started blinking, and pressed my Bind button on the back of the radio and held it while turning on, and untll the orange light turned solid on the board. I checked the controls, and it was off flying around in minutes. Talk about instant satisfaction.

The controls felt great, very smooth and slow for a beginner. From flying around a CX2 in the shop most of the time, and flying this, the MCX definitely was one not to regret, it flew just as good, if not better than the CX2, I could take my hands off the transmitter, set it on the table, and watch it just hover around for a good 40 seconds or so, talk about stable. The tail really surprised me, give it full left, and it piros pretty fast for its little size, and upon returning the stick to center, the tail had already stopped, amazing. It piros both ways pretty quick, and stops on a dime, its quite incredible for its little size.

The 1s 110mah battery is the cutest little thing you will ever see, it mounts in the landing gear(landing gear and battery tray are all in one), very nicely, with a red dot on both the battery and the battery plug so the polarity will not be reversed, nice touch Eflite. When needing to charge, just slide it into the provided charger, and wait for the light to blink on and off every 20 seconds, signaling its done.

Overall, its a great entry level heli, giving you cx2 performance, out of a 7.5″ rotor diameter helicopter, for the price of $129. This heli kept me entertained for a while, and kept begging me for another flight. Customers reactions were great on each demonstration flight I had provided.

I had a few tip overs (goofing off), and one fall from about 5 ft (full left piro and full left aileron resulting in a blade strike, LOL) and received no damage, its pretty robust.

The only thing I did not like on it, it seems like because of its small size, if you apply just too much pressure anywhere, you will snap it in half,(flash back to MIB with the cricket gun). But I highly doubt that will happen unless you completely crush it with your fist.

Definitely look into the little guy, tons and tons of fun.