Blade mCX BNF

by BLADE

Product Features

• 100% factory assembled and test flown
• Ultra micro size and weight perfect for indoor flying
• Includes everything needed to fly except the transmitter
• Compatible with all transmitters and modules equipped with Spektrum™ DSM2™ technology
• Coaxial, counter-rotating rotor head design for unsurpassed stability and ease of flight

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 16.5 x 9 x 6.5 inches ; 1.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B001D55DXA
• Manufacturer recommended age: 14 years and up
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,926 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)

Product Description

Ultra Micro Fun Anytime, Anywhere Indoors

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Blade mCX BnF Model Helicopter, November 22, 2008

By 

Pipemajor (Twin Cities, MN USA) - See all my reviews

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Blade mCX BNF (Toy)

This is NOT a toy!!! This is a fully functional flying electric micro model helicopter which uses state-of-the-art electronics and radio guidance.

I am an experienced RC model aircraft pilot but find the model helicopters a bit too challenging and costly to learn. Model helicopters (referred to as "heli's") are very complex mechanical devices with lots of things happening all at once for raw beginners to master. I have a computer software simulator program for model airplanes and heli's but have a very difficult time flying any of the heli's.

These coaxial model heli's use counter rotating main blades instead of the tail rotor and greatly simplifies the control input needed for stable flying.

The Blade mCX uses Spektrum's 2.4gHtz DSM2 technology. I already had a JR-X9303 2.4gHtz transmitter so I bought the "Bind 'n Fly" version of the Blade mCX which comes without a transmitter. If you don't have a Spektrum compatible 2.4gHtz DSM2 transmitter, then you need to purchase the Ready-to-Fly (RTF) version of this for about $30 additional.

After charging the tiny 110mAH single cell (1S) Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery, I bound the Blade mCX to a new memory location on my transmitter using the aircraft settings with all default parameters. After binding, I turned everything off then plugged in the LiPo on the mCX then turned on my transmitter. It took about 2 seconds for the link to establish which was indicated by the red LED on the 5-1 controller board to glow continuously. After checking the control inputs per the mCX manual, I gradually increased the throttle and held the mCX in a hover about 5" off the floor, getting used to the elevator, rudder, aileron and throttle inputs and effect of each on the mCX. You'll have problems getting the mCX to go (or stay) where you want it initially. Fear not, for the entire heli weighs only 28 grams (1 ounce) and the parts are small and durable enough to survive a couple of slight mishaps.

After a couple of flights in this mode, I started hovering higher and practicing forward/reverse, left/right and up/down functions. I can now somewhat safely fly around the living room and it really drives the dog nuts! Although the plastic blades are of a lightweight flexible plastic, they do rotate at an impressive speed so safety is well-advised. And again, this is NOT a child's toy. I would not recommend it for children under 12 years.

That said, the Blade mCX heli is a marvelous piece of engineering and technology. If you're careful with the throttle control, you can fly for 6-8 minutes or longer. Once you find you need to start adding more power to maintain hover or need additional rudder corrections to keep it pointed in one direction, your flight battery is beginning to reach it's low voltage cutoff (LVC) point and you should land it. If you hit the LVC, the motor will reduce it's speed and force you to land. If it does this when you're higher than 2-3 feet you'll likely crash land it. The manual warns not to hit the motor LVC point on a regular basis. LiPo's don't like to be over-discharged and you'll shorten the battery life.

My only complaint on the entire package is the charger supplied. It comes with 4 "AA" type batteries. You can get 10-15 charges from a set of fresh AA batteries. I tried using rechargeble 1.2volt Nickle Metal-Hydride Energizer batteries but found it takes far longer to charge the LiPo than using 1.5v alkaline AA cells.

In conclusion, this a terrific micro model helicopter which can be flown by someone with basic knowledge of flight controls. Raw beginners will have a tougher time but the Blade mCX will likely survive the training process. Replacement parts can be readily found at your local hobby dealer.

Bravo, eFlight!!!!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Helo, December 26, 2009

By 

RJL - See all my reviews

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Blade mCX BNF (Toy)

The Blade mCX is stable and easy to fly, even a beginner who's never touched an RC helicopter before can be up and flying in minutes. Not only that, but since it's so small you really can fly this helicopter around in a small room and you are in total control. Even though it weighs nearly nothing, it is a tough little machine that will stand up well to the inevitable beginner crashes. Even if something does break, repairs are easy, you'll find plenty of videos out there showing step-by-step how to fix anything that might break. This is the best entry level helicopter out there and is a "real" RC helo - not a toy.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "An RC helicopter is not a toy! If misused, it can cause serious bodily harm and damage to property.", October 28, 2009

By 

Theodore - See all my reviews

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Blade mCX BNF (Toy)

Got it elsewhere with Spektrum DX6i. Crashed into the ceiling on the first day (pilot error), and it still can hover on the spot, I am quite surprised by the robustness. It is great for flying in tight spaces as long as there are no drafts.

All in all, fun and good way to get a general feel for flying a model helicopter, the only drawback I can think of is the charger for the battery. It is battery-powered, so you should get some rechargeable AAs for it. Also, due to diminutive size, there is more of a risk of someone walking into it, so watch out for absent-minded neighbors/curious cats/etc.