This Radio Control Helicopter performs best in calm or light wind conditions. The Blade Cp is not a powerhouse and weight gain takes away from the flying performance with every gram added. Although weight adds to the stability and wind handling capabilities. The only upgrade necessary for a great flying helicopter is lipo batteries that are light.This is a great Little Helicopter for cruising around the back yard. Getting accustomed the very sensitive controls takes some time and practice.It is not that this a unstable flying platform, The small size coupled with the direct  collective pitch linkage setup makes even the smallest stick movements on the transmitter have a large and very quick reaction. This definitely takes practice and patience to master.In the year that I owned and flew the Blade CP. I tried some of the suggested upgrades from the various RC Forums and Dealers.Number 1 - Brush less Main Motor with ESC and adaptor to allow keeping the original 4 in 1. Cost $60.00Number 2 – Dual Tail Motor Mount with 2 new tail motors.Cost $50.00 including motors.

Number 3 – Complete separate electrical components.Replaced 4 in 1 unit with receiver for my Futaba 8 channel Transmitter.

Added separate H.H. Gyro

Added separate speed control for tail motors.

Cost $200.00

The Brush less motor and Dual tail motor upgrades were worth the effort and expense . The brush less main motor will give 100’s of flights with extra power as a bonus. The dual tail motor setup gives much the same benefit. A little more tail authority with a lot less maintenance. IF hard 3d flying is what is intended, then frame, head and belt tail mods are what is required. When all of these mods are accomplished the helicopter is no longer a blade cp as all the working parts have been changed to after market upgrades. It makes more sense at this point to just purchase a machine for this type of flying if that is the intention. The final cost of upgrading is usually more than a purpose built helicopter. Without the frustration that goes along with getting all this stuff to work properly. Unless of course you are like me and love to tinker.Conclusion The Blade CP is a GREAT small Collective Pitch Helicopter that is in the middle price range of Helis in this size. Most Hobby Stores and Online shops carry the Blade CP and stock parts.

Mild 3d is doable with a battery and main blade upgrade.If hard 3d and very aggressive flying is in your future, look at some of the other helis out there more suited to this style of flying.For those interested in moving up to larger radio control helicopters, MASTERING the blade cp will help develop a skill level that will allow a very easy transition to the larger more docile machines.