Advice on beginner / intermediate rc heli, Blade 230 S?

[alfadog]

I'm thinking of treating myself to something I've always wanted, an RC helicopter. I've never flown one but I consider myself a quick study so I want to get something that gives me some room to grow. I definitely want cyclic control and I like the idea of something on the large size, at least 500 mm rotor diameter. I'm leaning towards electric and RTF for simplicity's sake. Right now, I'm looking at the Blade 230 S. Anyone here have experience with that, with Blade helis in general, or another recommendation? My budget is under $500, although the 230 S is only $300 so that's even better.

http://www.bladehelis.com/230s/

 

[ktup-flyer]

I'd start out with a blade nano cps bnf with a good transmitter like a dx6i. You're going to crash and nano parts are cheaper. When you move up you can get cheaper bnf helis and be familiar with the transmitter, instead of spending more for the rtf with a crappy Tx