SUB MICROS
Sub Micro sized models are one of the best ways to get started flying model helicopters.
The Mosquito type coaxials, Air Hogs, and PicoZ flyers are great toys for young and old alike.
Usually these are two channel fliers, with a right-left control and throttle for up-down.
I saw one recently with two small ducted fans to provide forward thrust which I thought was a cool idea.
What you learn from them:
1) They are fun!
2) They sometimes need repair after dangerous missions, but a little super-glue (CA) and a wee bit of packing tape fix most mishaps. Just don't add too much weight or it will not fly.
Take away: Get one! Or even two! Buying them in a two pack means you will probably have a heli budy very soon.
MICROS
Micro sized models are a little bigger. Here you have several categories:
Fixed Pitch (FP),
Co-Axial, and
Collective Pitch (CP) varieties.
I recommend starting with a Fixed pitch heli such as the ESky Honey Bee FP or the Falcon 40 or the Walkera 4#1B (4G1B). You should not have to spend more than $100 on any of these, and the light weight of them makes for a durable and economical trainer for learning basic flying skills of a single rotor helicopter.
Here is the Walkera 4#1B. You get a 2.4gHz transmitter so no radio interference or channel worries, and a very nice heli already upgraded with CNC metal head.
 This is the real deal, a single rotor helicopter similar to the real ones we see flying around every day. They are very challenging to fly, but in the challenge lies the reward! .If you purchase an FP, there is much to learn. The head and blades must be balanced just right for it to fly really well. The shaft and flybar must be straight, and the center of gravity should be right below the main shaft so the motor does not have to fight imbalance in addition to gravity to provide lift. You can get away with straightening out a flybar several times, but usually not the main shaft. It is good to have a supply of stock main shafts, flybars, main gears and blades so the mechanics can (you) can repair it when needed.
The only thing I don't like on this is the tail support rod. It will easily break off. But, it is very simple to make your own clamp to replace it with a BBQ skewer stick. Cheep, light and easy repairs can be made on the landing gear as well to keep the the pilot flying instead of waiting for replacement parts. If you know this starting out, you will not be so discouraged when you break something. You will break something in the learning process! Or many things! This type of heli is one of the most durable and best trainers.
When you can fly forward circuits (circles) and figure 8s with the FP, you will be ready to move on to a Collective Pitch heli. But keep the FP by all means for indoor use and extra nose-in training.
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