Brands
OMPHobby helicopters
By Paul Walsh Last reviewed
OMPHobby builds small and mid-size collective pitch helicopters that punch above their price. Its signature design is direct drive: a brushless motor mounted straight onto the main shaft and another on the tail, with no gears or belts in between. Fewer parts means less to go wrong.
OMPHobby in brief
OMPHobby is a Chinese manufacturer. Its M2 appeared around 2019 and its range now runs from the M1 up to the M7, a 700-size helicopter that is its first without direct drive on the main rotor (RC Helicopter Fun).
Status (checked October 2026): trading, sold in the UK through dealers including Model Helicopters UK.
The range
| Model | Rotor | Battery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| M1 V3 Pro | 297mm | 2S 400mAh LiHV | Built-in ExpressLRS, self-level and rescue modes; about £240 BNF |
| M1 EVO | 290mm | 2S 350mAh | DSMX-compatible; up to about 8 minutes |
| M2 V2 | 400mm | 3S 650mAh | Stabilising, soft-3D and full 3D modes |
| M2 EVO | 434mm | 3S 750mAh | Up to about 10 minutes, about 4 flying 3D |
| M4, M5, M6, M7 | Larger | 6S and up | For experienced pilots |
Specifications from Model Helicopters UK listings and manufacturer data.
Who OMPHobby suits
- Second helicopter: the M1 or M2 is an excellent step after a fixed pitch learner or a simulator.
- 3D on a budget: small direct-drive helicopters are cheap to crash and quick to repair.
- Not a first-ever helicopter unless you've put serious hours into a simulator. See RC flight simulators.
Our best RC helicopters for beginners shows where they fit, and coaxial vs fixed pitch vs collective pitch explains why collective pitch takes more learning.
Spares and repairs
Common crash parts on the small models are main blades, blade grips, the main shaft, landing skids and tail blades. Because there's no main gear or tail belt, many crashes cost only a set of blades. Tail motors work hard on direct-drive tails, so keep a spare.
How it compares
Against Goosky, OMPHobby offers similar performance; it often comes down to which radio protocol you use and which parts your local dealer stocks. Against Blade, OMPHobby gives more performance for the money; Blade is easier for a complete beginner thanks to SAFE.
All the makers are on the brands page, and the RC helicopter buyer's guide explains what to check before you buy.
RC Mods is not affiliated with or endorsed by OMPHobby.
Frequently asked questions
Is the OMPHobby M1 good for beginners?
The latest M1 V3 Pro has self-levelling and rescue modes, which help. It is still a fast, agile collective pitch helicopter, so it suits people who have practised on a simulator or a simpler model first.
What radio do I need for OMPHobby helicopters?
It depends on the version. The M1 EVO is DSMX-compatible, and the M1 V3 Pro has a controller with built-in ExpressLRS. Check the listing for your exact version.
Is direct drive better than a gear or belt drive?
Direct drive has fewer moving parts, so less to wear out and less to fix after a crash. Gear-driven helicopters can use larger, slower rotors and suit bigger models.