What mode do you fly ?  Mode 1 (Throttle on right) or Mode 2 (Throttle on left) ?

Do you pinch the sticks with two fingers (thumb and index fingers), or just use the thumb ?

Not to start a debate, but if you are planning on doing 3D flying with helis, mode 2 makes the stick movements much simpler as compared to mode 1. 

One of the common moves in 3D heli flying is something called a piro-flip, where the heli is rotating on its tail along with going from upright to inverted and back at the same time.  This move is very easy to do on mode 2, as compared to mode 1.  Just a pointer to someone getting started, especially in Helis.

Here is a sample video of a heli doing piro-flips.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JynzNlVP6Qg" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JynzNlVP6Qg</a>

And here is a video that shows the difference in stick movement between mode 1 and mode 2 while doing piro-flips.  In mode 2, the right stick just needs consistent rotation in one direction. In mode 1, the right stick needs a figure-of-eight like movement, which is tough to do consistently.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVTRCs59SpI" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVTRCs59SpI</a>

Used to fly Mode 2 Thumbs.  But literally forced myself to change to pinch mode.  This gives me much more authority and control over the sticks.  Thumbs only is easier but i felt it was not very accurate.  As i like to come real close to the ground on inverts and knifes, i cannot compromise on accuracy so adapted myself to pinch!!

Strange enough, I am currently trying to switch from Thumbs to Pinch !       I was going to post an update here as soon as I am done (currently practising on the sim with the pinch method as much as I can).

While doing significant 3D that requires continous precise movements, I realized that thumbs make it easier to take the sticks to any extremes faster, but does not offer the level of precision that I was looking for.  Pinch also felt more secure, in terms of the finger (thumb) slipping off the stick (especially on hot sweaty days). I have had it happen to me couple of time, that is when I started seriously considered moving to pinch.

I will change my vote when I am fully on pinch 

Some other threads where this is discussed are posted below.  In general, pinch in favored for precise control by most people (especially 3D heli fliers, even though heli 3D champions like Lukas Riva and Tareq AlSaadi are all thumbs!)

http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=81523

http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2772

Hey thats weird... even i had to work my a** off on a sim before i had got rid of the thumbs only mode!!  Took more than a month!! But now am fine!!

Chan

i am a mode 1 flyer and i used to pinch the stick...... 

I use Mode 3 with Thumbs.
Left stick - Elevator + Ailerons
Right stick  - Throttle / Rudder .
I learnt on an old Futaba that had the Throttle on the right, so sticking to it.
-Gaurav

That was a surprise 

Poll updated !

Hi,
I use Mode 2 and Pinch. However I also use a Tx Tray with a neck strap and belted to my waist.

i use mode 2 with pinch and look to continue it as i feel very comfortable with it kind of habituated

Mode 2 Pinch for me too

Bumping the topic for the sake of newcomers....  note that "Mode 2" has distinct advantages in heli flying, and "Pinch" gives you more precise control.

Please vote if you have not done so already.

+1 Chan .. having played for long on Force Feedback Game Pads (NFS eta all), I started with my  Futaba on thumbs (Mode 2, again more due to video games circa 1986 Atari 2600). But I agree to Chan that using thumbs I some time move the perpendicular axis a little while moving the stick. With pinch, though slower movements, but I don't touch the other axis. May be it is due to my thumb which is proportionally smaller than what normally people have (murderer's thumb).

Well its only SIM for me for the while. Desperately looking for place to start flying small foamies. Jakkur passes are miles away I fear.

I think in US mode 2 is common. When I got a mode 1 Airtronics RDS8000 2 years back I had a hard time to get help from my fellow club members..  because they all use mode 2.. Anyways after 2 months I got the Spektrum DX7.. and I love it

Mode I or II? Purely dependent on which mode your trainer flew/flies. Though Mode II seems a little more "like the real thing".

I feel "pinch" is certainly a better way but needs a tray and longer sticks. I had this set up many years ago, before hibernating. Have made a tray and some long sticks. Will send you pics when operational.

Mode 2, Thumb. Got used to mode 2 when playing f22 raptor game on my comp. I was using the arrow keys like the right stick of mode 2. Now I cant even think of mode 1 or pinch 

The vast majority on our field use "mode 2 pinch", they just extend the sticks a bit (supported by most standard radios these days). 

No trays used, although it is a bit kludgy how the radio is held (without the thumb and index fingers). Of course, almost everyone uses a neck strap.

I use mode 2 and thump that is the way you can easily control.
If someone are left handed may be mode1 will work for them

i used to fly mode 1 and thumb
i have a couple of futaba transmitters 7 chp and 4 EX both are mode 1
i am forced to mode 1
because i got these TX  before knowing about different modes 
anyway i m feeling very much comfortable in mode 1
 

You - or anyone for that matter - will feel comfortable in whatever mode you learnt to fly! And vice-versa

Here is a "mixed pinch and thumb" flier :

http://www.rcindia.org/helis/3d-flight-training-for-helicopters-some-resources/msg16550/#msg16550

All the guys on my field are mode 1 and we are all thumbs. Don't know if I'll need to change after some time or not. My Guru is also mode 1 and he is one of the good ones flying helis, and that too mode 1.

mode 2 pinch

Mode 2 and thumb...

BTW, I am not using a strap as the radio did not come with one. So the question is

1) is it required (any distinctive advantage)?
2) where does one get it?

Pankaj

A strap helps in taking the load of the transmitter off your hands making it easier for your "pinch" or "thumbs" to use.

A broad camera strap should work well.