- Product type: Control/Linkage Ball, Long format
- Quantity per pack: 4
- Compatible models: Blade 450, Blade 400, Blade 330X, Blade 330S
- Model number: Z-BLH1635
- Manufacturer: Blade
- Format: Long
Overview
The Blade Control/Linkage Ball, Long (4) is an essential spare part designed for RC helicopter enthusiasts maintaining their Blade 450 and compatible models. This pack contains four long-format control balls that are critical components in the swashplate linkage system of your RC helicopter. Whether you're an experienced RC pilot looking to maintain your fleet or a dedicated hobbyist who demands the best performance from their RC models, having quality replacement control balls on hand ensures your helicopter remains in peak flying condition. These genuine Blade parts are engineered to precise tolerances to deliver the smooth, responsive control inputs your helicopter needs for stable flight dynamics.
Compatible with multiple Blade models including the Blade 450, Blade 400, Blade 330X, and Blade 330S, this versatile spare makes it easy to keep your equipment ready for action. RC helicopter maintenance is crucial for safety and performance, and control linkage components experience wear through normal flying operations. The swashplate assembly translates pilot inputs from the transmitter through the servo arms and control balls to adjust blade pitch and cyclic control. By maintaining these critical components with genuine Blade parts, you ensure your RC helicopter responds precisely to your commands every time you take to the skies.
RC Model Shop stocks this part as part of our comprehensive Blade helicopter spares range, making it convenient to source the exact components you need without hunting across multiple retailers. Whether you're repairing after a crash, performing routine maintenance on your RC helicopter, or building a spare parts kit for field repairs, these control balls represent genuine quality from the manufacturer who knows your equipment best.
Key Features
- Four-pack quantity — You receive four long-format control balls in this single pack, giving you multiple replacement options or the ability to service multiple aircraft at once, which is particularly valuable for enthusiasts who operate multiple RC helicopters or those flying regularly.
- Compatible across multiple Blade models — These control balls work with the Blade 450, Blade 400, Blade 330X, and Blade 330S, making them a versatile addition to any RC helicopter spares box and eliminating the need to track separate part numbers for different aircraft.
- Long format specification — The long variant of the control ball is engineered for specific linkage geometries in these models, providing the correct throw and pivot characteristics necessary for proper swashplate function and responsive control authority.
- Genuine Blade manufacture — As original equipment manufacturer parts, these control balls meet Blade's exact specifications and quality standards, ensuring perfect compatibility and reliable performance in your helicopter's linkage system.
- Essential maintenance component — Control balls experience wear through normal flying, weather exposure, and mechanical stress, making regular inspection and replacement essential for maintaining your RC helicopter's control precision and safety.
Technical Performance
The Blade Control/Linkage Ball, Long represents precision engineering in miniature form. These components are critical to the swashplate linkage system that translates pilot inputs into blade pitch changes and cyclic control movements. Manufactured to exacting tolerances by Blade, these balls must maintain consistent geometry and material properties to function reliably in the demanding environment of RC helicopter operation. The long format is specifically designed for the linkage geometry of the Blade 450, 400, 330X, and 330S models, where the connecting rod lengths and pivot points require this particular ball end configuration. The balls themselves are typically manufactured from durable polymer or nylon materials that resist wear whilst maintaining smooth articulation through the flight envelope. Unlike short-format control balls which are used elsewhere in the linkage system, the long variant extends further into the control arm assembly, positioning the pivot point to achieve the correct geometric relationship between servo throw and blade pitch change. Regular replacement of worn control balls is essential for maintaining the precision and responsiveness your RC helicopter requires, particularly if you fly frequently or expose your aircraft to dusty or salt-air environments that can accelerate component wear. The four-pack quantity provides adequate spares for regular maintenance schedules or emergency field repairs, making this an economical way to maintain your RC helicopter fleet in the UK or anywhere you choose to operate.
What's in the Box
- Blade Control/Linkage Ball, Long x4
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a control linkage ball and why do I need to replace it? — The control linkage ball is the spherical connector that allows the swashplate control arms to articulate and rotate. Over time, through normal flying operations and environmental exposure, these balls wear and can develop play in the linkage, which reduces control precision and responsiveness. Replacing them with genuine Blade parts restores the tightness and accuracy of your helicopter's control system.
- Will these control balls fit my Blade helicopter? — Yes, these long-format control balls are specifically engineered to fit the Blade 450, Blade 400, Blade 330X, and Blade 330S models. Always verify the long format is correct for your model before installation, as some positions in the linkage require short-format balls instead. Consult your aircraft manual if you're unsure.
- How often should I replace my control linkage balls? — This depends on your flying frequency and environmental conditions. Regular RC helicopter pilots should inspect their linkage every 10-20 hours of flying time and replace any balls showing visible wear or play in the connection. If you fly in dusty or salt-air environments, more frequent replacement may be necessary to maintain control precision.
- What's the difference between long and short format control balls? — The long and short variants differ in their overall length, which positions the pivot point at different distances from the control arm. The long format is used where the geometric linkage requires the ball to extend further, whilst short format balls are used in other positions. Using the correct format is essential for proper swashplate geometry and control authority.
- Are these genuine Blade parts? — Yes, these are original equipment manufacturer parts produced by Blade specifically for their helicopter models. Genuine parts ensure perfect compatibility and performance, unlike aftermarket alternatives that may have tolerances outside Blade's specification.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the Blade Control/Linkage Ball, Long (4): B450, B400, 330X, 330S Z-BLH1635 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
We want to make sure your delivery goes smoothly, so here are some important details about our service:
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