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Thread: Choosing a first nitro Heli (need help) Reply to Thread

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[QUOTE=rotormonkey13;727918]Really no helicopter is "crash resistant".  They're built to fly, not crash.  Just like most airplanes.  Do you think you'll end up crashing often?  If so a Trex might not be a bad choice.  Parts are plentiful, easy to find, and relatively cheap.

If you're like me, I tend to take my time testing the waters with new stuff until I'm comfy.  I work my way up to new maneuvers rather than just diving in head first.  That tends to mitigate crash frequency, and as such I don't end up crashing often.

The Trex is light, and has good prices and availability on parts, but imo the quality just isn't there.  Not that they're bad helis - they aren't, but you'll find better quality in other brands.

I have little experience with Raptors, so I can't comment on them much, but quality seems to be decent (I've heard no complaints).

The Raven is where I landed.  The kits are cheaper than Align, and higher quality, but come in plastic.  The bling can be had, but isn't necessary (though I've blinged mine up anyway :)).  They wear very well - as in they don't.  If you're going to put a lot of hours on your heli between crashes the Raven will hold up great.  Potential downsides are things are a bit beefier than align which is a double edged sword.  It'll hold up better in a crash, but it's a little heavier in flight.

Really it all depends on what you're looking for.  I'm not a fan of Align's stuff personally because they have had quality issues, but moreso because absolutely EVERYBODY at the field already has them.  They're what's in vogue, and I like to be a little different :)[/QUOTE]

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Topic Review (Newest First)

07-02-2010 09:57 AM

Jiver

Re: Choosing a first nitro Heli (need help)

Good choice! Take your time, practice on the SIM, and stay within your skill limits and you will minimize the crashes! Hopefully, you will also have some fun along the way...

Thanks,

Gordon

07-01-2010 05:00 PM

DarrenC

Re: Choosing a first nitro Heli (need help)

Yep i went with the TREX

and for sure, crash cost is important to think about,
especially for a beginner!!

06-30-2010 12:24 PM

jwenners

Re: Choosing a first nitro Heli (need help)

Crash cost is also a serious consideration as well as crash worthiness. Plain and simple some heli's crash better than others. What I mean here is that some heli's stand up to crashes better than others.

I've owned 5 raptors over the years (30 V1, 30 V2, 50 V1 and 2 50 V2's) over the years. They are good heli's for the most part but not nearly as durable as the Trex 600 (which I currently fly along with a Vibe 50).

Over the years I've re-kitted 5 raptors and had about 5 other not so bad crashes due to various issues (woof and poof, engine flameouts, botched autos, helmet fires, dumb thumbs, etc).

I can tell you without a doubt that as much as the Raptor is a good heli it is no-where near as tough as a Trex 600 plain and simple. Many of my Raptor crashes wouldn't have been so bad if I was flying a Trex.

There have also been intermittent Raptor parts supply issues over the years so that is something to consider as well.

Either way what ever machine you choose will work well as the heli's listed here are all fine machines but crashing is something to consider.

Cheers,

John

06-29-2010 10:20 PM

DarrenC

Re: Choosing a first nitro Heli (need help)

Thanks everyone for all the input, and i think i have finaly decided on the TREX 600 found a good deal and made an offer. Thanks everyone and once i get my new heli im sure ill be right back on the forum with more questions

Thanks everyone for the help,

Darren

06-29-2010 07:37 PM

fieromx3

Re: Choosing a first nitro Heli (need help)

thats what i have now is a raptor 30 with os37... been doing solid flying for a month and a half now with it and starting to do some small aerobatic 3d flight and i can say the os37 doesnt have near as much power as i would like to... but i always been a person to love speed and alot of power in anything though...

06-29-2010 07:34 PM

MarkToo

Re: Choosing a first nitro Heli (need help)

One of the fellows at our field has a Raptor 30 with an OS .37 (I believe that's right), and I've flown it on a few occasions and was pleasantly surprised. But, if your heli is properly set up and tuned, that's 90% of the battle and brand is less of an issue.

As stated, the Raptor .30's are relatively cheaper, parts are available, and they can easily be converted to a .50 when you feel the urge.

Ultimately, any current mainstream product will serve you well with time and patience. It's never a bad idea to find out what the other fellas are flying locally, and consider that before you make a purchase too. Sharing parts and solving issues together on similar helicopters is a bonus sometimes.

The "Blades" program or heli-wings is a must when it comes to safety, and will give you the confidence knowing you are progressing properly with the backing of an experienced flier.

06-29-2010 06:28 PM

DarrenC

Re: Choosing a first nitro Heli (need help)

Quote:

Originally Posted by fieromx3

if u can afford it the newer raptor 50 titan se id reccomend... the 50 gives you plenty of power..... the longer tail boom and 620mm blades make it more stable and the main thing is they also redesigned the head where it now has + - 15 degrees pitch! with a .53 redline engine or the one i have my eyes on the os 55 will have plenty of power to handle those kinds of pitch in 3d. the titan se also looks pretty snazzy to

Wow i looked it up on thunder tiger's site and that thing looks great!!

06-29-2010 06:15 PM

fieromx3

Re: Choosing a first nitro Heli (need help)

06-29-2010 04:33 PM

DarrenC

Re: Choosing a first nitro Heli (need help)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max

It wont take you very long Darren. Next time I see you I can pass you the heli students log book. It is like the wings program. You need to get your endorsements for each step towards your wings.

There are a total of 5 steps, the first one is holding a hover. the rest deal with your ability to control a heli safely.

THe flight test itself only takes about 5 minutes, and the student has to demonstrate reasonable control of the heli in order to pass the test.

Its all outlined in the student log book

Sounds good, we don't come to aurora that much anymore just because it is quite a long drive almost an hour sometimes, but ill do my best if it means getting my heli wings lol :P if it wasn't so windy we were planning to go today but doesn't look like that will happen. And i think i decided on the TREX, it will look better in my wings picture

Darren

06-29-2010 04:01 PM

Max

Re: Choosing a first nitro Heli (need help)

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarrenC

Hmmm not sure yet max, but i do know i want to make one buy, and keep it for many months or years to come so when im ready for some 3d i want it to be ready to

As for heli wings, how long would it take and whats the outline for the test.

Thanks,
Max

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