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All Forums >> RC Helicopters >> RC Helicopter General Discussions >> The Best intro Heli
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The Best intro Heli - 12/30/2002 5:55:38 AM   
GregKRC



Posts: 48
Joined: 12/30/2002
From: Lake Charles, LA, USA
Status: offline 		I know this thread comes up a lot but so many different ppl feel so strongly about a different heli. If anyone with experience and a non-bias opinion could tell me about a good heli to start out with and one i could keep for a while as a become a better pilot. Ive heard several different things.

1. ThunderTiger Raptor .30 --now the V2 . Ppl say this mainly b/c of its popularity and the fact that they could help me set it up and what not.

2. JR Venture CP -- Ive heard it was a good heli with an excelent manual but to me it seems the flight performance isnt as good as the Raptor or Caliber.

3. Kyosho Caliber 30--- the ppl at heliproz strongly recomend this heli to anyone starting out (what were they thinking with that canopy? )

4. Century Hawk -- Just recently many ppl on this forum say it is the best heli but how is the parts availability and pricing?


Thanks a lot for any help, I want to make a good decision on this heli and that doesnt even include a radio, gyro and so on

< Message edited by GregKRC -- Dec 30 2002 1:47AM >
       Post #: 1

sorry - 12/30/2002 6:00:09 AM   
GregKRC



Posts: 48
Joined: 12/30/2002
From: Lake Charles, LA, USA
Status: offline 		i figured out it actually does belong in this forum. oh well

< Message edited by GregKRC -- Dec 30 2002 1:46AM >

(in reply to GregKRC)
       Post #: 2

The Best intro Heli - 12/30/2002 7:21:39 AM   
davidj


 

Posts: 279
Joined: 3/6/2002
From: Bellevue, WA, USA
Status: offline 		My completely unbiased opinion is to go with the HeliProz recomdation. Or just follow the crowd and get a Rappy V2. The Century is gaining a lot of favor but I still do not like the starting system and the vibration problem they sometimes have. The JR Venture is a great starter heli but will not take you as far the the other 3. The Centure is upgradable to a 50 which make it very atractive. One of the tried and tested opinions is to look at what others are flying in your area and what any friends are flying. They can help you with setup and if you need parts, it's nice to have a friend with parts.

_____________________________

Will fly for food

(in reply to GregKRC)
       Post #: 3

The Best intro Heli - 12/30/2002 7:34:55 AM   
MonkeyDude


 

Posts: 159
Joined: 12/2/2002
From: Aurora
Status: offline 		You should strongly consider the Hirobo Sceadu 30. It's an awesome flyer and pricing is reasonable. Parts avaliability is good and the quality is up to the Japanese standard. It can be easily upgraded to a Sceadu 50.

If I were you, I wouldn't get the JR Venture, three words: WAY TOO HEAVY. The Caliber 30 is a good choice if you don't mind the canopy. The raptor is also a good choice but if you are so into looks, I don't think the raptor is that much better looking than the Caliber, to be honest. I'm not familar with the Hawk, so no comment on that.

Go to http://www.rchelicopters.org
It has reviews on EVERYTHING you'll ever need...kits, radios, gyro, anything you can think of.

(in reply to GregKRC)
       Post #: 4

Century Hawk - 12/30/2002 7:39:55 AM   
Cougar-RCU



Posts: 675
Joined: 1/27/2002
From: Wellman, IA, USA
Status: offline 		and I guess this is my 400th Post! *yippy*

(in reply to GregKRC)
       Post #: 5

The Best intro Heli - 12/30/2002 10:08:14 AM   
spooky007


 

Posts: 28
Joined: 12/18/2002
From: Surprise, AZ, USA
Status: offline 		All are great heli's and each has it's strong points and weaknesses. You can't go wrong with the century as it's the least expensive of the bunch. The raptor is the most popular and the caliber is said to be a great machine but does have some flaws. The venture I hear is a good heli but heavy. You always get a hundred different answers when asking what should you get. Take a look at what type of support you'll get locally and make your decision. It's your money and you have the final decision no matter what anyone suggests!

Al

(in reply to GregKRC)
       Post #: 6

The Best intro Heli - 12/30/2002 7:36:37 PM   
Steve Campbell


 

Posts: 4203
Joined: 12/8/2001
From: Zachary, LA, USA
Status: offline 		Since you have zippo LHS support over there (unless something has changed that I'm not aware of), your best bet is to get what your local guys are flying. Last I heard, that was the Raptor. Judging from your user name, you know Mike, yes?

If you aren't hooked up with those guys, or just want to be different, I would go with the Sceadu. It is a bit larger than the average 30, but definitely not a lead sled. And there is no controversy over parts availability. Since you'll be doing all mail-order anyway, pick your vendor.

Actually, I think the Shuttle is a better "starter" ship. but I hesitate to recommend one to a raw beginner, for this reason:

The Shuttle has been around since the mid-80s. The current iterations of the model still use many original parts. The molds for these are getting long in the tooth, and produce parts that need quite a bit of "tweaking" before they get smooth. This is no big deal- IF you know what to do. But the last one I helped a guy with (a Challenge- Hirobo's basic entry level offering) needed a LOT of tweaking, especially on the bellcranks, to get right. A newbie who doesn't know what to look for and correct would have problems.

But the Challenge comes with a most excellent training gear set-up, and that saves you the extra expense of a Roto-Pod. I am no fan of el cheapo dowels tie-wrapped to the skids; but lots of folks have learned on such an arrangement.

My big gripe with the Challenge is the tail rotor pitch change mechanism. It is the original, and it sucks. It works, but just.

I'm preparing to get an entry-level plastic machine for my grandson, so I'm going through the "what to get" quandary myself. I have enough old Concept parts, frames, etc., to build one for him. But I want to keep that "stash" intact to keep mine flying...

I can't decide between a Sceadu or a Shuttle Challenge. What I'll probably end up doing is get the Challenge and the parts to put a decent tail box on it.

The best advice I can give you is GET HELP. If you have difficulty hooking up with the guys over there, I'll be glad to work with you if you don't mind the drive to Baton Rouge.

But you're smart to do some research before you buy. Another consideration is your radio. If you have someone available who can buddy-box you, then by all means get that brand of radio. And get the best radio you can. I would suggest nothing less than a Futaba 9C or JR 8103. JR has a new nine-channel (9X?) that the US distributor hasn't admitted exists yet, but it is out there.

Buddy boxing is great. It will get you past the initial terror of crashing your new toy, and give you the confidence to practice on your own. Oh, you'll still have the opportunity to crash by yourself; but at least you will already have hovered the bird and KNOW that it flies just fine, as long as you do your part...

Steve

(in reply to GregKRC)
       Post #: 7

The Best intro Heli - 12/31/2002 3:30:38 AM   
Lift



Posts: 575
Joined: 1/3/2002
From: Sugar Land, TX, USA
Status: offline 		larksrc,
Is this Mike Moss? If so then hello from Payton in Houston!

Otherwise, hello from Payton in Houston!

We sure enjoy coming over for the fun-flys and always have fun. As far as helis go I think the brand name mentality similar to Ford vs Chevy gets going on when a heli suggestion thread starts. It's easy to step on toes because nobody wants to be told that their heli isn't as good as Brand X. Got it?

I have direct experience with all the helis you have listed. I have owned all but the Caliber. In my opinion you are really deciding which problem do you want instead of which heli is best. The reason is that all helis have little nuisances that have to be dealt with. Some of these are worse than others and experience helps weeding those out.

Of all the 30 & 50 helis out right now I personally recommend the Century helis. I think that after 4+ generations of refinement the Hawk has become one awesome heli for the $$. The same can be said of the Falcon 50 SE and the Raven 50. Century has ALOT of experience now with their product design and what has worked or failed. They price their products with a more than fair tag and you get ALOT of bang for the buck. The rotorhead is from the Heim days and the only companies that you don't hear about blade flutter problems is X-Cell, Robbe, and Century. They are designed and distributed here in the USA and parts supply is a non-issue. They still have parts for their very first helis.

If you are looking for a long term heli with great parts support, lots of growth potential, proven design, and low "issue" then you might want to seriously consider Century. Back in May of this year I went against the common "get a Raptor" or "the Sceadu is best" suggestions and purchased a Falcon 50 SE V2. I have been VERY impressed with the quality and performance. Since then I decided to try some of these other 50 size alternatives and I can tell you that the only 50 left in my hangar is the Falcon!

Click the "WWW" button below to see some pics.

(in reply to GregKRC)
       Post #: 8

The Best intro Heli - 12/31/2002 4:06:36 AM   
Steve Campbell


 

Posts: 4203
Joined: 12/8/2001
From: Zachary, LA, USA
Status: offline 		Payton,

The Hawk has a metal frame, doesn't it?

Steve

(in reply to GregKRC)
       Post #: 9

The Best intro Heli - 12/31/2002 9:17:04 AM   
Lift



Posts: 575
Joined: 1/3/2002
From: Sugar Land, TX, USA
Status: offline 		Steve,
There are two different flavors for the Hawk:

1) Hawk Sport - This version comes with plastic upper and lower frames. The Century plastic is a strong fiber filled material like X-Cell uses. It is the best plastic I have seen in heli use. Here is a link to the Hawk Sport specs. For $159.99 you just can't beat it:

[URL=http://www.centuryheli.com/products/helikits/cn100xHawkSport/index.htm]http://www.centuryheli.com/products/helikits/cn100xHawkSport/index.htm[/URL]

Check out this quick build manual for the Sport. Doesn't get any easier than this for a beginner:
[URL=http://www.centuryheli.com/support/manuals/cn1000bquickbuild/index.htm]http://www.centuryheli.com/support/manuals/cn1000bquickbuild/index.htm[/URL]


2) Hawk SE(Special Edition) - This version is loaded up with CNC everything. The only item I don't care for is the wire drive. But, for learning 3D it is cheap and easy to replace. There are alot of killer features like 53 bearings, CNC metal swashplate, oilite bushed washout hub, CNC metal headblock, triple bearing tail rotor grips, CNC tail rotor hub, 550mm Hurricane CF blades, ....... This is one of those machines that will stay tight for years. Not alot of plastic to stretch or fatigue. Check the link below to see all the specs:
[URL=http://www.centuryheli.com/products/helikits/cn1040aHawkSE/index.html]http://www.centuryheli.com/products/helikits/cn1040aHawkSE/index.html[/URL]

They have alot of nice upgrades like constant drive, carbon fiber torque tube, thrust bearing for main shaft bearing blocks, etc.....

These parts are all very attactively priced and of good quality. Century is not the same company they were even as little as a year ago and from what I have heard 2003 will be a shocker to the heli community. I sure enjoy my MA stuff but when it comes to value Century's products are awful tuff to overlook.

(in reply to GregKRC)
       Post #: 10

The Best intro Heli - 12/31/2002 5:06:36 PM   
Steve Campbell


 

Posts: 4203
Joined: 12/8/2001
From: Zachary, LA, USA
Status: offline 		Okay. I just think that metal frames are not the best thing for someone to begin with.

I've only seen a Hawk once, 'way back when they first came out. Mike H did one for the magazine, and was only lukewarm about it, so I never paid much attention after that.

Another thing is that, the only vendor I've heard more complaints about than Century is HHI. Now that other folks are carrying the Hawk line, I guess that's not a big issue.

I've tried to help two guys with Ninjas, and that was a real bad time. What a horrible POS that thing was. Guilt by association???

I dunno; Phil Noel sells them now, and speaks highly of them. I have a lot of respect for his opinions, and he is much more than just another heli-monger.

I just wish the Concept was still around...

Steve

(in reply to GregKRC)
       Post #: 11

The Best intro Heli - 12/31/2002 9:18:29 PM   
Lift



Posts: 575
Joined: 1/3/2002
From: Sugar Land, TX, USA
Status: offline 		Steve,
In it's day the Concepts were VERY tuff to beat for value and performance. I have a friend that we CANNOT get him to get out of them. He has 30 & 60s SRX versions with alot of Zeal stuff. Nice machines but WAY to expensive when compared to todays offerings in the 30 class. Nowadays you get alot more heli and for less than what the little ole Concepts offer.

Yeah, your right. The Ninja and Hawk had some problems. But you would even recognize the Hawk I and Ninja if you compared it to the Hawk Sport/SE, Falcon 50 SE, Raven 30/50. When I took my Falcon to the local field and let the 8+ year veterans look at it they all said it's nothing like the Century products they fooled around with when the Ninja and Hawk were out. After sharing the sticks with a few of them they were VERY impressed. I flew the thing all summer, fall, and now into winter and now they are coming around asking "now how much did that thing cost?"

Metal frames not for beginners? Hmmmm, I would think of it the other way around. It is ALOT easier to replace these metal frames than what you are probably thinking(total of about 7 bolts and reasonably priced). Plus, I have witnessed these things take a 150+ foot free fall that landed on the skids and the only damage was the skids, boom, blades and other usual stuff. But, the SE series helis are the only ones that come with the 2mm aircraft aluminum lower frames. The Sport version Hawk is the only one that comes with plastic lower frames. I like the upper/lower design. Make taking the heli apart very "component" like. That is radio tray removes as one whole unit, upperframes/boom one whole unit, lower frames/engine/skids, one whole unit.

I hammer my Falcon 50 SE V2 that has the metal frames and I have beat the snot out of it and the main mechs just keep on ticking! What irritated me the most about the Raptor V1 was that it almost ALWAYS busted the frames where the front landing struts bolted on. That is why the push the "frame brace." Another example of aftermarket "upgrades" that are offered to cover up a poor design. Well see if these new Raptor 30/50 V2 frames hold up any better.

Also, the start system is awesome. It uses a shaft with a dog-bone that goes down into the fan and then dis-engages when you let go. No criticle alignment needed in this assembly and it's one less component for the motor to have to turn. Very simple, very effective.

Take a look at my Yahoo Photo Album at the Falcon 50 SE V2. Knowing you have been around at this for sometime Steve I think you would be equally impressed with the quality, performance, and pricing of Century's products these days. Try to look me up at Mayday in Sulphur. I give you a shot at the sticks......

[URL=http://photos.yahoo.com/payton_i]http://photos.yahoo.com/payton_i[/URL]

(in reply to GregKRC)
       Post #: 12

The Best intro Heli - 12/31/2002 10:28:34 PM   
stop_the_spam


 

Posts: 165
Joined: 1/17/2002
Status: offline 		Just get a Raptor 30 V2. If I had to start all over, that's what I would do.

Raptor 30 V2 + GY401 Gyro+digital servo+PCM recv+S9001s+VOlt spy+Remote glow adapter+fuel filter+Roto Pod 60 size.

Adrian

(in reply to GregKRC)
       Post #: 13

The Best intro Heli - 1/1/2003 2:29:25 AM