Notices
RC Helicopter General Discussions Discuss RC Helis here. Nitro, gas, turbine and any make, model or brand not having its own specific forum below!

Which heli to get?

Old 04-02-2013, 07:49 PM
  #1  
jetman75
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: PhoenixAZ
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Which heli to get?

I'm wanting to buy a new helicopter because I got bored of the mcpx, been practicing a lot on real flight 6.5 and want to get a new heli. Been lookin at a raptor 30 and a trex 450 sport. Now I know that the raptor is a lot more stable than the trex but also more money. Guy is asking 200 for the raptor with no battery or rx or tx and guy with trex is asking 240 with battery and case no rx or tx and its newly built. Any advice?
Old 04-03-2013, 06:20 AM
  #2  
BarracudaHockey
My Feedback: (11)
 
BarracudaHockey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 26,958
Received 343 Likes on 274 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

There's a lot of different models equipped various ways, so we would really need more information to give you an informed opinion.

A 450 will be cheaper to keep in the air and fix though and as you say, the Raptor will be more stable and easier to see.
Old 04-03-2013, 07:10 AM
  #3  
ATVAlliance
Senior Member
 
ATVAlliance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: , WV
Posts: 900
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

Another thing to consider between the two is do you have any nitro (glo) fuel powered engine experience?

If no (since the 30 is nitro, I assume) then I would go with the 450.

While I dont have a R30, I do have a 50 and it is much more enjoyable to fly than my 450 V2 SE.  BUT, I find that I dont fly it often because the cost of fuel.  The 450, even tamed down with flybar weights and expo...is still more "twitchy" and quick responding than the 50.  With the 50, everything seems to happen in "slow motion" and I always have plenty of time to recover from becoming disoriented.  The 450, not nearly as much so you better be "on your toes" when flying it.

In the end...you will probably be able to afford to crash and rebuild the 450 over the 30.  Thats the case for me and my budget anyway.
Old 04-03-2013, 07:33 AM
  #4  
jetman75
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: PhoenixAZ
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

I'd basically be taking a bit of a risk with the raptor because he said he's asking so low because he hasn't started it in about a year. But he said lat time he ran it, it ran strong. He upgraded the autorotation hub, and has an extended glow plug and extended fuel tank. I think I'm going to get it just because he's basically giving it away. It is a v1 though.
Old 04-03-2013, 07:37 AM
  #5  
BarracudaHockey
My Feedback: (11)
 
BarracudaHockey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 26,958
Received 343 Likes on 274 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

Depends on what engine, if its the TT 39 i'd pass, between that and a V1
Old 04-03-2013, 07:56 AM
  #6  
jetman75
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: PhoenixAZ
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

it has an os 30 with a JR g410t gyro.
Old 04-03-2013, 03:53 PM
  #7  
flycatch
Senior Member
My Feedback: (26)
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Barstow, CA
Posts: 2,027
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 5 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

Don't buy a used anything unless you have seen it work and know the person selling it. I have been there and done that. You usually end up putting more into the investment to make it work. Last year I swapped a H9 J3 Cub ARF for a Raptor 90SE ARF. The one-way bearing froze during start up after I flew it one time. What I got was an accident waiting to happen. Save your money and buy new and don't buy something others are not flying at your local field.
Old 04-03-2013, 04:52 PM
  #8  
jetman75
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: PhoenixAZ
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

I got him to bring it down to $165, I'll try and get some pics of it on here.
Old 04-03-2013, 04:55 PM
  #9  
jetman75
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: PhoenixAZ
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Hf99489.jpg
Views:	15
Size:	120.5 KB
ID:	1869899   Click image for larger version

Name:	Lg18244.jpg
Views:	14
Size:	80.7 KB
ID:	1869900   Click image for larger version

Name:	Au56384.jpg
Views:	12
Size:	101.1 KB
ID:	1869901   Click image for larger version

Name:	Vx45755.jpg
Views:	17
Size:	139.9 KB
ID:	1869902   Click image for larger version

Name:	Iv93840.jpg
Views:	12
Size:	127.6 KB
ID:	1869903  
Old 04-03-2013, 05:51 PM
  #10  
flycatch
Senior Member
My Feedback: (26)
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Barstow, CA
Posts: 2,027
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 5 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

Looks like a Raptor V1. At the price he is asking I would buy it and then go through the entire machine.
Old 04-03-2013, 06:04 PM
  #11  
jetman75
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: PhoenixAZ
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

So what do you guys think?
Old 04-04-2013, 04:09 AM
  #12  
ATVAlliance
Senior Member
 
ATVAlliance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: , WV
Posts: 900
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

I think you made a good deal for 165 bucks.  Regardless of what parts that may need replaced, if any.

First thing I would do is get rid of the 72mhz setup and put a 2.4 system on it.  You may want to remove the engine and give it a good flushing/soaking in some nitro fuel before you attempt to start it.  But with it only been a year since it was ran (if he is telling you the truth on that...looks awful dusty looking to have only sit a year)...it may be fine as is.


Old 04-04-2013, 07:44 AM
  #13  
jetman75
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: PhoenixAZ
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

Not much raptor 1 parts left though. I was also looking at a hk500gt, the guy wants 300 but I told him I'd give him 215 for it because it doesn't have the best of electronics but he's including a battery and a charger
Old 04-04-2013, 08:17 AM
  #14  
BarracudaHockey
My Feedback: (11)
 
BarracudaHockey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 26,958
Received 343 Likes on 274 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

Thats a V2 canopy and if memory serves it was the V2 frames that incorporated the wire/tail rod guides.
Old 04-04-2013, 10:11 AM
  #15  
ATVAlliance
Senior Member
 
ATVAlliance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: , WV
Posts: 900
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

I was under the impression that you already bought the 30.  If not, that 500 might work better for you, although I think 300 bucks is a tad on the high side...considering you said it has "cheap electronics"

Look at it this way....

HK sells the 500GT in a kit form (plastic frame edition, belt drive) with metal head upgrade and main blades for 65 bucks plus shipping, see link...

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=9975

Or you can get the CF edition which comes equiped pretty much the same but add torque tube tail drive and metal tail with of course CF frames for 99 bucks.  See link...

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__14862__HK_500CMT_TT_3D_Torque_Tube_Helicopter_Ki t_Align_T_Rex_Compat_.html

Ehirobo sells an el'cheapo electronic kit that comes with Gyro, 3 cyclic and 1 rudder server, motor, and ESC for 100 bucks....linky...

http://www.ehirobo.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=8477

Only thing lacking is a battery...which you can get a decent cheap 5s 4000mah pack for about 50 bucks just about anywhere.

Add all of that up, no matter which platform you start with and you will be in a brand new one for close to the same price as this used one for 300 bucks.

If I were you...I would offer 200 bucks for it and see what is said.  As I think that is a "fair" price to offer for a used clone 500.

The 500 is about half the size of the 30...but parts will be available almost anywhere as you can use Align parts on the HK500.

I dont have an HK500...but do own an EXI500 and I absolutely love that heli.  Its one of my favorites and its much nicer to fly than my 450 and smaller helis.  I run mine on 5s 4000 packs and have 4 of them.  I can easily get 10 minute or longer flights on each pack of normal flying.

Some, if not most people like to run their 500's on 6 cells.  But for me....5 cells is plenty of power for my skills right now.  Plus, I am still running a cheap motor on my 500 and Im not really sure it could take the power of 6s.

No matter what you decide, goodluck with your pursuit of this addiction we all call RC helicopters!  lol

Old 04-04-2013, 01:28 PM
  #16  
jetman75
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: PhoenixAZ
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

Wow the 500 is really half the size of the raptor? I thought they were way bigger! Anyways here a list of the electronics in the 500
Turnigy Typhoon 500H Heli Motor 1800kv (500 Class)
Turnigy MG930-Cyclic Servos
TURNIGY K-Force 100A Brushless-ESC
Turnigy MG90S Metal Gear Servo 1.8kg / 13.4g / 0.10sec
Hobby King 401B AVCS Digital Head Lock Gyro
Old 04-04-2013, 06:47 PM
  #17  
jetman75
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: PhoenixAZ
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

So I'm confused on the raptor. Is the frame a v2 or just the canopy?
Old 04-04-2013, 06:55 PM
  #18  
jetman75
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: PhoenixAZ
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

He's now saying that its a v2 because that canopy came with the kit. I'm pretty sure one of you knows I it's a v1 or v2.
Old 04-05-2013, 05:56 AM
  #19  
BarracudaHockey
My Feedback: (11)
 
BarracudaHockey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 26,958
Received 343 Likes on 274 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

It looks like a V2 to me.

If the head has hex bolts that thread into the spindle shaft then its a V2 for sure.

If the head has a threaded spindle shaft with nyloc nuts, then its a V1 head.

Sure looks like a V2 from the pictures though. I have a decent familiarity with Raptors.
Old 04-05-2013, 08:04 AM
  #20  
jetman75
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: PhoenixAZ
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

If it's a v2 then I'm getting it for sure. Really like the the raptors.
Old 04-05-2013, 11:29 AM
  #21  
Goggles
Senior Member
My Feedback: (4)
 
Goggles's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Abbotsford, BC, CANADA
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

I found this website for you that has lots of pictures that are V2. Maybe you can cross reference what you have with the pictures to see if they match.

[link=http://www.heli-chair.com/thunder_tiger_raptor30.html]http://www.heli-chair.com/thunder_tiger_raptor30.html[/link]
Old 04-06-2013, 04:44 AM
  #22  
BarracudaHockey
My Feedback: (11)
 
BarracudaHockey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 26,958
Received 343 Likes on 274 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

http://www.raptortechnique.com/v1_or_v2.htm
Old 04-06-2013, 05:51 AM
  #23  
jetman75
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: PhoenixAZ
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

If you zoom in on my frame picture, you can see the frame guides.
Old 04-08-2013, 09:01 PM
  #24  
jetman75
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: PhoenixAZ
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

Well the raptor 30 guy decided to back out at the very end. Anyways now my choice is between the 450 or 500, 450 guy said he will give me the heli, battery, case, and 6 channel spektrum reciever for 240. The hk500gt guy is saying he will give me the heli for 200 with a charger. A bunch of people say that 450 are horrible because of the handling characteristics in hover and the wind stability. So now I'm stuck get a bigger heli with less and cheap electronics or get a nicely set up 450.
Old 04-09-2013, 07:00 AM
  #25  
ATVAlliance
Senior Member
 
ATVAlliance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: , WV
Posts: 900
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Which heli to get?

If it were me, Id go with the 500, even if it meant I had to spend a little more and replace the electronics.

The 500 is just a better heli for someone newer as it is bigger and can be tamed down more than a 450.

You can find some decent deals on good used servos online.  I started out with the 100 dollar value electronics package that I linked a few posts above on my 500.

I put in quite a few flights before one of the cyclic servos let go in flight, causing a crash.  I replaced all 3 cyclics at that time and within another dozen flights I had another cyclic servo failure.  This is when I said "enough of the el cheapo" stuff and replaced the cyclics again, but this time with a good set of used Align ones.  Havent had an issue since and Ive logged a couple dozen flights since.

I am still using the motor that came in that 100 dollar package and it works fine for my skill level.  Doesnt have the most power, Im sure...but it gets the job done on the 5s 4000 packs that I run in this heli.  Im not at the 3D level yet and just do basic pattern type flying and a lot of FFF(FastForwardFlight) and this motor works good for me with that type of flying.

I never used the ESC that came with it because I had a nice Align ESC and UBEC that I picked up at a swap meet that someone did not use in their 600 Super Combo.  And this particular ESC did not get good reviews on the 600, but I am not pushing it anywhere near what someone would be pushing it on a 600 size airframe.  But, the original ESC that came with the value kit is still going strong in a Yak54 EP that I have flown quite a bit.  So, Im sure it would be adequate to fly the 500.

Also, I did not use the included gyro since I had another "cheap gyro" that I was already familiar with.  So, I never used the gyro.

Long story short...you may get by okay with the cheap electronics.  Or it may bite you and cause a crash.  I wont go out on a limb anymore and say anything either way.  I have used the cheap stuff before, and in some cases with planes...still do.  But for my helis...I wont skimp any more on servos and speed controllers.  Just not worth it.

Dont let the last few sentances discourage you.  Because you could easily replace the electronics with better for not much money.

So...500 hands down.  Its not even close.



Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.