Guys,
I got one yesterday and started to pull the gear of my trusty little R30. I have had a BLAST with it but wanted to try something new instead. So, got the Venture.

I tore the kit open last night and here are my opinions.
1) The controversial motor mount is VERY rigid. Alot like a plank engine mount. It looks like it fiberglass reinforced. Should be great at reducing vibrations!
2) The head is VERY tight meaning there appears to be very very very little slop. Unlike my Raptor.
3) The boom is identical to the R30 except for the cut-outs on the tail rotor housing end. So, my Quick UK boom clamp and carbon fiber boom supports will be going on after a gallon or so.
4) The head faces the rear so if you have a muffer with the pressure nipple on the top for a front facing engine it will now be on the bottom. Not ideal.
5) The frame is VERY rigid and has a ton of room for a 50. I heard from someone that their is a 50 conversion kit coming. Also the JR heli website has a Venture 60 ready to go!
6) The tail rotor hub is a stainless one piece unit. The tail is silky smooth. Can you say Gain Up?
7) Also, the main gear is sandwiched between the pinion and the belt drive gear. This causes a real nice gear mesh and should be real smooth.
8) The start shaft setup is very similar to the Raptors.

That is all I can think off. To tired due to staying up late with the helis!

Anyhow, I am going to run the JR 531 servos on the swashplate. These are one step above std servos guys. They are fine as far as torque since you will have 50in/oz X 3 = 150 going to the head. The speed is not real hot @ .23 sec. though. Although, because I know from experience that a CCPM system loves low slop servos that have excellent centering that I am putting Futaba 9252s in a couple of weeks. Not that you have to have this but having servos that return to center with as much authority/precision as they have away from center makes CCPM sweet. My Fury used 9204s. These are not digitals but they are strong, precise, and smooth.

I will be running an OS .32, Ace Upgrade for now, and GY-401. Have a few sets of World Models fiberglass blades. Will give these a try on the maidens instead of risking my SABs.

Just by looking at the mechanics this machine looks REAL promising for a so called "beater 30". I bet it pretty much wipes out the Caliber 30. Already has won my heart just by looking at how simple it is compared to the Raptor. Just when you think a heli can't get any simpler to work on too.

All this from a person who isn't really a JR Heli fan too.

//Payton