For the most part "pros" don't fly Raptor's. You find them spending time on Robbe, JR, X-Cell, and an occasional Kyosho diehards.

The "get a Raptor" line was played hard from 1999-2001. There are other options now that you have:
JR Venture
Kyosho Caliber
Hawk Sport
Sceadu 30

These are all "good" machines. The only bad machine is the Nexus but other than that they are all "good". Just depends on your goals.

If you want the absolute top of the line "best" 30 out there to use in 3D then I would get a Raven 30 and put a CF torque tube, rear servo mount and a GY-601. You'll find this to be the most hard core 3D capable machine around.

If you want the absolute top of the line "best" 30 for sport/scale and solid 3D flying then the Hawk SE equally equipped as the Raven 30 would be fantastic choice. The number of bearings, features, and LONG lifespan that doesn't get sloppy like a plastic machine make these helis a better choice.