mrasmm,

Yeah I think I am comming to the same conclusion about the info I find online. Not reality. However, trextuning seems to have some real great info.
Most people seems to be reporting real short flight times with the stock mini titan setup. 5-6min. The best I have heard from someone doing hovering and mild FF is 8-9min (not too bad).
I decided on 4s since I really would like to break into the 10+ min range. Aside from recent weeks (medical issues) I dont get a lot of time to go fly and when I do I just want to fly and fly and fly.
Also I realized I was figureing everything on a 140t main....whoops MT has a 150t main. So that brings things down a bit but I still would like a 9t to experiment with. I dont think I want to run this heli in the 3000rpm range. For one it doesnt suit my flying style and for two its all plastic setup may not like it. I have already heard reports of tracking issues when really pushing this bird. (supposedly AL mixing arms are the fix)

Based on all of my internet probing I finally decided to get an eagle tree (& rpm sensor). I ordered it with my 4s packs so hopefully all of my goodies will be here soon. I was also trying to think of a way to measure lift/thrust. As you were saying that would be some very informative data. If I come up with a practical Idea on how to do it I'll be sure to post about it.
I am not used to flying a heli that has balistic capabilities so I was really hoping to start out with the 9t and work my way up if I feel comfortable with the power. If I cant get one I think I'll follow your advice and just limit my max pitch to start. I know headspeed creates stability so maybe I'm just being a scardy cat????

Thanks again mrasmm! if there is ever anything I can do for ya just pm me. I really appriciate all of your help. (my lhs's stink)

Noah