RE: Is this a dumb idea??
i have both the 450 sa and the hbk2 the sa for 199. does not come with esc or motor but from horizon hobby you can get the sa with esc and motor for 269.00 as far as the servos and gyro the servos are kinda weak on torque for the cyclic and tail for the 450(heck i even thought they were weak for the hbk2)and the gyro is very unstable in a bigger bird and is tail lock only. i also agree with vince about the batteries you want at least 2000 and a 15-25c rating.also if your thinking of using the stock esky trans and rec i would think again they will work but very iffy on smooth and constant control.if cost is an issue fly the hbk2 while checking on ebay if you wait you can usually get parts at a good deal.i picked up the sa with esc and motor for 170 and got the rest at some good prices.i really like the 450 much more stable than my hbk as for the copter x i think the hdx 450 would be a better deal,maybe mike from us hobby supply can give you some prices he's got killer deals oly