I am currently a hardcore Raptor fanatic! I have had Shuttles, Concepts, Nexus, and now have 3 raptors with another 50 on order. (I also currently have an x-cell 30/46, x-cell 60se and Furry, and had a x-cell 50 for a few years). I have found over the years, every new 30 model was a step forward as far as offering better product. I would go with the Raptor, easier to setup, it flies great! for the price, low repair costs (due to not breaking everything when it does crash) and fast to repair after a crash. The Raptor is definately 100 bucks better.

DONT TAKE MY WORD FOR WHICH IS BETTER!
(OR ANYONE ELSES FOR THAT MATTER!)

Visit your local flying field, or one that is closest to you and see what is (common) there. THEY may be of great help in the future, and if you have something they are not that knowledgabe with, they would be limited on the valuable help that they could provide.

The 401 is a great all around gyro! You will not grow out of it! It's easy to set up, has a matched servo (that would be the way you should buy it) can fly in both normal gyro mode, and hh (heading hold) mode.

Good luck!

Jeff