I know it is the same old question "which to buy" but what do you think I'm ready for. I have been flying planes for a few years and want to make the jump to heli's. I have G2 and can easily fly, even 3D helis. I am ready to buy a heli and wanted to know if I should go with the 30 size or 50 size. Other threads indicate that you quickly outgrow the 30 size and therefore think I should go for the 50 starting off, thus saving money in the long run.

If I did go with the 50 size, like a raptor 50 V2, would I need special servos? I plan to buy the Futaba 401 with 9253 servo for the tail, but will BB servos cover the rest, like the JR537s (which I already have-new)? Just trying to see what expense I'm in for. Thanks?[sm=bananahead.gif]

Dion

If you can afford the extra go for the 50 size. I love my Century Falcon 50SEV2. They and the eCCPM version Raven 50 now dominate that size in our area now. The standard mechanical CCPM system of the Falcon is much more tolerant of lesser servos then the eCCPM version of the Raven 50. But with the better servos the raven will have a quicker collective response.

I would suggest that you browse the brand specific forums on a specilized heli site such as www.runryder.com and see what owners (many of us have owned a number of different models e.g. Falcon, Sceado and Raptor 50) have to say about the different models available and what issues they may have with them. You will be able to make a much more informed decision afterwards.

Remember, if someone has only owned one model, he may be well satisfied with it, and of course recommend it. As he has no experience over any reasonable time with anything else, he would not know that there is something better.

What I like most about the Falcon/Raven series is that they are easy to build, fly very very well and remain problem free, much like my more expensive 60/90 birds at a much lower cost. Their head design can maintain its' composure (no flutter) even with the most unstable kinds of blades that I have tried on it (these would flutter when used with the other heads), the dual stage power system is bullet proof with no critical alignment areas, assembly is very easy, the control system remains slop free forever, the torque tube drive system takes a lot more crash abuse then I thought it would (I broke more belts on my belt drive 50's then I have torque tubes on the Falcon) and it gives the positive tail response akin to a torque tube driven 60, the triple bearing tail rotor system is absolutely deluxe etc. etc.

All in all....whatever 50 one may have owned before, once you ring out a Falcon or a Raven 50 for a reasonable number of flights, and experience their dependability, durability, low crash cost, precision flight characteristics, their complete flight envelop and how they hold up flight after flight with minimal maintenance, one will be won over in short order.

A 50 something is a great way to go, fewer troubles with tuning or heat, plenty of power for aerobatics, so it won't get outgrown. The only one i have flown is the raptor, liked it so much i have two now, but i doubt the brand matters much, the Scedeu and voyager are also popular choices available in a 50 size. Check with your local shops, having spare parts available localy really is nice.

Thanks Guys,

I purchased the Raptor 50 V2, mainly b/c I got an excellent price on it. I had looked at other 50 size helis but none could come close to the raptor in price ($320USD delivered). What's your reconmendation for an engine? I have been leaning towards the OS50 however it seems most people on these discussion boards side with the TT50. Any comments? I also purchased the GY401 w/servo for a gyro. I have 4 new JR537 BB servos. Would these do for the rest of the sevos? Thanks again guys!

Dion

Cool! you'l love it!

I use the OS50 very sweet engine. It has a reputation for drinking fuel, but i think folks just set the needles till they are happy with the power, and leave it alone, leaving it very rich. I have been leaning mine out a click or two a day, went from 2 turns out and getting 6 or 7 minute runs @ 130 degrees to 1.5 turns getting about 9 minutes @ 170-180 degrees as i am breaking it in. Not sure where to stop, maybe i'l go a few more clicks till it gets to 200. the highest flight time i have heard of on that heli and engine is around 20 minutes.(?) he is running a tuned pipe to get it.

Like you said, a lot of folks do prefer the TT. I had some quality problems with my TT39 (leaky o rings) and i needed to modify the carb to get it to run right, so i am not really keen on TT heli engines at the moment, but i have loved the TT46 airplane engine, so i might give the TT 50 or 70 a try one of these days. you hear so few complaints about either of the 50's that it seems pretty certain you will love either of them.

well sir, very best luck to you!