i am going to buy a high end helicopter in the next couple of months. I have not been keeping up with what is "best" lately. I want some insight on what machine is a better value, better design, better parts and price support. Give me your thoughts. thanks russ

Well one word Fury. Most bang for the buck.

yes. the fury looks like a great machine, but to upgrade it to the 1004 "if you wanted to", would cost more than buying the 1004 to begin with wouldnt it?

These days, it's not considered an "upgrade" to go from the Fury to a Graphite 60 (1004). The Fury has become MAs top of the line sixty to ninty size heli, they are even talking about coming out with an FAI version of it. When that happens, they may drop the entire line of older X-cells, including the PRO, even though I'm sure they will still provide parts support for the older helis for a long time to come. That is what they have built their reputation on, always providing support and an upgrade path for their older helis.

The Fury FAI is nearly a reality. The new model will feature a revised push rod arrangement which makes all three rods up to the swash equal in length. Expected metal bellcranks, metal tail group, and the tail rotor will be flipped to pusher configuration. The new FAI rotorhead is approaching a ship date as well and will come with the kit. A new canopy design, I believe, as well.

Ben Minor