Raptor or Hawk IV
 

Raptor!!!! It is easy to fix, it flys well, and it can move up to do aerobatics with only some control throw adjustments.

Raptor or Hawk IV
 

Hawk IV SE!!!! It is easy to fix, it flys well, and it can move down to hover training with only some control throw adjustments. ;)

Raptor or Hawk IV
 

I have heard good thing about Hawk IV ! But I have the Raptor so I would have to say go with the Raptor. You can get parts at just about any hobby shop(in stock) not have to order them and they are cheap to fix. They will fly 3D out of the box(how could you hate it?) Check your local field and see what people are flying.



Raptor 30
Ergo 50
LMH 110
JR 8103
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Quality is the issue
 

I started out with a Raptor and came real close to getting the Hawk. Looking back I probably should have gotten the Hawk. It seems to be a more refined product where as the Raptor has not been changed much. You still get woofs, wahs, and clutch issues on occasion.

Where as Century has the Hawk in it's IV version and it is a REAL tight ship. I would suggest that you get the SE so you don't have to deal with the wire drive issues. With it you get a torque tube system and can add a slipper for controlled autos when you are ready. I think that is nice.

Plus, the Hawk IV is lighter than the Raptor which translate to more power better fuel economy with that OS .32.

I like the Raptor too. Parts are everywhere but it is a loose goose plastic heli that has a few more issues than are really necessary. TT will be releasing a new head design sometime this year to address the woof syndrom. Maybe they will correct the wahs and clutch issues to. Despite all that it does fly well.

The new Venture 30 is pretty much an fuel and fly heli. It is super smooth and stable. But, it needs a 46/50 to overcome it's slightly overweight condition. It is really a 50 size bird. I would expect a conversion and or the Venture 50 and 60 line to be imported by JR in the near future. Great starter heli too. I like it over the Raptor except for the weight.