This is information that I have compiled by reading about both models. If you want to verify it all you can go to [link=http://www.horizonhobby.com]Horizon Hobbies[/link], they are the authorized distributor for Align here in the United States.

I provide this information for all those who want to know what the differences are between the two models. After reading through several webpages of information on both models, the only real improvements done to the 450 size T-Rex have been the modification of the blade grip bearings (switched to thrust bearing on the SE), the addition of bearings on the tail shaft, and changing the main frame & tail boom to carbon fiber for more rigidity at the cost of higher weight.


T-REX 450SA Key Features (c&p'd off horizon hobby site):

Extreme 3D capability right out of the box
95% factory-assembled
Direct-to-swash CCPM linkages
Stacked aluminum frames
Aluminum and composite swashplate
Aluminum motor and battery mounts
Tail servo boom mount
Stainless steel tail rotor hub
Belt-driven tail rotor
325mm PRO symmetrical wooden main blades
Auto-rotation system
Gun-metal gray aluminum head block
Gun-metal gray aluminum skids and tail boom


TREX 450SE Key Features (c&p'd off horizon hobby site):

Carbon fiber frames for superior rigidity
CNC machined aluminum rotor head assembly
315mm carbon and 325mm PRO wooden main blade sets
Fly bar weights that improve stability for newer pilots and can be removed for aggressive 3D flight
CNC machined aluminum swashplate
Direct-to-swash CCPM linkages
Battery location that keeps the CG closer to the rotor head for better roll response
CNC machined tail rotor control set with ball link for smooth travel
High-efficiency carbon tail rotor blades that maximize gyro effectiveness
32 ball bearings and stainless steel ball links
Handy aluminum case for tools and spare parts

The SEV2 design updates include (c&p'd off atomic hobbies site):
New Head Stopper
New Main Gear Set
New Anti-Rotation Bracket
New Metal Tail Servo Mount (Perfect Fit for S9650)
New Vertical & Horizontal Stabilizers
New Main Rotor Housing and Holders
New Painted Fiberglass Canopy
4mm Feathering Shaft & Thrust Bearings for Head
New Main Frames (battery plate is upgraded)
New Boom Block Design for Under Mount Gyro


Known differences and what those differences do:

1. The SA comes preassembled from the factory and is pretty much ready to fly. Install electronics and fly. The SEv2 requires building which can be a saunting task for those who have never built a heli before.

2. Since the SA uses composite in all the places that the SEv2 uses metal except the main head block. It is also metal. The SEv2 is a bit heavier (due to all the extra metal) than the SA so it will have shorter flight times. The SEv2 comes with a fiberglass canopy=heavier.

3. The SA comes with 325mm main rotor blades which produce a larger rotor disk creating a more stable hovering platform.

4. The SEv2 comes with 315mm main rotor blades creating a smaller rotor disk (less gyroscopic stability) making it better for 3d.

5. The metal head and tail parts of the SEv2 are less likeley to be damaged in a crash than the composite ones of the SA.

6. Damaging servos and critical driveline components during a crash is more likely with the SEv2 due to the metal head construction.

7. The head design of the SEv2 uses blade grips supported by thrust bearings, this lengthens the life of the head dampeners.

8. The ball bearing supported blade grips of the SA is known to chew through dampeners if not set up correctly.

10. The tail rotor drive in the SEv2 has a lower gear ratio thus providing better gyro authority.

11. The SEv2 has a ball bearing supported tail rotor shaft as opposed to bushings like the SA.


Assuming that all the electronics are the same and the same person is flying both helicopters, the SEv2 will perform changes in direction(mainly loops and rolls) quicker than the SA due to the smaller rotor disk. The SA will maintain a heading better due to its larger rotor disk and fly for longer since it is lighter.

Now for all the noobs out there who are going to ask "Which heli is better?" or "Which heli should I buy?" Go out and spend as much money as you can possibly afford on the most expensive gear you can find. When you grind your $1000 heli into the ground I hope you remeber having read this post. Oh by the way..[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/ProdInfo/Files/T-REX-450SA-Demo-Flight-by-Alan_Szabo.wmv]Here is a video of Alan Szabo flying a stock T-Rex 450SA[/link] just for all the fanboys who swear that more expensive gear will make for a better helicopter. This is proof positive that no matter what gear is in the heli, its the pilot that makes the heli shine.


This should be made a sticky


EDITS ARE IN BOLD

I agree that this should be a sticky, because of all the posts regarding the differences, however there can be many corrections made to your post.

Corrections are in bold.

Sorry for so many edits, but I just want all the new flyers out there to get the RIGHT information the FIRST time.
-wrxsti02

Check original post.... I kinda figured that if people read the whole post they would know Im referring to the v2 in the comparos. I also stated that if BOTH helis had the same electronics. Guess I will edit the original post and try to make it idiot proof.

alienteabagger-
I know you said those things – I understood all of it. However, like you said we really do have to have these stickies idiot proof. The easier it is to understand, the more people will use it.

Edit: Just noticed you still have the blade lengths wrong.

The V2 DOES NOT COME with 315mm blades! It only comes with 325 Pro Wood blades or 325 3K Carbon blades.

-wrxsti02...