Beginner heli
01-08-2009 | 07:54 PM
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From: Tifton,
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Beginner heli
I am looking for a new beginner heli, i had a century hummingbird but it was very unstable and would not fly very well. I was told to look into a t-rex 450. Would this be a good beginner helicopter as far as stability and cost of repairs after crashes? I noticed they are around $400-500 on ebay, and i am not sure if this would be worth paying that much for a helicopter i dont know how to fly (but am going to learn even if it takes a wile)
01-08-2009 | 08:04 PM
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From: Sacramento,
CA
RE: Beginner heli
Best electric out there. Either version. SE has the best *real* english manal. V2... better be good with pix. Se right priced, V2: lots of bling, lots ts of bux
Best (Imho) nitro, get a TT Raptor 50. Its the small block chevy of the heli world. Nothing finer.
My .02.
Gary
Best (Imho) nitro, get a TT Raptor 50. Its the small block chevy of the heli world. Nothing finer.
My .02.
Gary
01-22-2009 | 10:15 PM
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From: , FL
RE: Beginner heli
I found the Trex 450s GF RTF for 270.00 with shipping, sounds to good to be true...straight from hong Kong...thinking of taking a chance, I have been happy with the Lipo Batts I have got from them.
01-22-2009 | 11:06 PM
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RE: Beginner heli
If it sounds to good to be true, it maybe just that.
Me, I would not gamble my hard earned $$$ hoping for *good* deal. Particularly with a biz tht is that far "off shore."
Gary[>:]
Me, I would not gamble my hard earned $$$ hoping for *good* deal. Particularly with a biz tht is that far "off shore."
Gary[>:]
01-23-2009 | 11:41 AM
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RE: Beginner heli
Have a friend that has been buying parts/batteries from Hong Kong and been getting good prices...it does take a few weeks to get things but overall quality is good....there seem to be several clones of the trex 450 already, just havent shown up over here yet...Rog
01-23-2009 | 01:34 PM
#6
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RE: Beginner heli
Zach,
In addition to my Trex 450SE, I have one of these helicopters:
http://www.cnchelicopter.com/servlet...50B/Categories
The 3DX 450B is a great helicopter. I have always felt it flies smoother than the Trex.
These guys produce very high quality stuff (stay away from the Walkera stuff at any price). I have bought all of the "bling" aluminum upgrades for my Trex 600 from them. Great stuff.
Many Trex parts are interchangeable. The ones I know for sure are the mainshaft, boom, main gears, bearings, feathering shaft, belt, etc.
In addition to my Trex 450SE, I have one of these helicopters:
http://www.cnchelicopter.com/servlet...50B/Categories
The 3DX 450B is a great helicopter. I have always felt it flies smoother than the Trex.
These guys produce very high quality stuff (stay away from the Walkera stuff at any price). I have bought all of the "bling" aluminum upgrades for my Trex 600 from them. Great stuff.
Many Trex parts are interchangeable. The ones I know for sure are the mainshaft, boom, main gears, bearings, feathering shaft, belt, etc.
06-04-2009 | 04:40 PM
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From: Perth, AUSTRALIA
RE: Beginner heli
I started with smaller helis such as honey bee king and blade 400 and always wished i hadnt wasted my time and money all the electrics broke in these eventualy. so with all the parts i had from these two a bought a copter x 450 frame and stuck all the electrics in it (Trex 450 V2 rip off exactly) this heli was amuch better flyer but nothing compaired to the Trex 500 my wife got me for my Bday later on.<div>The 500 flies better all round and a damn site easyer to fix than a fiddly little 450 after a crash, there is not realy much diference in the cost of parts apart from the blades and Battery packs, but you end up with somthing that is so much nicer to fly. you can see it and orientate it so much easyer especialy up high where it good for practicing those new 3D moves. it isnt anywhere nearly as wind effected. i can actualy put mine in a hover half a meter off the ground and let go of the sticks when its set up well. I cant do that with my 450.</div><div>
</div><div>If i was going to do it from the start these days id do it like this</div><div>CopterX 500 (trex 500 rip off everything fits and it already has all the alloy upgrades) I would however change all the screws to hex head </div><div>scorpion motor (better than the align)</div><div>speed controler anything that will do i still have the alighn stock controler and it is great</div><div>futaba 401 gyro with the package servo 9257 ( you will need spare gear sets for these they quite often break in a good crash)</div><div>Spektrum DX6i radio ihave used the AR6100 rx and never had any problems but the AR6200 is a safer option if you have the cash</div><div>Cyclic servos i started with Hitec HS82MG cheep but bit sloppy good for learning, check the forum for other options</div><div>Then its just battery packs Up to you how much money you want to spend i have outrage packs and love em some guys use 2 3s packs to save money.</div><div>So thats what i reckon for a beginner after looking back at what i went through</div><div>The trex 500 will take you as far as you skills will alow.</div>
</div><div>If i was going to do it from the start these days id do it like this</div><div>CopterX 500 (trex 500 rip off everything fits and it already has all the alloy upgrades) I would however change all the screws to hex head </div><div>scorpion motor (better than the align)</div><div>speed controler anything that will do i still have the alighn stock controler and it is great</div><div>futaba 401 gyro with the package servo 9257 ( you will need spare gear sets for these they quite often break in a good crash)</div><div>Spektrum DX6i radio ihave used the AR6100 rx and never had any problems but the AR6200 is a safer option if you have the cash</div><div>Cyclic servos i started with Hitec HS82MG cheep but bit sloppy good for learning, check the forum for other options</div><div>Then its just battery packs Up to you how much money you want to spend i have outrage packs and love em some guys use 2 3s packs to save money.</div><div>So thats what i reckon for a beginner after looking back at what i went through</div><div>The trex 500 will take you as far as you skills will alow.</div>
06-06-2009 | 08:27 PM
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From: Markleysburg,
PA
RE: Beginner heli
ORIGINAL: gee bee ace
I started with smaller helis such as honey bee king and blade 400 and always wished i hadnt wasted my time and money all the electrics broke in these eventualy. so with all the parts i had from these two a bought a copter x 450 frame and stuck all the electrics in it (Trex 450 V2 rip off exactly) this heli was amuch better flyer but nothing compaired to the Trex 500 my wife got me for my Bday later on.<div>The 500 flies better all round and a damn site easyer to fix than a fiddly little 450 after a crash, there is not realy much diference in the cost of parts apart from the blades and Battery packs, but you end up with somthing that is so much nicer to fly. you can see it and orientate it so much easyer especialy up high where it good for practicing those new 3D moves. it isnt anywhere nearly as wind effected. i can actualy put mine in a hover half a meter off the ground and let go of the sticks when its set up well. I cant do that with my 450.</div><div>
</div><div>If i was going to do it from the start these days id do it like this</div><div>CopterX 500 (trex 500 rip off everything fits and it already has all the alloy upgrades) I would however change all the screws to hex head</div><div>scorpion motor (better than the align)</div><div>speed controler anything that will do i still have the alighn stock controler and it is great</div><div>futaba 401 gyro with the package servo 9257 ( you will need spare gear sets for these they quite often break in a good crash)</div><div>Spektrum DX6i radio ihave used the AR6100 rx and never had any problems but the AR6200 is a safer option if you have the cash</div><div>Cyclic servos i started with Hitec HS82MG cheep but bit sloppy good for learning, check the forum for other options</div><div>Then its just battery packs Up to you how much money you want to spend i have outrage packs and love em some guys use 2 3s packs to save money.</div><div>So thats what i reckon for a beginner after looking back at what i went through</div><div>The trex 500 will take you as far as you skills will alow.</div>
I started with smaller helis such as honey bee king and blade 400 and always wished i hadnt wasted my time and money all the electrics broke in these eventualy. so with all the parts i had from these two a bought a copter x 450 frame and stuck all the electrics in it (Trex 450 V2 rip off exactly) this heli was amuch better flyer but nothing compaired to the Trex 500 my wife got me for my Bday later on.<div>The 500 flies better all round and a damn site easyer to fix than a fiddly little 450 after a crash, there is not realy much diference in the cost of parts apart from the blades and Battery packs, but you end up with somthing that is so much nicer to fly. you can see it and orientate it so much easyer especialy up high where it good for practicing those new 3D moves. it isnt anywhere nearly as wind effected. i can actualy put mine in a hover half a meter off the ground and let go of the sticks when its set up well. I cant do that with my 450.</div><div>
</div><div>If i was going to do it from the start these days id do it like this</div><div>CopterX 500 (trex 500 rip off everything fits and it already has all the alloy upgrades) I would however change all the screws to hex head</div><div>scorpion motor (better than the align)</div><div>speed controler anything that will do i still have the alighn stock controler and it is great</div><div>futaba 401 gyro with the package servo 9257 ( you will need spare gear sets for these they quite often break in a good crash)</div><div>Spektrum DX6i radio ihave used the AR6100 rx and never had any problems but the AR6200 is a safer option if you have the cash</div><div>Cyclic servos i started with Hitec HS82MG cheep but bit sloppy good for learning, check the forum for other options</div><div>Then its just battery packs Up to you how much money you want to spend i have outrage packs and love em some guys use 2 3s packs to save money.</div><div>So thats what i reckon for a beginner after looking back at what i went through</div><div>The trex 500 will take you as far as you skills will alow.</div>
Thank You...........
Don
06-07-2009 | 01:18 AM
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From: Sydney, AUSTRALIA
RE: Beginner heli
My first heli which was also my first of any form of remote control aircraft was the Trex 500, I came in green but was keen to get into this hobby after seeing them at a local park one day. I have been flying since march this year when I built my Trex 500. I got some help with the build from Finless Bob (Best build videos on the net) and the local hobby store finalised the setup. I have had three crashes ( all in the hovering stage)and now fly fine, I have since tried a 450 and found it alot harder so I would suggest you go the whole hog and jump to the 500 class. They fly very smoothe and very stable.
I say get a Trex 500 or Gaui 550!
I say get a Trex 500 or Gaui 550!
06-07-2009 | 03:40 AM
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From: Luxembourg, LUXEMBOURG
RE: Beginner heli
Trex 450 or Trex 500, the best you can get as a beginner from Align, and it grows with you as you progress.
They require little setup tweeking to bring them from tamed flights in the beginning to extreme 3D acrobatics at a later stage.
Some people prefer the 500 for its size, while others swear by the 450.
At our club we are divided into two groups, but one thing is sure you can start up all the way from the beginning with any of the two models. They are super stable and accurate, not close to the Miniature Aircraft models, but that's another budget
I opted for the 450 myself as I felt it is a bit cheaper to repair and its batteries cost less.
I also chose it for its size, thinking it would allow me to practice in my backyard, indoors and so on, but that was when I didn't have any experience flying helicopters: Now I wish it was a little bigger just for better orientations.
But I confess I didn't fly the 500 yet to see whether it solves my issue.</p>
06-07-2009 | 04:33 AM
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From: fishers,
IN
RE: Beginner heli
I would say get a 450. While a 500 is more stable and would probably be easier to learn on, the parts are a little more expensive. The biggest expense is blades. You can get Align 325 Pro woodies for $12.99 a pair compared to a set of 425 blades for $50 to $65 a pair. Alan
06-07-2009 | 05:57 AM
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From: Perth, AUSTRALIA
RE: Beginner heli
ORIGINAL: OrganDonor
My first heli which was also my first of any form of remote control aircraft was the Trex 500, I came in green but was keen to get into this hobby after seeing them at a local park one day. I have been flying since march this year when I built my Trex 500. I got some help with the build from Finless Bob (Best build videos on the net) and the local hobby store finalised the setup. I have had three crashes ( all in the hovering stage)and now fly fine, I have since tried a 450 and found it alot harder so I would suggest you go the whole hog and jump to the 500 class. They fly very smoothe and very stable.
I say get a Trex 500 or Gaui 550!
My first heli which was also my first of any form of remote control aircraft was the Trex 500, I came in green but was keen to get into this hobby after seeing them at a local park one day. I have been flying since march this year when I built my Trex 500. I got some help with the build from Finless Bob (Best build videos on the net) and the local hobby store finalised the setup. I have had three crashes ( all in the hovering stage)and now fly fine, I have since tried a 450 and found it alot harder so I would suggest you go the whole hog and jump to the 500 class. They fly very smoothe and very stable.
I say get a Trex 500 or Gaui 550!
Just a question to the 450 lovers how many times have you crashed due to disorientating your heli? And how much did all those crashes end up costing?
<br type="_moz" />
06-07-2009 | 06:02 AM
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From: Perth, AUSTRALIA
RE: Beginner heli
Oh and just another 500 that realy turns me on is the Compass ATOM 500 ive seen it fly its nuts!<div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; ">Atom 500 and Outrage 6s 3000 battery</span></div>
06-07-2009 | 09:05 AM
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RE: Beginner heli
ORIGINAL: ace22459
I would say get a 450. While a 500 is more stable and would probably be easier to learn on, the parts are a little more expensive. The biggest expense is blades. You can get Align 325 Pro woodies for $12.99 a pair compared to a set of 425 blades for $50 to $65 a pair. Alan
I would say get a 450. While a 500 is more stable and would probably be easier to learn on, the parts are a little more expensive. The biggest expense is blades. You can get Align 325 Pro woodies for $12.99 a pair compared to a set of 425 blades for $50 to $65 a pair. Alan
Buying cheap RTF's will only get you broke, frustrated, and wanting to quit. upgrade this and upgrade that. bahh... I made that very same mistake.
If i had to start over and was serious about getting into this hobby. Iwould get the Trex450 Pro and a spektrum DX7.
06-07-2009 | 10:39 AM
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From: Perth, AUSTRALIA
RE: Beginner heli
It seems Noobflyer went the same way as me and he does have very valid point the 500 can be quite intimidating for the inexperienced flyer. <div>The simulator is definatly a good tool to use to save money in the long run. </div><div>The Trex-450 is a very good helicopter as well as the 500 so wich ever way you went you would still have a great machine. It also still comes down to set up as to how the heli will handel, so spending a little more time learning how to set your heli up will probably provide the biggest benefits.</div><div>If money wasn't a problem id still go the 500 class. </div><div>Dx6i is all you need but if you have the money DX7 is handy if you go into nitro oneday but not necessary. I have both and still use the DX6i for the electrics never had a problem yet, touch wood.</div>
06-07-2009 | 03:28 PM
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From: fishers,
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RE: Beginner heli
I started with a Blade CX, then an Axe CP, then a T-Rex 450 SA, then a T-Rex 600nitro Pro, then a T-Rex 500. If I were to do it all over again the only thing I would change would be not wasting money and timewith the Axe CP. And yes, I have a sim- RealFlight 3.5 that I didn't use nearly enough in the beginning but I do now. Alan
06-07-2009 | 03:37 PM
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RE: Beginner heli
ORIGINAL: zach
I am looking for a new beginner heli, i had a century hummingbird but it was very unstable and would not fly very well. I was told to look into a t-rex 450. Would this be a good beginner helicopter as far as stability and cost of repairs after crashes? I noticed they are around $400-500 on ebay, and i am not sure if this would be worth paying that much for a helicopter i dont know how to fly (but am going to learn even if it takes a wile)
I am looking for a new beginner heli, i had a century hummingbird but it was very unstable and would not fly very well. I was told to look into a t-rex 450. Would this be a good beginner helicopter as far as stability and cost of repairs after crashes? I noticed they are around $400-500 on ebay, and i am not sure if this would be worth paying that much for a helicopter i dont know how to fly (but am going to learn even if it takes a wile)
06-08-2009 | 07:13 AM
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RE: Beginner heli
For some reason, a lot of people are intimidated by a CP heli...they read things like how hard they are to setup, etc.
They are not rocket science! They are very easy to setup and learn with all of the videos out there like the Finless Bob ones. Many of us including myself are able to get a CP heli like the trex 450, build it from scratch, set it up and fly without ANY help whatsoever other than the vids and forums.
Yes, a coaxial is easy and fun, but if you want to get into the hobby seriously, do what just about everyone in this thread is suggesting....get at least a 450 size CP heli and have a blast!
Good luck,
Skarn</p>
06-08-2009 | 08:33 AM
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From: Perth, AUSTRALIA
RE: Beginner heli
On ya Skarn<div>I agree ive progressed all the way through to 90 nitro's now and have still never seen another heli fly in real life apart from me. Ive managed to learn everything off the net, ive never even bought a magazine and have never got any personal instruction from any one. I have one mate that flys fixed wing with me up in the padock on the farmand thats it. </div><div>Ive only just recently discoverd the value of forums and wish i had have had look through here befor i bought my first helis.</div><div>
</div><div>Harden up and enjoy the challenge</div>
</div><div>Harden up and enjoy the challenge</div>
06-08-2009 | 09:53 AM
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RE: Beginner heli
I agree that a coaxial is a good starting point. I still fly my Lama V4 in the basement on bad weather days. If i had it to do over again i would probably go with a 450 or 500 (if affordable) EXI which is a Trex clone. The investment is lower, they are nice heli's for the price. If it works out for you then move on to a Trex of your choice. Just my 2 cents.
http://www.xheli.com/exi.html
http://www.xheli.com/exi.html
06-08-2009 | 04:43 PM
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RE: Beginner heli
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">I know two people at work that after talking with me decided to get the blade MCX, one just could not find the time to fly with it, the other just found it too difficult. They both found that helicopters are not for them. Letts face it if you can’t master a <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%">coaxial or stick with it enough to fly it they would never get far with a 450 and</span> they are out very little.</div>
06-08-2009 | 09:57 PM
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RE: Beginner heli
I am 47 yrs old so the alfa cells have long since left me and yet I learned to fly the Trex 500 to the level of the link video in 3 months. I crashed 3-4 times and managed to rebuild myself using Finless Bobs videos. I had NO prior experience with RC Aircraft what so ever so don't tell me this guy can't learn to fly with a CP helicopter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZalbajvW2ok
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZalbajvW2ok
06-08-2009 | 11:27 PM
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RE: Beginner heli
when i was flying...( its been about 8 months since i touched the controller) i loved my 450. With the right colors on blades and decent eye sight i didn't have any problems keeping my orientation with the bird, it was more my lack of practicing escape moves when screwing up a stunt that cost me money. so as stated above, a sim is a VERYimportant tool to have.
06-09-2009 | 05:17 AM
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RE: Beginner heli
ORIGINAL: OrganDonor
I am 47 yrs old so the alfa cells have long since left me and yet I learned to fly the Trex 500 to the level of the link video in 3 months. I crashed 3-4 times and managed to rebuild myself using Finless Bobs videos. I had NO prior experience with RC Aircraft what so ever so don't tell me this guy can't learn to fly with a CP helicopter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZalbajvW2ok
I am 47 yrs old so the alfa cells have long since left me and yet I learned to fly the Trex 500 to the level of the link video in 3 months. I crashed 3-4 times and managed to rebuild myself using Finless Bobs videos. I had NO prior experience with RC Aircraft what so ever so don't tell me this guy can't learn to fly with a CP helicopter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZalbajvW2ok
