Wanted: A fair compare between three models

[svein]

I post this in the beginners section, because that's where my skills at the moment currently belong, and it's from this perspective I want this comparision.

I have been effectively "out of it" since July 2006, after a long hospital stay, and a long mediction period afterward. I want to "get back in", and is starting out with Phoenix and my trusty old T9CHP-Super, but know fairly well that a simulator only is a great training tool, if combined with "the real thing".

Currently my fleet consists of the following: JPerkins Twister Bell 47 "Medevac" (coaxial job, looks like the famous MASH heli), a "Belt CP", and my old reliable Raptor 50. Due to some constraints, I think the Rappy is currently unavailable (not fit for "Garden Training" when that garden is surrounded by trees).

So, what do I want compared?

Well, it's the Esky Belt CP, versus Align T-Rex 450SE GF Kit Combo, and Thunder Tiger Mini-Titan 325.

I want them compared as beginners tools, on points of:

-Stability
-Easiness to get set up correctly
-How well it survives mishaps (and how much parts that break cost!)

As can be read between the lines here, I'm willing to accept that the Belt CP may have been a bad investment, and get another model (and move the radio gear there, perhaps with some new servos. The GY401 will have to do).

Anybody who has had more than one of these, and can compare them, are more than welcome to do so.

Thanks in advance,

Svein

[SRH990]

The Trex 450SE v2 is a very good heli, the v2 upgrades have improved it quite a bit and it can be set up to be pretty stable. The Mini Titan you've linked is the original version, not the SE which is more directly comparable to the Trex 450SE. I started off with the plastic version of the Mini Titan and found it to be somewhat more stable than the 450SE V1 I have, this is helped by the fact that the blade mounting bolts are farther apart on the MiniT giving a bigger blade swept area. There were some issues with the original MiniT's going out of track which was cured by revised blade grips.

Crash wise they are both very similar, spares for each are around the same price, give or take a bit here and there plus there's great availability of parts for both these days.

My Mini T has a full metal head on it now using the TT upgrade parts and I prefer this to fly over my Trex 450, it even auto's reasonably well.

[Leebert]

An alternative option is a secondhand T-rex 450 SEv1 and fit a V2 head (inc. the blade grips). I was very impressed at the difference that made to my v1. They are not too expensive if bought from HK.

Or maybe a T-rex 450s as another, possibly cheaper option.

[Ade_Law]

if you were to buy now then there is no contest, the 450 se v2 is excellent value and flies great out the box.

however theres a bunch of new 450s appearing on the scene which are looking equally as good if not better....

Curtis Rave 3d
Beam E4
Outrage G4

early reports of all models are looking good although i havnt flown them myself yet.

Ade

[moonmanflyer]

I have a V1 SE GF 450, and love it, is my second most flown heli, as for costs align are always going to win on spares prices but i expect thunder tiger can't be to far off.
Stuffed it in hard last week, and got away with a bent flybar, feathering spindle and one gear set on a servo, lucky and only cost a fiver to fix.

[cambs flyer]

I understand more than anyone what you mentioned in your post my friend and if you'd like my pennies worth this is what I'd do.

Any Trex450 with nice servos and a good Gyro will fly beautifully, and a pleasure to work on.

This is what I'd buy, seventh one down on the list.

All the boring back aching stuff is already done for you as it's 80% ready, fit her out with a GY401, or even the Align Gyro at half the price, but it's still a cracking Gyro, a nice S3153 tail servo, and 3 Hitec 65mg's and a AR6200 if your digitally ready, of just buy the DX6i complete with RX.

You'll have a cracking number, or even the ARTF 450S that's even cheaper, basically you really can't go wrong.

Best of luck.

http://www.modelhelicopters.co.uk/ac...its_Align.html


KX015065TA : T-REX 450SE GF KIT Combo + 430L3550 + 35X ESC + Lipo 2100mah
This version is 80% pre-assembled. T-Rex 450 Superior Edition GF(eCCPM) represents the state of the art in micro helicopter technology, utilizing the latest design techniques and highest material quality, aluminum parts are anodized in a pleasant blue color and high strength fiberglass and light aluminum alloy material assembly. This kit is for the flyers who want uncompromised performance and quality. It also includes the proven 430L 3550kv Motor, Align 35X Speed Controller, Align 11.1v 2100mah 20C Lipo Battery. All packaged in an aluminium case.

[svein]

Thank you, it seems consensus are somewhat what I expected. (I've noticed the Belt CP's tendency to eat itself. Reminds me of my first experience with micro electrics, as I'm sure Ade can remember...)

//Svein

[tourerjim]

Trex 450 or HIROBO SRB QUARK http://www.modelhelicopters.co.uk/cg...07#a0302_2d907

[Janek]

Svein, I resisted doing a comparision, as I've only flown the Trex 450 SE V2. However, as the current "rage" is now the Trex 500, you should be able to get some pretty good deals on Trex 450's, especially on the secondhand market. Make sure you get a V2 though