Beam E4, Trex 450 or something else?

[Motomikey]

Generally, those that have owned a Beam E4 would recommend the Beam over a 450. Those that haven't owned a Beam E4 will recommend the 450 V2.

The V3 has a Torque Tube and I think thats a really bad idea in a small heli. It will increase your crash cost and it's simply not necessary.

Build quality of Align stuff is alway in question although overall I think it's alright. They always seem to make stuff "just" good enough.

From reading your initial post I would be suprised if you didn't love the Beam if you bought one.

"Torque Tube"... *heads over to rcheliwiki.com...*

ah, ok. Yeah I see what you mean. As a beginner I can see me throwing some money at a few of those.

I know there is a lot of love on here for both the 450 and the Beam, but to be honest I think my heart is set on the Beam. I just needed convincing that they weren't too daunting to build for a complete noob. That's one reason I posted in here rather than in the Beam forum, as I didn't want all the Beam fanboys (me being one of course) throwing biased opinions at me.

A collective thumbs up for all repliers

[Eddie]

You'll love the Beam......I have'nt heard a bad word about one........
More Heli Porn

[J-S-Q]

Would have thought that the costs would be pretty similar in the end as a large proportion will be the electronics that you buy which will be the same with either heli. So in the grand scheme of things, cost shouldn't be the deciding factor between the two.

[richieclarkie]

I know there is a lot of love on here for both the 450 and the Beam, but to be honest I think my heart is set on the Beam. I just needed convincing that they weren't too daunting to build for a complete noob. That's one reason I posted in here rather than in the Beam forum, as I didn't want all the Beam fanboys (me being one of course) throwing biased opinions at me.

A collective thumbs up for all repliers

There's lots of support on this forum from people like Eddie, Jibberjabber, Macasm, plus loads more. Also Rob at EvoRC is probably one of the most helpful people you will buy off so you really can't go wrong.

When you do get one take your time and I promise you will love the build.

[SRH990]

Another thumbs up for the Beam. I've found the support from Rob at EvoRC has always been very good, which is as important as it's flying abilities so it's even better news that it's also a better heli than the 450 V2.

Electronics costs are the same, I took the gear out of my 450 and put it straight into the Beam. As others have said, the build is pretty easy too and if you feel the need there are build videos on Helifreaks.

[matt27]

and if you still not convinced about the beam read the review in 'model helicopter world' march 2009
also got the Protos in it (for those that like it) not saying i dont like it

[jiberjaber]

What can I add that hasnt been said.....

Beam with motor, ESC and blades - 289
3 servos (HS5065MGs) - 22 each
1 gyro, Spartan - 125
1 tail servo - 30 ish

Next a TX and RX, not sure what you have or would want, but 2.4 is a must.

Then some power and a charger. 34 quid or so per battery and maybe a cellpro4 or similar...

You could kit out cheaper, a second hand charger, gyro, TX & RX...

More pictures in the link in my sig

[beerdeor]

Beam all the way for me i love mine built as a noobe with the help of finless vids over on helifreak took about 5 evenings
The beam is simply a better built machine dont believe me then ask the rex boys why they are swapping there swash plates and tailboxes for beam items??
Lastly the aftersales you recieve from rob at evorc is the best i have come across

[Andy from Sandy]

Beam with motor, ESC and blades - 289

This price doesn't appear to include the BEC to drive the electronics. The price with a BEC inclusive ESC is £320.

[scallybert]

Outrage G5

I chose an Outrage G5 over a BEAM or T-Rex 450. It's the first kit I've built. It's gone very well.

The people here with BEAMs seem very happy, as do the people with G5s. I believe I made the right decision (for me).

One thing I will say, is that whereas I can come up with the reasons I chose a G5 over a BEAM (that's not to say an expert would necessarilly agree...), I'm yet to see any arguments from the BEAM owners & advocates for buying a BEAM over a G5.

Maybe everyone's too embarassed to tell me I'm talking rubbish...

[frazzle]

Costs to build either heli is about the same. The initia cost of kit plus blades, motor and ESC will be in the region of 260 to 290 and the electronics will be identical (pretty much0 for both the Trex 450 V2(3) or the Beam E4.

You can save quite a but by using Hitec servos over Futaba, by maybe by using align gyro and tail servo but both kits will use identical bits including Rx

Def build one from ground up as only then would you be able easily to strip it all down for the (almost) inevitable breakage..

As a newbie too I chose the build up route and although the learning curve was pretty steep I think its the right way.. Just remember to get an expert flyer to check the heli setup before you fly it.. Thats the tricky bit!

Good luck

Fraser

[jiberjaber]

This price doesn't appear to include the BEC to drive the electronics. The price with a BEC inclusive ESC is £320.

Andy - you have looked at the wrong one!

The 55A includes a 5V BEC built in. The 60A & -6 motor requires a seperate BEC, as the built in one is 6V iirc

So the price (for a beginner) as mentioned above stands

[derrick]

Got to go for the beam, I am a complete begginer and the build experiance was realy satisfiying. Check out this build vid.
http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=59486
Big plus is you can talk to Rob at evolution really helpfull guy.
You won't regret it, No problem with spares allways available.
Del.

[machasm]

+1 for the BEAM (BEAM fanboy admittedly!).
The swash and tail case are definately superior to the 450.
Also makes it easy to swap belts as the tail is very easy to disassemble.
If you can build an airfix kit then you will find it easier to build a BEAM!
As has already been said just get a seasoned flyer/builder to check it over for you once built before you maiden it.
Adrian.

[Motomikey]

Unbelievable! I truly didn't expect this much positive response. Thank you all so much!

Lots of great advice and encouragement - In fact all the encouragement I probably need to go and buy myself a Beam.

Watch out Evo Andy... I'll probably be winging my way to your online shop pretty soon.



Cheers,
Mike