Century Predator Carbon Max 90 - Your Thoughts?

[GeordieBoyKel]

Here we go guys... I was seriously thinking of buying Robgt's Predator as a little treat for myself. Not to fly now, just to have in the background, ready, waiting for me to master my Rappy (once I can get the sod off the ground) and move on. I will be able to build it up over a period of time but the only thing is, I don't know much about these helicopters.

Advice about parts, flying experiences and so on would be appreciated also.

What do we all think (waiting for Robgt to get the first post in)?

Kelvin

[robgt]

You know you want to
It's a very stable heli in flight.
I only flew it a dozen times myself and I really wasn't ready for a 90 when I did, so didn't get the most out of it back then, I'm sure.

Cheers,
Rob
(first reply )

[Disc]

If the 90 is anything like the Gasser.

It's dam more stable than any raptor 50 or other 50 I have seen.

It will fly like a Dream if setup right. although be warned the 1st time you strike it up and it sits in the hover you might find it a bit scarey just down to size vs a 30....

I missed out on a 90 if I hadn't of gone for the Knight 50 I have I'd of had
a 90 Predator... Bad news is I got the Knight 1st....

[robgt]

although be warned the 1st time you strike it up and it sits in the hover you might find it a bit scarey just down to size vs a 30....

Good point!
They are quite a bit bigger than a 30, thats for sure!
You get used to it though
Cheers,
Rob

[Steve]

I love my 90 heli, but there's always a downside..... I can probably smash up and repair my Sceadu 3 times for the same money as a bust up with the 90.

90 helis are not only big, but they're heavy, and they move through the air very fast indeed, so add all this up with contact with the ground, and you haven't got very many pieces left to salvage. You're usually looking at a new kit rather than a repair.

Of course, when you get a 90 heli, you'll want to put top-notch servos and associated electronics in it as well, which dives even further into your wallet when it meets terra-firma unexpectedly.

And then there's the fuel - I get 5 or 6 flights out of a gallon with the 90 on a nice summer's afternoon. That's thirsty.

And the cost of a set of blades.....

Sorry to be a downer, but these are the realities of flying 90s. 50 sized helis are cheap mechanically, cheap electronically and cheap to run, and with the right engine they've got as much (if not more) power to weight ratio as a 90. The only thing they lack is momentum in the blades to carry through those stick banging moves like the 90s do.

[Steve]

I feel a lot more at ease, and probably enjoy flying the Sceadu more due to its affordability.

Maybe that's just an indication of my disposable level of income, and maybe if I feel like that about my 90, I really shouldn't have it at all?

[GeordieBoyKel]

Only two posts rob! I'm disappointed...

Thanks yet again guys... I am still very tempted and I think I will look into the price of parts and bits I will need to get it up in the air...

Rob, how interested are the other parties? Can you tell me?

Kelvin

[Steve]

It's not so much the prices of the bits that matters with a 90, it's how many of them get broken.

[gazza]

Having recently gone from the Swift to a Raptor 60 Im amazed at how much my levels of confidence have dropped.

Flying wise I was throwing the Swift around and enjoying every minute doing stall turns, fast & slow figure eights, hovering in all orientations & getting pretty good at it too.

Had my second flying day with the Rappy on Sunday & I have to be honest I'm not enjoying flying it as much as I thought I would.
As mentioned above they just eat the sky up and cover a lot of air very quickly.

I just darent try anything!! I tried to hover nose in and panicked...My brain just died All down to fear I guess cos I'm more than able.
I'm terrified of crashing it due to costs etc Plus I had a tail failure (Sheared pushrod fitting) on Sunday so that knocked me a bit...Got it down though with no damage

Dont get me wrong, I love it to bits and I'm hoping this will wear off with more stick time.
I'm just wondering to myself if I've bitten off more than I can chew and should have gone for a 50 instead!

Worth bearing in mind Geordieboykel!

[Mercuriell]

Having recently gone from the Swift to a Raptor 60 Im amazed at how much my levels of confidence have dropped.

Worth bearing in mind Geordieboykel!

What an honest post Gazza - thanks very much - I guess most of us have the fear factor lurking there for any number of reasons. I think you just can't expect to have the same confidence with a bigger faster meaner machine at first and you have to rebuild the confidence factor. The biggest cause of dumb thumbs is brain freeze brought about by fear - it's not a matter of skill but confidence too - so start low and start slow - do those basic moves you learn't on the Swift and familiarity and confidence will rise to match your ability - then you'll start to enjoy it too

[phil485]

To be fair, I also feel more at ease flying my Nexus than my knight. comes down to cost and mental attitude. The Nexus doesn't matter, next crash and the bits go on ebay, it owes me nothing. The knight is my pretty baby that I am still paying for. Still struggle to really relax when I am flying it.

Seems very similar to Gazza. Honestly though I don't get enough stick time with either and I am hoping to start relaxing more.

[Steve]

I had a chat very similar to this with a fella last year, and I expressed my personal caution when flying bigger, more expensive helis over smaller cheaper ones.

His reply was, "I just fly it like a thief, like I stole it and it isn't mine to worry about!"

[robgt]

Rob, how interested are the other parties? Can you tell me?

Both of the other interested parties seemed very interested to me.
Everyone involved knows it's on a first come first served basis...

Cheers,
Rob

[gazza]

What an honest post Gazza - thanks very much - I guess most of us have the fear factor lurking there for any number of reasons. I think you just can't expect to have the same confidence with a bigger faster meaner machine at first and you have to rebuild the confidence factor. The biggest cause of dumb thumbs is brain freeze brought about by fear - it's not a matter of skill but confidence too - so start low and start slow - do those basic moves you learn't on the Swift and familiarity and confidence will rise to match your ability - then you'll start to enjoy it too

Just wanted to share my failings mate

I think you're right. I was doing figure eights etc, in strong winds too and I just wasnt comfortable.
But also, I was trying to prove myself to the club I think being a new member.

No point in being uncomfortable and taking risks, I think you're right...Low and slow on Saturday

[GeordieBoyKel]

I do know how you feel Gazza as my Rappy is my first 'Real' RCH and I am scared everytime I start it up (especially at the moment due to my gyro problem). What a thrill though, when the engine's revs go up and the blades spin faster... Its mad how the hairs on the back of my neck go when I hear the sound and its light on its skids!

I hope thats not just me who feels like that?