Which Align Trex 500 model?

[Mimbulus]

So I'm looking to buy an Align trex 500, but am bewildered as to which version. It will be my first full size heli, and since my budget will go beyond a 450, I figured an Align trex 500 is the way to go.

Can someone explain the differences between the super combo 500e and the 500e Pro kits? Is the price differential between the two worth it being my first full size machine? Would the investment in the pro version mean I would be using it for much longer? Regarding the components, do people buy bare kits and then achieve higher quality for the same overall price by buying individually- or again - for what I need, the super combo components are more than adequate?

Ta guys...

Mim

[Stanley Speel]

500e:

Cheap therefore you can spend more on lipos
Belt drive so more forgiving in 'tail in' landings.
parts in the head and tail will almost certainly break in a crash, however in an identical crash (same parts break etc) will be cheaper to fix.

500EFL:

Metal head therefore stronger - head & tail less likely to break in a crash
TT drive which is simpler to set up, however the gears will strip in a crasg.
If you do break metal parts (which I've never done on any heli despite many crashes) then it will cost more to fix.
looks better.


The super combo gear is more than adequate

[Delarado]

I have the 500 EFL pro. Im not sold on the 3GX yet to be honest but it might just be me blaming my poor flying skills on the FBL unit!

Despite my unsubstantiated gripe with the 3gx (never tried anyhting else) it is a fantastic model and brilliant to fly. I feel I made the right step going from doing acrobatics on an MCPX to the 500 EFL pro. Not to big to be intimidating, not too small to be really unstable.

[Mimbulus]

So others too have said to "expect tail-in landings" as perhaps the most common of the crashes (hopefully lol!) and in those cases a TT will strip the gears, involving a 2 hour strip down to replace them. Belt is significantly easier and tends not to transmit damage down to other components. This is leaning me towards the 500e. However, looking at the 500e versus the 500ePro, the frame looks different. Am I losing any ability to upgrade later by getting the 500e?

Mim

[BIGUS NIKUS]

Mim, It sounds like your thinking too much. Go with your gut feeling and buy the one which will suit your skill level. Either way you will at some point need to buy parts so get the heli which suits both your budget and flying style. Style over substance is not a good mentality to have until your a confident pilot.

[Jez N]

The 500e and 500 ESP are the older models.

The 500ePro is the flybarred newer model and the EFL pro is the flybarless newer model.

For the small difference in price between the esp, efl and epro, i would go for the efl pro as it is the top in this class from align (if budget allows ofc!).

Having said that the 500e is a very attractive first 500 heli and would be a fantastic choice at an affordable price. Also the spares will be considerably cheaper as nothing on the efl pro is cheap

Re the TT gears, it is a 20 minute job, not 2 hours. Also, as much as you may damage them, they are less likely to damage than on a 450 which is most peoples first choice larger heli.

[dani_r]

I would buy a 500ESP that has been converted to Flybarless. Either with 3GX or BeastX. I have lots of experience with the 500 and I would always recommend that option to a new starter. Whilst the 500 Pro is a great model, it's not particularly suited to the beginner, both in performance and in price. There are LOADS of 500s on ebay. Just make sure it has the standard gear on it, good blades (not clone crap) and a decent flybarless controller

[Gecko501]

I am following this thread with interest as I was told to get a 500 over a 450 however I am also very keen to do a build... Maybe even a clone, so the question stands for a new pilot do you go for cheaper as you know you will dumb thumb it at some point? I suppose what would make the decision easier is understanding the short term and long term costs and the differences between 450/500 and align/clones

[dani_r]

I am following this thread with interest as I was told to get a 500 over a 450 however I am also very keen to do a build... Maybe even a clone, so the question stands for a new pilot do you go for cheaper as you know you will dumb thumb it at some point? I suppose what would make the decision easier is understanding the short term and long term costs and the differences between 450/500 and align/clones

In this hobby it's quite straight forward:

Buy Right. Pay Once.

With regards to the 450 over the 500 or vice-versa. Go with the 500. I have said many many times that the 500 is THE best all round heli you can buy. I'm teaching 2 guys at the moment, both who bought 500s which I stripped down, re-built and setup for them. One had a 450 to start with and immediately said how much he regretted getting one to learn on. (that's not to say you can't!).

As for the torque tube gears, it's not a problem. If you think you might get a bit 'tail heavy' on your landings, then you can always get an oversized tail fin which will help. Plus, at the early stages you should always be flying with training gear on anyway. That should help keep you off the ground! Replacing the torque tube gears at the front takes about 15 minutes with the right tools. The rears are a little more involved, but just as easy when you know what you're doing.

With the 500 ESP and the Pro (for example) parts are equal in cost pretty much, with some parts even been 'slightly' cheaper for the Pro. They're all the same really, just a different design here and there.

Hope that helps!

[Randall]

The gears on the 500 are so much stronger than the 450, tbh i have done one set and they take 15 mins to change. Go for the best you can afford is my motto. You will never be wondering how much better the next one would have been

[Gecko501]

In this hobby it's quite straight forward:

Buy Right. Pay Once.

That's the line I will tell my missus however I'm not convinced after what I have spent on my mcpx

[PKNEC]

I can't belive it takes 2 hrs to change front TT gears.(15 mins max on my 450 pro)
Anyway I too am looking at a 500 ( no hi jack meant)
and my research has led me to consider the 500e pro or if I want FBL EFL
Pro,personally I am going with the E Pro as FBL is of no interest at the moment.I know it's only £30 difference ish between the models but it's FB for me until the gremlins have been cured in FBL

[Randall]

FBL all the way, get a Vbar or beastx and your off,

[dani_r]

I can't belive it takes 2 hrs to change front TT gears.(15 mins max on my 450 pro)
Anyway I too am looking at a 500 ( no hi jack meant)
and my research has led me to consider the 500e pro or if I want FBL EFL
Pro,personally I am going with the E Pro as FBL is of no interest at the moment.I know it's only £30 difference ish between the models but it's FB for me until the gremlins have been cured in FBL

FBL is fine if setup right