Best bet

[matt27]

Hi guys,

Been keeping an eye on the forum for a while but haven't flown in a little while. Got myself an MCPX just to twiddle the thumbs on just over a year back but just haven't had the time to get outside. But I have just changed job and am now looking at getting back to flying again

So I suppose you all know what's coming next but I'm looking at the machines that are now available and thinking...I have no idea what I want

I used to fly 450 class but that doesn't seem to be a definitive class any more. I have considered a few models such as the Chase 360, Agile 3.6 (if it gets released), Gaui X3 and X4 and the Logo 480. I release the size of these varies slightly and I'm unsure if I should go for the larger or start of smaller and progress to a larger machine once I'm flying again with a smaller machine. I was wondering if anyone could be of any help with regards to opinions on these machines AND if there are any I should be considering.

I should add, I have nothing against Align machinery but it's just not for me and the goblins are I'm sure great bits of kit but I can't justify the amount they ask for one of those as I'm not too keen on them...I'd prefer something a little different as well and lots of people have SAB Goblin or/and Align

Thanks for any help in advance

[Scotvar]

I completely understand what you're saying about wanting something different but I wouldn't cross align off straight away as you can guarantee that what model you purchase will be supported for years to come which sadly isn't the case for a lot of other manufacturers (Thunder Tiger for example).

Would you be wanting to buy new or would you consider second hand? There are some real bargains to be had second hand.

If you want to stay round the 450 size I rate the Warp 360. I really like mine but I prefer my Goblin 380 (once again I apologise as I know you're not after one... plus they are silly money brand new). The JR Forza 450 is a bit different and I've heard good things about along with the Gaui X3. To be honest most the modern 450ish class on the market are all very good. I know a few people have had build quality issues with the likes of the Chase 360 but I believe that is sorted now.

I think to be honest nowadays the choice of airframe isn't as important as it once was (I know it is still important), the choice of FBL unit is in many eyes where the feel of the heli lies.

I'd say choose what you like the look of, check to see how well the model is supported and go for what gets your juices flowing the most!!

Paul

[yuppyflyer]

The Gaui X3 with a belt conversion makes a great everyday heli at a very reasonable price. You can use cheap servos and on 350-360mm blades it feels bigger than it is and can handle a decent amount of wind.

[Grumpy]

I release the size of these varies slightly and I'm unsure if I should go for the larger or start of smaller and progress to a larger machine once I'm flying again with a smaller machine.

I'd say that if your ambition is the larger helis then just get a larger heli now. You can already fly helis and larger are easier to fly than smaller anyway. If you have the budget and you have the place to fly a larger heli then IMHO you should just get one rather than buying a small one that you will want to change in a few months.

[Paz26181]

X5 is a good contender

[Granpappy]

I guess it depends on how you good a flyer you are and also how rich you are. Personally I've always wanted an exotic model and a Kasama Dune would be pretty high up the list. Unfortunately there's a very good chance that I would pile it in now and then because I'm not yet a good flyer. This would make the running costs of this machine way too high for my budget.

I'm not really a huge Align fan but bang for buck you get the best value for money, the lowest running costs and availability of spares. That is why I fly one. Example, Gaui X5 Formula fully kitted = £925. Align 700L Dominator fully kitted = £960. Align 550L Dominator fully kitted = £690. Align 500L Dominator fully kitted = £460.

Align's are like opinions. Everyone has got one. But they are cheaper to buy and run then anything else and they are not that bad to fly.

For me, when I can guarantee that I will only crash through technical problems, which are generally avoidable, I will get my Kasama. Until then, it's Align I'm afraid.

[matt27]

Thanks for the comments above guys!
Looks like it's almost unanimous that a larger machine would be better if I've got the room to fly it

In answer to a couple of questions, I'm more of a sport flyer and not (currently) to worried about getting into 3D
I am however curious to what sims people use these days?? And if anyone has any suggestions on machinery I might not have mentioned that I should be considering?

[bigpops]

Realflight and neXt seem to be quite popular these days. Lots of people I used to fly on Phoenix with have moved on to either one, or both of those sims.

AccuRC is finally worth the money. It flies really nicely, but there's no online multi-player yet.

I personally wouldn't spend £80 on Phoenix these days, because the other are just better. I still fly Phoenix the most, but it's only because I know most of those that sim online regularly.