Cheapest (true) 500 build?

[felixthemaster]

I may have a chance to get one in January and I am comparing my options. Gaui vs Logo 480, the X5 seems cheaper and a lot more robust. I am not looking at Align or Goblin at this time.

What would you guys think the minimum I would need to spend for a solid (beginner 3d) setup?

[mahbouni]

Never flown a Gaui X5 but I can tell you the Logo 480 is smaller with 480mm blades vs 500mm on the X5. Can't really compare them fairly so your choice is probably going to based on which one appeals more to you.

On the other hand I have stretched my Logo 480 to 505mm blades with a longer boom and belt. Flies really nice but it's probably not the sort of thing I would recommend to someone who doesn't already have a Logo 480 as you'll have to spend more money on top of the already premium price of Mikado. I'm also using a custom wound Pyro motor with mod 1 gears from the Logo 600, so there's even more cost.

[felixthemaster]

Just anything around that size, really. The X5 v2 is £50 more expensive than a logo whilst the V1 kit is around £100 cheaper than the logo. Ease to work on and robustness in crashes is the #1 factor right now.

[mahbouni]

Logo 480 is OK to work on but Mikados have never been known to crash well so can't add any useful advice there.

[gazmk2]

Protos 500 mate.

[mahbouni]

Hmm, I have a Protos 500 that I no longer fly

[Grumpy]

I thought that the Protos wasn't a 'true' (as in 500mm blades) 500?

[mahbouni]

420-430mm standard or up to 480mm stretched

[gazmk2]

You can run up to 480mm blades as about as close as you can get really.

[scallybert]

Excluding Goblin seems strange.

[felixthemaster]

Excluding Goblin seems strange.

Not really looking for a heavy heli that costs a ton to repair.


After a lot of number crunching with various components, I think it is out of my budget (especially if I want to fly the same as I do the X3: 4 lipos 17 mins). I will use that money to improve the X3 to fly more stable (if possible), and upgrade my charging station, etc.

I wonder why I don't hear much about the X4 II. Is it really that bad a heli?

[Grumpy]

Not really looking for a heavy heli that costs a ton to repair.

I the G500 heavy compared to similar helis? I know people seem to think that all Goblins are heavy but it's not really true. I've no experience of the 500 though.

[French Paul]

I wonder why I don't hear much about the X4 II. Is it really that bad a heli?[/QUOTE]

Its far from a bad heli, just seems not many people are interested in the 425mm class these days.
The x4II would be my preference for a "cheap build" more choice of lipos 2500-5000mah, parts are cheaper as they are shared with the nx4 and x5, stretchable from 425-475mm blades and it will crash well IMO. Just chuck in motor between 900-1100kv, hobbywing 100a, a set of the new align hv mini servos and you'll have a good quality basher you can throw about!
Its not a true 500mm you asked for hence the g500 was thrown into the mix, what else is a true 500mm heli?

[mahbouni]

I think the latest 380mm machines have eaten into the 425mm market. For me the 425mm size is redundant. If i'm going to need a big field then I might as well fly my Logo 480 or 600

[felixthemaster]

Since I worked out I can't afford a true 500, the X4 is an option (if it has good parts and user support). But I think I'd rather upgrade my charging/tools/X3 over getting an X4. I will just wait till I graduate and get a job and then get an X5.

Mini servos seem to have such a small market of 425-500mm. The micros work from the 255 (oxy) to the 380/420(goblin) where as standard servos work from 515mm (X5) to 700/800mm