550mm Main Blades for Raptor etc

[Streetluge Chris]

I know there are plenty on good blades out there for 30 size helis but there seems to be very little at low end of price range.
I can understand having the best but is there room for budjet glass blades after doing bit of homework i have found a supplier so I have been thinking of buying quite a few sets from them to get a deal.
Glassfiber will workout about £20-22
Carbon £28-32
Just wondering how much demand there would be.

[Mikej]

I'd buy some from you at those prices

[max2741]

I have a few as well

[BobJ]

Hi

I can say the demand for 550 blades is dropping all the time as 30 models have been dead from a sales point of view for a couple of years now, think we might have sold one 30 model in the past year compared to 100's of 50 models.
Yes there are a lot of 30 models out there but their getting older all the time so demand for blades and spares declines as you would expect.

So low demand means low incentive for any one to make or supply them.

Cheers
Bob

[marktigere1]

I recon when the Align 550e gets online, demand for 30 size blades will suddenly increase though.

[Streetluge Chris]

There are hundreds of raptors out there which still need the blades and stock woodies are £15 a go.I do understand where your coming from but I am thinking of all us Raptor 30 owners.

[BobJ]

Hi

Your right, there must be lots of Rappy 30's out there still but the facts are the facts, 600mm blades out sell 550 blades at least 60 to 1 or at least for us and I can't see why any other heli shop would find it different now.

The T Rex 550E actually takes 520mm blades not 550 but who knows if 550 will be a good option for it yet.

Cheers
Bob

[joe.lel]

I take it that 550mm blades are the largest you can fit safely on a Raptor 30??

[Mark_T]

I don't doubt Bob is right, think how many different models use 600 blades, now count the ones using 550 blades.

Also factor in that people often move from a 30 to 50 when they start doing the stuff most likely to break blades ...

[joe.lel]

Or can you put a 50 tail boom and belt on and use longer blades??

[Streetluge Chris]

Yes you could but i think you have to change motor as bigger blades need more power?
its also the cost of going to 50.

[BobJ]

Hi

Good point, you don't need to change motor to run 600 blades if your only hovering or flying around, just reduce the top end pitch a little to adjust for the extra loading and lift the longer blades make.

Cheers
Bob

Or can you put a 50 tail boom and belt on and use longer blades??

[trillian]

I am experimenting with 550s on a Raptor 50 which is currently fitted with an OS46.

I liked the fuel economy of the Raptor 30 but got to a point of having to limit how many helis I can realistically have flying at any one time, so this is an experiment as an inbetween heli. The 46 engine will swing 600's just fine as well but it needs the 8.5 to 1 gearing as it makes max power at only about 16,000.

I have a brand new pair of wood blades I'm going to sell BTW. They are Gaui 550mm with white covering film.

[jakegazzard]

ill buy a pair!

[joe.lel]

I am experimenting with 550s on a Raptor 50 which is currently fitted with an OS46.

I liked the fuel economy of the Raptor 30 but got to a point of having to limit how many helis I can realistically have flying at any one time, so this is an experiment as an inbetween heli. The 46 engine will swing 600's just fine as well but it needs the 8.5 to 1 gearing as it makes max power at only about 16,000.

I have a brand new pair of wood blades I'm going to sell BTW. They are Gaui 550mm with white covering film.

But will a OS37 swing 600s with a reduced pitch curve???

Or will it lose tail authority etc, especially as its cheaper for a rappy 50 belt and boom than the 30 equivalent.