TREX 700 or RAPTOR 90

[busybody flyer]

I am having a dilema choosing what to go to next, allbeit the Trex700 or Rap90. I suppose you guys that are extremely experienced would say the 700 because the parts are cheaper but to be honest I am not looking for a nitro to do 3D but just normal flying. I have researched the kit prices and the Trex 700 ranges from £999.00 Skyline to £1047.00 Midland.
Can I have your thoughts or recommendations baring in mind I favour my current Rap30 V2 because it is more docile.

Many thanks
Colin

[Jamin_00]

Most will recommend what they fly and the 700 is great but if you like the raptor you have now why not stick to what you now and like??

[Si Goodchild]

I had exactly the same question a few months back. Having already done some time with my Raptor 50, I really wanted a Raptor 90 but was looking at the secondhand meerkat because buying new of either was unaffordable. The Trex 700 came up at the right spec and the right price first so I went for it and haven't regretted it a bit. Sure, we've seen 700's doing hard 3d but they can fly nice and docile too. Don't be put off by the hardcore reputation: they are very pleasant to fly.

I can't comment on Raptor 90 handling but everyone I've spoken to says they fly really nicely. If, however you are looking at buying new then the 700 will come out a lot cheaper if you go for one of the Align kit bundles. If you are building from a very specific parts list (ie non-align gyro, servos etc) then the cost will be closer.

Si G

[raptormark]

go for the 700 but i know simmo has a raptor 90 airframe a1 condition for a bout 250 or if you require a 700 checkout www.align-trex.co.uk cheapest place to get if you decide to get the 700 give me a pm see what i can do to help as harrys sponsor cant promise but will try

[alex]

Go with your gut feeling or you'll always wonder what if- get the one that you like the look of.

If it counts for anything, my 700 went together well and is making me grin lots- very powerful and very stable and I am pretty new to this hobby- I suspect you will get the same with the Raptor 90- get whatever feels right- I think we all know what heli we want, but jsut need a little affirmation from others

Have fun choosing- the end result will be fun either way

Cheers

Alex

[DIJ]

I believe you will find them both to be great heli’s, and don’t think you will regret your decision whichever way you go.
I have the R90 3D and love it. I’m not a very confident flyer and only do mild 3d, but it’s certainly docile enough for me.

[trillian]

We know both helis can be setup to be competitive in 3D. But I ran across some videos on youtube of a Raptor 90 in a fuselage doing F3C moves which is kinda cool.

The Raptor 60/90 is really a very stylish bit of design work as well. But as has been said, both helis can do pretty much whatever you want

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dtO7gKABKA]YouTube - Raptor 90 FAI[/ame]

[busybody flyer]

Thanks but I want to raise the goal post to experience the bigger engine scenario.

[Shay Kavanagh]

take a look at stefan with his raptor for instance...

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdCKbfULidc]YouTube - stefan simmons raptor 90[/ame]

[busybody flyer]

Thanks you guys. I suppose it will be make your mind up time in a couple of weeks but it helps to get various points of view.

[jiberjaber]

Colin - you never know there may be a ARTF 700 for sale soon in the Chelmsford area.

[Ross Northcott]

Check this out raptor 90 on eBay (end time 05-Jul-10 10:07:15 BST)
Looks like a pretty good deal?

[simm0]

hi guys
we found the raptor to be real solid and the running costs are low.nothing really wears out..
we might sell the one on the video.or the spare one ?
cheers craig

[electricsceadu]

having owned and flown both the raptor 90 and trex 700
you will find in a std set up they fly very differently
the rappy is more docile and stable, yes the cyclics can be sped up by changing the paddles fitting the right blades etc

the 700 is smooth and is not over sensitive in its controls (as again in std form) it doesn't track as well as the rappy but as can be seen by the many video's about can be flown hard by the average pilot

the raptor is a very good alround heli but is out of fashion
the 700 is the flavour of the moment
whats tommorows flavour who knows?


you like the raptor, you know how it bolts together and you have half decided before posting to get a raptor
not a bad choice

my raptor started life as a 60 in 2001 fittted with an os61sxhwc and is still flying with an os 91sxh c spec although the engine could do with a new ring as its lost loads of power

the 700 was moved on after 6 months, it flew great but i had to much trouble with it to keep it and was replaced with a hirobo turbulence


the other option you may consider if buying used is the hirobo freya as they have a low s/hand value they fly great but the spares cost a little more than the rappy or the 700 (if you're in the habit of crashing)




enjoy the raptor when you've bought it

[Heliheaven]

I have both.

My Raptor has been in my fleet for years. There is something 'comfortable' about the way it flys.

As the Raptors have been around a while the servos and gear inside tend to be of the same age, this does tend to lead to a perceived lack of performance, ask yourself how many Trex 700's out there have 9252's on the cyclics???

If you stick similar gear in a Raptor and 700 you will get similar performance out. The pitch response on the 700 is faster and it is considerably lighter so it is easier to manage the collective. I also feel that the standard cooling on the 700 releases more power from the engine. The Raptor carries more weight and this shows in pitch performance but the cyclics are silky smooth and predictable.

And when the inevitable happens and you need to take some bolts out of the side frames....... The Raptor wins all day long

It's your choice and you will have a lot of fun with whatever you buy - Honestly a lot