Considering a 700

[Mart61]

Hi guys

Well, to complete the "set" of Align helis, I'm considering buying a basic 700 kit and building the model over several months (as I did with my 500).

I've just been offered one of the "original" 700 kits for just over £400 delivered. Whilst I know the LE is the latest and greatest, the thought of having an older model doesn't worry me.

However, can anyone see any reason why I shouldn't go for the original KX018001TA kit? Any weak points I should be aware of?

[Tom Burgess]

Does the canopy have the lightening flashes or the red nose? The lightening flashes were very early kits, I had one and had no issues at all. A few kits from the red nosed variety had crooked links but very early on. The code you have given is not the code to be looking for. You need the batch code. Mine was very early and was batch F811.

Oh, and you wont have the full set soon when the 550 is released

[sacko]

You not fancy something a bit different for a 90 size? The only reason I would get a 700 is because it is cheaper when getting a combo deal.

Velocity 90 is coming soon

[Tom Burgess]

Also, a 700LE Combo can be had for under £700 now including cyclic servos, gyro, tail servo, governor, reg, flight pack and blades plus all the bling that the LE offers.

[SRH990]

Not really, despite all the posts around failed main gears my 700 is out of the second batch delivered to the UK and is still on it's original main gear, it's been well flown too. The only change I've made to mine is to fit a different canopy

Oh, and I've fitted the Quick UK ball link upgrade - probably the only upgrade I would recommend during the build, everything else can wait until it needs replacement. I did fit the Quick UK clutch after the original broke but this tends to drag badly and I had problems with the on-way bearing in it too, the Align clutch costs around 1/3rd of the Quick UK and is actually not too bad to replace so I'm back on Align again.

Now Align have a MOD1 main gear and pinion available, it might be worth fitting this if you're flush, otherwise I wouldn't bother.

[Bigbellypopper]

Hi Mart,

I knew it wouldn't be long

Even at £400, its still does not represent very good value against a 700 LE kit. The LE is available at £659 from RC Helispares. So for an additional £259 you get 690 main blades, 3 x 610 cyclic servos, tail servo, gyro, & regulator and lipo. You also know your getting the most recently updated components...

Cheers
Russ

[jamiem]

Break the "tradition", try something from outside the Align stable - you might like it!

[Jamin_00]

In answer to you question the only issue I had with mine early kit was wonky links and I upgraded the clutch block.

Everything else was fine but then I had only been flying a couple of months when I got mine so it was far from being flown hard

btw, YOU WILL LOVE IT

[trillian]

Break the "tradition", try something from outside the Align stable - you might like it!

Indeed. I suppose it's all a matter of personal tastes and stuff. I always get curious about something I don't have, almost to a fault. I say 'almost' because I have finally reeled myself in on a shorter lead and have been good about reminding myself, whenever I start to get that 'grass is greener' feeling, that I already have lots of interesting toys. Having said that I do have a desire to get a Blitz Avro 'one of these days'.

I like having very different helis. The Robbe Futura is about as different to the Ely.Q as you can get, in heli terms.

Right now I am most looking forward to getting my Raptor 90 going. It just needs servos and electronics fitted etc. It's just such a stylish and cool design and is so chunky and solid looking (but still considerably lighter than the Robbe's or the Predator).

[Mart61]

Thanks for the input thus far guys. I have much to consider methinks...

[Sesame]

Fantastic heli if you go for one Martin, but dont underestimate the possible cost of owning a 90. They aint cheap to run or to crash.

Don't want to put you off but it is something to think about.

[Mart61]

Break the "tradition", try something from outside the Align stable - you might like it!

Blimey, that's a bit radical! But seriously tho, are any of the other helis as well supported and reasonably priced for spares?

They aint cheap to run or to crash. Don't want to put you off but it is something to think about.

Yep - must consider that too. I can feel another "cost of ownership" comparison coming on...

[sacko]

are any of the other helis as well supported and reasonably priced for spares?

..and since you have owned the 600, how much has that cost you in spares? Hardly any

[Mart61]

..and since you have owned the 600, how much has that cost you in spares? Hardly any

True, but then there's a world of difference between

- not needing spares but knowing they are available and affordable
- needing spares that you can't get or can't afford

[Bigbellypopper]

True, but then there's a world of difference between

- not needing spares but knowing they are available and affordable
- needing spares that you can't get or can't afford

That is very very true, and something which I am going to try and remember next time something exotic takes my fancy