choice of machine

[vndragone]

I was trying to view some of the old topics on which machine to purchase but only got 2 pages..
i'm trying to decide on a camera/video ship, i am swayed by the predator condor and the spectra g.. or does anyone see a machine that is most widely used when it comes to a/p? ..i'd appreciate any help on the choice.. also is the predator the only stretch machine out their? thanks for any info, an sorry if this question is redundant..

[Gary Travis]

Go to the Bergen site, you can go with the Observer it you want a dedicated camera ship or the Bergen gasser EB if you want to go the stretched boom route .
I have both and beleive them to be the best bang for the buck. Also do some invetigating and you will find that the support from Bergen is inmatched.
Gary Travis

[Data]

hey vic whatsup?

that looks like a difficult decision.
you sure can't go wrong with either of those three machines.
I guess at the end it might be interesting to hear from people who know,

1. how much payload can each machine lift?
2. what known issues does the machine have?
3. how much does the kit cost and what's included in the kit?

I know that MA had a tail shaft problem for a long time, but that seems to be taken care of.
the spectra g is probably the lightest of the 3, so with the same engine it should have the highest payload and I have no idea what's included in the kit.

[vndragone]

thanks for the info on bergen...i may add it to the short list.. how the build on their gassers..

[Gary Travis]

The build is straight forward also there is plenty of Bergen support on this site as wellas others
Gary

[vndragone]

i take it bergen is not sold thru hobby shops?

[cbergen]

Typically not. We actually prefer to transact with our customers one on one.

[Whirly-Girl]

Vic,

Let me add my 2 cents...I just purchased a Bergen EB to start my aerial photography business. My goal as a company is to use this heli as my primary AP platform until I can purchase a Bergen Observer as a dedicated AP ship. Then, I will have a complete back-up system which can double as a gasser for me to take to fun flys. I had the same questions as you and had the same 3 helis picked out for my choices. Here are my reasons for buying a Bergen (in no particular order):

1. Customer Service - just do a search on here or "the other place" and you won't find ONE bad thing said about how the Bergen business takes care of their customers. That is IMPORTANT for me personally.

2. Quality Workmanship - Pictures are plentiful on these forums showing what a Bergen looks like...but you'll still be floored when you start touching and assembling this heli kit. I'm amazed at the tight tolerances on the assembly of the all-metal head.

3. Parts Availability - I do have personal experience to share on this one. A friend of mine has one of the "other" gasser helicopters. He has had problems with the tail gears. Getting parts for his heli was a problem because of part stocking. When you need something for a Bergen, you don't wait. After I started building my EB, I noticed that I didn't have this nifty little fan hub wrench. I PM'd Chris and he had the tool kit coming my direction the next day via 3-day air. (I didn't need it overnighted, but I've heard the praises from other guys on HF needing parts before a Funfly!) If he doesn't have a part stocked...he makes it. You can't beat that kind of service.

4. MADE IN THE USA BABY! <--Nuf said, you should support your fellow AMERICAN businessman.

5. I wanna be like Malorie. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Hope this helps!

Jeanette

[vndragone]

Thanks whirly,
I'll definately look into the EB model and observer.
what you said about quality was one of the reasons for the spectra, and
yes they have corrected their tail issue.. but also if you notice the bergen and
x cell machines are very similar.. i forget the story about the two companys. if anyone would like to elaborate?

[NolanManley]

I've have a Spectra and I've had the Bergen gasser. I rate both as top of the line. I kept the Spectra because I'm a sport 3d'er. It's a little lighter and feels like it flying to me.
If I was going into a photo business I'd go with the Bergen. The Spectra is not offered in a 800mm blade version. That and the multiple engine offerings out there today make the Big Bergen the better working platform. Both companies offer great service and are Heli FREAKS!!! I think ChrisB may be more freak than most. ;) :lol:

[vndragone]

that was the only thing keeping me from a spectra, the xtended boom and blades..
hey nolan i see your at ft. rucker, you must know an old bud of mine emile. if you do tell him Vic from brooklyn says hey..

[NolanManley]

Will do. BUT I'm not admitting to knowing him .. know what I mean!! :shock: :lol: