Beginner Questions

[shaunkendall]

I am interested in making the jump from planks to helis. I have decided on purchasing a Raptor 30 as the part support seems to be easy to find. I have started ordering stuff for the Raptor,. I have purchased the Futaba GY401 as that seems to be a popular choice.
Some questions I have are should I buy the ARF or the kit? If so why? Also, if I buy the kit should I get the extra 20 ball bearings? If so, why and where can you purchase them? And speaking of purchases, what are some of the on line sites you experienced pilots shop at?
I know this is a lot of questions and I appreciate anyone taking the time to answer them. Like I said I am ready to make the leap, and have plugging away at the Real Flight. Much more challenging then flying planes so far. I despair of every managing anything other than a hover. However, I think back about learning to fly planes and realize anything is possible with the effort.
Looking forward to many more posts and a long time here.

[flyinfool]

1. Buy the kit. You will learn a lot more about how the heli works if you build it. You will also have a better idea of how to fix it after you fly over a gravity well.

2. get the bearings. the bearings will take a lot of slop out of the controls.

3. Ricks, Heliproz, Gohbee, are my most frequented online shops.

[mantistw]

if you are going to invest in a raptor go for the 50,it is cheaper to get it first than to get it after you decide the 30 does not have enough power.the parts are not that much more.

[BarracudaHockey]

Onlne sites for purchasing
Heliproz http://www.heliproz.com
Ricks http://www.ronlund.com
Only Raptors http://www.onlyraptors.com

Info so you can see what you are getting into http://www.raptortechnique.com

Buy the kit with the 49bb for the reasons stated.

[Seeker]

I've used all the sites listed and they are all great to deal with. I would also go with the 50 vs the 30... more power to take you "down the road".

[Rickenbacker]

I second the 50. You can tame it down to make it fly like a 30, then readjust when you feel a little more confident. Crash costs are the same, and you'll want the power of a 50 anyway in a few months.

[shaunkendall]

Thanks to all of you guys for answering some of my questions. You have convinced me to get the .50. The Titan I guess, since it seems like the V2 is not being produced anymore. I am going to order it tomorrow. I can hardly wait. I haven't been this excited for quiet a while. I think I remember how I felt as a kid waiting for Christmas. :drool:

Does anyone have any reason why I shouldn't get the OS hyper engine? I have always had good results with the OS engines in my planes so am leaning toward what I know.

[Seeker]

IMO get the hyper if you can afford it. I have the TT and I like it though. I like OS also. My next one will be OS whatever the size I think.

[BarracudaHockey]

When you order it order PV0499 its the one piece upgraded tail hub, save yourself some agrivation later on and replace it when you build it.

[Scamp62]

get the 50 se, or titen you want the power now ...not later..it will cast you more latter :smokin: