View Full Version : Tired of waiting for the new Razor
After months of hype and videos I got tired of waiting, waiting, waiting...
Just bought another Century Swift kit from Tower ($204 with $25 discount promo). I've flown this heli for the last 3 months and found it to be a really good 'sacrificial lamb'. I'm trying lots of new stuff with it before attempting it on my Ion. Spares are almost as cheap as Trex 450xl's, and it's a lot easier to rebuild as well.
Size-wise it's a little bigger than a logo 10 and a bit smaller than a logo 14 (I call it a logo 12). Much more stable and easier to see than the Trex 450xl and quite a bit more nimble than the Ion. With a little wind (no driven tail), it autos very well, not as good as the Ion of course. The Swift is much better heli to fly than my old logo 20 and most parts are good-as Mikado quality (a little flashing here and there). I also like the fact that you can use standard sized servos (unlike the logo 10/14).
The best part is that it works well with my current 5s1p 3700 Evo20 packs. One 5s pack gives me 6-7 minutes of soft/medium 3D. This heli is proving to be a great addition to my heli stable and, at 1/3 the cost to setup (compared to a Razor), is very good value imop.
Personally, I will not buy anymore MA heli's until they fix/modify the Ion 2 stage gear setup (belt?) and 12s escs come down in price a little. In the meantime, the stock Ion with hacker, 56t, and 10s 3700 evo20's is a great FAI flyer, but is far from a 90 nitro beater.
Just my 2 cents.
Cheers,
TomC
I hear ya with the Razor , I'm also tired of waiting.
As for the Ion and dual stage problems , Nobody has told me this but I think IMO that MA is working on the belts but that that's not their priority , I think they want to release the Razor and then a strecht kit and discontinue the Ion.
Again that's only my impression , I can be wrong but that's what I have to think cuz the Kit has problems with the secondaries and after a lot of time with a known problem there's no solution other than SS.
epc2.
misskimo
10-01-2006, 11:56 PM
well , dont know to much about the Ion being discont. but the main fix , get an ACTRO and do away with the 2 stage, its hard to tare that one up ,
Chris is also working very hard with the belt tranny , so dont rule out 2 stage out yet
Tony
Thanks for the info Tony. Glad to hear that Chris is working on a 2 stage solution! I really would like to try my Neu again but will not do so until MA comes out with this new belt tranny. I really do not want to have to go out and buy another motor (actro), 100t gear, motor mounts/fan, etc.
I sure hope epc2 is wrong about discontinuing the Ion. It's a work of art only lacking this new tranny.
Cheers,
Tom C
Jayway
10-02-2006, 04:24 AM
I am also dissapointed with the wait on the Razor. I have everything for it, but no heli. :( They seem to be stringing us along in hopes to keep customers as they know there is heaps of competion (Trex600, ERaptor). I ended up buying a Trex600 in the meantime and I am very satisfied with it.
WillJames
10-02-2006, 08:40 AM
I also have a T-Rex 600 and I like it, but I can tell you that the MXR is a lot more fun to fly. I got a whole flight on HC's this past weekend at Black Sheep and all I can say is it flys like a lot bigger heli than it is. The T-Rex flys good, real good, but the MXR is HOT!! I will wait as long as it takes. The reason it is taking longer than expected is because Tim is just being Anal about getting it just right. THe latest delay is due to the testing of different battery packs, and tweaking how the lower frames are held together to eliminate a potential problem with using the thicker battery packs. It will be coming guys, and IMHO, it is well worth the wait. Most companies release the product then do a bunch of fixes, like the T-Rex 600. This MA machine should be right and offer a lot of options out of the gate. Did you make sure you had the new main grips on your T-Rex Jay? What other fixes and problems are we all reading about regarding the T-Rex 600?? There have been quite a few refinements with it. Lets keep it real and in perspective here. Personally I would MUCH prefer a machine that is right to start with instead of reading this or that warning and trying to figure out if my heli is affected or not like I have already done with my T-Rex 600.
As for the Ion-X... To me it is my favorite heli I have ever had, I LOVE the way it flys, my flying has improved more with it than any heli I have ever owned. If they do decide to DC it, I will be buying some framesets and U-Channels and flying it for many more years. It is the favorite heli I have ever owned. Over 1 year of flying more than 300 flights myself, and letting HC, Clint, Eric Larson, Bert, Bobby Watts demo it and ZERO failures or problems other than a Hacker ESC finally letting go. Now that is what I am after, a heli built to last!
well , dont know to much about the Ion being discont. but the main fix , get an ACTRO and do away with the 2 stage, its hard to tare that one up ,
Chris is also working very hard with the belt tranny , so dont rule out 2 stage out yet
Tony
Yeah Tony I agree about the Actro and I already switched to SS and 32-3 , but last year when I got my Ion the hot motor was the Neu as per MA .
Now I have the Actro but I lost $$ on secondaries , thick plate and had to sell the Neu for a lot less of what I paid.
epc2.
DebianDog
10-02-2006, 10:52 AM
Never flew a Swift but I got a chance to fly a 600 this weekend and why it was solid and good I would not compare it to the 2 times I flew the e*razor.
If I had the coin I would pick up an razor - no question. :noteworthy
rfaster
10-02-2006, 12:47 PM
Tom - I feel the same way about my Swift... actually I was at a point where I would fly it w/out even thinking about it - no worries about cost of parts - etc... Now I seem to have a weird glitch (using G3 receiver) - that I can't shake but pre glitch it was a heli that I brought along to "warm-UP" every time!
I think this "Heli Addiction" won't allow folks to be happy with a Swift - it forces us -or perhaps I should just say ME to want the next larger- bigger- more expensive heli. I would have purchased a Razor in an instant if it was available during the IRCHA time frame -- but now I find myself with a table full of Heli's and only a very limited amount of time to fly/build :roll:
Chachin
10-02-2006, 12:56 PM
Hey, I know that feeling rfaster. I have promised myself not to get a new heli without selling another. As a matter of fact, thinking of selling two lower end helis in exchange for the Razor!! :twisted:
I'm with MA. Take your time and do it right. Like their other helis, I'm sure it will be well worth the wait.
Chachin..
misskimo
10-05-2006, 12:16 PM
epc2 , about the Ion getting the boot , Naw its here to stay , :mrgreen:
theres nothing like a heli like this , Man what a great machine huh? well other than the 12s issue with 2 stage.
Rodney
10-05-2006, 08:39 PM
May not be getting the boot yet but what I seen the other day, Well lets say it sure doesnt get any promotion now does it.
supertrex2
10-05-2006, 09:41 PM
I almost buy my 2nd trex600 3 weeks ago. But since I keep seeing this MA razor ( and it looks really nice )... its holding me back... But... How long still will they keep me waiting:D ? month more? 2 months :D? :smokin:
Plus how are the parts going to cost? compare to Align trex600 parts cost?
Rodney
10-05-2006, 10:17 PM
Nothing beats cost when it comes to Align for parts. If cost is an issue better get another Rex.
I almost buy my 2nd trex600 3 weeks ago. But since I keep seeing this MA razor ( and it looks really nice )... its holding me back... But... How long still will they keep me waiting:D ? month more? 2 months :D? :smokin:
Plus how are the parts going to cost? compare to Align trex600 parts cost?
They said more than a month ago that they were going to publish the spares prices and that the target was to compete with Raptor prices , but nothing yet :badair:
Rodney , I'm with you the Ion is not getting any promotion , they don't even have a definite solution to the dual stage gear problems , the only real solution is SS , and you have to buy a conv. kit a new motor and lose $$ on your dual stage setup , that's the truth.( been there done that)
epc2.
Clintstone
10-06-2006, 03:58 AM
just a little info, the Razor is being finalized.........the testing is done and it works very well and MA is getting ready for the first 500 kits with their SUPPORT parts. Some vendors had problems but thet are all worked out and the Razor project is coming very soon. As for the Ion , I am not sure anyone is looking to replace it and even if the Razor is huge I feel the support will still be there for the Ion. MA will be releasing info over the next week for those of you who have gotten impatient. Hey, this is a hobby and I know I get pretty impatient when I want the latest and greatest, but I always think it is worth the wait for a FINISHED product.
I have flown the Ion on 10 S with FP 4350's and it is very nice and Will doesn't have to work on it other than take the canopy on and off. I would like to add that the setup I am running I can fly back to back flights with no need to let anything cool down. Last night I flew 5 6min. flights before dinner. I can fly longer but I was checking the difference in packs , for example 2 exact flights with 3700's and 4350's. I choose 6 min because that is where I cut the 3700's off to be responsible and use the 80% rule. Both packs are nice while the 4350's provide alot of power and a longer flight but the 3700 provide a very solid time with the lighter setup. I am running 9252's now but I am considering some 9650's on my second to give that setup a try.
Well guys Sorry for the wait, but this heli and its support will be there in time and I feel it is worth the wait while there are some people that wont wait, the ones that do will soon be happy.
Jayway
10-06-2006, 05:09 AM
How about giving us an exact date? I have been told at least another two months, which in my opinion is too long. Seriously considering a 2nd Trex and running it on 10S. Give me a good reason not to buy the Rex, like Razor will be available in two weeks. Also, with 500 kits, will they be shipped world wide, or is the states going to get first dibs on them? I have always wanted a MA since I started flying helis, but there is a limit to my patience, considering I preordered mine end of April with the Oz distributor, thats nearly 6 months ago. I have everything ready, but lacking the most NB part.
Clintstone
10-06-2006, 08:03 AM
The kits will be delivered as the orders came in. The dates which have been floating around have been projected dates and I feel that once MA sets a final date the things that can go wrong to affect the release will be limited.
For those which have been waiting it will be worth the wait as the Razor is alot of fun and very dependable.
WillJames
10-06-2006, 08:05 AM
They said more than a month ago that they were going to publish the spares prices and that the target was to compete with Raptor prices , but nothing yet
Rodney , I'm with you the Ion is not getting any promotion , they don't even have a definite solution to the dual stage gear problems , the only real solution is SS , and you have to buy a conv. kit a new motor and lose $$ on your dual stage setup , that's the truth.( been there done that)
epc2.
No true, Bert flew my Ion a couple weeks ago at the excellent Hodges Hobbies all E Event. The Ion IS still getting promotion and is still flying FANTASTIC. We have all been busy. If you want to see Ion's come to IRCHA SE and behold the king of E-Machines!! :)
The other thing to keep in mind is that Chris designed the Ion-X more then 3 years ago in 2-Stage form. Back then motors put out roughly half whaqt they do now and we flew 4+ pouns of 4p packs. Now we are flying 1p, blades ahve a lot more bite, motors are WAY more powerful and the packs can deliver more than double the output they used to. Lets be fair here. Chris did a KILLER job considering what he had to work with back then. Also consider that the Ion-X is the king of the hill for hard 3D is has reigned supreme since its release. Since you fly one you also know like me that there is nothing that flys better IMHO.
Enter MXR. I have had the opportunity (luckily) to fly multiple flights with it and I own a 600 and I can tell you that the MXR is the best flying 50 machine I have ever flown. I am on the waiting list myself, and I WILL own one. I am confident it will be ready in less than 2 months....
They said more than a month ago that they were going to publish the spares prices and that the target was to compete with Raptor prices , but nothing yet
Rodney , I'm with you the Ion is not getting any promotion , they don't even have a definite solution to the dual stage gear problems , the only real solution is SS , and you have to buy a conv. kit a new motor and lose $$ on your dual stage setup , that's the truth.( been there done that)
epc2.
No true, Bert flew my Ion a couple weeks ago at the excellent Hodges Hobbies all E Event. The Ion IS still getting promotion and is still flying FANTASTIC. We have all been busy. If you want to see Ion's come to IRCHA SE and behold the king of E-Machines!! :)
The other thing to keep in mind is that Chris designed the Ion-X more then 3 years ago in 2-Stage form. Back then motors put out roughly half whaqt they do now and we flew 4+ pouns of 4p packs. Now we are flying 1p, blades ahve a lot more bite, motors are WAY more powerful and the packs can deliver more than double the output they used to. Lets be fair here. Chris did a KILLER job considering what he had to work with back then. Also consider that the Ion-X is the king of the hill for hard 3D is has reigned supreme since its release. Since you fly one you also know like me that there is nothing that flys better IMHO.
Enter MXR. I have had the opportunity (luckily) to fly multiple flights with it and I own a 600 and I can tell you that the MXR is the best flying 50 machine I have ever flown. I am on the waiting list myself, and I WILL own one. I am confident it will be ready in less than 2 months....
Will ,
I agree that the Ion flys awesome and I love mine , but the fact that it was designed a few years ago with milder setups in mind doesn't justify that 3 years later they don't have a solution for dual stage that's MO.
Don't get me wrong I love my Ion and now that I have the 32-3 and SS I like it even more but what pissed me off was that when I bought mine I was told to get the Neu and Dual stage then later to get the thick plate and you know what , the gear that lasted the most lasted 28 flights and one only lasted 30 seconds .
That's just MO.
epc2.
DavidH
10-06-2006, 07:49 PM
I have always wanted a MA since I started flying helis, but there is a limit to my patience, considering I preordered mine end of April with the Oz distributor, thats nearly 6 months ago. I have everything ready, but lacking the most NB part.
The MXR 500 as it was called when it was first announced. Had its first public showing back on the weekend of March 19-21 2006 at the Central Alabama Helicopter Funfly. These were not even flying models. The two models had just been put together to show what the new electric was going to look like. Also there was a nitro version built up. It was made clear that the electric version would be released first. The first MXR 500 E that actually flew was right after the event in March. http://www.helifreak.com/viewtopic.php?t=13360
So I would say that in basically a little more than 6 months. The Razor has come along way from drawing board to reality. All the Team pilots that have them have been flying them since about mid July. Been a few changes along the way. The finished product should be a great 50 size electric heli. I worked the Toledo Trade Show back on the first weekend of April 2006. We were telling people at the show that it was going to be probably November before the model would be released. At that time MA USA was not even taking orders for it. So if a dealer was taking orders from customers at that time. I don't know how they were releasing an arrival date.
David
BobbySmith
10-06-2006, 07:49 PM
EPC2 ther is a solution it is called a Stretched RAZOR Yea Baby!!!!!! and it should be under 10lbs :banana
I wonder if ther will be astretch kit available :!:
EPC2 ther is a solution it is called a Stretched RAZOR Yea Baby!!!!!! and it should be under 10lbs :banana
I wonder if ther will be astretch kit available :!:
Yeah it's just a matter of time
epc2.
Rodney
10-09-2006, 11:55 AM
Damn nothing is private any more. Razor 710 yea baby.
Bert Kammerer
10-11-2006, 12:36 AM
Razor 710 yea baby.
I need to correct you Rodney, it's "Razor 690" baby :mrgreen: