Which one?

[Lman]

Hi I am looking at getting a new 30 size heli. Which would be the better heli to buy Raptor v2, Shuttle plus or a Hawk sport. I want to put my TT 39 pro in it.
Lou

[Matthew]

This will start a war but I say go with the Raptor V2

[~Jeremy~]

I am wit mathew go wit the v2 even better the 50!! :D

later

[ThBrtmn]

Lou...
What are your expectations and Goals?
I own a Hawk...Nothing wrong with it.
If you are planning on staying in a .30 size heli for a while...Get a Raptor...If you plan to move up to a .50, .60 or whatever as soon as you can do the basics....Spend the extra money you would have on a Raptor and get a good radio/electronics.
I was told when I started to not skimp on the radio but skimp on the heli...I have never regretted it.
Raptors are a nice flying heli but I wouldnt invest in one unless I was getting a bigger bird. Not many people stay in the .30 size for very long if they are really wanting to get into the 3D side of this hobby.
What about a Simulator... Do you have one of those yet...
I strongly suggest that you acquire one of these first if you have not yet... This will drastically shorten your learning curve and allow you to progress much quicker...
I hope my answer was fair and balance for you.

[Lman]

Hi thanks guys for your quick replys :D
I have a venture 30 I bought used and have had a few friends that have looked at say it is junk. One friend flys a Raptor 60 the other flys a hawk.
I have a sim. I am new to heli's have been flying planks for years and want to get into something new "heli's". I am using my heli electronics I have a Airtronics RD 6000. I bought a new tt39 for my venture and a new 401 ,rx and servos for the heli. So I am looking at using what I bought for the venture. I would like to get into 3D but for now just want to get a good 30 size to learn on then go bigger later. My local hobby shop sells raptors and Hawks .

Lou

[WillJames]

You also might want to consider getting a 50 size. I guess that would be a R50 or a Raven. They are a lot more stable and the parts are about the same price as the 30 size and the radio equipment needed is identical. The only thing that will cost more is the motor and fuel. The other plus is power to weight ratio is hugely with any 50 size and the bigger diameter rotot makes auto practice easier and it is a lot more stable in wind.

[Shannon Davis]

aI loved my R30 and recomend them to anyone who ask-- but I would strongly consider a 50

[kthane]

Hard to beat a good old Rappie for cheap parts and good performance.

[Lman]

Thanks guys for the replys, I am looking at getting a 30 size . I have narrowed it down to a hawk or a rappy. This way i can use my motor which I have now.
anyone who wanta to add anything please do so. :)

Lou

[EvoHeli]

My vote would be for the Rap30. Unless money was an issue, then I'd go with the Hawk.

[Sar]

Raptors are VERY easy to find parts for in all sorts of places.

[ThBrtmn]

Lou...
If you are going with a .30 just reread my comments above...
If/When you do decide to get a .50...Another option is the EVO...a buddy of mine just went from a Hawk to the EVO and it flys awesome...he loves it. He still flys both though...

[Lman]

Thanks for your help , I just bought a Raptor 30 v2 arf at my local hobby shop. :D
Lou

[Sar]

Lou, make sure you double check the the metal-metal screws are lock-tited. When you buy an arf of any brand it's always important to double check their work. Good luck with it!

[Lman]

Sar
Thanks for the infomation my local hobbie dealer told me the same thing to check and lock tight the screws to be safe.
Lou 8)

[AlanMcSwain]

For your first heli, it's probably a better idea to get a complete kit as opposed to an ARF. 1/2 of this hobby is wrench work and the more comprehensive your understanding is of the heli's mechanics, the better chance you will stand of heading off maintenance problems that can cost you your shiny new bird.


Blink!

Flutter-slap-slap-TING-CRUNCH!


Alan

[lanniebaker]

buddy of mine crashed his hawk and the price of the repairs were double compared to a crash of the same magnitude in a raptor if that helps you any

125.00 for the hawk crash w/blades

70.00 for raptor w/blades

ok not double the price as stated above but close enough LOL

[bradraptor30]

i think you will be happy with the rappy

[charles]

Lman,

I think that choosing a beginner helicopter should have three important steps:

1. Knowing what brand other pilots in your area own
2. Availability of parts
3. Cost of repair


That being said, in our area I was one of the first few to get into/and stay with helicopters. From then on almost everyone has purchased a raptor helicopter. What is nice with everyone having learned on the same machine is that any one of the guys with some flight time can help out the beginner with any problems that may arise. In addition to the help from owning the same models, the raptor does seems to present itself as a good quality helicopter for the price.

I have also had the experience of setup with both a jr venture, and a century hawk and can tell you that they also are of very high quality. The best decision will lie with which brand you have you the greatest local knowledge base.

Thanks

Charles

[WillJames]

I started our in about 86 or so with a Kalt Baron 30. It was small and I wanted bigger. I then sold it and bought a GMP Competitor and Cobra, crashed both a few times and washed out of the hobby because I could not afford it anymore.

Follow Charles advice it is very good. You can always move up to bigger and better once you really get the fever. :)

[Buzzin Brian]

I know it has been said a few times, but go for the Raptor 50 V2. There will come a time very shortly when you will want the added power. Beleive me it is true. Been there done that. The price for the 50 is not that much more, and you will love it after you get use to it. I have a Raptor 30 and a 50, and I can tell you, the dust on the 30 is quite a bit thicker than I would like to admit. The 50's are much more taylored toward todays styles. And lend themselves to going in any direction you may want to go. A little more versitile IMPO.

Oh, and I am sorry, I vote Raptor. :)

[Lman]

Thanks guys for your help and replys.
charles
I bought a Raptor for that reason , My local hobby shop sells raptors and parts. I have a friend that flys a 60 rappy also I have found out there are quite a few in my area that fly the raptor. :D
Buzzin Brian
I thought about starting with a 50 but since I have a new TT39 that runs great. I saved on the engine. :D
I have a question what about later doing a upgrade to a 50 :?:

Lou

[Buzzin Brian]

The upgrade can be done. But I think it is more cost effective, and less hastle to just get the 50 from the beginning. But that is me.

[Lman]

Thanks Brian
I will just buy a 50 size after I learn on my 30 rappy. :)
Lou

[Buzzin Brian]

That will do. Enjoy. This is a great hobby. One I am sure you will love.