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View Full Version : What is a good esource for comparing different models?

bigdumbdane
03-02-2007, 01:55 PM
All,
I bought a picco z about 2 months ago, then bought a Blade CX2 about a month ago, and I have been hooked nonstop. I fly every night at least 2 packs, often more..
I have learned a little, mostly that I am not a very good pilot and that I need to budget in replacement parts.

I want to take the next step to single-rotor setup, but I am having problems trying to find the details / comparsions / etc on the broad range of different models out there.

I started wanting a blade CP pro, but then saw the esky cp2 seems cheaper and about equiv - but not sure. I searched around, and there seems to be a few different hong kong variants, and they all look pretty similar for different prices, ranging from RTF $150 to $250.

Then after reading, it looks like a lot of people recommend the trex. So I started looking into that, but I am not clear on what the differrent models are that are out there for the 450 - 450s, 450sa, 450se, 450x, etc.
The homepage for align is of little help, or I cant find the right place.

I also see these other brands out there on ebay, and some of them look like generic alternatives to other helis - like this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=010&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=200081476471&rd=1&rd=1
To me, as a newbie, that looks like a good deal if parts can be aquired or used from a more mainstream model.

Is there any place that compiles all the different helicopter models, their pros and cons, what the different versions are? or can anyone recommend a good magazine that may do this?

I think right now I am focusing on the trex, but it's cost is prohibitive at the moment, so other options would be nice.

I did search the forums, so I apologize if this has been asked before and I missed it.
slikrx
03-02-2007, 02:11 PM
Well, I asked some similar questions in the "Looking at maybe getting into RC HELIS...Heres what you need" thread, Click for LINK (http://www.helifreak.com/viewtopic.php?t=4902&postdays=0&postorder=asc&&start=29)

Here's a description about the different TRexes by KGFLY:

kgfly
Posted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 11:01 pm Post subject: Reply with quote

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The naming/numbering of eHelis is a bit of a mess.

In nitro helis the number (30, 50, 90) typically refers to the engine displacement (0.30, 0.50, 0.90 cu in) as an overall class specifier. Related to that is the main rotor blade size (30-class 400-500mm, 50-class 500-600, 90-class 600-800).

In electrics it is less clear although there is a slight trend for new models to be named/numbered by their notional main blade length (eg mini-Titan325, logo 550dx, TRex600 etc).

Quote:
First, the 450, compared to a 600 - is it just size?


TRex450 = 315-335mm main blade, 300-400W, 3S-5S batteries, <1kg
TRex600 = 550-600mm main blade, 1500-2500W, 6S-10S batteries, <8kg

So you could say the difference is just size, but it has many implications for the all up cost. The blades/motors/batteries/chargers for a T600 cost 3 to 10 times as much as those for a T450. One great thing about Align is that the bulk of the parts for the T600 are only 10-20% more expensive than those for the T450 making them a lot cheaper than any other popular 50-class eHeli.

Quote:
Second, what do the suffixes mean? (SE versus S versus a couple others)

Within the T450 family:

Worth considering:
S = latest model, kit version of SA, aluminium or CF frame, metal headblock <= Best value for money if on a tight budget
SA = latest model, ARF version of SA, aluminium or CF frame, metal headblock <= Good value but I would save the money and get an "S"
SE = lastest model, CF frame, all metal head, all metal tail <= best choice as the metal head and tail are much more robust and survive crash after crash

Not worth considering IMO:
X = oldest model, shorter tailboom, all plastic <= Don't buy it, see the S/SA instead
XL/HDE = recently outdated, mechanical mixing (don't need radio with CCPM features), all plastic <= Don't buy it, see the S/SA instead
XL/CDE = recently outdated, CCPM mixing, all plastic <= Don't buy it, see the S/SA instead
MicroMan
03-02-2007, 08:05 PM
Helifreak.com is the best source to compare different helis, just go to differnt heli forums and ask away.
SinxarKnights
03-02-2007, 09:32 PM
I found this to be great!. I don't know if it is against the rule to post a link but here it is: http://www.helitown.com/ They have a lot of info on various models. Hope this helps ya (cause I'll prolly get banned).
bigdumbdane
03-02-2007, 10:23 PM
I found this to be great!. I don't know if it is against the rule to post a link but here it is: http://www.helitown.com/ They have a lot of info on various models. Hope this helps ya (cause I'll prolly get banned).

That was nice - it doesnt have the depth and community of helifreak, but the information is indexed by model which is easier to digest for newbies.
Bayou Talker
03-02-2007, 11:04 PM
Hope this helps ya (cause I'll prolly get banned).


That doesn't happen here.
Bayou Talker
03-02-2007, 11:09 PM
That dang Finless is really fast. His videos are already there!!
SinxarKnights
03-03-2007, 12:35 AM
Hope this helps ya (cause I'll prolly get banned).


That doesn't happen here.

Ah, that is nice to know. :)