Raptor 50 v Pantera 50

[hobobassplayer90]

I'm deciding to move up to a nitro heli and was wondering which heli would be the best 50 size for a beginner, either the Raptor 50 or the Pantera 50.
All comments are appreciated!

[Bayou Talker]

Raptor 50 for sure. Just the availability and cost of repair parts makes this an easy choice. Besides there are many more people out there that are familiar with the Raptor that will be able to help you if needed.

[jbeech]

Well, that's one viewpoint for sure. Another is to do a bit of legwork and research the various products. The Raptor is a very old design, with smaller bearings, moreover you have to split the side frames to replace them while the Pantera has bearing blocks - what's 'your' time worth? The Raptor clutch is about 40% smaller than that in the Pantera - draw your own conclusions. Interestingly, there's a whole industry devoted to replacing the Raptor head assembly, it might be germane to the conversation to inquire why that is. Worse, there's a ton of linkages on a Raptor, which are a drag to build, maintain, or replace when lost in a crash. But what the heck, lots of people fly them!

Look, the decision really isn't about what kind of heli the other guy owns, it's about what will serve you best. A little homework invested in studying features can pay off in an easier to build and maintain model helicopter. Here are further examples; the Pantera has a larger fuel tank than the Raptor, which means longer flights. Another thing are the tail blade grips, which feature not just two ball bearings in each like the Raptor 50, but also a thrust bearing . . . is this an important considerations for you, or is it more important to fit in with what the other guys fly? We understand why some folks would rather blend in, and that's OK too, but is that reason enough to buy a Raptor?

Quite frankly, there are some aspects of Pantera ownership, which haven't been touched on, e.g. you can bolt in up to a 91-class engine becasue we designed it with this in mind from the beginning, these big block conversions are a blast to fly! Moreover, there's an air filter assembly available, which really works and is easy to service because again, we designed for it from the start because we value your wallet and know engines ingesting dirt wear out more quickly and develop less power as a result.

Replacement parts - the fact is Pantera parts are readily available just by picking up the phone. E.g. direct from us, via about 115 hobby shops, or from mail order dealers like Ron's.

Doing the homework is pretty easy as we have magazine reviews on our website as well as competitive reviews. Moreover, you can download the manual or exploded views, watch videos, and of course, the forums are full of owners of both machines, where you can ask more in depth questions. Speaking of the forums, note how few problems there are with the Pantera, and how we've a good reputation for supporting our product. Start with this link . . . it's the overview, and other tabs to select include vieos, documents, etc.

Pantera overview: http://www.genesishobby.com/Products/AUD22601/Default.aspx

Finally, if you have a specific question, you can always call me, I own the company, at 407-302-3361

My 2¢

[Mr.HillBilly]

I have not messed with the Raptor, but I can tell you that the Pantera is a great bird. It hovers easy and it takes the abuse. I have one with a OS 61 and another with a OS 91VR-DF. I am still working out the kinks in the ducted fan version but it is holding together well, the stock fan is even keeping it cool. You should see that thing climb. I will have some vids. avail in the near future.

Everything is easy to pull apart on the Pantera, the only time you will need to split the frames is if you break this part of the elevator. I do not think you will ever see it happen.

I agree the Raptor has more local support, but do you want to be like everyone else, or do you want to be your own person. There are multiple places online that can get you parts within 2 or 3 days. Plus you can talk to the designer and president of the company with a phone call. If he is not around he will even call you back.

[jbeech]

You are right, I don't know that we've ever sold an elevator link!

[remey2008]

I have one Rappy with a TT 53. :arggg: And I have two Panters, YS61 and OS 50HYPER.:noteworthy That should answer your question on the better bird.:clappp

[jbeech]

In its class, a Raptor was the greatest bird ever when it came out back in 1998. And it's been improved a lot by the manufacturer. Moreover, there's a cottage industry devoted to making it fly as well as the newer designs, like Kasama's head, and a butt load of aftermarket guys making aluminum bits, which address it's many shortcomings. Add to it there are many guys loyal to the old bird but the basic fact is time marches on and the Raptor design is a decade old, which means it's pretty easy to improve on. We invite you to look at our Pantera.

For example, only the newest Raptor, the 2009 SE will match the Pantera in overall collective pitch range at 30° . . . but it doesn't matter because a Raptor simply can't accept a big enough engine to pull that much pitch without bogging, the bearings and clutch are too small, the fan isn't up to the task, etc.. So they matched a feature we offer without ever taking into account 'why'. Simply put, we designed the Pantera from the onset to accept the 91-class engine via factory option! So the bearings are 40% larger than those in the Raptor, and there are three of them instead of two. So while your pals are arguing which 50-class engine is more powerful, e.g. the Hyper vs. the Redline, versus whatever the flavor of the week is, any 91 on the planet makes it a moot point because you can spank them! Moreover, a Pantera with a 91 is a freaking blast to play with!

Anyway, this is precisely why Pantera bearings, clutch, etc. are so much larger than those in the Raptor, e.g. to handle the incredible power of a 91 . . . and we did it at the same weight as a Raptor! Moreover, our features kill . . . like removeable bearing blocks, frame mount servos (up to 8 mount directly - no servo sub-frame), sideplate tail case, and fewer linkages result in a simpler, tougher, better flying model. After all, what's your time worth?

FInally, while you won't find nearly as many options for a Pantera, this is more a testament of the basic soundness of our design because the few options we make result in a tangible improvement for the guys who can appreciate what they do. For example, an available air filter enhances engine life without sacrificing power and is easy to maintain. Output shaft stabilizers for the 3D guys are better than push-pull linkages. Plus the aforementioned BBC kit for stuffing her with a 91, plus a few nifty aluminum pieces for guys who just like to customize!

Best of all, our killer deal means you can get into our 50-class model for less money!