Which Gasser? GSR? Bergen? Predator?

[vrwired]

Ok...
I need a little help.
I am in the process of of purchasing a gasser for AP work. I have my eyes on the GSR 260, but I am very worried about parts support should I need it, and I know I will!.. I will need to be able to get parts somewhat quickly because it is of business nature.. things like links, booms, gears... fins.. etc..

First off... from the people that have one.. Where would I find parts for the GSR 260?

I will be using an underslung mount, I am also looking at the Bergen Intrepid EB heli... they are here in the US, and I think I would be able to get parts from them as needed pretty easily..

Can anyone suggest maybe another gasser.. like the Predator? or Specter G?...
Please advise me.

I am trying find a decent heli that has a the same zenoah 26cc engine.. (for lifting power)
I think the spector g is only 23cc..

I will be shooting stills and video.


Would the GSR 260 be a mistake? would I be better off with a bergen intrepid eb?


Thanks for any an all help... I love this community.

[MarkWebber]

I love my EB and you're always able to get parts when needed. I've never called for anything that was not in stock. Plus, killer customer support.

[flyingrhino]

Ditto on the Bergen EB!!!

[crewchief]

I'm in the market for a gasser too, and was looking at the Condor. It appears to me that the Maxi-Joker 2 is somewhere between $1500 - $2000 more than the equivalent gasser, when you add up all the hidden costs like having enough spare batteries & chargers, etc. Since everybody's got such high praise for the Bergen I thought I'd take a second look at it. I did a cost-to-build spreadsheet on the Century and it seems like the Bergen Observer EB is just a little more expensive. Actually you could say it's cheaper considering you don't have to buy a camera mount! Am I missing something?

[BungeeMike]

I have a bergen (not eb) rtf with JR 10x, hansen modifed, spare blades, parts canopy (unfinished) if anyone interested. Bergens are great machines cant beat their customer service. Always willing to help on the phone, you wont be disappointed.
Bungee

[cbdane]

Interested in selling w/o radio? How much?

[jascamera]

Air Star International Evolution. It's a modified Vario trainer designer for AP. Very solid. Low part count, great price.

[vrwired]

Hmmm... good input... I just talked to the guys over at Airfoil.. Seemed like a decent company.. At least I could get them on the phone first try! And they seem very flexible regarding the packages they have..

About the Bergen... Couple things I hear.. I hear they are a little heavy but not a big deal, and I am also not sure about the nose mount on the observer.. And to the person that stated that the mount was included with the Bergen Observer, I really didnt even think about that when I was looking at the price! Thanks for reminding me..

Thing is, I really think if I am going to spend the money, I would want full 360 degrees instead of the 260-270 that the observer allows.. Maybe in doesnt not matter, It just seems like something I would like.. I think it may make positioning the heli in the sky a little more flexible with a 2nd man controlling the cam with 360 abilities... There is always the Intrepid with the underslung mount though... hmmmm

About the Condor, thats a gasser? I will have to look into it.

jascamera mentioned Airstar International... I looked at their site a little while ago... Sweet helis! I could not find the price for the camera ship? just the mongoose and others.. does anyone know how much their camera ship is going for?

I am not sure about getting an RTF from Airstar though.. There is somethiung said for going through the build... it's important to know all the parts of your heli I think. I love the look of the rear (faceless) canopy... really cool looking.,.. Hmm.. I wonder if I could make one of those (turtle) canopies for a GSR...

So,,, is Airstar better than just ordering a benzin trainer kit? hmmm..

This whole gasser thing is really a tough decision.... I am also intersted in the cost of getting a Zenoah 260 modified by hansen... do you just send it in? how Much does it cost? Whats the turn around. Is it really worth it...


Wow I have alot of questions... For some reason I have my heart set on the GSR, the guys over at airfoil just made me feel a whole lot better about the Heli itself... But of course they are selling it, but they seemed sincere in what they had to say. They say they have flown and tested just about everything, and find themselves loving and backing up the GSR. They are not just selling those mounts and the heli.. they use it all the time... if they are happy with it, I am sure I would be also.

No Predator input? Edit... ahh duh.. the Predator is the Condor!

Outah here...

[DebianDog]

The Condor flies great but the build was a "challenge" in spots. i.e. if you never have built a helicopter from a kit before it was near impossiable to do correctly the first time. Little things like having to sand the frame down to get the fan shroud to fit correctly bugged me.

[WillJames]

Watch out for Airfoil, I have seen a LOT of negative stuff posted about those guys and a lot of negative stiff posted by the owner himself, here and pretty much on every other forum.

I know Chris Bergen personally and he is 100% straight up honest guy.

I know Dog's Condor flys good, seems like he has some building isues though.

[SeaHawk]

I think most of the models you mention will work well for you. I went through the same process and ended up with the Bergen due to the very postive feedback on customer service. I've had mine for 3 years now and can tell you that everything said about the excellent service is true. I just purchased my second one this year. Works great for AP.
Also, Airfoil mount works very well too. I would not let the chatter deter you from a good product. However, there is a lot of very good alternatives out for mounts out now. I like the look of this fellow's stuff. Expensive but looks well engineered. He also makes his different versions modular. So, you can buy the lower models and move up to the more sophisticated stuff through upgrades. His website doesn't adequately show all the models, but he will email you some good info.
www.photohigher.co.nz