E550 vs. E625 SE ???

[Ray K.]

Hey everyone!

So I've decided that when the time comes to step up to a "big boy" helicopter, I would like to go electric. I understand that large electric birds are more expensive to get flying than a .50 nitro, but I'm comfortable with electrics and would rather prefer to stick with them. I've been shopping around, reading reviews, and trying to learn as much as I can so I can make a good decision when the time comes- I can only afford to do this once! I was looking at the TRex, but I think that the new ERaptors are just about the best option right now. While I'm sure that I would be satisfied with the 550, I'd like to get the 620SE. I know that it's considerably more expensive than the 550, and I would like to know if anyone can tell me from experience if it's worth the extra money. I want to fly a 10s 600 eventually, so why not just start with a 6s 620SE?

Qualified opinions appreciated!!!

-Ray

[Wheelhaus]

You won't be disappointed with either one, but it also depends on your goals and skill level. The e550 and e620 share the same frame and parts. The only difference is the e620 has carbon side plates, aluminum head block and swash, longer boom and belt, and stiffer head dampers. If you're looking for simple hovering and sport flight, get the e550 and eventually do a stretch (longer blades, boom and belt) when you want to move to a bigger heli.

Otherwise, just go straight for the e620 and be done with it. It flies a little better since it has lighter blade loading for the same power system, and you'll have a lot more blade choices in the 600mm range. I love my e620, it's a power monster and its just so damn smooth. (:

[kgfly]

If you want to keep your battery costs in check consider an A123 setup. www.tppacks.com sell a frame upgrade for the 550/620 that makes it easy. Both your up-front and long terms costs will be considerably less than for lipo (A123 batteries cost less than half as much as lipo and last two to five times longer).

[henrik04]

I second 100% Kgfly. A123 is really more economical.
Just one point is that I prefer the Kasama head and tail fir such big bird. (Don't like plastic at all due to bad experiences on the Mini Titan E-325.)
So if you're going to save a very large amount of $ on the batteries, why not have a safe and much better head and tail?

Just a thought...

No matter what you'll enjoy this big bird.

Happy flying

[devious17]

I have both MTe325 and the e550. After flying the e550 the e325 is now a shelve queen

[ama outlaw]

The plastic 30/50 Raptor head holds up well unless you are running absurd headspeeds. I have 300 1900rpm flights on my 550 and it is just now starting to show slight play. I have a metal head block that's just been waiting for an excuse to slide in there. I like the E550 because it's a good middle ground between .30 and .50 Raptors. It has better power than a .30 Raptor (kinda like a VERY hot .42 setup) and it uses fairly affordable batteries compared to the E620.