Want to buy my first Heli

[remgu]

I wish to buy my first heli!! I am getting tired of my G3 simulator.

I would like a Raptor 30 V2 with all electronics including transmitter and gyro, practically ready to fly. Does anyone know where I can get one? I am looking on ebay but I am not too trusting.

Thanks

[Sar]

For your first heli I would consider buying new. With E-bay you run the risk of getting a heli with a bad bearing, worn parts or some other problem which you may not be able to easily diagnose without previous experience.

You could try buying a used complete heli setup through the various forums from someone bailing out of the hobby, but you still don't really know what you are getting until you have it.

There are quite a few vendors on the main forum page which sell ARF style kits, but some work is still required to get it up and running. This isn't necessarily a bad thing as you learn what is involved with a properly running helicopter. Knowing what goes into your bird will make life easier down the road.

A lot of people will recomend a 50 over the 30 since the parts are the same aside from slightly larger blades and a longer tailboom and if you really get into it you might find yourself wanting more performance sooner than you think.

Good luck with whatever you get, but watch out, this is very addictive :D

[remgu]

Thanks for the advice. Hhhmmm...I never thought of 50, I always heard of 30, 60, and 90.

How much do you think that I should expect to spend on a new setup, taking into account that I do not have anything at all?


Thanks

[jbiter]

The cost of everything will vary with the radio equipment you want. Usually about $1000 will cover it. You might consider talking to your local hobby shop to see if they can put you in contact with other heli flyers in your area. Find out what kind of radio equipment they are familiar with.... that way you will be able to have help with the setup of your new heli.

I also agree that the Raptor 50 is the way to go.

Jeff

[WillJames]

Sar is right - 50 NEW if possible kit or AR either one. Avoid Ebay as you can find good deals, you can get reamed.... Very little cost difference between 50 and 30.

Get the best radio you can afford.

Get a Simulator!! Most $$ savings here. :)

[remgu]

yeah I have had the G3 simulator for a month now.

How about a 60? I seem to see those around more than the 50.

Hey guys, if you know of someone that is selling, let me know.

Thanks again

[the collective]

Years ago, the 60 machines were king and the 50's were pretty much a 60 machine with shorter blades and a smaller engine. They were jsut as heavy as their 60 size counterparts.

Nowadays, a 50 machine is a stretched 30, and the modern 50 engines are as powerful as most 60's. Terrific power to weight ratios and amazing performance are what modern 50 ships are all about.

I'd look into a Raptor 50 or Hirobo EVO 50, and the OS 50 SXH or OS 50 Hyper.

[Hotshot Charlie]

Check out this series of posts:
http://www.helifreak.com/post-47631.html#47631

[remgu]

I appreciate all the comments and info, now how can I get a whole deal for around $700 or so. PLEASE let me know if you someone getting rid of theirs.

[Hotshot Charlie]

To be realistic, around $900-$1000 will get you most everything..... I am including all electronics, heli and engine..... plus a few field box tools, etc.

I don't want to scare you off, and you might find something a little cheaper.

This is a great hobby, after you get over "sticker-shock" and get into it, it really isn't that expensive..... especially if you go with a Gohbee or Raptor. Parts are very inexpensive.

Good luck and let me know if I can help..... 'er other than loan you the money ! :mrgreen:

[remgu]

$900-$1000 for something new or used?

[remgu]

What do you guys think of this deal on ebay: Item number: 5972030846

[Hotshot Charlie]

That is new prices that I quoted.....

WARNING WARNING WARNING ...... WILL ROBINSON
(for those that are old enough to remember)

WATCH OUT, STAY AWAY, DON'T BUY OFF EBAY !!!

You will find that you can get all new stuff from a reputable dealer like Heliproz ( heliproz.com) for about the same price as junk off eBay.

[WillJames]

Thing about buying used is even though it looks great on the outside, you never know what conditions it has been stored in. That radio is a lower line than most people are flying, and somewhat limited in capabilities.

Has the model been stored ina humid place that would destroy the bearings in an engine? I have enough trouble with mine in low humidity climate controlled house. This is the kind of stuff that can really make it hard on a beginner.

[Hotshot Charlie]

What do you guys think of this deal on ebay: Item number: 5972030846

Looks good to the naked eye, but it is used and I am not crazy about the radio. For just a bit more, you can have all new, with a JR8103 radio, which is superior to the x-378 (IMO).

[Hotshot Charlie]

Check with Mac Hodges (Mac's Hobbies - advertises here) or Heliproz at heliproz.com, I bet they will put you in a heli for a good price and all new stuff.

Hodges - http://www.hodgeshobbies.com/
Heliproz - http://www.heliproz.com

[remgu]

Thanks guys. I will look at the information over the weekend.

[Hotshot Charlie]

Also, don't forget to check out the Stinger 30's and 50's. Good heli's at a really good price. Use my field rep code and get an addtionial 7% off your purchase.

www.gohbee.com

[WayneBrown]

call Ray at www.raysheliresource.com (912) 682-3197
He's in Statesboro, GA, you can drive down, get setup help, have your new bird test flown... the list goes on...
Ray's prices are competitive, and he's in our home state, you know you'll get a straight deal, no junk, and he doesn't have an accent like those 'other' guys.. :)

[Hotshot Charlie]

I also agree with Wayne, Ray is another good source for heli's and a lot of heli help!