trying to decide... HDX500SE or Trex500.

[whaleboy]

So I did my maiden flight (ok, just hover) with my new Trex450 v2se, and I now have the bug... bad :shock:. Before I got the 450 I had been considering a 500, and was looking at the HDX500 SE, but when word came about the trex 500 coming soon, I decided to wait on the 500. Of course I couldn't just wait... so I got the 450 to hold me over :o. It flew perfect first time out, thanks to the resources by Finless, Jermo, and this forum (thanks all).

But... since I do have the fever, I still am longing for that 500, mostly since I'm a newbie and the stability the 500 offers has great appeal to me. And they're cool. Mostly the first thing. Honestly...

Anyway, I'm still trying to figure out which one. I'm looking at the SE model for durability and crash insurance, therefore the all CNC of the HDX vs the partial CNC of the Trex is a plus in the HDX column. My question is for anyone who has flown or owns both, which is basically how do they compare? The areas I'm looking at are Durability, quality, and flight characteristics. Keep in mind that I'm new and only care about casual sport flying at the current time.

So far, based on my research and opinion, they rate as follows...

Trex...

Positive: Experience. I'm very happy with the trex450 I have. That and the 600 seem to be the most popular of their class, and because of that, parts will be plentiful, as will help from others as many people will have these. Part prices are reasonable. Many positive reviews.

Negative: Can be hard to get right now (but kits are starting to show up). Parts in short supply. Some plastic parts (only negative if these plastic parts are weaker than CNC in a crash).

Unknowns: Crash worthiness


HDX...

Positives: All CNC. Can get them easily now and spares are available now. Part prices are reasonable.

Negative: Read various posts about missing parts in kits, pre-assembled parts put together wrong, errors in instructions (sounds like QC is not the best), but are these issues still there?

Unknowns: Quality. Flight characteristics. Crash worthiness.

Opinions wanted... I've posted this in the Trex500 forum as well.

Thanks.

-David

[lotus7]

HAving seen videos of them flying , can't really tell the difference.
TREX - has the name , more expensive, must be good
HDX - cost less , incl spares , upgrades are now available that addressed the original "sluggishness" in 3d
With the new appointments at Helidirect , it is getting the the exposure and attention. Service from HD , in my experience , has been superb.
Oh , I have an HDX450 and 500.
Just watch out the electronics , even with the latest Spektrum modules estc ( goes for both helis)

[BGStewart]

I just built a HDX500SE. The kit had no instructions, but I downloaded them from HD's website. The kit wasn't missing any parts, but the head was assembled incorrectly. I had to reverse the flybar carrier and mixing arms so that the pitch rods would connect to the trailing edge of the blade grips (just like a T-Rex). I completely disassembled the heli and checked everything for proper assembly and threadlocking compound. I did find a number of screws without threadlocker.

I flew the heli with no V2 parts and it flew nice, but the cyclics were a little slow for my taste and the flybar carrier would hit the blade grips at maxium cyclic deflection. I installed all the V2 parts (head block, flybar, mixing arms, washout arms, 13t tail gear) which required longer pitch rods to be made. I simply used medium ball links and adjusted them to 25mm center to center. The heli now flies great with no binding and much quicker cyclics. I'm very happy with it so far.

HD's customer service has been perfect for me so far. Having said that, I still think this is to good heli at a great price and I would not hesitate to buy from them again. In fact, I'm planning on buying the HDX550SE as soon as it is available.

My .02

[ml]

HI, BGSTEWART

What is the parts number of your new HEAD BLOCK at heli direct

thanks Martin

[BGStewart]

Hi Martin,

Here is a link to it.

http://www.helidirect.com/product_info.php?cPath=252&products_id=5870

I was told by a staff member at HD that this was the V2 head block for the 500SE. It fit great with no issues. Just remember, you are going to need longer pitch rods.

Bryon

[ml]

Hi Bg
Thanks For The Links

I Ordered All The Kits, No Problem For The Longer Link, I Have Many In Stock

Thanks Again

Martin

[BobOD]

Hi Bg
Thanks For The Links

I Ordered All The Kits, No Problem For The Longer Link, I Have Many In Stock

Thanks Again

Martin

I would say, mainly since you mention you are a beginner, to get the HDX500SAH kit. It's VERY stable, and parts are really cheap. Then you can have fun upgrading to alum after they have all the upgrade parts perfected. In the end, I think you could have a heli that's better than the trex500. I think a good 100g lighter too.

Just make sure you get the frame with the forward, slanted battery mount. The SE kits were being supplied with one with the battery under. The frame with the SAH kits are much better...IMO.

[helvetic]

...The SE kits were being supplied with one with the battery under. The frame with the SAH kits are much better...IMO.

WRONG!
Take a look at the new V2. The Kit will be delivered with the new silver carbon fibre frame.

http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=55765

So, the HDX 500 SE V2 is a very good alternative.

[helidirect]

Bob said the SE kit not the SE V2.

The SE kit has different frame. The SE V2 kit has the same frame as SA frame but it is already openned up to allow 130T main gear.

Steve

[helvetic]

Bob said the SE kit not the SE V2.

Steve

Sure, but as the V1 isn't available anymore (??), whaleboy must not worrie about getting the old frame, except if he's going for a used one. Or, ist the V1 still available?

[BobOD]

Bob said the SE kit not the SE V2.

The SE kit has different frame. The SE V2 kit has the same frame as SA frame but it is already openned up to allow 130T main gear.

Steve

Ah, then the SE V2 is a good option. This is a nice frame.
I just wasn't sure because the only frame shown on the website looks like the old non v2.

Still, I'd go with the SA for a beginner but definately do the upgrades later. May wind up spending a little more but you crash very cheap parts early on, then get to upgrade as you feel is needed with the latest developments as they come available.