Swift 550 vs. T-Rex 450 SE v2

[Trouter]

Ok, I know this is going to sound like a crazy question given that both helis are significantly different. But here I go.

I've been out of the hobby for about 2 years. When I left, I was flying a T-Rex 450 SE, nothing fancy, just simple forward flight. At the time I left the hobby, I was looking into a Logo-10 or Swift-16. I had a mad craving for a bigger heli.

Now, I want to get back into the hobby. I've been working on Real Flight and now I'm ready to start building something.

I'm interested in another T-Rex, the 450 SE v2 because:
- Inexpensive batteries means many flights per day
- Availability of parts in my area from LHS
- Familiarity with the heli (build, setup, etc...)

I'm also thinking of the Swift 550 because:
- I work in San Jose, CA so I can buy parts direct from Century Heli (no mail order waiting)
- I know if I get a 450, I'll wait a bigger heli eventually
- Maybe the bigger heli can be setup to be more stable
- Using gear I already have, I can build this Heli for less money than a T-Rex

I'm a bit worried about the Swift 550 because:
- The expensive batteries
- Will it be too much Heli to jump back into the hobby with
- Is a crash going to cost more money?

I'm sure many Swift owners also own T-Rexes and can give me some opinions.

Is jumping back in with a Swift a crazy idea?
Can I setup the Swift to be initially more docile (different paddles, more flybar weights, slower headspeed, etc...)?
What kind of hoving flight times can I expect with 5s4800 (using the stock 600a+ and 9 tooth pinion gear)

Thanks

[RAV50]

Having a good deal of flight time on both (and also my Swift 16), I would definitely go with the Swift 16 (for 515 to 530mm blades) or 550 ( for 550 to 570mm) if you have a large enough field to fly it in.

I never take my 450 to the field anymore, it has been looking pretty lonely on the shelf this past year.

Yes, either Swift can easily be set up to be mild or wild or anything in between...all depends on what rotor speed you set it up to run (pinion size). You can start with the 600+ motor and a 11 tooth pinion on 4 cell for good training to sport aerobatics and about 8 minute flights on a 4S3700 and progress up through the 12, 13 and 14T pinions for shorter and hotter flights (the 14T at a 2000 rotor speed can really perform).

Then you can go to 5 or 6 cells with the appropriate pinions for even more endurance and performance.

Both Swifts are very versatile machines.

[warpspeed]

I agree with Rav-My Swift see's far more use than either of my Rexy's. It's certainly a LOT easier to see than the 450 and while I can't exactly explain it, I just have more FUN with it than I do with the others.
Btw, I'm running mine on a $25 nimh pack (equivalent to 4s)
Biggest drawback for me is the lack of local support, but it sounds like you've got that covered.

[Trouter]

Thanks for the input.

Any thoughts on a T-rex 500 vs. a Swift 550?

I forgot about that option (hopefully LHS will soon have parts).

[warpspeed]

I'm only semi-qualified to answer that one. My T500 had an esc that caused SEVERE glitching, so until the replacement arrives I've only had a few short twitchy hovers. Naturally being an Align product you'll be able to get parts everywhere, and they'll be cheaper than the Swift stuff. I think the last main shaft I bought for the Swift was around $15-looks like 2 for the T500 will be around $11. You do not have the battery options with the Rex that you do with the Swift-some folks are running 5s setups but so far 6s is where the power's at. And those ain't cheap. General consensus is the Swift's canopy is ugly, but that's just personal preference. Also the 550 is considerably larger, which makes a difference to my aging peepers. The fact it's not another "me too" heli appeals to me but that's not exactly a valid reason to choose it over the Rex.
I don't think you could go wrong with either one.

Forgot to mention-You can get 520mm wooden mains for the Swift, cheap cheap. If you're still crashing a lot that's something to consider. Right now, it looks like nothing but CF mains for the Rex, starting at $60

[scarr]

I am training a guy now with a 550 Swift and he is in his 50's
Some things to consider....

The "little" T-Rex 450 is much harder for him to see. (he has one also)
The 550 is overall easier to fly and hover for someone learning.
The 550 is easier to work on because it is larger.
It can be quite a good performer when you are ready.

His has the 600+ motor with 6s1p 5000mAh lipo's.It has very nice power that way, and yes the batteries are the expense compared to the T-Rex......

[JustPlaneChris]

I bypassed the "expensive batteries" issue on my Swift by using 10S A123 and a lower KV motor. Some of the savings is offset by having to buy a high-voltage ESC, but at around $100 per pack, and 20 minute charge times, I'm enjoying the A123 option. I started out with a 9T pinion on the Neu 1910/1.5Y, stock woodies, and about 1800 rpm. It flew well, very stable. Recently, I've gone to a 10T pinion, 550 SABs, and 2000 rpm. It's spicy. :)

-Chris

[No_Gassers_Here]

Thanks for the input.

Any thoughts on a T-rex 500 vs. a Swift 550?

I forgot about that option (hopefully LHS will soon have parts).


yep tje 500 is over priced and repairs will kill you. I just got a swift about a month ago and if I had know it was as versitale as it is I would have never started with the 450 in the first place. I have a 4s 450v2 and it just sits. I fly my swift and my 600 most of the time now.