raptor 30 good first heli?what about the package deal

[wrbrackett]

heli hobby has a package deal that seems like a great deal.it is a raptor 30 with everything execpt fuel for 849.99.only 16.00 for shipping.what do you guys think?would this be a good first heli.i was planning on buying used.but at this price it seems woth going new.
thank you for any advice.
bill

[vandelescrow]

I think you will quickly outgrow it. The heli is fine, it's the other stuff that is packaged with it. If it is the one I looked up the transmitter does not look like a vary good one, plus the gyro looks like el cheepo, the servos I do not know and that engine used to have problems, I do not know it TT fixed it. I heard that engine would just stop in mid flight for no aparent reason. Here is a link to a package deal that is for a R50 titan, It looks like it includes everything except the field gear, granted it is $400 more but compare the stuff that is included. The engine, gyro, transmitter are all quality, I do not know if the transmitter comes with the servos, if it does, from what I heard about the spekrum servos, they are ok for learning but you will eventualy want to replace them.

http://www.heliproz.com/prodinfo.asp?number=101450JR

Just remember, the advice that is given about computers is the same for the electronics in a heli and the transmitter, buy the best you can afford, the longer it will last before needing upgrading/replaceing, and when it comes to the transmitter, a better radio really does help with learning to fly. I've tought several people to fly and the ones that got the cheap radio took longer, not only to set up but to try to get the heli to respond predictably. Also, if you get off brand equipment, it is that much harder to find someone to help you when needed, even in these forums. I'm not saying the equipment packaged with the deal you are looking at is off brand, but it is not what people are using.

[Ah Clem]

I agree with Vandlescrow that you will outgrow the Raptor 30 rapidly.

The 50 is a much better machine. The OS .50 Hyper is a very good, very easy to tune motor.

I also agree that the DS 821 servos are questionable, but would take it a step further and not use them at all in a helicopter.

Period.

Good luck to you, whatever you decide.

[Raven_darkcloud]

The ds821 servos have ben proven in 600 class elects. But jr them selves say dont use in a nitro heli over .30. They are not made for that kind of punishment. I have over 130 flights one them in a trex600 and they are still going strong, but I will never use them in a nitro. The case is not designed for it. The fact is they are for planes where vibration is absorbed by the wood. Electric helis dont have the vibration so they are great fit there.