Beginner Hurricane 550 - Tell me what to buy.

[stvjeep]

I want a Hurricane 550. I am a newbie. I can fly quite well on Real flight G4. I will be sport flying with some flips, rolls, and inverted circuits. I don't want the CF frame as its way expensive to fix and I don't need it for my flying style.

Model: Gaui 550 (standard, EP, XES Pro SE)
Gyro: I have a GY401 used
Cyclic Servos: I have one Futaba S9650 (will they work on this heli?)
Tail Servo:
Rx:
Tail blades:
Main blades: I'd like to run 550's for increased stability. What brand:
Motor and Pinion:
ESC:
BEC:
Lipo "Brand and Size":
Who to buy the kit/parts from (USA or Canada only, I don't trust the Asian sites) with the best service:

[odieser]

basic kit with some upgrades to get it flying
http://www.readyheli.com/203999_Hurricane_550_Helicopter_Kit_p/203999.htm
tail servo
http://www.readyheli.com/Futaba_S9254_Digital_Servo_p/futm0224.htm
esc
http://www.readyheli.com/K10301A_75A_Brushless_ESC_Governer_Mode_RCE_BL75G_ p/k10301a.htm
motor depend on power needed
http://www.helidirect.com/product_info.php?products_id=6503
http://www.helidirect.com/product_info.php?products_id=6013
pinion depends on head speed and motor
lipo
http://www.airthunder.com/2200mah111v3s1p25cli-polybatterypack-1.aspx
http://www.airthunder.com/5000mah111v25c3s1pli-polybatterypack.aspx
or
http://www.readyheli.com/Kong_Power_3s1p_11_1v_2200mAh_25C_Lipo_Battery_Com _p/kp-2225-3combo.htm
these are a few suggestions just my two cents
Mark

[mcnabbwr]

Depending on the kit you buy the blades, motor, esc, pinion etc are included. The 9650 servo will work providing you install adapter plates, they are a little smaller than standard servos.

[odieser]

here are the adapter paltes that mcnabbwr is speaking of:
http://www.readyheli.com/Custom_Heli_Parts_Futaba_S9650_Carbon_Fiber_Serv_p/chp-g015.htm

[Hawk18052]

But I got turned onto readyheil.com from here and just got a canopy, they even hand wrote thank you and a smiley face. I ordered from Hong Kong, I'm gettting parts before I even have the heli.

Hawk

[MartinS819]

LoL, yup you can't beat ReadyHeli's service and speedy delivery! AND they're the official US distributor of the Hurricane 550! BTW I think Readyheli is selling the 550 with a free 1100kV motor and 75A ESC! Great deal, don't miss out. You'll also want the Revco gears, front and main.

Get a good tail servo like the Futaba S9254. I was told it will work great with the 401. I need one myself, lol.

I use the Align style 3A BEC (volage regulator) on my Hurri and it works great. It adds some weight to th front but that helps with the CG and you won't have to worry about unplugging the motor leads to work on the heli.

The GAUI tailblades work fine, but you can also use the K&B 30/50 blades.

Lipo-wise you'll need two 3S lipos wired in series. You can go from 2100mAh packs to 3000+mAh packs, minding the CG of the heli of course.

As for the blades, I've been using the RCP V2 500 blades and they work well, but for your style of flying, you can stick to woodies, and they're $13 so easy replacements. MS Composits also make CF blades from 515-550 but I haven't tried them.

For the motor you have some choices. The stock GAUI 850kV is sluggish, but the 1100kV is very powerful, but powerhungry. For your style, the Z20 980kV would be nice. The GAUI 50A ESC also isn't very good IMO. Get at least a 60A ESC, maybe Castle Creations or the new Scorpions.

What radio system do you plan on using?

Hope this helps!;)
-Marty

[Hawk18052]

You just listed my next few pay checks going away.

Hawk

[crazyerick]

Hi,

I ordered this on the weekend. CFS version plus free ESC and motor. The freebies is not bad if you on a budget:
http://www.readyheli.com/Gaui_Hurricane_550_CFS_Version_Kit_Carbon_Fiber_S_ p/204006.htm

"I'm so excited... I just can't hide it..."

:-)

[skigolfmike]

I just ordered the CFS version also. I did an upgrade to the Phoenix HV85 ESC for the price difference between the Phoenix and the 75A ESC.

I'm going to get the JR 770/DS8900G combo for the tail and the DS8717 for the cyclic. I plan to use a 2S 1350mAh lipo for a reciever back with a step down for the gyro/TR servo and 2 Kong Power 3200 3S1P lipos to power it.

Hopefully, I can get it in the air next week.

[mcnabbwr]

I ordered my new 550 CFS Version Saturday, received it today. It really looks nice. Great service from Readyheli. I will most likely be up all night and call in sick to finish it.

[MartinS819]

...I will most likely be up all night and call in sick to finish it.

Haha, I know what you mean! I end up doing an all nighter anytime I get a new heli, lol. Didn't call out, but I'm just crazy like that haha.

[Hawk18052]

Some 1 hooked me up with this "Hyperion 0610iDUO " I'm getting one still gotta find a good place for 6s3300 batts. Trust me your in the right place, just look around.

end of line,
Hawk

[Pinecone]

For radio, consider the DX7. The version that comes with the DS821 servos. These are decent digital servos for a Hurricane. I am flying DS821s in mine.

For tail servo, if you have a 401, you can't go wrong with the S9254.

For ESC, I am flying an Align 75 amp right now. You can find them for sale pretty cheap in the classified section.

For motor, I have the stock 890, but am thinking of getting the Z20A.

For blades, tail and main, stock woodies and tail are fine.

The current plastic frame should be fine, as well as with the plastic head. If you get the head speed up, you do need the CNC grips. I would put the CNC bellcranks on any version that doesn't have them. I have the full CNC head and CF frame, and it is nice.

For packs, cheap is Hextronic 3S 3200s from Hobby City. I would go with at least 2500 mAH if I were buying packs specifically for the Hurricane.

[Hawk18052]

I've see that around here, must be pretty good. Gonna stick with the stock for now but definatly getting better batts. The whole controler/reciver thing kinda has me upset, what am I gonna do with the ones that come with my heli?

Hawk

[stvjeep]

I plan on flying with the DX7 radio.

My only problem now is I'm split between the Hurricane 550, T-Rex 500 (seems too small, powerful, agile and unstable for a beginner), and the Logo 500 3D.

I'm currently working on Project X. Mission: get a 500 to 550 (blade size Rex 500 = 425) heli for around $1000 to $1200 RTF with radio, charger, and the works. Looks like the Hurricane fits the bill for $1200. T-Rex 500 for $1300. Logo for $1500.

However there are always other surprises that quickly increase the cost.

[Mikej]

I plan on flying with the DX7 radio.

My only problem now is I'm split between the Hurricane 550, T-Rex 500 (seems too small, powerful, agile and unstable for a beginner), and the Logo 500 3D.

I'm currently working on Project X. Mission: get a 500 to 550 (blade size Rex 500 = 425) heli for around $1000 to $1200 RTF with radio, charger, and the works. Looks like the Hurricane fits the bill for $1200. T-Rex 500 for $1300. Logo for $1500.

However there are always other surprises that quickly increase the cost.

Less than $900 if you shop around http://flying-hobby.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=3_30_36&products_id=2172

Cheers,
Mike.

[stvjeep]

I have browsed around a few of the Asian stores. I heard one too many stories where cash was sent and items were never received. If I could be 100% confident that I wouldn't get screwed over then I would consider it. For now I'm sticking with RC Flight Store, hellevaheli, and Great Hobbies in Canada. I like to try and keep my cash within Canada where possible. However, readyheli and modfosheli have a great rep and I will have to go there for the kit itself if I go with the Hurc and also for the Century or Z20 motor.

[vicrc]

IMHO beginners wont need to use carbon fibers, all metal heads and other blings that break. The good parts about the Hurricane 550, its cheap, it can teach you how to fly because its more stable than the Trex 500 and breaking the wooden blades is a fraction of what the carbon blades sell for. I use carbon now and crash cost is $75-100 dollars. If you spent all your money buying all the upgrades you may not have enough to fix the heli. I spend 3 months on the plastic frame, wood blades, plastic head assembly and it can do aerobatics no problem, not insane 3D of course. I crashed it a few times (average $29 to fix) and as I progressed I upgraded some of the parts. I have the Trex 500 but I enjoy flying the Hurricane more as it is bigger and much easier to learn on. The Trex 500 is a great machine by any means but you can loose it real quick as its very nimble.

[Mikej]

Your choice - I've just ordered my 6th heli from Flying-hobby (2nd Hurricane) - ordered on 20/3/08 shipped 24/3/08 should be with me early next week. I'm a believer :thumbup:

Cheers,
Mike

[BenHeli]

IMHO beginners wont need to use carbon fibers, all metal heads and other blings that break. The good parts about the Hurricane 550, its cheap, it can teach you how to fly because its more stable than the Trex 500 and breaking the wooden blades is a fraction of what the carbon blades sell for. I use carbon now and crash cost is $75-100 dollars. If you spent all your money buying all the upgrades you may not have enough to fix the heli. I spend 3 months on the plastic frame, wood blades, plastic head assembly and it can do aerobatics no problem, not insane 3D of course. I crashed it a few times (average $29 to fix) and as I progressed I upgraded some of the parts. I have the Trex 500 but I enjoy flying the Hurricane more as it is bigger and much easier to learn on. The Trex 500 is a great machine by any means but you can loose it real quick as its very nimble.

This is the same thing told to me by the owner of the LHS and a few wonderful members here on this forum. For newbies, stay with the stock parts and upgrade later. BTW, the owner of the LHS is flying his (no crazy 3D) with the stock parts and a cheapo $40 gyro. No bling bling otherwise the wallet gets ding ding.

[vicrc]

Sorry I moved it to my 8s123 thread

http://www.helifreak.com/showpost.php?p=605262&postcount=60

[odieser]

holy cow you don't even have a Hurricane 550 anymore it is something else with gaui gear system LOL

[vicrc]

Yup still have the transmission it wouldn't be a Hurricane 550 after that! ROFL, I must applaud to the person at Custom Heli Parts that designed the frame as it is very nice.

[MartinS819]

Yeah the CHP frame looks great and I plan to get it later on. I just wish it could support standard servos. Now I have to get a nice set of mini servos whenever I get that frame! BTW are there any other options besides the 9650, faster...more torque I mean.

[slo_dave]

BTW are there any other options besides the 9650, faster...more torque I mean.

Sure are...

Hitec 5245mg

76oz torque @ 6v
.12 sec @ 6v

9650 is 62.5oz and .11 @6v

Hitec are a little cheaper, stronger but a tad slower (barely) than the 9650.

They are what I have on mine with the CHP frame..which is for sale BTW :)

http://www.runryder.com/helicopter/t419679p1/