Is this a good deal?

[AvidEditor]

I'm a real world noob but a somewhat experienced pilot in the sim world with almost two years of casual heli fly time. I'm looking to buy my first heli and my goal is to enjoy sport flying (no 3D) and then get into aerial still photography.

I have just under $1000 to spend for now and was considering breaking into the hobby with a T-Rex 450 or Blade 400. I priced out both packages and it's about $600-$800. But these can't carry the loads a logo can w/o heating up motors and batteries prematurely and I don't want to buy another heli once I realize the weight limitations of the 400 class.

I'd rather just bite the blade now and spend a few hundred dollars more to get a heli that has the capability to handle AP with ease. So, can you all tell me if this package below is worthy as the combo they are selling it for or is it cheaper to piece it out individually? I don't need the "best" parts right away as that can be upgraded over time and I'm not worried if this heli has more expensive parts and upgrades than the T-Rex class. Plus it seems there are already some decent parts on it.

http://www.helihobby.com/html/logo_helicopter_products.html
1st combo on page

Not sure what TX comes with it as it says:
CRXXHTC CH-XX Match TX

What does that mean?

Thanks for the help

[stvjeep]

Keep in mind I am also a newb. I am still in the research and sim stage.

I hear more bad then good about helihobby. The main problem seems to be their customer service or major lack there of. This is only what I have heard though.

The package looks like an amazing deal on paper but you will get low end components. I don't even see what the components are, they're not listed. Going with a used Logo 10 already set-up from a reputable person would be much better.

When going new, even with one of the older model Logo's you will still be coming out around $1800 to $2000 if not more. This is for the whole package (Tx, Rx, Charger, lipos, and so on). The cost will skyrocket pretty quick when you exceed the 6 cell lipo point. Using A123 cells cut the cost almost in half, but that is a whole other thread. My best advice is look for a good used deal. Many good deals can be found as guys just want to get out of the hobby completely. I have seen many T-Rex 600e's for sale lately at a fair price. Logo's are much less frequently for sale and with good reason.

If you want to get into the hobby for as cheap as possible and as big a heli as possible, the Hurricane 550 is the best value. Keep in mind though it's no Logo, and will ultimately need some add dollars to increase performance. By my estimates your looking at $1600 for a complete NEW Hurricane 550 package. If you find used you will save perhaps a few hundred.

It's very hard looking for a large Heli (30 to 50 size) at around $1000, and I think impossible. Realistically, $2000 will get you what you want. I know, it's A LOT of cash. To get a larger Logo heli though, that's the price ballpark your looking at. You pay for the quality though. You get what you pay for. I have hardly seen ANY posts with people complaining about Logo quality issues.

My advice is keep researching and getting advice. I still need to decide what I'm doing. I'm looking at the Logo 600 3D and 500 3D. Both at $2000. I almost pulled the trigger on a Hurc 550 or T-Rex 500, but I just hear so many little quarks with those. The Logo keeps calling me....

[worldofmaya]

Hi!
You maybe better wait for the new Logo 400. It's cheaper than a 500 and a little bit smaller than a Logo 10... This would also decrease battery costs. I don't know what you have, but 1000USD would be really tight for a Logo 400 if you need everything. Don't try to replace more expensive components with cheaper once. Flying a 1000$ heli with a 20$ gyro doesn't make sense... you don't need super fast and strong servos which costs 100$ per servo. But take the right Esc (Jazz), Gyro (401) and common servos. Otherwise you'll have to pay for it afterwards because you're not happy...
Most of the time there are issues with cheaper helis. But you could be happy with one of them too. Check different forums and try to get in contact with some experienced pilots. Deciding for one of the brands is one step, setting it up another one... build it yourself but someone should have a look at it.
If you're looking for a used Logo 10 check if there are problems. Nearly every Mikado pilot says that there's no reason for selling a Logo. Besides getting a new one :)
-klaus

ps.: you're doing film or tv editing?

[LITHIUMSTATIC]

$1,000......... I'd recommend you go with a used Raptor 50. You should be able to get a complete rig RTF with everything you need for under $1,000 if you look around. Keep in mind it's a nitro so it's going to have a little mess involved. But they are easy to fly and parts are everywhere. A lot of folks fly them also so you should have plenty of tech support.

A Logo 400 would be awesome...... but I can't see you getting into that for $1000

[fireup]

Should also concider Logo500 DX with a Spektrum DX6i

[Eyefly]

If it hasn't come up already, please be very weary of this retailer. I have hear numerous horror stories with this business. I would stick to some of the more trusted sights or buy used online.

[stvjeep]

Take a look at the Electric Heli Beginner's Guide. It's a good read. I think the Jr. Voyager E specs fit pretty closely to the T-Rex 500 in regards to rotor diameter and weight. The T-Rex 500 seems more of an aggressive 3D set-up though but I'm sure it can be toned down for trainer use.

[gregwee]

The Electric Heli Beginner's Guide is available here (http://www.swashplate.co.uk/). It's a little out of date since it was last updated in Oct 2006, but it still applies as long as you take into account all the newer electric helicopters available now.

I've never bought from Helihobby before, so I can't really comment about the reliability of that vendor. However, concerning that combo, my opinion is that the HS81MG servos are pretty marginal on cyclic, and it only comes with a single 12 cell 2400 NiMH which will give you pretty short flights. You'll still need to invest in Lipo packs and charger for longer flights.

I bought my Logo 10 used, about 4 years ago since it was a much better deal than buying a kit and building it myself. However, I've noticed that used Logo 10s are pretty thin on the ground right now, since those who want to upgrade to a Logo 500 have already done so, and those of us who still like their Logo 10s have no intention of selling ours.. :)

In any case, here's a video of my Logo 10 with a cheap onboard video camera on it.

bhnKVw3rJBY

[dogfart]

Gregwee Quote:
. . . my opinion is that the HS81MG servos are pretty marginal on cyclic . . .

Greg, Can you recommend a better servo (same size/fit)?

[HeliSmith]

If it hasn't come up already, please be very weary of this retailer. I have hear numerous horror stories with this business. I would stick to some of the more trusted sights or buy used online.

I have been brought in to offer support on the forums and I will address any issue that is brought to my attention. My job is made supremely easy by the fact that customer service manager Nikki is taking this very seriously. If something is not right she is committed to correcting it.

One common thing as I am fielding questions and problems that I have found is that a lot of people are confusing Ehobbyhouse with the online vendor HeliHobby. They are not under the same ownership where even though they are an authorized distributor they do not share HeliHobby's customer service practices.

Some of the problem with timely responses they have learned was how to server prioritized requests. There has not only been work done on the server but a new website is now available where you are given a choice of the two websites. It is my belief that HeliHobby has come to the table to not only be the largest selection of r/c heli items but also to be the best possible source. They have invested largely in making the process of inquiring, ordering and shipping the smoothest possible. You can tell that by the quality of the new website.

I do offer that if you have had an issue that you bring this to Nikki by calling HeliHobby or if you would like me to personally follow up send me a PM. Customer feedback is very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

[gregwee]

Gregwee Quote:
. . . my opinion is that the HS81MG servos are pretty marginal on cyclic . . .

Greg, Can you recommend a better servo (same size/fit)?

For light duty and a relatively cheap price, the HS-85MG will fit. Take a look at this chart (http://www.logoheli.com/servos.htm) for the recommended servos on the older Logos.

I have JR DS-3421 in my Logo 10. These are considered the best servos for the Logo 10 about 3 years ago. They are very precise, and have more than enough torque to handle the cyclic on the Logo 10 even in full 3D..