Thunder Tiger E550 Raptor vs Gaui Hurricane 550

[3D Dave]

Well, it's soon going to be time for a bigger heli and based on what I've read I have narrowed my preference to these 2 models.

- Thunder Tiger E550 Raptor
or
- GAUI Hurricane 550

I'm hoping to find opinions from guys that HAVE FLOWN both of these and can give me some opinions on how they fly individually and comparatively to each other. I have read a couple reviews on the Gaui but none on the E550 Raptor. I'm still looking for more input on:

- How well each one handles for a beginner.
- Ease of build & repair
- Quality of parts, fit and finish
- Cost to repair
- Parts compatability with other heli's
- Parts availability in the USA
- Any other important info. that could steer me one way or the other.

I understand the Hurricane 550 is not available with BOTH a CF frame AND metal head so I'd probably go with the plastic frame/metal head combination.

I am a new heli pilot and have been flying (mostly hovering) a Thunder Tiger E325 mini-Titan for about 2 months and REALLY LIKE IT!!!. I don't want to invest in new, expensive 6S packs so I plan on using (2) 3S packs for each flight on this heli.

As a last contender I was looking at the HDX550 from HeliDirect but I think I like the above two better.

Any and all thoughts/opinions are welcome.

THANKS!!!

Dave D.