Thunder Tiger E550 Raptor vs Gaui Hurricane 550

[3D Dave]

Hey guys. I wasn't sure if I'd get a good/balanced opinion in this TT forum but I know you guys know your helis (and I have a mini-Titan) so I'm going to ask. 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.

[stevehonn]

The Raptor E550 is much bigger and heavier than the Hurricane 550 and uses larger capacity packs, I use TP5000 6S packs in my E550. The Raptor uses the same basic head and tail as the Raptor 30/50 nitro models and parts for these will be available almost anywhere as it's a long established heli with huge numbers flying. The E550 handles very well for a beginner, it's pretty stable as it comes and lots of heli flyers learned on R30/50s and still do. Parts are good quality and there don't seem to be any problem areas on them. The down side of the E550 is that you would have to buy new 6S packs, two 3S Mini Titan packs wouldn't be useable, then again, they don't last too long on a Hurricane either.

I bought a Hurricane early on and never got on with it, the early ones stripped main gears easily and regularly and you had to buy quite a few upgrades from the get-go to be able to keep it up in the air for long. Things have moved on since then but I sold mine not long after buying it because it wasn't really what I wanted and in those days spares were hard to get in the UK. I'm sure things are better in the US, I'd check ReadyHeli's site as they stock the helis and spares. I'd say quality wasn't as good as the Raptor but prices were cheaper.

[Gukke]

Hello,

I 'm also flying a mini titan now for a year and i like thunder tiger.
And i'm also looking for a bigger one. I was thinking on a E550 with standard setup on 6S 5000 Lipo's and carbon blades.
Now i am flying +/-11min with my mini titan so i would like also flight times of +/-10min maybe with a scale fuselages. I fly NO 3D, normal heli flying with little sport accent.

I use the Ace servo's on my mini titan. And was thinking on the DS1213 from Ace for the cyclic on the E550.

- E550 with standard motor en esc
- Ace DS1213 servo's
- 6S5000 lipo (for 10min)
- carbon blades
- 2S2000 lipo for bec
- logictech 2100 gyro or futaba gy401
Is this a good idea?
good servo for rudder?

[stevehonn]

My E550 currently lives in a Funkey Hughes 500E fuselage. I had an 11T pinion fitted when it was pod and boom but needed to reduce the headspeed for scale so it now has a 9T pinion fitted. Using my TP 5000 packs I can fly for 7-8 minutes and keep the packs under the 80% discharge mark, 10 minutes might be a bit optomistsic.

[3D Dave]

Thanks Steve!

Since the E550 would NEED 6s packs AND the E550 costs more than the Hurricane 550 I'm leaning toward the latter. The latest H550's are getting GREAT reviews.

I have and LOVE the mini-Titan (first heli) so wanted to look at and compare the E550.

I'm new to heli's and don't want to break the bank at the moment.

Dave D.

[Gukke]

I've reed some where of fly-times over 15min with a large heli (larger than a mini titan).

When you run on 8 - 10s lipo's (e620setup) will it be better for long fly-times?
It's more expensive, but when you buy something buy the right thing from the beginning.


My choise is the raptor for getting easy parts and i like the contruction. but i like also a metal head and swash. so which one E550 or E620 se (more expensive, longer waiting must saving more money)

@3d dave: which one are/was you thinking of "E550 with motor and esc" or "only the kit of the E550"

[3D Dave]

Gukke,

I was not decided on which E550 kit. I was just trying to see what others thought of each of the heli's listed.

Steve said I'd have to use 6s packs and buying 3 of those plus a 5+ cell Li-Po balancing charger is a little too expensive right now.

Therefore, I'm leaning towards the newest Gaui Hurricane 550 which can use (2) 3s Li-Po's which I already have 6 of. The only problem is that I've learned there is a possible problem with the tail slider/grip mechanism so I am keeping an eye on that.

I've had a mini-Titan for 2 months now (first heli) but was looking for something bigger for outdoor stability.

Dave D.

[bearwood]

I have not flown a E550 but I have a Hurricane 550.

Firstly the H550 will fly on 2x2200 25c but it is hard on the packs. You really need a minimum of 2500mah preferably 3000mah packs.

The stock Gaui motors are hard on packs. The Z20-980 is a popular choice for sport flying and the Z30-1100 is for the 3D people.

The plastic frame is fine for sport flying but you will want a carbon frame for 3d due to frame distortion with high power motors in the plastic frame. You will also need to do several mods like fitting Raptor tail rotor at high headspeeds and aftermarket delrin gears.

The parts for the H550 are really easy on the pocket and easy to come by.

IMO if you are learning then the H550 is a good choice. If you are past the learning phase then the E550 maybe a better option. Then there is the Logo 500 DX & 3D:)

[3D Dave]

Thanks bearwood.

I'm still learning so I'd say that I'll be sport flying and the plastic frame H550, Z20-980 brushless motor and Castle Creations Phoenix 60 are what I'm looking at.

I have 3 Thunder Power 25C 3s eXtreme packs and 3 Cellpro 25C 3s Revolectrix packs. From what I've read I should get at least 5-6 minutes with that Z20 motor and stock heli.

That will have to suffice for now.

Now I'm trying to put the spec sheet together for it.

I'm still not sure what servos to use for cyclic but I'd like to get digital, metal gear JR's as I'm using a Spektrum DX7.

Also not sure what BEC to buy.


Dave D.

[badriM]

Hi guys,

I have a RAPTOR 550 E from more than one year. After more than 200 flyes with him, I never have a better hely. It is very easy to run, fly very very well and with a litle maintenance, it is more than reliable it is a rock. The price of the spare parts are very low and a loot of upgrade is available everywere. With 6 S 4000 you have 10 min of pleasure every fly.

My first hely was a TREX 450 SE. Even i had 6 batteries 3S 2200, I buy a Gaui 550 e carbon frame to use them.
Aftrer 6 month of test I think it is not the same World. It is cheaper i agree but eat a loot of spare parts and need a loot of maintenance. The power is good with a Z Power 20 980 turn/v but only 5 min of fun before landing.

Finaly even The TT 550 E is more expensive, i think it is the best choice.

[Vinger]

I have both these helis, and by far the TT E550 is the heki to have, stock standard it flies rings around the standard H550, which by the way only swings 500mm blades. The eRaptor might be more expensive initially, but what I have spent on upgrades for the H550, it is more expensive and only then it flies like it was designed to, The H550 really need 3300mAh 6cell Lipos at minimum, the 2200mAh option will just kill your batteries.

As I have now have the Hurri at a level where she is enjoyable to fly, low maintenance and have power like the stock E550, I cannot complain, but beware the hidden costs in the Hurricane. I bought the following to make it really fly nice:

ReadyHeli CC frame
Hacker motor
Delrin .6mod gears
Short boom/belt
All the head upgrades
MGM Compro 60A ESC
TT skids
Figreglass Canopy
TT tail mod

So if you want to really compare, the TT E550 is a clear winner, just get 5300 mAh batteries and she rocks for at least 9 minutes of circuits, loops and rolls or 7 min of 3D, no upgrades required, only bling for the ego!!!!!:smokin:

[badriM]

Dear Vinger,

I m full agree with you, I have made the total of upgrade on my Hurricane to have a correct machine and .... It is more than my Raptor.
I think than you can upgrade as you want, you can spend a loot of money the raptor is always the best.
The only one how have the same quality and perfect fly seams to be the TRex 600.
And last my Rappy is beautiful in fly. A 100 % good result for this fantastic machine.
RAPTOR ONE DAY RAPTOR FOR EVER !!!!!!!!!!

[tomra]

Hi guys,

With 6 S 4000 you have 10 min of pleasure every fly.

You get 10min of flying with a 4000mah battery?

Can you please post some more specs., brand of battery, pinion size, any other mods etc. Of course i understand that this is gentle flying and not some crazy 3D stuff.

[badriM]

Here s my setup for sunday cool fly :

batteries : 2 X 3S 4000mha
gear : 10 teath
blades : 550 mm Thunder Tiger
E motor : Z power Z30 1100 turn/v
speed controler : ALIGN 75 A
standar curve : 0 45 65 85 100 for gas -2 +5 +10 for pitch
idle : 80 65 100 for gas -6 +5 +10 for pitch

Motor consuption : 20 A in stationary and 40 A at full trottle

A gentle fly with stationary and translation is 10 min with 3000 mh eated in each pack
A gentle fly with some loops and rols is 8 min with 3200mh eated in each pack
For the 3d a friend in my club use the same setup with a -10 +5 +10 curve and one fly is 6 min

[3D Dave]

Thanks vinger, bearwood and all.

The problem with the E550 is the HUGE expense of batteries. I know there are some cheaper out there but I also know you generally get what you pay for in batteries. I don't want to spend $150.00+ on a 6s that goes dead after 50-75 flights. I have had GREAT results from CellPro Revolectrix packs on my mini-Titan $69.00ea. For the TT E550 Raptor I would need:

6-cell, 5300mAh capacity Cellpro Revolectrix Black Label LiPo Battery Pack. part number LIPOCH4S03-A123.
Size: 41mm thick, 188mm L x 46mm W
Weight: 877 grams / 1lb.,15oz.
Ratings: 22C $342.50

That's $1,027.50 for 3 packs

then add $189.99 for a 10s charger.

$1,217.49 just to power the E550.

The Gaui R550 will run on 2 of my 3s packs that I already have (and I have a 4s charger).

I know there is probably a quality difference between Thunder Tiger and GAUI too but I'm just starting out. This is only my 2nd heli.

So in my particular situation it's almost $1,700.00 to get the E550 and
about $400-475 for the Hurricane 550

Thanks for all the feedback though. That's what I wanted.

Anyone else want to comment? Maybe I should just fly my mini-Titan until next year when I can splurge on batteries.

Dave D.

[rotorhead58d]

true-rc makes a 6S1P stick pack 4000mAh $105 a piece.

[3D Dave]

rotorhead58d,

I saw that True RC 6S1P battery but it's only rated at 10C I didn't think it would handle the load of the E550 heli motor.


vinger,

I actually had the boss (wife) suggest the E550 even though the Li-Po's are much more expensive. She said "get one now and one more later" so now I need to hear more about the E550 ;-)

Since you have both the Hurricane 550 and Raptor E550 what are the main differences like:

1) ease of repair/access to components

2) flight characteristics (which one is more stable in hover etc.)

3) what motor do you recommend that will stay cool in hot weather? It gets above 95 degrees and above here for the whole summer.

What else can you tell me to help make my decision?

I'm going to look more into prices.


Thanks.

Dave D.

[rotorhead58d]

i have 2 x true rc 4000 mAh 6S1P batteries. i will try them when i get my E550 in the air. if i puff them, oh well. the heli i bought them for was a nightmare, and they remind me of it anyway. i will post my results when i get it done. it might be a month or more till that time though:thumbup:

[Vinger]

rotorhead58d,

I saw that True RC 6S1P battery but it's only rated at 10C I didn't think it would handle the load of the E550 heli motor.


vinger,

I actually had the boss (wife) suggest the E550 even though the Li-Po's are much more expensive. She said "get one now and one more later" so now I need to hear more about the E550 ;-)

Since you have both the Hurricane 550 and Raptor E550 what are the main differences like:

1) ease of repair/access to components

2) flight characteristics (which one is more stable in hover etc.)

3) what motor do you recommend that will stay cool in hot weather? It gets above 95 degrees and above here for the whole summer.

What else can you tell me to help make my decision?

I'm going to look more into prices.


Thanks.

Dave D.
The E550 never breaks, unles you plant it!!!!! The Hurricane and E550 are easy to work on and a lot of the tail parts are interchangeable.

In my humble opinion the E550 are more stable to learn on, but the wow IT"S BIG factor might hamper learning, although it's real easy to fly. It is heavier than the Hurricane so wind affect it less as well. With the lighter paddles fitted and the stock motor/gearing she can do 3D with the best of them, so a real Mr Jackyl and Hyde heli. You will not be sorry you bought it.

The stock motor (Z30 1100kV clone, TT calls it the Ripper) stays cool and gives amazing power, even in our 90 to 110deg F weather. So now problem there, even the batteries stay within limits. (Apower 5300mAh 22C)

GO FOR IT

[rotorhead58d]

yep, i'm gonna pull the trigger on the E550. metal head, and sus tailshaft too. any good wood blades you can recommend? i'd like to get a set of cf's too, just for the heck of it.

[Vinger]

I fly with GCT (Maverrick) CF 550mm blades, it really brings out the heli's qualities. The TT wood blades are great for learning as they are cheaper than CF. Excellent quality.

http://www.mikes-models.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=229_246&manufacturers_id=27&filter_id=267_268_269

[helicraze]

GCT are good!

[3D Dave]

rotorhead, vinger, I'm going to eat my earlier words here. :-|

After really mulling this over I'm now leaning towards the E550 too.

Do I REALLY need the SUS tailshaft and/or metal head? I will NOT be doing 3D, just basic flight. If the stock ones are good enough for now I'll get the upgrades later.

After reading some other posts were guys are using smaller packs ie:3300mAh Li-Po's, I was considering doing the same. I was also going to get (2) 3s packs instead of (1) 6s and just run them in series. That way I can use my two 4s Cellpro chargers instead of having to buy a new one.

The heli guy at my LHS also enlightened me to the fact that in a crash with with 2 separate packs, I have a chance of losing only 1 of the 2 3s packs instead of the entire 6s pack.

Lastly, what are the best, cheap, 550mm wood blades these days?

Thanks!

Dave D.

[Tim Tompkins]

I see no reason to get the metal head. I would build it with the sus tail piece but the raptor head is what comes on the 50 nitro as well as the 30 nitro. It is very well proven in the hardest of 3D flight. The metal head center is recomended by TT when you go to higher headspeed than 2000 rpm's. Just go ahead and build one of the 550's and fly fly fly. When you want more quickness put a set of lighter paddles on. I have the best results with the rotortech brand blades. The thin profile seems to have less drag than the TT carbons. Thunder Tiger doesn't sell it with wood blades and recommends fiberglass or carbon blades. The reason is the higher blade speed than glow versions. The wood blades are draggy and heat up your batteries anyway. This heli has been designed with brushless and lipo's in mind. My swift was an engineering job for nicad batteries and brushed motors. It was very light weight but fragile and flexible. This bird is built tough and parts are going to last. Nothing will be untouched in a wreck but this will survive anything you can do to it in the air. Even that landing gear is the same as the nitro's.
BTW I just ordered 2 6S 5000 packs from Dan @ trurc. $307.00 shipped priority mail for 2. I'll let you know how I like them. look at the kit with motor and esc @ aimainhobbies.com. TimT

[Vinger]

I second what Tim said, just get it with stock ACE ESC and Ripper motor and a pair of GF blades to keep costs down. I first flew my E550 on 3300mAh Lipos, and got 7 min easily, so that will work as well. This heli is built to last, no real need for upgrades, except for the bling factor!!!!!!!!!!