Fights on !!

[Nyther]

H to the C said in one of his mini interviews was to fly what you can afford to crash. Tally up the parts that would need to be replaced in a crash. If you can afford the crash, then buy it. If not, then find a more affordable helicopter. I looked at what I can afford to crash, and a 90 size bird is out of my range for the time being. Pitting one manufacturer against another based on parts and then bash that since one is cheaper, then it is junk or since the replacement parts are more expensive, then then they are gouging, etc. Many manufacturer's use different machining techniques and materials which will reflect on prices. If you have both a Trex 700N and an Avant Aurora, then please feel free to give us a review on how the Trex 700 flies vs. the Avant Aurora. If not, then don't speculate based on part prices alone. My point is, the Aurora is finally out and we should be rejoicing, not bashing. Let's give these manufactures a fair shot when both the Trex 700 and Avant Aurora are out and then evaluate.

Thanks,
Ken

[EdgeCrusher]

Im just looking forward to the time when both these damn helis have been out for some time and its no longer a topic of conversation :-d

[Tyree]

I think you need to look at the integrity of the company behind the heli as well... and in this case
the winner is clear.....700 and Align !....the other company isn't even in the same universe....!!

Ty

[Madbob]

I think Align has a winner on it's hands .Saw the 700 fly today.It feels light(did not have a scale with me) and it looks like it flies light.The look of course is typical Align but with a $800 price tag with metal head and cf frame they are going too sell at least sell a few.

[docjoe]

The proof will be in the pudding. Flying both and then letting us know how each performs is going to be the key. Align and JK have learned a lot from their experience with the 600N and JK also had his part to play with the Synergy too so there's always improvement in the succeeding designs. I think the 700 will be a very good heli and I think that it will make the 90 sized class of helis more accessible to people. The Aurora is a beautiful machine but Align will definitely have more product support, with likely available parts at your LHS. To me it will be a no brainer to go to the 700 once it comes out. Parts will be cheaper and crash costs will really help keep you in the air.

I have had problems keeping my Stratus in the Air because of little parts here and there that are sometimes not available.

I'm going to wait to see what the verdict is. I love the look of the Aurora but the 2 year wait has soured me. Plus, I have Align machines up the wazoo and love all of them, from my 450s to my 500 to my electric and Nitro 600s!

[invertmast]

Even if align gets rid of the "lets let the consumers be the beta testers" attitude and build the 700N the right way not requiring upgrades, theirs still gonna be issues with it. They are GOING to have to get rid of the $hitty bearings they use. And start putting more quality parts and materials into the heli.

90's are no joke to be messing with. I only hope they beta test it 1/4 as well as the aurora. The aurora is aimed towards those who want the best of the best. The 700N is aimed IMO more towards the general public looking for a cheap way into the big boys.

[alignrcusa]

Invertmast:
What's meangin "BETA TESTER?" Align never give end user "BETA heli!" since T600 came out!
T-Rex700 been tested by Jason Krause, Alan Szabo,Lukas Rive and Bert. in factory and flying test still going! also we will have another 100 of T700 will give to most sponsor pilots and some of field rep. next week to build and test flight and get report back to factory late on.

Up to right now, JK,Alan Szabo,Bert and lukas been through over 70 flights(Mine had over 40 flights) on each heli and we didn't see any major issue so far!

Align was trying their best and bring out best .90 size heli to most of people. please don't bash align without seeing or test these heli!

Andy

[docjoe]

Even if align gets rid of the "lets let the consumers be the beta testers" attitude and build the 700N the right way not requiring upgrades, theirs still gonna be issues with it. They are GOING to have to get rid of the $hitty bearings they use. And start putting more quality parts and materials into the heli.

90's are no joke to be messing with. I only hope they beta test it 1/4 as well as the aurora. The aurora is aimed towards those who want the best of the best. The 700N is aimed IMO more towards the general public looking for a cheap way into the big boys.

I honestly think that the Aurora had some other delays (production problems, legal problems, whatever...) and the delay was NOT because they wanted to test the heli to make sure it was completely right. I believe that they used that excuse as the reason for their delay. However, they had a lot of their issues, such as the tail, sorted out over a year ago.

Additionally, I believe that Align has learned from each of its helis in production. I will bet that the 700N, considering the knowledge Align now has with nitro helis, will be their finest heli to date.

[RBOSCO]

Invertmast!
Your point is well taken! It remains to be seen how the 700 will hold up! But as always, people will buy it, and have to buy the fixes later! .....Will it hold a candle to the Aurora?
HA HA HA ....LOL LOL LOL

[durtdemon]

We will see soon. We cant compare the two without both being on the market and available to the general public to fly. I want to see apples to apples.

[erniefritz]

I've seen the 700 up close at my local field with Bert at the sticks.... It's VERY WELL put together and is a QUALITY product. I've watched it go thru some of the hardest maneuvers time after time without even a flutter and some of the innovations with this machine is going to make it a true winner.

[invertmast]

Invertmast:
What's meangin "BETA TESTER?" Align never give end user "BETA heli!" since T600 came out!
T-Rex700 been tested by Jason Krause, Alan Szabo,Lukas Rive and Bert. in factory and flying test still going! also we will have another 100 of T700 will give to most sponsor pilots and some of field rep. next week to build and test flight and get report back to factory late on.

Up to right now, JK,Alan Szabo,Bert and lukas been through over 70 flights(Mine had over 40 flights) on each heli and we didn't see any major issue so far!

Align was trying their best and bring out best .90 size heli to most of people. please don't bash align without seeing or test these heli!

Andy

Andy,
I'm not bashing align, i'm just expressing my concerns. I've owned every align heli put out so far. Align just seemed to release the 600N extremely quickly from the time it was announced they would be releasing it. Shortly afterwards, their seemed to be alot of small "teething" issues pop up. Such as the cooling fan issues, swash phasing, washout bases, swash ball placement, etc. Then all of these "upgrades" starting popping up for it. IMO, this kinda supported a "beta" test, even if it wasn't the end consumers being meant as the beta testers. I purchased a $600 heli kit back in november, expecting it to have all of then re-inforced and upgraded parts in the kit. I was in for a big surprise, i had got a kit that still had the old style fan and other parts that i had heard of people having issues with. I then proceeded to spend about $200 on these new "upgraded" parts. Then 3 months later, i find out all new kits get these parts included at the same price i paid for my kit. How is that fair to us who spent our hard earned money on these "upgrades" at retail price on TOP of the original kits price.

I am more worried that this will happen Again w/ the 700N. I do not want to spend $800 on a kit, and have to spent another $100+ on "upgrades" to fix teething issues like the 600N had. That is my main concern, other than the bearings that are supplied with all of the align heli's i've had or flown dont last long.

Now if you want to send me a 700N to give a thorough Un-biased report (because yes i do plan to buy one of these heli's) from someone who is not an align rep to post here, i'll be MORE than happy to spend the time to do so for you.

[chosen69]

I like the way this thread is coming along !!!
In my opinion the more competition - the better for us - the customers/consumers !!
It's like the neverending fight between BMW and Mercedes, they're both awesome cars (had to say that being german), tested to perfection but in the end personal preference will make the decision. Unless you don't have to care about money - then you just get 'em both ! ... and then there are those addicted people that would even sell their mother just to get em both: I'd call those HELIFREAKS !!!
As I said fight's on and never in the world would I miss an exciting fight like that ! Looking forward to seeing both in action side by side !!

[Garland]

No way is Align in the same league as a Bergen/MA/Vario or Avant.

No way in hell. Sorry. Align are designed and built to a price piont to cut the throat of the rest of the heli industry.

Align is equal to these other companies why cause J.K. or A.S. tell everyone they are??

Accept align for what it is the walmart brand of Rc helis.

Im tired of folks expecting quality manufacturers to lower costs to compete with a Chinese company without near the skilled workforce that take pride in their work like our German/US/Japanese heli factories.

Align has proven that their QA dept is asleep or inept. No amount of cheerleading by Align reps can convince me other wise.

Also....Where is the innovation in the T700 design? It looks like a regurgitated so so heli. Best thing going for it is the basement price.

[2kwik2c]

Does anybody here know that Avant Aurora is Made in China??? Avant made the design of the Aurora which is here in the U.S., but it's parts and components are made in China. Whether everyone like it or not the Aurora is not entirely made in the U.S.A. Not taking sides with Align, or any other manufacturer but my philosophy is this: "Whenever a new product comes out whether it'd be tested and proven for over a million tests, there's bound to be a bug that will emerge and will require upgrades and patches to further improve the product. The performance and longevity of a product also depends on the end users usages and how he or she takes care of their property."

Look at Microsoft, a US company that's been in business for several years or decades. Whenever they release a new OS it'll always require update patches and service packs to further improve it's performance and lessen the problems. It's the same fact not just on RC helicopters but as a whole to other manufacters of vehicles, appliances, etc.etc. Bugs and gremlins are here to stay!

Mercedes Benz and BMW, made in Germany, but a heck of problem car. There's bugs and issues with these cars. I use to own a 2000 E 320 Mercedes Benz and after 1 year of usage what happened? My electronic fuel pump gives way and have to cough up $500 just to fix it. I've been following Mercedes's guidelines of using 91 octane gas for this car to make it run efficient and clean and yet this thing still happenes. Mercedes should be a reliable car, but it's not. I traded my Mercedes to a 2003 Toyota 4Runner. I just got this new SUV for a month and the next thing you know there's a big recall because of the design flaw in the fuel system. Bottomline is there will be issues with new products whether it's been tested over and over.

We homosapiens always strive for improvement in our life, our health, and our material possesion. Just because a product is well tested and proven doesn't make it much of a better product. Sometimes we tend to improve things that does not really require improving to it because its working fine and dandy.

As for me it doesn't bother me a bit if my RC Helicopter will require an upgrade or add some bling to further enhance the performance and make it look better. Why you might ask? It's because after much tweaking on it, at the end of the day I can stand back look at it and enjoy and be statisfied with the work I have done to my heli. I'm a car enthusiast too and I like to tweak things and make my hands work. It feels good to see something transform in front of your eyes and see an improvement.

[manu2604]

well said, thanks to align I can afford to fly helis.

[vetterick]

Man I hope thats over, it was as silly as the Mac/PC war.

[Nyther]

Very well put 2kwik2c.:thumbup:

Thanks,
Ken

[2kwik2c]

Very well put 2kwik2c.:thumbup:

Thanks,
Ken


Thanks, It's just tiring to see members trying to out-do each other just because of the two new 90 helicopters that are coming out of the market. As far as I'm concerned most RC helicopter can be considered as a commodity. Parts and tech support is what I'd rather look for; a reliable source to get parts for it.

As far as quality and craftsmanship goes I just recently bought a Hirobo Freya Evo 90 and to me Hirobo have been in the business of RC helicopter since the 80s along with GMP and they have an extensive experience on RC helicopter. And yet I still buy upgrade parts for an already near perfectly designed heli. It flies and hovers very well and yet I still want to upgrade it. Its a part of life to further improve an already improved product. RC heli hobby is a money pit. You never stop upgrading the darn thing. I bet you buyers of the Avant Aurora will still buy upgrades for it later on when they become available. What's there to upgrade when the Aurora can be considered already upgraded? You know what I mean!? Whether it's Align, Avant, or whatever, a RC helicopter will still be a RC helicopter and there will always be issues later on that will emerge and upgrades will be available for the taking. It'll be a baloney for someone to say that they'll buy an RC helicopter and never upgrade it because the such and such company have done extensive testing on it and the quality of the product it perfect without any flaws. That's a bull.

To me, whatever floats you boat then buy it. You're buying the heli for your self satisfaction not because you want to follow a trend or because other people says it's good. Follow what your heart and desire tells you to.

[invertmast]

What's there to upgrade when the Aurora can be considered already upgraded? You know what I mean!? Whether it's Align, Avant, or whatever, a RC helicopter will still be a RC helicopter and there will always be issues later on that will emerge and upgrades will be available for the taking. It'll be a baloney for someone to say that they'll buy an RC helicopter and never upgrade it because the such and such company have done extensive testing on it and the quality of the product it perfect without any flaws. That's a bull.

To me, whatever floats you boat then buy it. You're buying the heli for your self satisfaction not because you want to follow a trend or because other people says it's good. Follow what your heart and desire tells you to.

The Aurora was built to NOT need any upgrades. That issue is. alot of people buy "upgrades" for the "bling" factor. I dont buy upgrades unless they is a reasonable reason for me to justify the cost. Take metal blade grips for instance.. whats the purpose? all they do is add weight and eliminate the chance of breaking one. Have you ever owned an avant heli? I'm guessing no. I've owned EVERY align heli on the market right now, and i've owned a number of 90's and other heli's. And the avant is the only one i've ever flown that i felt needed no upgrades (even thought it was based off a hirobo platform). The aurora gets rid of the pitfalls of the hirobo assemblies..


Now, that being said, i can't wait for the 700N to come out as i'm purchasing one (after the first few batches are sold) just to see how the quality of the align products are getting. They are getting progressively better with every heli they design, build and sell. Hopefully they'll do the 700N justice and get it right straight out of the box w/ minimal teething issues.

[Finless]

Well so you know about 200 T700 helis will be here next week. They will be going to Align pilots to test and run as much as they can before Align goes into full production. They WANT feedback ASAP from these people. That includes me :)
Mine will be part of that shipment and as soon as I get it I will start videos and test as well. Although it takes me 2 weeks to complete videos thus I wont have NEAR the testing other pilots will.

Anyway this time Align wants some testing from many pilots before going full production. I think this is a good thing considering this is a 90!

Also I will be getting an Aurora about the same time if not sooner. I will thus being doing SIMULTAINOUS build videos on both helis at the same time. Makes me SWEAT and feel under pressure to get them both done in a reasonable amount of time BUT this should be interesting! I may take a week of vacation to do this...
You all will be able to see the builds side by side.

Exciting times folks.... Never before has this happened to me but I am looking forward to it! This is going to be fun for all I think :)

Bob

[LITHIUMSTATIC]

Well so you know about 200 T700 helis will be here next week. They will be going to Align pilots to test and run as much as they can before Align goes into full production. They WANT feedback ASAP from these people. That includes me :)
Mine will be part of that shipment and as soon as I get it I will start videos and test as well. Although it takes me 2 weeks to complete videos thus I wont have NEAR the testing other pilots will.

Anyway this time Align wants some testing from many pilots before going full production. I think this is a good thing considering this is a 90!

Also I will be getting an Aurora about the same time if not sooner. I will thus being doing SIMULTAINOUS build videos on both helis at the same time. Makes me SWEAT and feel under pressure to get them both done in a reasonable amount of time BUT this should be interesting! I may take a week of vacation to do this...
You all will be able to see the builds side by side.

Exciting times folks.... Never before has this happened to me but I am looking forward to it! This is going to be fun for all I think :)

Bob
:thumbup:

[huskynox]

Well so you know about 200 T700 helis will be here next week. They will be going to Align pilots to test and run as much as they can before Align goes into full production. They WANT feedback ASAP from these people. That includes me :)
Mine will be part of that shipment and as soon as I get it I will start videos and test as well. Although it takes me 2 weeks to complete videos thus I wont have NEAR the testing other pilots will.

Anyway this time Align wants some testing from many pilots before going full production. I think this is a good thing considering this is a 90!

Also I will be getting an Aurora about the same time if not sooner. I will thus being doing SIMULTAINOUS build videos on both helis at the same time. Makes me SWEAT and feel under pressure to get them both done in a reasonable amount of time BUT this should be interesting! I may take a week of vacation to do this...
You all will be able to see the builds side by side.

Exciting times folks.... Never before has this happened to me but I am looking forward to it! This is going to be fun for all I think :)

Bob

I can't wait Bob, this is so :clappp

Do you think you'll still be friends with Andy and Augusto after your HONEST review and comparison though? :) As I think your videos could be a lot of peoples deciding factor in their purchase.

BTW - Thanks for taking the time to do all your videos, especially if you take time off work to do so!

[Finless]

Well these are build videos NOT reviews... Sure I say things that I like or don't like while doing any build but I do not plan to say which heli I think is best unless there is something so GREAT about one over the other that I feel the need to say that.

So again these build vids are to help people BUILD the heli and provides information over and above the paper manual. It's NOT a review.

BUT I think the neat thing is people can see how they go together and make thier OWN decisions!

Bob

[jet22b]

Bob;

That is great news!!! I can not wait to see both build videos!! I know I am going to buy the 700N, but I would love to see Aurora and the 700N in side by side action!!! I think there will be market for both of these 90 size helicopter. This will be a win for us!!! Its a fact. Somewhere down the road there will be upgrades!
They may not come from Align or Avant, but someone will come out with after-market upgrades.
Get ready everyone. Let the building start!!!!

jet22b