Apples to Apples and 90's to 90's eye opener for us users

[nelson j]

The Aurora is a great looking machine, and maybe one day I'll have one, but as far as a multiple programmable head, I don't think it's going to help me and alot of people. There is only one heli that I blame for many of my crashes. It was the Piccolo. Thereafter, 95% of the time it was because I didn't know what I was doing ('numb thumbs'). ;)

Nelson

[bladebraker]

Im hate to ask this ? but here goes when will the 2nd batch be in stores??

[WillJames]

The Aurora is a great looking machine, and maybe one day I'll have one, but as far as a multiple programmable head, I don't think it's going to help me and alot of people. There is only one heli that I blame for many of my crashes. It was the Piccolo. Thereafter, 95% of the time it was because I didn't know what I was doing ('numb thumbs'). ;)

Nelson

The beauty of the programmable head from my understanding is that if you want your heli setup docile or for BIG air you just use the slow ball positions and if you want it to be a 3D monster you use the fast ones. If you do both BIG and 3D you find something in between. On the Ion-X you can do this somewhat and it is a nice feature. I think on the bigger 90 machines, it is a useful feature to help each individual achieve the precise flying characteristics they want with fairly standard radio setup.

[wacojoe]

Just wondering why isnt the Miniture Aircraft Stratus included in this thread. I like to know is the Stratus really worth that much more than the others in this topic, or is the MA in a league of its own? I really would like a 90 size machine and currently undecided on the one i want to go with. At this point I am leaning toward the Aurora myself, but undecided.

[fiveoboy01]

Those who want a cheap flying, old school looking 90 will get the Trex 700.

From the looks of it, It flies just as well as any other heli(and it's going to be 95% pilot anyhow for most of us mortals).

Looks are subjective.

95% of us wouldn't be able to utilize the programmable head to its full potential.

So what is your argument again? Oh yeah, the 700 will fall apart. Nobody has one yet though... Past performance isn't always an indicator of future performance either. FWIW I have had zero issues with my 600 in 25ish flights other than something that was my own fault.

I think the Aurora is a nice heli, and I can't blame anyone for wanting one. But the Align bashing(the thing isn't even in the public's hands yet) is getting old.

Fact of the matter is no matter how much you ***** or complain about the price/quality/looks, at the end of the day Align flies very well and replacement parts are cheap.

[invertmast]

From the looks of it, It flies just as well as any other heli(and it's going to be 95% pilot anyhow for most of us mortals).

Looks are subjective.

95% of us wouldn't be able to utilize the programmable head to its full potential.

So what is your argument again? Oh yeah, the 700 will fall apart. Nobody has one yet though... Past performance isn't always an indicator of future performance either. FWIW I have had zero issues with my 600 in 25ish flights other than something that was my own fault.

I think the Aurora is a nice heli, and I can't blame anyone for wanting one. But the Align bashing(the thing isn't even in the public's hands yet) is getting old.

Fact of the matter is no matter how much you ***** or complain about the price/quality/looks, at the end of the day Align flies very well and replacement parts are cheap.

now your putting words in my mouth that i never said. I never said the 700 would fall apart. And i never bash align. I personally like their products, but i feel that for a company/designer who is implementing alot of "new and innovative ideas" in their first 90 heli put ALOT of high expectations in my mind that were not met. And THOSE words came directly from an align representative. They also said the 700 would be a completely different design than the 600. The only difference i noticed were in the tail, head and cooling fan. The frames and rx tray look almost identical. And they are using an oldschool "wide frame" style frame system.
If you look at almost all of the newer designed 90's they are using a narrow frame system, which keeps weight down (raptor 3D excluded). Also, the first video's i've seen of the trex700 left ALOT to be desired as far as the performance. One of the same pilots who's flown the aurora who is flying the 700, IMO didn't put the same performance level in the 700 as he did the aurora. The first aurora video i saw was much more impressing than the first videos of the 700. Now, I do realize the 700 isn't even available and information is scarce, so my opinion of it could and probably will change. Depending on what the price of the 700 is, i may pick up one of them as well as an aurora.

Like i said, these are all my opinions on what i believe are 2 completely different marketing tactics. Align IMO is aiming to the general public who are looking for an affordable heli. Avant w/ the aurora IMO is aiming towards those who want THE BEST product available and dont mind spending the extra cash to get that.

[LITHIUMSTATIC]

now your putting words in my mouth that i never said. I never said the 700 would fall apart. And i never bash align. I personally like their products, but i feel that for a company/designer who is implementing alot of "new and innovative ideas" in their first 90 heli put ALOT of high expectations in my mind that were not met. And THOSE words came directly from an align representative. They also said the 700 would be a completely different design than the 600. The only difference i noticed were in the tail, head and cooling fan. The frames and rx tray look almost identical. And they are using an oldschool "wide frame" style frame system.
If you look at almost all of the newer designed 90's they are using a narrow frame system, which keeps weight down (raptor 3D excluded). Also, the first video's i've seen of the trex700 left ALOT to be desired as far as the performance. One of the same pilots who's flown the aurora who is flying the 700, IMO didn't put the same performance level in the 700 as he did the aurora. The first aurora video i saw was much more impressing than the first videos of the 700. Now, I do realize the 700 isn't even available and information is scarce, so my opinion of it could and probably will change. Depending on what the price of the 700 is, i may pick up one of them as well as an aurora.

Like i said, these are all my opinions on what i believe are 2 completely different marketing tactics. Align IMO is aiming to the general public who are looking for an affordable heli. Avant w/ the aurora IMO is aiming towards those who want THE BEST product available and dont mind spending the extra cash to get that.

Good observation..... If your going to spend well over $2000 on a .90 size heli then a couple hundred more isn't going to matter to own the best.

just my .02

[invertmast]

Good observation..... If your going to spend well over $2000 on a .90 size heli then a couple hundred more isn't going to matter to own the best.

just my .02

Someone tell augusto to hook me up w/ an aurora for free. as much marketing as i'm doing for him i should be getting paid. LOL :D

[fiveoboy01]

first 90 heli put ALOT of high expectations in my mind that were not met.

They also said the 700 would be a completely different design than the 600.

I agree with you there... I was disappointed as well. I'ts basically a scaled-up 600 with some tweaks. Not that that is a BAD thing but when "revolutionary design" comes direct from people at Align and it's just the same-old same-old, that's pretty dumb imo.

[invertmast]

I agree with you there... I was disappointed as well. I'ts basically a scaled-up 600 with some tweaks. Not that that is a BAD thing but when "revolutionary design" comes direct from people at Align and it's just the same-old same-old, that's pretty dumb imo.

can't argue with ya there

[Noskill]

when the 600N came out, everyone said its the best 50size heli on the market and still is !! so why go with a new design with the 700. Stick with whats best for the consumer right? either way my aurora will be here soon and as soon as the 700 comes out , It will be added to the fleet as well ! And besides I know that we all crash!! but when do we start looking forward cashing before we even buy the damn heli ??? I don't about you guys.but when I get my aurora I'm going to be too busy building it and won't have the time to thing about how much parts is going to cost !

[invertmast]

when the 600N came out, everyone said its the best 50size heli on the market and still is !! so why go with a new design with the 700. Stick with whats best for the consumer right? either way my aurora will be here soon and as soon as the 700 comes out , It will be added to the fleet as well ! And besides I know that we all crash!! but when do we start looking forward cashing before we even buy the damn heli ??? I don't about you guys.but when I get my aurora I'm going to be too busy building it and won't have the time to thing about how much parts is going to cost !

The issue isn't the fact the 700N was based off the 600N. The issue IMO is the fact that the align representative said the 700N would have very little in common with the 600N and "many new and innovative ideas". From the pictures i have seen, this has proven NOT to be the case IMO.

[LITHIUMSTATIC]

The issue isn't the fact the 700N was based off the 600N. The issue IMO is the fact that the align representative said the 700N would have very little in common with the 600N and "many new and innovative ideas". From the pictures i have seen, this has proven NOT to be the case IMO.

they said the same thing about the 500 if i remember right.. Whatever Aligns marketing strategy is they are going to sell a lot of the 700.

[Noskill]

I can't agree more!! regardless of what innovation designs it may or may not have, the 700 will be all over.And as far as how impressive the first flights was on both the 700 and the aurora. Yes the aurora was definitely more of a show bird then the 700 was.But then again,it didn't seem like Alan had the 700 set up to his liking at all !! I'm just saying at the end of the day Align will have all the kinks worked out just like the aurora ! but the only difference is that Align would have it done in about 2 months Vs 2 years ! American made or Chinese made theres really no difference ! 95% of everything we own in this hobby is made in china do we complain about our radios,etc,etc. IMO less talking and more flying is the way to go!!!

[invertmast]

I can't agree more!! regardless of what innovation designs it may or may not have, the 700 will be all over.And as far as how impressive the first flights was on both the 700 and the aurora. Yes the aurora was definitely more of a show bird then the 700 was.But then again,it didn't seem like Alan had the 700 set up to his liking at all !! I'm just saying at the end of the day Align will have all the kinks worked out just like the aurora ! but the only difference is that Align would have it done in about 2 months Vs 2 years ! American made or Chinese made theres really no difference ! 95% of everything we own in this hobby is made in china do we complain about our radios,etc,etc. IMO less talking and more flying is the way to go!!!

yea.. 2 months and it will be released, and i bet it i will have twice as many teething issues as the aurora will. not to mention, i highly doubt seeing align getting the picture and getting "quality" bearings and putting in the heli, but hopefully they got the picture and will do that, as i feel the bearings and the QC issues the 600N has w/ slop developing are going to be the pitfalls of the 700N if they dont fix it. If i spend $700-800-900-1000 on a heli kit, i dont want to have to replace parts 2 or 3 months b/c slop develops in a brand new heli w/ little flight time...

[speedpass]

Does anyone know any US made engine, servo and radio are available?

[Kyna]

I apologize for my previous post. After browsing around the site, I forgot which forum I was in. I do not normally post in another manufacturers forum, and meant no disrespect.

[Laurens]

Thats 515 euro, just a little bit more expensive then my R90 when I bought it! I bet we'll pay more over here though...

[speedpass]

Kyna, people have no problem with Jason's design. They're worry about the quality of the 700N.

[Noskill]

The one thing I have to argue with is that I know of these problems on the 600N cause of my friend Doug's heli but I have the same heli and I haven't seen any of these bearing problems at all I have about 6 gallons through it and there is just a hint of slop,but doesn't every other heli that you BANG around in the sky? I'm sure that Avant made a high quality ship(thats why i have one coming) but I think that align will come through as well on the quality of the 700 cause all it takes is one bird blowing up in the sky and Align will take a big hit in sales!!

IMO-- The problem is not the companies that produce these heli's, Its all of us ! WE ARE NEVER SATISFIED!!!!!...at least not me ! lol

[invertmast]

The one thing I have to argue with is that I know of these problems on the 600N cause of my friend Doug's heli but I have the same heli and I haven't seen any of these bearing problems at all I have about 6 gallons through it and there is just a hint of slop,but doesn't every other heli that you BANG around in the sky? I'm sure that Avant made a high quality ship(thats why i have one coming) but I think that align will come through as well on the quality of the 700 cause all it takes is one bird blowing up in the sky and Align will take a big hit in sales!!

IMO-- The problem is not the companies that produce these heli's, Its all of us ! WE ARE NEVER SATISFIED!!!!!...at least not me ! lol

im on my 4th set of main shaft and main grip bearings in my 600N. i finally said screw the crap bearings from align and purchased quality bearings for it.


I watched the video of the 700N presentation and still dont see whats new and innovative for rc heli's on it. i see some things that are new for align IMO, but thats it. we'll see when it comes out though. I'm still planning on getting both an aurora and a 700N. probly use the 700N as a beater though. haha

[Noskill]

im on my 4th set of main shaft and main grip bearings in my 600N. i finally said screw the crap bearings from align and purchased quality bearings for it.


I watched the video of the 700N presentation and still dont see whats new and innovative for rc heli's on it. i see some things that are new for align IMO, but thats it. we'll see when it comes out though. I'm still planning on getting both an aurora and a 700N. probly use the 700N as a beater though. haha

Now that my friend is very well said!!!! Indeed my 600n is my beater now instead of my Stratus and when the 700 comes out that will be the test dummy for the Aurora!!

[Bobbyk]

Since the Made in America by Americans Aurora arrived we are pro Aurora.

The world is smaller than America.

Robert

[r40734]

You have to consider the companies as a whole when comparing prices of different kits and the supporting parts/upgrades. Most of the heli manufacturers are hobby specific and their entire business income is dependent on coaxing the disposable income out of those of us with too much time on our hands. Companies like Align are much more diverse in the consumer products world, and the R/C line is just one sector of their company. Because of this, profits margins can be much smaller in order to compete. If need be, they can "borrow" from their other sectors long enough to gain market share without going bankrupt. Factor in R&D costs, manufacturing resources, etc. and you can see why kit prices are almost impossible to use as the determining factor of quality. Saying that you get what you pay for or that parts are cheaper because of where it's made is a very blunt and vague statement, especially when you consider the value of the US dollar right now.

Please do not take anything I said in the above paragraph as an indication of which heli mentioned in post #1 is the one that I would prefer to buy or even favor. I just think that there has to be a lot more research done and more experience with the individual helis and parts not yet available to be able to answer the original question.

OK, that was my pre-beer response. We'll see what I think after I have a few...:cheers

[john m]

"Until then, it's all speculation!"

Avant range was CX’s first heli, Fantastic machine… but not perfect, Its taken CX 4 years to get this sorted with the Aurora. I’m sure if there where problems with the Align range they would be resolved these in months not years.

I’m reading people opting to use the Align range as beaters, the only way you progress is to burn fuel and fly. What use is an Aurora sitting at the field looking all pretty with $200 paint jobs when people are flying 90% align as beaters as they are too scared to crash their Auroras? Both are meant to be equal “affordable 3D” in the market and CX state that this should be a no brainier when choosing a heli?

Regarding the price, Kyna can you please confirm if the canopy from Align 700 is painted as default? If yes that’s £150 saved as a start and every time the machine goes in by average joe, that’s on top of the cheaper Align spares pricing. These little things all add up, enough to account for small upgrades “fixes” (bearings) if ever required…Already the sums don’t add up.

Funny thing is I know a flight school in London "Longest running full time heli school in the UK, over 10 years" who used to believe raptors where plastic fantastic’s. When they eventually tried them for 7x7x 360 days teaching they became the most reliable machines they ever used.
He has now moved over to the Align 600 range (Second Batch) and the only issue I believe he has had after 1 year and thousands of hours of hours teaching is a 1 x Clutch
Also have several friends who haven’t had a problem to date. I’m not saying there aren’t problems reported though.

Aurora will be a top quality superb hard 3D machine, just not as affordable as people first thought or CX intended.