SK360 or VStabi for T-Rex 450 and/or 500? Help me decide.

[puma1824]

I'm torn between what to do about both my 450 and future 500 about a flybarless setup. I'm considering purchasing a SK360 or VStabi system for either my 450 or future 500. After the cost of the tail gyro required for the SK360 the price is pretty close.

Please help me decide.

Thanks in advance.

[jakeg1999]

I have been extremely happy with my V-bar on my 500....

[SpeedVision]

Since you didn't give a whole lot of specifics (helps if you truely want the best input), then I'll make some assumptions and share my 2 cents.

Assuming you don't have a gyro, you live in the USA and your skill level isn't high enough to find the performance limits of either (not a slam, just an assumption):

V-Bar delivered will probably cost every bit of 675.00+ shipped, depending on exchange rate you get.

Skookum will cost exactly 349.00

Gyro prices fror the Skookum unit can range from 80 bucks (used 401) to 100.00 (2100) to 240.00 (Spartan). I've had great success with the 2100 and 401, but my skillz aren't enough to find their weaknesses.

That means your Skookum unit will cost you 429.00 to 589.00.

Since the Skookum unit rely's on a 3rd party gyro, I envision moving my SK-360 to different birds depending on what I want to fly that day. Each bird would have its own tail gyro, so I wouldn't have to remount that during the swap. Because of this, I think a swap could be done if 15 minutes or less, provided that the SK didn't need to be installed in a complicated location.

If you decide to go back to flybar'd, then, with the V-Bar, you'll sell it for what you can get and then have to buy a tail gyro.

My choice was the SK-360 because it was the least expensive way to "get my feet wet". Also, when flybarless head upgrades are available, I'll have some extra cash to invest in the proper head and still be less than the V-Bar setup...

Only other major driving force to consider is local support. Is there anyone local to you that has either? If not, the internet support is good for both. Supplier support from Skookum has been very good and I can't comment on V-Bar.

In the end, as long as you have enough details to make an informed decision, go with your gut... Mine hasn't let me down in a looong time.:P

[hamslice]

well this is a tough one. i own both. i will list the pros and cons of each and let you decide. and remember this is my own findings and other peoples opinions may very.


sk360

pros:
-cheapest on the market
-fairly easy to program and setup
-can utilize your existing tail gyro when converting a already flying heli
-flys well when setup right

cons:
-very sensitive to vibrations (even with the new firmware updates)
-only a 2 axis gyro
-mounting on certain helis can be a chore.


v-bar

pros:

- 3 axis (i have never had a tail that feels as locked in and smooth as my v-bar)
- you can really get in and fine tune things (much more than the sk360)
- not near as sensitive to vibs as the sk.
- easier to mount due to the two piece configuration.
- lots of info on how to fine tune things online

cons:

- cost
- can be more difficult to program for some


i started out with the sk360 and got my trex600 flying good with that (not without several $200+ crashes).

i then bought the logo6003d with the vbar and now am in absolute heli heaven. for me to make a more accurate comparison i would have to switch the two gyro's out and fly the vbar on my trex600 and the sk360 on my logo, but that is something i will never do so i guess just take it as it is. if i were to buy another flybarless system it would be the vbar.


hope this helps

heath