Shopping Spree

[gmich99]

The Belt CP is my first helicopter. It has been much more manageable than I expected, and was hovering through the battery packs in a few weeks. After about 45 flights and only one "real" crash, until today, I am totally hooked. Over confident with my early sucess, today I battled strong wind gusts and lost. The tail boom, gears (main and tail), landing gear, feathering shaft, and blades are shot. Now it is time to buy lots of parts and I'd like to replace many of the stock bits. Everything has been stock to date with the exception of a TeleBee HH gyro.

I'd prefer if the upgraded parts didn't require physical modification or modification to the Belt, as I only have the tools necessary for assembling and disassmbling the Belt.

Presently, I'm considering CF horizonal and vertical tail pieces, aluminum head and tail assemblies, a CF tail boom, beefier landing gear, a range of blade options, and a digital tx and receiver. So have at it guys; I'd love to hear your recommended setups, brands, and websites!

[Flyemhigh]

I love to tinker on my helis but something I found out early is weigh your cost. Alot of times the money you spend on new parts(especially going from plastic to aluminum and carbon fibre) you can almost buy a new heli. Also, you have to look at how often you crash. Aluminum is tougher than plastic which means the heli is going to break somewhere else. Plastic parts are cheaper to replace. But I do know where you are coming from because alum. and carbon fibre sure do make it look good. Whatever you choose just have fun with it.

[gmich99]

Agreed. I think I was still worked up following the crash. When I considered the price of all the aluminum and CF upgrades, I figured I would be better off buying a CopterX or similar and just repair the Belt with cheaper parts, though I think tougher landing gear and better blades will be purchased tonight along with the other stock parts.

That said, I think I will start thinking about what I will want to put on the next helicopter. Thoughts on the CopterX?

[gmich99]

Spent too much time online tonight looking for parts. Bought parts to return my helicopter and a friend's Belt since our helis had the same fate today. Trying out plastic blades this time around. I've previously posted a thread regarding batteries, but have yet to decide on a battery/charger package.

[tom dubya]

Yea if ready to blow that much cash at one time you might as well get a new heli. For myself i have bought one upgrade at a time and when i get down to just having the the stock frame i will transfer everthing over and bring the belt back to stock.

[gmich99]

I have the cash to spend on another 450. Since I am just starting the rc helicopter hobby, I am cautious. I should have the belt CP up and running with a few mods in a few days (maybe friday), but I am considering a CopterX as a project while I continue to learn on the Belt. I still have a lot of learning left on the Belt, but am pleased with my progress so far. It seems to respond better with every part I've changed out on it, and would think a better helicopter would only continue that trend.

[tom dubya]

I'm with ya,sounds like a good way to go.

[Grant_beltcp]

I've just received an e-mail from X-heli.com that they are doing FREE shipping on a few helicopters inccludingthe EXI 450 which is now advertised at $89.99!!!
Offer ends June 30th

[Jonnyheli]

I've just received an e-mail from X-heli.com that they are doing FREE shipping on a few helicopters inccludingthe EXI 450 which is now advertised at $89.99!!!
Offer ends June 30th

Wow! That's like not even £50 for an EXI! I wish I could get one of those but I really need to save for a bigger heli lol. Don't tempt me:P Does that include a motor or anything?

-Jonny

[DierWolf]

The EXI is the way to go especially if your in the USA.

Plastic blades aint all that, i would suggest if you want something stronger than Woodies you go with
Align Fiber (not carbon fiber) Glass Fiber 315's.

No Exi does not include the motor.... it comes with everything but electronics... which is perfectly fine
as your going to buy it really as an upgrade frame/head for the belt cp. simply use the esky stuff in it.

[Jonnyheli]

Ahh, I see.:)

-Jonny

[mnwizard]

I just ordered another Exi. $89 and free shipping! How could I not get another one! I couldn't sleep tonite if I passed up a deal like that! :banana

[Jonnyheli]

I wish I had money:(

-Jonny

[gmich99]

The EXI at xheli looks like an amazing steel. So does the CopterX. I am debating between the two. Any thoughts? I'd like to go all aluminum on the head and tail.

[Jonnyheli]

I think the copter x hasthe most aluminum parts.

-Jonny

[DierWolf]

I just ordered another Exi. $89 and free shipping! How could I not get another one! I couldn't sleep tonite if I passed up a deal like that! :banana
LOLOL

i beat you!! as soon as i read the post this morning about the price drop i immediately ordered 2 :) Yes i will give one to my bro this time :)

Now i have 3 Exi's and still under the price of a Trex 450 Kit LOLOL..how sad.

[maxadventure]

EXI at $89US has a lot of plastic in the head/tail, while it can swap parts, has some uniqueness as well. CopterX is a Align SE V2 clone at $189US. EXI 450 Pro is also $189. I was comparing a week or so ago, came to the conclusion both look like good deals on the web, depending on if you're going for the alum or don't care. I've seen more good reviews on the CopterX. Free shipping tips the scale slightly in the EXI pro direction for all alum. vs eHirobo for the Copter X SE V2.

for me, I just starting thinking about a new set of servos, gyro, RX, motor/esc. Gotta spend the cash on those, or the best frame is going to be a crappy build with crappy servos.

[gmich99]

The EXI Pro and CopterX AE can both be had for about the same price and for free shipping. Both look like such a good deal I'm tempted to get both.

Here is a CopterX AE for $185 and free shipping: http://heli-bros.mybisi.com/product/13031/CopterX-AE-450-Version2_28564.html