is it worth it????

[dman777]

Im thinking of getting an rtf swift...its .30 size and rtf for 600$...on 4 s lipos and stock, is this thing even comparable to a trex 500???I have a 450 and 2 600's....was wondering if im better off with a trex 500 if i want performance and value..............

[darkchiild]

Swift is a nice bird. A buddy at our flying field has one, and as memory serves, it's going to be a bit larger than the Trex 500. Also, running that on a 4s lipo will be sluggish I think. If you want the kickass power and performance for 3d, go 5s.

That being said I haven't owned one myself, and the guy at our field was using A123s with his.

[JustPlaneChris]

A Swift is quite a bit larger than a Trex 500! Contrary to the name, a Trex 500 does not swing 500mm blades (it swings 425s). The Swift stock blades are 520mm, and you can go up to 550's without a tail stretch. I wouldn't exactly call the performance "sluggish" on 4S. Here are a couple of video links to show what I mean. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0C7n8a0M-A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xijoSIekxQ0

[VNAMUS]

Chris,
There is a swift for sale on ebay, what is it worth?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Century-Swift-Kontronics-ready-to-fly-Heli_W0QQitemZ150274817074QQihZ005QQcategoryZ1200Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[RAV50]

dman777

Are you are referring to this one:

http://www.heli-world.com/detail.aspx?ID=9358

When I asked them about it, they told me that it is NOT aimed at the aerobatic or 3D flyer but is set-up with a basic lower amp esc, a basic 2.4G radio, servos and gyro, and that they are configured for rather docile flight, for use in basic novice training (hover and forward flight).

Of course one could always later, change to more powerful motor and esc, a better radio, servos and gyro and hop right up into a hot 3D version.

As others have mentioned, the Swift 16 is a very capable heli set-up with a powerful power pack (e.g. this combo without radio gear):

http://www.heli-world.com/detail.aspx?ID=8681

Set up with even a rather basic radio like the Futaba 7C, S-3151 servos and the GY401/9254 gyro/servo combo and a 4S/13T or 14T pinion, or a 5S/11t or 12T pinion or a 6S/9T pinion is a very potent and inexpensive 3D flyer.

Of course using the 4 or 5 cell packs and lower teeth pinions will result in lower head speeds and "tune it back" for softer flights (anywhere from training to softer sport 3D) which would also result in longer flights.

Of note, is that the T500 is a lot smaller heli that uses only 425mm mainblades compared to the 520mm ones used on the Swift 16, yet would cost as much, if not more, to get in the air with the same radio and gyro...and similarly powered systems.

[JustPlaneChris]

Chris,
There is a swift for sale on ebay, what is it worth?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Century-Swift-Kontronics-ready-to-fly-Heli_W0QQitemZ150274817074QQihZ005QQcategoryZ1200Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

My rule of thumb for buying anything used is to add up the price of the bits when new, and deduct 40%. If I can't get it for that, I won't risk it.

[grwarlock]

I gave $441.00 from century for swift 16 kit, motor,pinion, battery,ESC. NEW
All I added was gyro servos and radio.
I fly it every day and I am very happy with it.

I agree with Chris as thats the way I do any auction.

[aramsdell]

Get one. Or. More.I.Did.

Voice of experience.... get the 600+ motor. It can be geared for 4 to 6 series packs. This heli is tail heavy with 4S packs so use 5s or 6s instead of nose-weight.

Tower Hobbies is selling the kit for $189.00.I got an ARF for a replacement airframe and unfortunately it was an old model with outdated L-gear and main frame and head-block. If you get one then I would go with Century's store(heli world) .

This heli is very aerobatic with correct pinion and a high capcity lipo. Fun only costs a little bit more than a bad experience. Get a decent battery. If you are a beginner I still would go with 5S, 9T pinion .
If you are looking for High performance. It will on 6S.
I run 5S 5000 and a tired 6S 4000.
Get minimum 20C packs. 25C is better.

[GyroAl]

aramsdell

Very good advice indeed. :thumbup:

I love my Swift 16 with the 600+ etc and fly it on both 5S and 6S with the 10T pinion - great heli.

And I agree - go with good proven quality 20C or better packs.

For stability and autos, I find the larger blades work best (530mm to 560mm)...for yeehaw 3D the RT515's are my favorite.

[aramsdell]

I run 550mm Rotortechs. Super efficient compared to woodies. I also run the woodies now and then. Autos are fun on the 550s. Exciting on the 515s .
Sorry for the hijack here.
Swift 16 is a great step up from a 450 size. The presence and stability(if you want it) make the 450 class seem like knats.No offense to good knats everywhere.

My first experience with the '16 had a Hacker A30-8XL and 4S Flightpower 3700. While that battery may be up to some good flying the Hacker is the ultimate dog on this bird. Stay away from that combo offering.