Now what ?

[knotted]

They say that once you try electric you will never go back. Well, I just spent last weekend flying my friends new Ion-X. What a fantastic piece of equipment! Smooth, no noise, no smoke, no finicky needle changes. How can I go back to my Raptor 50 now? And, since I am nearly broke, how the heck can I afford one of the most expensive helis on the market? Oh well, something tells me I will find a way. Just a word of advice, never let a broke friend fly your new Ion!

Gordon

[Russ McC]

I have warned a number of pilots not to fly one unless they can afford one for them selves, I feel kind of bad because one person I let fly my Ion was heart broke because he could not get one, I think it helped him lose interest in the hobby, he wanted an Ion but could only afford a Rap-30. So those who ask to try one be careful as you might be causing your self trouble, but if you can afford it then you could have lots of fun :mrgreen:

[50feet]

I bought mine second hand. I was going to do an E-Raptor. That may be an option for you if you want to go electic since you have the airframe. The only thing is I can blow the cost of lipos until after the holidays. Im not a 3D pilot so I am going to fly the round cells until I come across some lipos. I missed 2 new 5s2p 5000 tanics on ebay. Some one bid at the last second or something and got them for $225 :arggg:

[Tom Fiddler]

Gordon
Here's the part of E-Heli's a test drive won't tell you.
All this is based on 6 flights in a "Day at the field"
You will spend 3-6 hours charging to fly one hour (6 ten minute flights).
If you don't have 6 battery packs ($4200)you will need to charge at the field.
If you elect to go with 2 battery packs ($1400)you will need the support equipment.
This includes chargers, this will range from $200 to $375, 2: 60 pound deep cycle batteries ($120) or a generator ($400 or $1000 for a quiet one).
Of course you can't load all of this stuff in your car every time you want to go flying, so you will need to buy an enclosed trailer ($4000).
Of course your economy car won't pull an enclosed trailer so you need to buy a truck or SUV ($20,000-$40,000)
Add to this a fire proof safe ($100) and a good power supply ($100)so you can charge at home. Understand you have to keep an eye on these batteries for the 5 hours your charging them in your house.
If you don't want to worry about your wife complaining about you "burning the house down" you will need to build a new workshop ($10,000)
Add to this that you can crash and ruin a $700 battery pack. Toss in the $600 speed controllers that can just "go up in smoke" with very little support from the people that sold it to you.


Electrics are cool, I went down this road, But there are alot of hidden cost's, and time spent that no one talkes about.


Before the E-Crowd busts me ... How much of the above stuff do you own?

[Russ McC]

Tom, I have it all and if any one takes the time to read through this forum they will find that I as well as others have told in length what we are using for equipment ect. To support these helies as well as how we use the equipment and the helies. The number of batteries, helies, and type of equipment used, as well as how charging and support is conducted varies some for different pilots as well, which is also contained in this forum. There are some definite pluses in this technology as well as there is in IC power technology, as well as negatives to both and none of it is cheap at the high end but it can be fun!

[50feet]

I beg to differ,

Tom your discription assumes that he will be using lipos. I have but only after doing the majority of my flying on round cells while trolling for used packs. Your E-Raven vid proves round cells do work

That is why I miss my eco 8. I got 40 minutes from a hour charge of my lipos. I am about to go see how these round cells work in the ion. If I am forced to used lipos I may just sell this heli after I have flown it a while

[WillJames]

If I am forced to used lipos I may just sell this heli after I have flown it a while



Once you fly it, you will not be able to sell it man. It was love at first flight for me. Just like Russ said above, don't fly it or you will be hopelessly hooked like us.

[Laurens]

I only have one pack, I just wait one hour between each flight. Also I'm not afraid of lipo's burning down, since it can happen with nimh, nicd and GLOW too. As for the car, you probably already have one.

If I would buy a IonX, one pack will do for me.

[Tom Fiddler]

My only point was to tell Knotted that the purchase of the ION will be just a small part of what it takes to truly enjoy a large E-Heli. And I wanted him to know what the true investment can be.
I agree with Will, Once you fly the lipo's you can't go back...I tried.
50 Feet, trust me I was working my butt off to to make that heli fly like that , compared to lipo's.
The lipo's took over a pound off the E-Raven and it was SWEET!
I'll say it again, I loved my E-Raven..It's just more Time, Money, and Work than a Gasser.
The Ion is probably the best E-heli on the market today and if you can afford it, it will kick anybodies 90 class machine.
But... if 10Ah Lipo's were 10 cents apiece.... I would still not do it again.
The great thing about this hobby is there is a place for everyone.
E-Heli's are just not the place for me.

[Ed]

In the for what it's worth category, I own 3 Ions all with different motor setups. I have acquired 2 of the 3 used in great condition at 40% off of new cost. I also have accumulated 8 sets of lipos, all but 2 sets used, and rarely get time at the field to use them all, except for today when no one else was there but myself and brother-in-law. I don't own a SUV, trailer, generator, etc. I did invest in 3 Orbit Mocrolader Pros (2 used) and a good power source. I charge in battery safes (about 25.00 each at Lowe's) and don't need to charge at the field. While it has been a pretty good investment, it has not been near that stated earlier in this thread. I wouldn't give up my Ions for any other heli as I like the way they fly better than anything else I have flown. I am a sport flier primarily, but hope to make it to mild 3D one day. I for one wouldn't hesitate to get an Ion!

[Tom Fiddler]

Ed please add up what you have spent so far on what you have.
And post it
My point was to tell Knotted (who said he's nearly broke with a Rappy 50) what can be expected.
My low guesss is you have over $10,000 in heli's and batteries. Not including charger's , gyro's servo's,RX's and safes.
So you spend a minium of 4.5 hours charging ( assuming 2 C) before you can fly?
Why does everyone want to "sugar coat" this E-Heli thing.

Ed you could have a Turbine for this kind of money.
Not saying that's what you wanted, so don't take it wrong.

Ed don't take this wrong, but "Most" people who fly 2-3 ION's have ALOT more money than those guys flying 50's or one Gasser.
It's easy for the well to do to say "Go for it"

Me and my wife make $62,000 a year combined, I have a new house a new car and I like to eat.... I am saving for a new Gasser....I can't afford an ION and 8 battery packs
Simple math

Please don't lose sight of the guy that started this thread....He's nearly broke with a Rappy 50
I sold every heli and part I had to support the Gasser purchase... and I can't buy it yet.

[Ed]

My point was that you could get an Ion X cheaper than Tom said......not cheap. As to what I have, I didn't mean to imply that he would need all that I have. It was just an example to show that I have alot and it was a good bit cheaper that what Tom said (about 8000 for 3 Ions ready to fly with 8 sets of batteries). As I said in my post, one I built, the 2 others I bought used.........2 ready to fly with two sets of packs for 2000.00 each. Battery chargers and power source extra. Ions are definately more expensive than Rappy 50s, but let's just give a reasonable estimate. Watch here and Runryder to look for deals. And Tom, yes I am fortunate to be able to afford what I have and don't mean to imply everyone can. The Ion is a great flying heli. Gordon........you do the math and see if you can afford one. If so, you won't be disappointed.
Ed

[Laurens]

I think it comes down to personal choices...

[knotted]

I just used my tax refund, (thanks to the wife!), to get the Ion. It actually became necessary because I lost a few flying areas due to noise and smoke problems. I will have to save up for all the electronics and batteries and chargers, but electric is the only way to go for me now.

First impressions: Unbelievable quality! I am a Raptor 50 fanboy, but the MA stuff is obviously way ahead of any heli I've laid eyes on yet. The fit and machining are just a joy to see! I can't wait to start building this.

I know it was expensive and after a year of chemotherapy for esophageal cancer, my wallet is not stuffed, but life is too short not to enjoy yourself a bit. Somewhere, somewhen, I will find the money to get this beauty flying!

Gordon

[misskimo]

cool , way to go , its nice to look at the art work huh?

[BobbySmith]

Gordon
great choice you wont be dissapointed it is alittle pricey but i had aguy ask me @ my local feild why iwasnt flying my Ions yesterday and i said as was and he said HOLYSH$T ididnt know a E heli was capable of that style of flying :shock: :smokin:

There is all kinds of motor options and battereis you just have to find what will suite you the best. Also it seems everyday batterey cost are going lower and the price of motors is getting very reasonable as well
Bobby

[misskimo]

Bobby , you mean to tell me you didnt try the 12s out , you snake you . what the hells wrong with you , to much nitro on the brain , get those lipos charged , and YOU CAN DO IT!

[WillJames]

Guys...another GREAT flying weekend at Clint's B-Day Bash! My Ion's ROCKED, Clint liked the Actro! I don't miss Liquid a bit!

[BobbySmith]

Bobby , you mean to tell me you didnt try the 12s out , you snake you . what the hells wrong with you , to much nitro on the brain , get those lipos charged , and YOU CAN DO IT!

Tony you need to read thats all i flew was my Ion this weekend I wanted to get some flgihts on the belt drive on 10s before i go to 12s

Bobby

[misskimo]

oh , sorry
well Will , I wish I could have went , that actro rocks huh? Beast put a hurten on it , but it lived ,
when will the videos come out , everyone live , any top dog crash

[Garland]

yeh I took a big pay cut this year to move to Albuquerque and I only make 800$ a month part time at Target to be able to start school full time in the fall. 1/3 the paycheck I'd grown used to.

my few logo 10's and 20 will have to wait till the new hand tool Li-ions Emoli packs at 100$ each the performance I hear is almost up to lipo performance but they more sturdy in a crash due to their round cells.

Have faith Knotted, there is planty of room in this Eheli game for ya! (Also for my broke azz too!) :D