Should I go 3D nitro?

[lklansingkiter@me.com]

I wanted to get opinions on Electric verses Nitro. I have a couple of trex 450 electrics and
am thinking of getting a bigger helicopter in the 600 range maybe a 6HV or 3D +. I don't like how much the batteries cost for the 6HV . I could buy one or two sets but then it takes forever to charge them and I could get max 2 6min flights before I am down for 2 hours charging batteries. I am not really into 3D yet but hear that the Compass 3D plus is fairly stable and would I probably buy a used motor for it maybe a OS 50. My questions are.

1) Is electric really more convenient than Nitro?

2) Is Nitro cheaper in the end when you consider the cost of batteries and how many cycles they last?.

3) Is Nitro harder on your equipment due to vibration and oil mess?

4) How long do the nitro motors last before they need to be rebuilt ?

5) What do you estimate is the cost per flight for the 3D plus is?

6) Does the mess and inconvenience created by Nitro an impediment to flying them. If you have both which helicopter do you tend to fly most?

[lazor 22]

1. Sometimes, there is no staying up all night charging batteries which is nice. But you still have rx battery/ies, starter battery, and glow igniter battery to mess with.
2. No
3. Not sure but it could be. I doubt it though.
4. If you don't screw them up they will last a while
5. Well cost of my fuel is around $25 and I get 10 flights per gallon. So about $2.50 per flight. A set of cheap packs for a 600 would be around $100, and might last you 100 cycles if you take care of them. That's $1 per flight.
6. Nitro is alot more work then electric but it is fun to fly. Electric has more power, but nitro has more soul. Have 1 of each if you can.

[Inverse]

I doubt I'll ever have a large electric, as Lazor said, they have no soul.

[lazor 22]

It should also be noted that nitro flight time is around 1 1/2 to 2 times longer then electric. So what Iaaid above about cost per flight isn't as bug of a difference as it seems, but nitro is still more expensive.

[alexmit]

Originally Posted by lklansingkiter@me.com

I don't like how much the batteries cost for the 6HV . I could buy one or two sets but then it takes forever to charge them and I could get max 2 6min flights before I am down for 2 hours charging batteries.

With nitro you pay as you go, with electric you pay for everything up front. In all reality the cost differential per year if you spreadsheet it accurately isn't that big.

I must know what charger you have. I can charge all 6 of my 6HV packs in about 30-45 minutes... And by 6 I mean flight packs, so 12 x 3300mah packs charged in that time. If it takes you 2 hours to charge it might be time for a charger upgrade.

[lklansingkiter@me.com]

I have a SkY Charger not sure what its capability is for 12s. I guess that another route for
me would be to buy a trex 700n pro. I know where I can get one NIB with engine and blades for $650 and if I don't like it I can buy the electric conversion kit from heli direct for $50 and convert it to electric. What do you think of that plan?

Larry

[alexmit]

Originally Posted by lklansingkiter@me.com

I have a SkY Charger not sure what its capability is for 12s. I guess that another route for
me would be to buy a trex 700n pro. I know where I can get one NIB with engine and blades for $650 and if I don't like it I can buy the electric conversion kit from heli direct for $50 and convert it to electric. What do you think of that plan?

Larry

The 700e conversions are nice, but I've heard from people that have flown the 7HV and the 700e that the 7HV is in a different class, meaning a better flying heli. I watched a guy at my field fight with a 700e conversion for 6 months before he got tired of messing with it and sold it to get a logo 600. The price you mention is a very good price for the 700N though (especially if it comes with servos). I'm not sure I could pass that one up. I might shy away from the E conversion though.

[lklansingkiter@me.com]

Thanks for the help. I keep hearing good things about Compass helicopters I should
Probably listen to that.

[lklansingkiter@me.com]

I pulled the trigger on a 6HV today and picked it up locally from Nankin Hobby.

[belcom]

Good choice! Its one of the funnest and wicked helis to fly.