Looking for a great 450 - 500 size machine

[Reymundo911]

Hello fellow hobbyists,

I am looking for an upgrade machine to my mcpx v2 and blade 300x. This will likely be as big as I will go (for safety reasons).

I am looking for a 450 - 500 size. Something with excellent bang for your buck but not just at purchase, but for repair costs and part availability.

I want a very capable machine, easy repairs and maintenance, good for learning and virtually no skill cap.

I am leaning towards either the Align T-Rex 470 LM due to the good deals presently, or the more expensive Goblin 380 with the suggested electronics (on Helidirect.com). The new Align T-rex 500x Dominator also looks quite interesting.

My budget for initial purchase is around 1000-1500$ US

Thanks for your time!

[johnniechang]

I would wait for 500x.
It about time to move on to a higher league.

[jbobb1]

You might look at the Gaui X3 and X5. Both are great helis. The X3 is a plain out tank. Handles crashing better than most I've owned.

[macdad]

I would echo jbobb1. The Gaui X3 is affordable and tough as nails.

The X5 is a very agile heli. It may only swing 520mm or so blades, but it is fast and snappy. The design is very simple and easy to maintain. Replacement parts are pretty reasonable as well.

[yakky]

With your budget, I'd say a decked out 380 or the 500x. The 470LM is awesome but if you're looking to blow more money, get the bling or the the bigger heli. Battery costs are pretty close for the 380 and 500, but crash costs will probably be lower on the 500.

[Ah Clem]

Compass eXo 500!

Inovative, exoskeleton frame, simple construction, and outstanding flight performance.

Experience RC has the parts situation completely taken care of in the U.S.!

[Konna]

Also consider Mikado Logo 480Xxtreme. Flys great, easy on batteries (you wont need highend batteries), goes little maintenance and flight times are good.
Combo price goes top end of your budget.

[Thoemse]

Align 500X
Compass Exo
Mikado Logo 480
Goblin 420 or 500

Just three choices and all three are great helis for sure. There are loads more obviously. Buy what feels right.

The Protos 500 can be gotten very cheap second hand. There are also great deals on the super combo new. It is still a very good heli. Very light and goes like stink.

Everyone will tell you his heli is best here. In my opinion there are hardly any bad helis on the market right now. They all work and have their little quirks.

[Reymundo911]

I live in Montreal and I believe the local hobby shops will hold Goblin and Align parts. I do not think Gaui and Mikado are readily available near me.

Regardless, I think I'm gonna wait for some reviews of the 500x to come out and pull the trigger on that.

Thanks for the help!