Goblin 500 as first "big" heli?

[CaptHal8HS]

Up till now, I have been flying an mCPX and just recently have been flying a Blade 450 3D. I have aspirations of building bigger heli 'cause everybody says the bigger heli's are more stable and easier to learn on.
With the release of the Goblin 500, I am considering this heli as my first "big" heli. I was thinking about the TREX 550E, but the Goblin's design looks amazing and the build looks easier than the 'REX.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!

[AcidDrink]

Who knows, nobody except test pilots is flying it yet.

ps. Synergy e5 is about to be released as well.

[alexmit]

Originally Posted by CaptHal8HS

Up till now, I have been flying an mCPX and just recently have been flying a Blade 450 3D. I have aspirations of building bigger heli 'cause everybody says the bigger heli's are more stable and easier to learn on.
With the release of the Goblin 500, I am considering this heli as my first "big" heli. I was thinking about the TREX 550E, but the Goblin's design looks amazing and the build looks easier than the 'REX.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!

If you just started flying this year I recommend you do some more research on building before you hop into a Goblin of any size. I don't really see it as a beginner's kit although the build is easier than some other brands. It would be akin to a new fixed wing pilot buying a screaming fast and agile EDF jet (not a good idea for a beginner). Most of the guys I work with that are new to the hobby have the same 2 helis you speak of. Most of them don't have the tools or the skills this early on to build a kit heli without some help from a seasoned builder. A lot of them aren't even aware of what thread lock is, how to level a swash or set up a radio. Some have just started forward flight.
I'm not saying this is where you are... If you are, I still recommend serious build research and being proficient with what you already have first and foremost. By the time the Goblin 500 is out late this year or early next year you might be ready for it.

[CaptHal8HS]

Yeah, I've already done some build research and am not inept - I have tools and I know what thread lock is and how to use it. In fact, I built heli's back in the 80's so I'm sort of handy and familiar.
But I agree with you; I'm trying to master what I have already. Just trying to plan ahead. I think I'll be ready for a bigger heli in the next 6 months. Maybe a TRex 550E. But was wondering if the Goblin500 would be just as good a choice when I'm eventually ready. That's all.
Thanks!

[gr8fun]

As stated above no one really know's how the new gob 500 will do. However any good quality heli can be tuned up or down to suit any flying style. I can speak for the trex 550 it is a great machine with lots of power and the potential to run larger power systems if one so desires. I am still running it as a 6 S machine and have no complaints, it was my first large bird and took my flying to a whole new level. I am certain that no matter witch heli you decide to purchase it will bring you years of enjoyment.

Happy flying

[alexmit]

Originally Posted by CaptHal8HS

Yeah, I've already done some build research and am not inept - I have tools and I know what thread lock is and how to use it. In fact, I built heli's back in the 80's so I'm sort of handy and familiar.
But I agree with you; I'm trying to master what I have already. Just trying to plan ahead. I think I'll be ready for a bigger heli in the next 6 months. Maybe a TRex 550E. But was wondering if the Goblin500 would be just as good a choice when I'm eventually ready. That's all.
Thanks!

I wasn't trying to offend or say you were inept. I just wanted to make sure you understood what you are up against, especially if you truly were a newbie. It sounds like you aren't a newbie, so the G500 might very well be a good choice for you. :-)

[fuzion]

i d go 630 if i were you. why the 500 really?

(like the 90% of heli hobbyists: ) i also started with mcpx, bought a 450 (amazed) and then a 550 (truly amazed). i didnt buy a 700 because it was nearly double the price.. and the 550 is easier to carry.

i find the goblin brand really good, although i like the 550e more in design. but the goblin's machining is just better.

[CaptHal8HS]

Originally Posted by alexmit

I wasn't trying to offend or say you were inept. I just wanted to make sure you understood what you are up against, especially if you truly were a newbie. It sounds like you aren't a newbie, so the G500 might very well be a good choice for you. :-)

No worries! No offense taken! Just stating the facts.

Lot's of great advise given here.

Gonna continue on my quest of learning and when the time is right and the G500 is out and in the mainstream more, I'll be able to make a better decision between the TREX 550E or the Goblin 500.

[andersn]

Id say go for it.

If you can fly mcpx, and blade 450 3d, the goblin sure will be more stable than both, of course faster only, but with dialed down rates on the large goblin, vs high rates on the blade, its gonna be easier. my 5 cent. Also running say 10-11 degreees pitch vs 12-13-14 will help a lot slowing it down, also not running silly headspeeds.

and EDF's aint that hard to fly guys

[CaptHal8HS]

Originally Posted by andersn

Id say go for it.

If you can fly mcpx, and blade 450 3d, the goblin sure will be more stable than both, of course faster only, but with dialed down rates on the large goblin, vs high rates on the blade, its gonna be easier. my 5 cent. Also running say 10-11 degreees pitch vs 12-13-14 will help a lot slowing it down, also not running silly headspeeds.

and EDF's aint that hard to fly guys

See... that's the thing. With the electronics today, any heli can be tuned down to any level. So if the G500 is a better design with easier assembly and maintenance why not just go for it and be done?

[Ghost_Rider2010]

If you can fly your Blade 450 well you should be fine with any 500 series heli. Just keep in mind the Blade 450 is like a 1960 VW Beetle compared to most of the 500/600/700 series heli's as far as performance and control. My first mirco-big heli was a Blade 400 and then I got a T-Rex 450 Pro and it was the difference between day and night! I have a Blade 450 3D that I picked up very cheap (free) and I was very disappointed, I expected it to fly better then the 400, NOT! Very unimpressed!

Another thing to consider is parts, most LHS that carry heli's have Align parts. Not so for the Goblin, order and wait a few days. But the Goblin is worth the wait IMO!

Good Luck

[aclysma]

Just to be clear.. the phrase "blade 450" and "goblin 500" make these helicopters sound like they are somewhere near the same size.

They aren't even close. 325mm blades vs 500? mm blades. This is a big jump (which is totally fine!). 2.5x the rotor disc area.

If you're going to wait until after the first batch, you're probably looking at buying in January. That's 4 months away. I think it would be a good idea for you to go ahead and get a 500 or a 550 size machine. If you go for a 550 size machine, you could move the electronics over, particularly if you buy them with the intent to move them into the goblin 500. I would suggest a trex 550 or an x5.

Who knows, maybe within 4 months you'd be interested in the 630 instead. (I got a protos 500 and 4 months later a fusion 50 and the transition didn't feel too scary - when you make the step from 450 to 500 size a lot of progression can happen in 4 months)

[CaptHal8HS]

I'm starting to hate my Blade 450. Tail drifting, feels very unstable, canopy is a pain to put on and off, etc. The list goes on. Slop in the head, slop in the tail. Even with rates turned down its pretty squirly in the air.
I'm thinking about getting a DX8 and getting in to a bigger bird now. That's why I'm asking about a G500 or a TRex 550E.

[aclysma]

If you're already anxious to move on then waiting 4 months doesn't sound like a good idea. I'd get an X5 if I were in your shoes but a trex 550 wouldn't be bad by any means.

Your choices would be:
- Buy new with a combo kit
- Buy new just airframe and find electronics (which then you could move to the goblin)
- Or find a great used deal

I expect you'll best off with #1 or #3 and buying electronics for the goblin when it comes out. But #2 is an option. But again, you might very well go for a 630 4 months from now. A lot can change in 4 months.

[Ghost_Rider2010]

Originally Posted by CaptHal8HS

I'm starting to hate my Blade 450. Tail drifting, feels very unstable, canopy is a pain to put on and off, etc. The list goes on. Slop in the head, slop in the tail. Even with rates turned down its pretty squirly in the air.
I'm thinking about getting a DX8 and getting in to a bigger bird now. That's why I'm asking about a G500 or a TRex 550E.

I feel your pain

What finally made my Blade 400 fly worth a crap was align 35amp esc, h440 motor, futaba gy520 gyro, futaba 9257 tail servo boom mounted, hitec hs-65mg cyclic servo's and align carbon blades, edge tail blades. Should have bought a T-Rex first!!!

And the DX8 rocks! 11 different helis, stryker f27q and a micro beast and never had an issue ever!

[CaptHal8HS]

Originally Posted by Ghost_Rider2010

I feel your pain

What finally made my Blade 400 fly worth a crap was align 35amp esc, h440 motor, futaba gy520 gyro, futaba 9257 tail servo boom mounted, hitec hs-65mg cyclic servo's and align carbon blades, edge tail blades. Should have bought a T-Rex first!!!

And the DX8 rocks! 11 different helis, stryker f27q and a micro beast and never had an issue ever!

Yeah, I won't put any money in to the 450. Just want to fly around and get my orientation basics down. But I'm having problems with tail drift and stability. I'm thinking about selling it and the DX6i and going for the real deal - a DX8 and a TREX550E!

[OnTheSnap]

My trusty and reliable old T550e will be sold at a good price when the G500 is released at Christmas.

Although I share 6s5000 with the G700/T550e, and 6s3700 with a G630/G500. So it's the perfect LiPo sharing fleet. :-/

[ragge1]

hopp santa will be nice to me