Protos or Atom?

[fulcrum2]

Hi there!

I am considering a new 500 and can't really decide between a Compass Atom 500 and the Protos 500.

-Could someone give me some pros and cons on both models?

-I read through ten pages here and found only one issues with the Protos that keeps comming up consistently. Tail vibes or an unstable tail. Solution for this is obviously to dynamically balance the tail rotor and some fiddling around with the rod/linkage. Is this really a common issue or more of a fluke and can be fixed (maybe with the help of the people on this forum here) pretty quickly?

-MKS Servos are abviously amongst the top picks for this bird - do they have futaba splines and fit the Protos mounting bracket well? How about servo arms - kit or aftermarket?

Thanks a lot for all your help and have a great day!

Stefan

[whisperdancer]

Well, I can't really comment on this one because I've always looked to the Atom as a great heli. And with the ability to stretch to 515mm blades, it should be a beast.
One of the drawbacks is the price and availability of parts, comparing with the Protos.

You can solve any quirks in the tail. Just have to be patient and do things right.

I believe MKS fit right away. But someone who have them can give a better option.

[Dflyer]

The Compass Atom 500 is one of the best flying 500 size heli's i've had and still have. I can't comment on the Protos. As stated above you're able to stretch the atom later on. And regarding parts, there's no problem in the USA, go over at Nankinhobby. They are the Compass distributor for Compass here and have a good flow of parts and pricewise the parts are fairly priced.

A difficult decision i think ....

Grtz,
Dirk

[mkovalcson]

I don't know the Compass first hand.

My Protos 500 has been awesome. The tail holds with authority and I have been flying the heck out of this heli for the last two weeks. 50+ flights.

You can always get the Futaba 9650's for $39.99ea. and then install the MKS metal gears $19.99ea. after the plastic ones give way. They are interchangable. Since I haven't crashed yet, I haven't made this swap yet. So far they are fine after 50+ flights.

I have a BLS 251 on the tail and it seems to be working really well.

It looks like it will crash really well and be very easy to rebuild afterwards. I'll know more after I eat some dirt with it.

[MSH-Direct]

Good luck with a tough decision. I do love my Protos though... Low parts count, easy to work on, and parts readily available from many places all make it a great helicopter. Not to mention it is a ton of fun to fly!!

[Aframomum]

Just wondering where can you find Futaba 9650 for $39.99? Looked at Helidirect, Amain, and Grandrc and they have them for $59...please let me know as I need 2 more!!

Mark

[WhiskeyBent]

Originally Posted by Aframomum

Just wondering where can you find Futaba 9650 for $39.99? Looked at Helidirect, Amain, and Grandrc and they have them for $59...please let me know as I need 2 more!!

Mark

Me too.

[mkovalcson]

My bad, I got mine from Heli Direct. Here is the line item.

3 x Futaba S9650 Digital Mini Servo (FUTM0260) = $179.97

[crickr1]

Started flying my Protos about 3 weeks ago and it is sweet! Set up fast with no tail issues,
Solid G gyro, and ds650 servo. Picked my kit up used and never had a heli in the air so quick with "0" problems! Just MHO

[mkovalcson]

Well the proof is in the pudding

I ate dirt today after 50+ flights. I came in inverted into the side of a hill. (Showing off for a neighbor too close to the ground) I've already surveyed the damage and other than the servo gear sets I have all the spare parts on hand to fix it. I've already pulled it apart.

This is a breeze to repair

[Inverse]

Still learning about mine and I've run the belt too loose, slipping it off whilst inverted. Flipped her over but lost headspeed and dumped her in from about 100 feet.
After picturing all the plastic parts disintegrating on impact, I was surprised to find I'd just done the spindle, base plate and the elevator servo gears.
It's a great heli to work on and beautifully engineered.

[alexmit]

I have a stretch Protos 500. I bought the kit the day they started shipping as a plastic only kit form Readyheli. I have since done every upgrade MSH has offered and have not been disappointed. I also own Compass Helicopters, but not the Atom 500. However I do have a 6HV which is essentially a ledger version of the Atom 500. Both the Atom and the Protos have a fantastic power-to-weight ratio.

What I can say is that I like both Compass and MSH for different reasons. MSH Protos will most likely be lighter than an Atom 500. That does come at a cost. The Protos is built to fly, not crash and therefore often has a higher parts count for crash replacement. I have crashed my both Compass 6HV and my Protos 500 stretch very hard. The Compass model seems to always require less replacement parts after a crash. I cannot comment on the parts replacement cost comparison between a Atom 500 and Protos, but I'm sure with some research you could quantify a typical crash cost quite easily. The atom 500 stretched runs 510mm blades, the Protos 500 stretch runs 470mm blades. The Atom might give you a bigger feel in the air if that is your thing. Another thing to note is that you will most likely be stuck with Compass brand blades on the Atom 500, but the whole stretch kit costs about $30 more than a set of SAB 475 blades alone. Compass Brand blades are fantastic blades for the price and are excellent in FB or FBL setups.

Both are great helicopters. I don't think you would be disappointed with either.
Factors:
1- replacement parts cost and availability (both are competitive)
2- flight characteristics (the Atom might "feel" a bit more stable due to higher weight especially if you stretch it)
3- crash durability (the Atom will probably win here)
4- support (both helis have great support)

[husafreak]

I got the MKS 9660+ servos for my Protos from Esprit and I'm pretty sure they said the MKS can use Futaba arms. Add that the sound of the Protos is totally unique, very quiet. I will be flying mine behind my house and the noise level is a bonus.

[Ah Clem]

I have very limited time on a Protos, so I will not comment on that.

I have had an Atom since right before they were released to the public, and it has been an outstanding machine.

Excellent performance and very low maintenance.

[fulcrum2]

Guys, I made my decision and pulled the trigger on an Atom.
What influenced me:

Protos: Tail issues and higher price because the FBL Head has to added
Atom: Looks to be even more more solid and can be stretched to a nice 550

But it was a tough decision - both Helis should be pretty close in performance...

Thanks for all your help and support! Cheers Stefan