Raptor 50 vs. Caliber 5

[Fflipp204]

All,

First, let me thank everyone ahead of time for the responses. I'm sure I will find them very helpful.

Here's my problem. I've been away from Heli's for quite some time, 15 years or so, and have sparked some interest in them once again. I had the old Shuttle ZXX and never quite mastered it. Then came G2! I'd logged a bunch of hours on the darn thing and got pretty good. So, I purchased a Blade CP just for starters to see if I really would be "interested".

Well, that did it for me. I've flown quite a bit and think it is time to move back into the bigger machines. I've done a lot of research on the Raptor 50 and the Caliber 5. I know that the Raptor almost has a "cult like" following and has it's advantages. However, I like the price of the Caliber 5 with the carbon blades. Problem is I can't find anyone that stocks repair parts for Kyosho. It appears that Tower Hobbies is no longer a retailer of Kyosho heli's and this really is a problem.

Does anyone have any opininons, pro's/con's, etc? I'd like feed back on flight characteristics of both machines if possible.

Oh yea, I already have my radio gear (fixed wing pilot) Futaba 9CAP PCM and would need a good Gyro. Any suggestions there would be okay as well.

Thanks,
Philip :confused:

[tdswan]

Hey Phillip!
Welcome back to heli's!
Well, if you've done any other reading at all on here, you'll find that I'm a pretty big Raptor fan (praise the Raptor God ;) ). I learned on a Raptor 50 V2. I am looking to expand my horizons to a Century Predator Gasser, but that's besides the point. I've flown a wider variety than the average guy I guess, but I'm no magazine test pilot. The Kyosho does make a nice solid bird. It's really hard to get a bad nitro heli nowadays. It's all about the components like engines and electronics that can make or break a heli.

As far as distributors, www.heliproz.com stock Kyosho Calibers and Raptors of all size and trim levels. This is where I bought my Raptor. Their shipping is great (free on anything over $100) and anyone that answers the phone will be able to point you in the right direction. They've been great to me and because of that, I just spent another $475 on electronics just this morning for my future Predator.

Both machines fly quite well. Get either one set up correctly and hover will be a dream. I do recommend that you go with an O.S. engine for either. Others can tend to be finicky.

As far as gyro's. There's a nice combo with the Futaba GY 401 coupled with the 9254 digital tail servo. Heliproz is selling this combo for $189! That's a steal!!!! I picked one of these up as well. I'm using a JR G500T on my Raptor right now w/ an 810G tail servo. It's alright, but I wish I'd have gone with a little better servo when I ordered it. The gyro works great though.

Well, I hope I helped. Good luck with your purchase. Good to see another glow pilot. Lots of electric fans on here....they don't know what they're missing!

[Fflipp204]

Thanks for the info TDSWAN ... Semper Fi! God bless.

[Dirtbrakes]

Is the price of the Caliper better or is the Raptor way better? I am dying to get a nitro! Any help is aperciated.

[Fflipp204]

I found the Caliber 5 for $274.99 and the Raptor 50 V2 for $409.99 at http://www.hobbieguyrc.com/shop/

So far the Caliber is a steal .. since it includes carbon blades and such.

[Motions]

You can get the Raptor 50 v2 kit for $489 with free shipping. The Raptor also comes with carbon fiber blades in the kit.

[tdswan]

You can get the Raptor 50 v2 kit for $489 with free shipping. The Raptor also comes with carbon fiber blades in the kit.
...and the engine, if you liike the TT 50, I'm not sure that the Kyosho comes with a motor.

[Rotoboy]

I found the Caliber 5 for $274.99 and the Raptor 50 V2 for $409.99 at http://www.hobbieguyrc.com/shop/

So far the Caliber is a steal .. since it includes carbon blades and such.

I just got a caliber 5, It's the bomb!!!!! I love this bird!!! It's very smooth flying. I would recomend it anytime. a very good deal indeed. Has a metal rotorhead as well along with metal reinforced blade grips too. The outterpart of the grip is plastic and the inner part is metal. The grips have a a cool look to them it as well. Also they got the canopy right as well. It flys like a dream and for parts, www.heliproz.com this is my third Kyosho chopper and second belt drive Kyosho chopper. parts are no problem! :rolleyes: Never like the stickers they come with so here she is with new paint job. I will be getting a new Raptor in a week or so :D They are both killer choppers. If it will be your fist and money is an issue, Caliber!!!!! , Heck!, they are both the bomb. Here are some close ups of a Cliber 5 http://www.littlerotors.com/articles/caliber5-011105/index.asp

Rotoboy

[Dirtbrakes]

Looks sweet. What kind of paint do you use on the canopy?

[Rotoboy]

Looks sweet. What kind of paint do you use on the canopy? Thanks, Here is what I used.. It all can be picked up for not a lot of money! First I got from Home Depot some Rust-o-leum Plastic Primer, this works very well on milk carton plastic canopys that come with most of the under 500.00 heli kits :eek: It does come in white and will let the color of your choice stick to the canopy. Next I shot it with my main color, that being the neon yellow. The paint used for this was Testors Acrylics. You can find them in the model section of Walmart. They work very well and can be cleaned up with water. You can thin them with alcohol are water , are even windshild wiper fluid. I used a Testors A370 Double Action Aztek Airbrush I got from Walmart as well. It works very well for what I paid for it :rolleyes: I hope to get a Aztek A470 very soon as an up grade, would like to start doing flames and the such. After spraying the neon yellow, I sprayed the white fade and put a coat of clear Rust-o-leum . over the whole thing. If you like add stickers before clear coat. I have found that fuel dose not hurt this finish at all.

Hope this helps,
Rotoboy

[Motions]

Good looking canopy.

I have to update my original post. I bought my R50 kit for $389 w/o motor. I just checked the vendor I got it from and they have gone up to $409 on the kit. Looks like the supply from being discontinued is raising the demand.

[Fflipp204]

Good looking canopy.

I have to update my original post. I bought my R50 kit for $389 w/o motor. I just checked the vendor I got it from and they have gone up to $409 on the kit. Looks like the supply from being discontinued is raising the demand.

That's what scares me! I know the Raptor is being upgraded. Which AUTOMATICALLY means higher prices as well. I think I'm going to end up going with the Caliber .. all reviews have been positive.

I agree, great paint job.

[Rotoboy]

OK, last one . Just finished making OS decals with my 7.00 Testors decal kit! Nice paint I know , but needs more decals !!!. This is you guys fault!!! :eek: Also ether one would be good. I was going to get a Raptor, but have changed my mind. Think I will save a little more $$ and get the .90 ship I really want, which is a JR Vibe!!!!. My caliber is very sweet indeed. It will do until .90 time. Also if you want more info on Cliber 5, it has Cover story in both Rotor world and Model Hilecopter World :D You know our number one favorite US mag will have the goodies as well :rolleyes:

Rotoboy