Features vs. Availability of Parts

[boomer23059]

I've been having fun with my first heli, a Blade CX, but I'm starting to think about a heli with more capability and that is big enough to fly outside in light wind. Looking at the reviews, I'm interested in the TREX 450 (the SE if I can talk my wife into it!). Unfortunately, my local hobby shop doesn't sell the TREX and doesn't stock its parts. The only Heli that size they stock is the MX400 Pro and they stock it's parts. The RC Heli magazine review of the MX400 Pro implied that the MX400 wasn't impressive - I think they used the word "sedate." While I'd like to start "sedate" I want to move up to "wow!"

So after that rather long preamble, here's the question: Do I order online the TREX knowing that I'm going to have to order all my replacement parts online or do I step down a notch to the MX 400 Pro because of the easy local availability of parts? Keep in mind that I'm still a beginner and I use a lot of parts (I've probably replaced a blade or two on my Blade CX every other time I fly.) However, the local hobby shop expert doesn't fly heli's, so the hobby shop isn't a source of advice. One last point - I'm an engineer with a good knowledge of aerodynamics and mechanics, so I'm confident I can build either heli with decent instructions and access to the internet.

[CLM]

I work at a hobby shop part time and found that Horizon as a distributor is now starting to carry the T-rex. If your LHS can order Losi cars they should be able to order T-rex kits as they would both be coming from the Horizon distributor.

Chris

[Felony44]

I have been looking in both directions to. The Trex is not carried at my LHS either but they do carry MX, but 2 guys at our field have the MX400 and they love it and these are guys that can tear it up with a nitro bird i havent had the chance to fly a MX but i have seen them in the hands of good pilots and they fly great.

[AaronS]

Both machines are fine, I wrote that reveiw, and when I said "sedate" I meant that for its aerobatic capabilities it is a little slow. The "sedate" performance is actually a benifit if you are looking for a smooth flying model to cruise around. I think either machine would be good, but to be honest the MX has an easier setup than the T-REX, they both are good, but you should take into account local parts availability more than you think.There may be a time when that silly $2 part could prevent you from flying for days if you have to wait for an internet order.

[tdswan]

Go for the MX 400 since parts are so readily available. Just a side word of advice, don't bother with metal upgrades until you're ready. The T-rex SE is just a waste of money. I'm a relatively good pilot, but no 3-D guru yet and I still see no real reason to go with metal upgrades on anything I fly yet. It's just extra money you'll be afraid of spending once you're flying it around. The only upgrade worth anything for anyone aside from a 3-D god is a tail upgrade and a GOOD tail servo. These little birds are finicky with tail setup and you'll save yourself a lot of headaches. You can get the stock tails flying well, but it will sometimes take a bit of tweaking.

The MX 400 is a goot helicopter. The similarities between it and the T-Rex are striking. Go for availability.

[boomer23059]

Wow! What a great set of responses! Thanks!