50 or 60 Size

[kcgraves]

After seeing Curtis Youngblood two weeks ago at the local field here I need a gas heli. Currently have a Blade CP and an MX400. Wanted a 90 but way too expensive at the moment. I am leaning toward a Raptor as that is what my LHS c?arries but I am torn between a 50 or a 60. It is usually windy around here in upstate NY so I need something that can take a little wind. Anyone have any insites as to which would be a better machine? My LHS is leaning toward a 50 but it may be because he does not currently have a 60 in stock.

[heli-cuzz]

I live in N.E. Pa. and its usually windy at my field. My 30 and 50 both handle heavy winds like a hot knife slicing butter. :D

The os hyper 50 is probably the best stock 50 class engine on the market.

[Felony44]

I live in N.E Ohio on the lake and it gets windy here too. I have a Raptor 50 and it is stable in the wind. Theres a guy who flys with me and he has a 60 and that flys great in the wind either way you should be ok

[tdswan]

My 50's just fine, too. A 50 also has a little better power/weight than a 60. Unless you're running a 70 motor in the 60. 50's cheaper and just as fun.

[kcgraves]

Thanks all, a Raptor 50 it is.

When I bought the MX400 I said this is big enough. Then I saw the 90s flying at the Helicopter Jamboree two weeks ago, where Curtis was the feature pilot, and went "I gotta have one". But when I stopped by my LHS last week he tried to talk some sense into me, basically saying what all of you are saying. He said the Raptor with the OS Hyper 50 was the best way to go.

One last question, is the 50SE worth the extra money?

[cbflys]

In case it wasn't clear, the Raptor 50 is basically a Raptor 30 with much a much higher power to weight ratio. The Raptor 60 is a Raptor 90 with a much lower power to weight ratio. You'll get better performance out of the 50 with respect to the 60. The only advantage I see in the 60 is its upgrade path to a 90.

Considering this is your first Nitro heli - I think the Raptor 50 is your best choice. Also - if money is an issue; the Kyosho Caliber 5 is an excellent machine and can be had for under $500.00 INCLUDING and OS .50 Hyper. You won't go wrong with either one of them.

As far as the 50SE being worth the extra money. That also depends. If you upgrade a standard 50 to an SE - It'll cost you more than buying the SE outright. However - the main advantage the SE has over the standard is the metal head. Unless you're advanced enough for aerobatics or 3D flying - save your money for now.

[tdswan]

Unless you're advanced enough for aerobatics or 3D flying - save your money for now.

Second that.

[kcgraves]

Thanks all. I'm no 3-D pilot so the 50 Titan it is. My LHS has one or two in stock as of last week.

I am trying to stay with what the locals have as far as helis. Looks like most have JR or Raptors. I learned the electrics by myself but want to join the local group and have there experts teach/help me with 3D. The other 50 size heli that my LHS currently has is the Sceadu 50.

Thanks again.

[theBZA]

old thread, but I will reply anyway.
This is more for newer pilots reading this thread, and not so much for the thread creator.
A 50 is the best thing you can do. It will use much less fuel, but more than a 30.
tdswan is right. It has a good power/weight ratio, but not as good as a 90's power to weight ratio.

a 60 does not have a good power to weight ratio, but like a 30 can be later converted to a 50, a 60 can later be converted to a 90.

If you are coming from a blade CP, a 30 is what you want. Convert to a 50 (for about $80) when you are ready.
Crash costs are also pretty cheap. And yes, you are going to crash it. It is part of learning.
a 30 will fly great for you. You won't be able to do tic'toc's or piro flips on it, but it will fly for you. Also, you will get, on average, 12 minute flights.
My 50's with the Hyper engine, give me just short of 9 minutes.

a 60/ 90 machine, is going to give you similar flight times, but you know it has a bigger tank.
your 60's and 90's, will suck up fuel so fast, you can SEE the level going down.

it is also not very difficult to go through 2 gallons a day on a 90.
a 50, a gallon will last you a good most of the day at the field.

Learning to fly costs money. Use that money to buy fuel, NOT expenses repair bills.

Don't get a big machine if you are starting out. they are built for power. I hate to say it bro, when really learning to fly, you don't need power.

start with a 30. upgrade to a 50. skip the 60. Buy a 90. Follow that in order.

[Ron K]

I'll second that, too.

Even though the Raptor with a Hyper 50 is one of the best all around "fun machines", I still fly my Raptor 30 a lot.

My old O.S. 32 is 14 years old, but it still runs like the Eveready Bunny. I have all the parts and a new engine lying around to convert it to a 50, but just keep putting it off while I enjoy the flying. Maybe after my next big crash - (I've only said that a dozen times).

BTW - Full scale helis and models can handle a lot more wind than their fixed wing cousins.

Ron