mknope019

Hopefully someone here can help me out. I find myself being in sort of a bind. Im looking into getting my second helicopter (first being a blade cp). I currently have the new E-flite Blade 400 on pre-order. I was excited to see that E-flite came out with something like that cause I like the design and it comes with everything I would need to get. And its also bigger. So all was well until I stumbled on the Hurricane 550 threads. I read and read and learned much about it and man does it look like a good helicopter. Ive wanted a bigger helicopter but the high costs has kept me away. But I can handle the price of a Hurricane . Im just wondering if its worth it to cancel my blade 400 pre-order and get the Hurricane 550 . If I was to get the Hurricane 550 I would get the RTF kit that includes everything. You can find the RTF kit here http://www.backman-rc-expert.com/inc/sdetail/2161 I know that RTF kit probably doesnt come with the best of hardware and electronics but in camparison to the Blade 400 RTF kit is it worth it? If anybody can provide me with any help it would be much appreciated.

P.S. Has anybody gotten that same RTF Hurricane 550 package?

noguy

I generally think bigger is always better with heli's. Well mainly for flight stability and performance. Also, I am one that thinks your electronics are the most important thing. Therfore I dont like the telebee gyro and servo's..... Also, after now owning a dx7 I would highly recomend any 2.4gHz radio setup.

I am sure you would enjoy flying either heli. However if the wind is up around 10mph you will definatley want to be flying the 550.

just my .02cents

helorookie

You know, I went to this site and took a look for my self. This Heli really does look like a good deal. However, I am not too sure about the company. I hope I am wrong, but it looks like an American shoot-off of RC-Expert. If this is the case, I might have to hear from others that have gotten equipment and supplies from them.

As for some of the electronics, I would have to agree with noguy, they are the most important part of you setup. I too am not a fan of the Telebee gyro or the Airtronics servos. Might want to take a look at everything. Plus I took a look at the parts listing, and didn't see all that many parts. As we all know, if you fly, crashes are inevitable. There has to be a more supply of repair parts to get your bird back into the air.

celter

I really recommend the Hurricane 550. Stable, well built, easy to get parts. I love my Hurricane !

grunter

Celter, good to hear you like your Hurricane. I have been trying to decide which 500 size heli to purchase. I have learnt the basics on a small electric heli and wish to progress to a larger one.

I like the charge and fly concept of the electrics, so I will pursue the electric concept for a while.

Maybey when or should I say if my flying gets to the point where I need to consider Nitro, I will go that way.

The choices of heli's avaliable makes it difficult to choose. So to hear someone is enjoying their Hurricane is encouraging.As I have almost decided to go with the hurricane 550.[8D]

credence

My Feedback: (2)

Hurricane is a good machine, no doubt about it. Mine is extremely smooth and very responsive. I really like it. More so than my t-rex 600 only because it's easier to transport and uses much cheaper batteries.

If you're debating between the EP550 and one of the cheaper e-flite kits, i'd say go EP550 hands down. I'm sure you've seen my other post on my impression of the EP550, despite all the problems I initially had.

mknope019

But money is an issue for me. If I had a TX and RX it would probably be a simple decision, but I have nothing. Thats why I posted that RTF combo of the EP550 because it comes with everything for a good price.

helorookie

Well,

I decided to go ahead and Pre-order the Eflight 400. Got it as an RTF system. I am looking forward to this bird getting here to Iraq. I want to really give it a go and see if Eflight can actually compete with Align or if they are just trying to enter the market with a POS. Once it arrives, I know that I will have to verify the tracking and adjustments of the swash even though it is supposed to be test flown at the manufacturer. I have yet to get a Blade machine to go airborne without some tweaking.

I will keep you all posted once this arrives with pictures.

concept1

My Feedback: (2)

the Hurricane is a incredible Heli for the $$. I have had mine for 2 months and love everything about it. it flies well stock but upgraded it is awesome. the setup listed above is ok, but the gyro is just barely ok, but even at ok it will be far and above the esky400. if you upgrade over time you will have one real nice machine.
futaba 401gyro w9253/or 9254
stock motor is good for basic flying but the new H18/11 motor is great for 3d as is the zpower z30 or z20. and 2500mah lipo's or A123 cells will make it rock!
personally I would go after the basic kit and hit ebay or the for sale forum for a better used radio and a 401! you can get this heli for under about the same price but with better "used elecronics if you take that route

this same kit is sold on ebay minus the tx for $329
sell the telebee gyro and get a used 401 $80-100 used radio easily under $100-150

Cleared2Engage

Glad to see you finally got it in the air. I just got mine rebuilt after showing off and lawn darting it into the ground tail end first. I almost have a new helicopter. BTW, is anyone having trouble with the one way bearing giving out too soon?

Cleared2Engage

What branch of service are you in? If you're in Iraq you don't want to be lugging around the 550. My next tour I'll be packing along my Blade CP or maybe the rex 450 to screw around with. Semper Fi.

helorookie

I am currently a civilian here in Iraq. I have been here for 2 years and am on my third. [] As for my birds, I have a BladeCP and a T-Rex 450. Currently I am grounded, as I need parts. [:@] Once I get my Blade 400, I will be airborne again. I know the feeling about carrying a 550 around. That would be hard as heck over here. Send me a PM and let me know when you are returning to the land of the sand.

besthobbie

Wow looks like a great flier. I have just purchased a blade 400 and love it except for the servos that came with it. Had to put metal gears and servo because once you bump they strip Have had to install hs65mg hitec servos in it. Now it is very stable. I have been flying now for a couple of months. The 550 is by the videos and specs a good deal. The radio is the one thing you might have to upgrade. The blade flys great for me now and parts are cheap and readily available. You have to keep on reading threads to make a decision because it is very hard. I love the blade as it has a lot of power and is very responsive. Good luck.

fw190

My Feedback: (37)

I fly both H550 and B400. I have to admit the Hurricane is super smooth a bit more intimidating because of its size, however you need bigger lipos in the 3300 20C+ rating. If I had to decide between the two, I would keep the H550.

RaceCraftRC

the hurricane rocks and the blade is pretty cool to. I just don't know if i trust the seller the deal sounds to good but, good luck in what ever you choose. you probable won't ever outgrow the 550 it will do it all. the blade is great and ton's of easy fun, but there is alot of things that it's not that good at. ( mostly advanced 3d, it will do alot but not all and if you screw it up mine doesn't have enough grunt to recover). Good luck in what ever you choose and be shure to have some one look over the 550 if you go that way never take someones word on it being ready to fly, same with the blade but the 550 has alot of power maybee even tons of power you don't want it going crazy or acting weird. anyway good luck hope this helps AX

The Hedgehog

I have both also, if I had to choose between one I would go with the 550, more predictable to fly and can handle more wind. I like both for different situatioins, but the 550 will fly better than the B400. If money is not object, which it shouldn't be if you are asking between the two, go for the 550.[sm=thumbup.gif]