TJinGuy
Key Veteran
Location: Socorro, NM - USA
| Ok so it is Sunday evening and apparently I am looking to pick a fight but here I go ...
Why do folks think the Blade 400 is the best deal out there? Is it simply because it is the only decent heli available at their LHS? Is it because they have no concept of what a heli can be or what they need to fly one? Are they simply being brainwashed by the LHS guys? What makes the B400 as good as a Mini or Rex? Oh you say it isn't as good but it's cheaper ... well you are misinformed my friend!
These are some of the questions I keep asking myself as I see post after post pushing this cheap Chinese heli made by a company that only makes 3 helis and one is a coax! People telling the newbies that THIS heli is the best place to start, that it is awesome out of the box or that “it needs no upgrades”, just irritates the crap out of me. Now please don't read this and think I am stating the B400 is a bad heli, I am just trying to set the record straight and maybe offset some of the "This is the best heli ever" talk. So here is how I see things ... take it as you will.
The LHS: The Blade 400 is made in China just like almost every other heli out there. Just because a LHS marks it up before you buy it doesn't make it any different. It is an all plastic, comes in only one configuration and that config costs $500. Sure you can find one for less but most guys will go to their LHS and plop down the full amount. And hey I love my plastic helis, I am just pointing out this fact.
What's in the box: Since it only comes in one configuration, you get zero choices. You get to pay for every component if you want it or not, and lets talk about the components. You get a decent radio, a lame charger, a single battery that is too small, a basic gyro, 4 ultra basic servos and a good motor/esc. Sounds to me like you might be doing upgrades there pal ... or at least buying some more stuff so you can fly more than one time every 2 hours. Looks like you are going to need some more cash.
You say RTF, huh: Yup you can go buy one of these, take it out of the box, charge the battery and start flying. Well I am sure it happens like that every time ... or maybe it doesn't and you crash it. Or maybe it is kinda setup but not perfect. Setting up a heli is a complex thing and requires a lot of knowledge. People who think they can skip this important part of learning to fly are in for a rude awakening cause setup is everything.
So let me do some numbers right quick. Lets say you can buy a B400 at your LHS for $500 ($469+tax). Then you decide you want 2 more battery packs and you swing back by the LHS to pick up a pair of E-Flite 2100 packs at $75 each. Oh but wait, everybody it upgrading to DSP75 servos and that is gonna set you back another $100. Now you are at about $750. So lets see what we can do in a Rex450 w/3 batteries. Sure we will have to wait for the mail to come but that is part of this deal. (prices from HeliDirect and FMA direct)
$240 Align 450S kit w/motor+esc
$95 (3) Hitec HS65 + (1) HS81 servos
$180 Spektrum DX6i with RX
$105 Logictec T2100 gyro
$235 CellPro 4s + (3) 2100mAh packs
$25 shipping
If I add up these numbers I get $870. So now you have to ask yourself ... why would I save $100 to buy a inferior heli. Well maybe that is too much but if I picked up a lame gyro and charger, it would be right at about $650. On top of that you get to build this heli from the ground up and that means that you will have a very good understanding of how to work on the heli and set it up. Oh and just as many LHS carry Align parts as carry E-Flite parts.
Now this is not an Align ad. The same applies to building the same heli on a Mini Titan chassis. Or choose a CopterX and get a full metal head for like $50 less. Or choose an Esky Belt-CP with the the stock HH gyro for a lot less.
Anyhow folks that is what has been on my mind lately. Take it as you will and remember this ... flying a heli is about the journey, not the equipment!
- Chris
Variety+spice+life=King2+MiniT+Rex450
TAKE OFF AND LANDING CHAMPION SUPREME |
Cant complain after a crash, about $20-30 put her back up!)
Does the LHS set them for you? and how much they charge?
