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Autography FlightPower . Advantage Hobby . Revolution Models

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Century Hawk - Falcon - Raven - Predator > Century Falcon 50 SE V2 - Take a Chance or Not
 
 
Lift
Elite Veteran
Location: Houston, TX

Guys,

I have decided to buy a 50 kit afterall. I am real close to placing an order on the Raptor 50. Crash costs are very important to me at this stage of my learning. I like the fact that I can bring a mangled mess of a heli home and make it in the house by telling the wife that it will only cost ~$100 to repair instead of ~$250 and up. So, the Raptor 50 fits the bill. And I have some upgrades and spares laying around from the R30 days.

BUT, I started to research all the 50s from Robbe, Hirobo, JR, TT, Kyosho, Kalt, Bergen, etc. In the process I stopped to take a look at what Century is offering these days. I noticed the Raven and the Falcon. The Falcon is looking VERY interesting.

I think I MAY take a chance on the new Century Falcon SE v2 kit but need some additional input. It comes with 600mm carbon fiber blades for $399.99 and has a very interesting feature set.

Now, I have heard and read and heard and read and heard of more people that have "burned by Century" than one could handle. I have ordered from Heli-World a couple of times and not one issue. But, before I go shell out a pile of cash I want to KNOW that this is a not pile of junk.
This heli looks ENTIRELY redesigned and sweet. So, tell me stick with Rappy 50 or give Falcon a shot?

Here is what I like:
1) Carbon Fiber torque tube.
2) X-Cell type head that looks tight, tight, tight.
3) Much better looking than Raptor,
4) Weight. It is 1/2 pound lighter. Means even more grunt than other 50s
5) Cheap crash costs. Crash kit is $59
6) Metal swashplate
7) Dual radial and a thrust bearing in the TAIL grips. For that matter there are bearings everywhere. 53 to be exact. It just has to be smooth!
8) Fuel tank and engine under main shaft.





06-10-2002 Over year old.
 
 
Zxyxx
Senior Heliman
Location: Anaheim

Though I'm not fond of the frame design of the Falcon/Raven, the heli is a good performer. Moreover, you get a lot for the money. The head is almost a direct copy of X-cell and the parts are inexpensive. I like that it comes with a torque tube. I don't think that you'll be shooting yourself in the foot if you purchase the Falcon/Raven.
06-10-2002 Over year old.
 
 
Lift
Elite Veteran
Location: Houston, TX

Thanks Zxyxx

Man, I mean this heli looks awesome. Am I missing something here? Why are people not talking about it?
06-10-2002 Over year old.
 
 
Woody218
Veteran
Location: Bismarck, ND

If you don't get screwed over by Century at some point, you will be on the short list of people who haven't been. That's why more people don't fly Century helis.


Gravity Always Wins!
06-10-2002 Over year old.
 
 
ncostes
Veteran
Location: US

Re: being uneasy ordering century products - I've bought 2 hawk iv's now and I'm very happy with them. Also have received good service from heli-world, and good tech-support from century when I had questions.

Rick's carries century products too (www.ronlund.com).

Let us know how your falcon works out if you get one - I'm looking that way for my next ship...

Also check out century products ratings at rchelicopters.org...

06-11-2002 Over year old.
 
 
Syclic
Senior Heliman
Location: Northern Hemisphere

Falcon 50 SE

Lift,

It is probably pure ignorance and "blind attitude" (as demonstarted already by a poster here) that keeps most who have not tried the Falcon (or any other Century heli) from doing so. Once people see and use them in an area, they quickly become quite popular.

Locally we were all Shuttle/Raptor oriented in the 30 size until someone had the balls to "stray from the flock" a few years ago. Since then the Hawk IV and Hawk SE has become the 30 of choice here and the Falcon SE the 50 of choice. The LHS is now even stocking some of their scale kits.

The Century heli's have become the hands down dominant brand here now. At last count there were over 26 that are reqularly flown at our club fields.

The main LHS has now stopped stocking Hirobo and TT kits and is now concentrating only on the Century brand in 30 and 50 size. (In 60 they are Freya and Fury oriented)

The reason - simply that they are by far the brand that gives the most for the money!

If you want more user feedback, check out the "showroom" area on www.rchelicopters.org for all the user reports on it.

Unfortunately there are still some who think the world is still flat.
06-11-2002 Over year old.
 
 
ltaustin1e5
Senior Heliman
Location: EVANSVILLE, IN

falcon se

this is the best bang for the buck 50 size heli going. don't be misled by others who haven't build or flown one of these birds. with an os 46 this heli rocks. no upgrades needed. the only reason century helis take such a beating on some post is that all big name flyers fly 60 size helis and century doesn't have a 60 size heli. try the SE you won't be sorry.
06-11-2002 Over year old.
 
 
driftrider
Veteran
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA. (In my own little world)

I have a Raven 50, which is exactly the same at the Falcon 50 V2 except for the CCPM conversion and a different radio tray up front. I love it. It has a lot of extra "upgrade" parts (read value) and it flys very well. It is very stable in a hover.

As far as Century service goes...

If you read my other thread about my recent joyous UPS experience , you'll know that they lost a shipment of crash parts last week (they were supposed to get to me on Friday). I called Heli-World on Saturday morning (since they were closed by the time I was sure UPS wasn't coming) and they, without any fuss at all, imeadiately called UPS and started a tracer and said that if UPS hadn't found the package by start of business today they'd ship out a replacement package 2nd Day Air right away. Well, the package wasn't found and the replacement parts are on their way.

I've talked with both Brian and Bruce at Heli-World and they are both very nice and helpful. As an added bonus, Ron Lund carries Century kits and parts. Why would he carry and promote a brand of helis that suck? It would be bad for business.

If you get a Falcon you won't be disappointed.

Oh, and if someone mentions that it's really expensive to replace the torque tube...my crash resulted in the boom being literally cut off (not just bent) in two places, at the base by the frame and where the blades hit it. It wrecked the boom, boom supports, and the fin set, but the torque tube survived without a scratch.

Mike
06-11-2002 Over year old.
 
 
Lift
Elite Veteran
Location: Houston, TX

A little more...

Woody218,
Can you explain your personal experience with Century? I hear alot of bad but usually it turns out to be "I know someone..." or "My flight buddy.." and not that person themself who actually had a bad experience. Again, I am in no way defending Century but would like to hear some firsthand experiences.
My two encounters were very good. Actually they have done better than GR8LakesRC.com. They messed up my first order from them.

All,
I have a brand new OS .50 sitting here in the box. This will bolt right in won't it being a 46/50 class?
What is the main gear ratio?
What upgrades or changes would be good while building it from the start?
Anybody had a chance to put the heli in hard 3D? How did it hold up?

Thanks
06-11-2002 Over year old.
 
 
the Wasp
rrProfessor
Location: Vt

Lift,,, I think you have answered your own question !!!

Yes, I do have a Century,,, a Hawk SEV2,,, my friend that flies the JR ECCPM helis says my Hawk feels on the sticks like a more expensive heli, and this Robbie Rep I know has bought a Falcon SEV2, and the Raptor guys like my Hawk too, and everyone els that has flown it likes it too !!
Now, I have built both my Hawk SEV2 and the Raptor 30, my Raptor was easier to build, but my Hawk was a better buy !! I am only flying around, but I can tell you that in the air my SEV2 is rock steady, the tail is unbelievably steady, no vibrations, no wiggling before liftoff, just a nice fling heli !! I love my SEV2 !!
And I have had NO problems with my hawk and No problems with Century or Heli World !!

In the world of Rc helis, Century fills a big space between helis!,,, you get all those upgrades, it fly great, it's reliable and it's priced very good!!

Jim
06-11-2002 Over year old.
 
 
quark3DNT
Heliman
Location: San Jose, CA

Lift,

you really can't go wrong with Century products, Hawk/Falcon or Raven (not to mention all the scale kits). I've never had a problem with them (Century/Heli-world. I've bought both at the shop since they are my LHS but have also mail ordered from them - to a friend out of state).
I have a renewed liking of my Hawk II after I completely rebuilt it and it now runs as smooth and vibration free as you can just dream of. Since I fly a little bit of 3D already, I can vouch for it's stability and precision in the controls. I do have a metal swashplate like the Falcon. I fly with 1800 rpm since my 30 engine doens't pull well out of lower rpms after rolls or flips but with a 50, you'll be rocking.
My buddy learned all his 3D on the Hawk II and a friend of mine just got the Raven 50 which I'm helping put together - very impressive - all parts fit nicely and the gear mesh is very smooth.

Have fun with the Falcon SE v2. (BTW, the crash kit only includes wood blades - but I'm sure you didn't expect carbon blades for $59).

Oliver
06-11-2002 Over year old.
HOMEPAGE  
 
 
sykochin
Senior Heliman
Location: GoWest

Can't go wrong with the Falcon SE.
I have one, flies beautifuly, control is very responsive, parts are very cheap and available all the time. The rotor head is well designed, it's like the miniature Xcell (Well Xcell copied from Heim, Vario and Schluter), It flies like the Xcell.
The forward flight tracks very well. Finally it autos so good.
The OS50 will power that bird to the moon.
I have been dealing with Heli-world and Century about 14 years now, I never had a single problem with them.
06-11-2002 Over year old.
 
 
Lift
Elite Veteran
Location: Houston, TX

Upgrades

sykochin,
Do you have the v2?

Are you flying it bone stock or do you have upgrades on it? If so which ones are worth it?

What problem areas should I watch out for?

Does the crash kit come with the torque tube? I assume it does.

I think I am going with this heli. I am reading the manual now. It reminds me of the build for the Fury except for the frames. Their are bearings all over the place. Clutch assembly is a little different having the spur gear installed before the fan.
06-11-2002 Over year old.
 
 
Boomstrike
Heliman
Location: Brownstown, Michigan

Just Ordered

Just ordered Falcon IISE online today. Been Eyeballing this chopper for a while. Looks like it might be a winner. Hope it turns out as nice as it seems. Steve
06-11-2002 Over year old.
 
 
kevlar11
Senior Heliman
Location: Edmonton

falcon V2

The SEv2 Falcon I have flys great, stable hover and a awsome
power to weight with the O.S. 50. For the price a good buy!

KD.
06-13-2002 Over year old.
 
 
Ray Fernandez
Elite Veteran
Location: Guam (U.S.A.)

Chiming in

As far as the Century product goes, I've owned several Hawk SE's and several Falcons (III & SE) and currently fly an SE. I am quite pleased with thier performance. I have dealt wiht HeliWorld and have had good response from them. I think IMHO that the Falcon or Raven are good helis for the money spent.

Ray Fernandez - GUAM
06-13-2002 Over year old.
 
 
Lift
Elite Veteran
Location: Houston, TX

Update!

Guys & Gals,
After private messaging a few people here and asking around I decided that the Falcon was the real deal. So, I placed an order with Heli-World yesterday afternoon.

I got:
1) Falcon SE V2 kit
2) OS Throttle Arm upgrade
2) CN3033B Muffler

Was real tempted to get the constant drive unit, Carbon Fiber boom suppports, and some other goodies. But, since I have some Raptor CF fins, KSJ universal rear servo mount sytem, and a T&T header tank I was able to control myself.

I will post back here about my experience with the kit and build.

Thanks to all who posted. I am looking forward to this heli.
06-13-2002 Over year old.
 
 
Boomstrike
Heliman
Location: Brownstown, Michigan

Correct Muffler?

Lift, what engine are you using? I am gonna go with the OS 46. From what I have been reading it takes the CN3033A Muffler. Not the B one? Would like to order today. Must clarify this before I do.

Steve
06-13-2002 Over year old.
 
 
Lift
Elite Veteran
Location: Houston, TX

Motor

Boomstrike,
I am using the OS .50 SX-H. I called Century because the "A" was not listed on the website but it was listed in last summers catalog. The only muffler for the .46 & .50 was the CN3033B. My phone call confirmed my choice. They said it was the correct one for the .46/.50.

I guess they have made a change to the muffler or the part number. Anyhow, as light as this heli is I decided to not get the Hatori due to cost and the fact that I am not trying to squeak every drop of power I could get. From what I have been told by others, the Falcon with the OS .50 will require backing off on the throttle curve on top! And that is with 12 degrees of pitch! All of this is attributable to weight from what I am getting. So, the .46 should be just fine.

The CN3033 series muffler are adequate for most of the gear ratios and headspeeds on most of the 30 and 50 out.

Hope this helps.
06-13-2002 Over year old.
 
 
Boomstrike
Heliman
Location: Brownstown, Michigan

Thanx

Thanx for the info. Gonna order the OS46 with the CN3033B from Heli-World Now. Race ya to Heli-Hut for the GY401 gyro combo now.

Steve
06-13-2002 Over year old.
 
 
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Century Hawk - Falcon - Raven - Predator > Century Falcon 50 SE V2 - Take a Chance or Not
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