RunRyder - buy used or build?

rrTV-PHOTO

New HD TV

HOME rrTV-PHOTO GALLERIES MY GALLERY HELP-FAQ

myHOME PM pmRR MEMBERS 341 ONLINE 42 EVENTS SEARCH REGISTER START HERE

1 page

217 views

POST REPLY

HeliHobby	.	Ron’s HeliProz South	.	Century Helicopter
	.		.

Beginners Corner > buy used or build?

dumhuve
Heliman
Location: Marin County, California

I check the electric classified pretty much daily.
It's easy to realize that there's money (and time if you care)
to be saved by buying used. To me the most common and easiest choice
would probably be a trex 450, lots of support, cheap parts etc.
The 500 or 600 class to me though seems perfect. I only have sim experience with copters in general other than my retired walkera.

You can't help noticing how much more stable the 600 is compared to
a 450.
I don't know how valueble building your own would be as a experience
as you have to tinker with every part rather than starting when something breakes. Is it a good idea for a newbi?

Even though i'm in the early stages of helicopters I feel fairly confident that i'll remain in the hobby as long I stay away from junk.

Sharing means: you get less.

05-05-2008 01:54 AM

george0079
Elite Veteran
Location: Terra Firma

In general, if you build it, then you're going to know how to fix it, and maintain it. Plus, you're going to know how it was put together.

When you buy used, you never know what you're getting into.

The older I get, the shorter my attention....... Oh look. A shiny penny..

Steve

05-05-2008 01:58 AM

zaw
Senior Heliman
Location: Lebanon, NH - USA

I just buy used if its good deal. I can fix them up pretty good and I'm going to crash one day or other anyways.

BCP+CP2 mix Separates BL, DD-tail, HH //\\ HBK2 JGF 400 11T //\\ Friend's B400

05-05-2008 05:38 AM

shuttlepilot
Elite Veteran
Location: Mullins, South Carolina

Quote
When you buy used, you never know what you're getting into.

So true. In a lot of cases...unless you have been around the used heli that you are buying, you become a builder anyway when you check out the used heli to make sure that everything is ok. You need to always be prepared to repair/replace parts when buying used, but there are some good deals to be had on occasion.

Gas is Great
QWW Field Rep

05-05-2008 05:44 AM

skypilot 01
Key Veteran
Location: Northumberland UK

Buy new if you can.

http://www.geocities.com/mick.patterson/home-page.html

05-05-2008 09:24 AM

HOMEPAGE

ourobouros2k2
Heliman
Location: okc area, Oklahoma

if I could do it over, used would be the way I go

First off, nothing wrong with the LHS I bought my stuff at, however, I paid competitive new prices for all my gear about 4 months ago. Lemme break it down

Dx-6 (not 6i) 180
rex 450sa 275
thunderpower lipo 50
gy401 130
ds285's and 3400g 140 (i think)
carry box 60
multiplex charger 90 (i think)
tail servo mount 12
reinforced gear struts 12

823 + tax for approx 905 bucks (not counting the plethora of specialized tools and such)

for that, I could have bought a damn fine 450sev2 w/dx-7 rtf. For not much more, I could have had a slightly used alum. frame t-rex 600e w/dx7 at 1200 recently right here on rr. I never new how heavily helis and associated gear depreciated as a package vs. just single parts. Kinda makes me sick to know after all the money I have been investing in my heli, I wouldn't probably get half. Lesson learned, for I will be buying used on here from here on out.

Guess the point I am trying to make is that patience is a good thing and you can get some great deals or wait and get exactly what you want here on rr rather than overpaying new prices for something less than you wanted. just my thought on it.

Andy T-rex 450sa, Axe CP

05-05-2008 09:51 AM

JRjoe
Elite Veteran
Location: Portage, IN

Q: Do you know what to look for in a used heli????

Yes there are some good deals to be had by buying used. But unless you really know what your getting it's buyer beware.Never know what your gonna get. I almost always recommend that new heli guys buy a new KIT and build it themselves. How else you gonna know how to work on it???? Gotta learn how it works too.

On the other hand used from someone at your local field or hobby shop thats willing to help you out , is a different story. Actually being able to see if fly first is a big, big plus.

+'s and -'s to each route, there's really no right answer.

..........Joe
Mind what you have learned.Save you it can...
JR Helis Rule!!!

05-05-2008 10:49 AM

steffgiguere
Veteran
Location: St-Eustache, Quebec, Canada

I buy new. Most guys say they never crashed but when you take it apart to rebuild to make sure everything is ok then you see if it is true or not. Buying new gets you in the air faster because you don't have to take apart before rebuilding and if you notice anything that's not ok than you have to order the new part and wait for it. Buy new take out of the box build, adjust and fly.

I wish I could fly 24/7

05-05-2008 01:48 PM

Skarn
Senior Heliman
Location: Pasadena, MD

You really have to weight the pro's and con's to both.

Used: you can save a GOOD deal of money and if the owner knows what he's doing and honest, it will be set up properly and ready to fly.

New: more expensive, but you KNOW the stuff is good and you will be forced to lean how to set it up properly and build it.

My advice is generally this: If you can afford it and it's your first heli, buy a new kit. Watch the Finless video's and build it yourself from scratch.

If you are already experienced and building/repairing/setting up is not a problem for you, and you know what to look for in a used heli, then go for it and save some money.

Good luck!
Skarn

It's better to burn out than to fade away...

05-05-2008 02:45 PM

FBoss
Veteran
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

There is nothing to stop you from buying used, tearing it down and rebuilding it. In fact I think that is a very good way to go. Buying used on RR is a good place to go. Buy from an established member that has lots of good fedback. Make sure you will get the book with it. Buying used does cut tons off the cost. A tear down and rebuild is as good or better than parts from a box. IMO the 450s are hard to learn on, but cheaper to get into. The 30 size (600) are alot more stable.

The good ole times are now ,000132

05-05-2008 03:04 PM

Mutt
Veteran
Location: t ca usa

I have a different point of view. If I cant see it feel it check it out even fly it I wont buy it. I refuse to buy online at all from a private party. Reasons due to all the scamming we all see here all the time and on evilbay. Buy new you get what you want good quality stuff for less in the long run. as stated before if you do not know what to look for you can be up to the price of new in a hurry. I also have another view too if a person has to question the prices and cost of the hobby maybe they are in the wrong one. Helis are not cheap planes are getting even more expensive these days too. If you cant afford to crash then your in the wrong hobby so I would suggest looking into all aspects. Not trying be be a downer just stating facts as I see it locally and online a lot people jump in head first and leave the hobby fast because they cant afford the repairs and such.

05-05-2008 03:25 PM

Zman9545
Veteran
Location: The Golden STATE

Quote
If I cant see it feel it check it out even fly it I wont buy it. I refuse to buy online at all from a private party. Reasons due to all the scamming

Very true I wouldn't either and definitely wouldn't recommend this route to a newbie. The only time I consider is when I can physically check it out myself or someone you know personally, otherwise to many variables involved to make a good judgement call. The stakes are way to high when purchasing a used heli for the simple fact that there is a high possibility of hidden problems. You could be spending more money in repairs than what you benefit in saving. However, this is not always the case. It basically boils down to how much are you willing to risk.

IMO

Trex600N Pro
Kinetic 50

-The ONLY way you fail is when you quit.-

05-05-2008 03:54 PM

dumhuve
Heliman
Location: Marin County, California

Thank's for all input.
I'm considering a hdx 500 v2 kit and then build it with
good electronics. I'm feeling more excited about a kit i think
after all. Of course, maybe i'm starting a trex/lepton argument when comes to 500s.
Does the hdx sniff them at all in quality?
It sure looks rigid to me.

Sharing means: you get less.

05-06-2008 04:36 AM

1 page

217 views

POST REPLY

MTA Hobbies	.	MRC/Altech Marketing USA	.	Gyro Hobbies
	.		.

Beginners Corner > buy used or build?

UPDATE SCREEN PRINT TOPIC

Advertisers

Subscribe to This Topic