Thread: Gootch 450 V2 heli opinions

Hi Mark

I have 5 Gootch 500's and they are spot on. I have also built and flown HK's, Copter X and Tarrot and to be totally honest the Gootch knocks the socks off them all (My own opinion). You must remember that which ever brand you buy it is a clone, which for our dictionary lovers is not the correct terminology as clone means "Identical and not similar" most of these none Align kits are only similar due to copyright infringement. The factory's that make these clones are our friends not enemies, they bring kits and parts to the pockets of the less financially fortunate, the ability to fit genuine align parts to them is a bonus, you can replace the weak parts with genuine parts and still be better off than shelling out for Pukka kit.

If you buy the HK600Gt for example you will need to spend at least another £100 on genuine Align parts before you can successfully fly it safely, check around youtube and you will see what I mean. That aside even with the Parts replaced you will have a perfect flying helicopter for less than half the Align price. Its similar to the Orange receiver syndrome, I bet over half of the 2.4Ghz clan use none genuine Spektrum receivers, myself included.

I hear this "anti-clone" slander frequently with the dont buy this, dont buy that, only buy align etc etc. I wonder how many Mercedes drivers think the same when their 50k Motor is awaiting the AA truck whilst the Ford Focus driver passes by laughing.

There is nothing wrong with a clone, yes they need a little more initiative to build and set them up and may need some altering but I think this builds to a better understanding of the aircrafts physics. Just remember that the quality of the kit is only as good as the service from the supplier. If you experience a problem with your kit, how long will you have to wait for parts, will they even help you at all etc etc etc.

Browse the net and youtube re-search first get a feel for what other owners say, youtube has some excellent reviews on bulding/flying these kits

Happy flying

DW

Originally Posted by Stanley Speel

Why don't you get the Pro kit? I know it has a tt, but it looks so much better imo. It looks like a good clone looking by the seller's feedback on ebay.

If you get decent electronics with it (off here), then if you crash it badly or decide to go to a better kit in the future then you can just switch over the electronics.

This is gonna sound "proper noob" but i prefer the look of the v2, The canopy looks better proportioned, What would be the benefits of the pro kit?

Hi Mark

It depends on what you are looking for in the Heli, The Pro is much better at 3d work due to the tail being gear driven which makes the heli more responsive than the V2. The head and tail grips are a little beefier than the V2.The pro has more alloy supports and a carbon base plate, where as the v2 is plastic.

The V2 is an excellent heli for the money, but the pro is better in my opinion and seems to get higher ratings as Stanley Speel stated.


Drop them an email info@helisfromdevon.co.uk and I am sure they will email some pics and a spec sheet

DW

Ok so I'm learning, shaft drive tail is better than belt.
Would the frames be the same? Meaning could I change the canopy with the v2 one?

Shaft drive is more responsive than belt and shaft drives create less friction than belt drives. However Shaft drives are more suspect do damage from tail strikes on landing, if you catch the tail hard with a gear drive you will no doubt strip the nylon gears in an instant.

If you are new to helis the V2 may be a better option as the tail is easier to work on with a belt than with gears.

The 2 frames are very different and the V2 canopy will not fit the pro as its much longer.

DW

Well I was starting to lean toward the pro but maybe I'll stick to the v2 then
Thank you all for your help

Anytime Mark

If you do want any further info or advice, they have a forum too http://www.rdsa-technology.org/HFDforum/index.php ask the lads on there.

To be honest with you Mark, the best you can afford. I fly with all Blue arrow servos in my 500's from HFD as well as the fentium ESC and HB730 Gyro, they have not given me any problems to date.

The servos and the gyro are the heart of the helicopter and need to be up to the job, If you are on a budget, Hitec or Towerpro are well know and pretty decent quality for a beginner, if you are wanting to really chuck the heli about 3D stylee then higher end servos such as Align or Futaba will be better. Savox also do a nice range of servos. The tail servo needs to be fast with bags of torque as it will take a hammering.

DW

Originally Posted by matjonze

My only gripe was the round head bolts just rounded straight away, very little head metal for a M2.5 bolt. A few quid on some proper HT bolts is money well spent.

Hi Mat

Your comments have been passed on To Mr HFD, He will no doubt pass them on the factory. Thanks for the info


DW