ThunderTiger E325 or T-Rex 450

[raphel]

I need to make a choice between the ThunderTiger E325 & T-Rex 450.
I understand that both of them have almost similar specifications.
Even the cost is almost identical.
Some flyers say that T-Rex is a time tested & proven machine.
Others say that ThunderTiger also provides excellent quality though it has proven itself in the non-electric powered series.
I am thouroughly confused.
Can somebody suggest which one should I buy?
Should I go for the trusty T-rex 450 or consider tthe TT-325?

[Danimal]

OK I'll admit right up front that my opinion in this comparison is completely bias. I've never had the chance to fly a T-Rex so I really cant make a fare comparison. However I do have a Mini-T and can tell you that it is an extremely well mannered heli. Its a much more durable design and easer to work on than a T-Rex. If you look closer at the side by side comparisons being made you'll find that they are putting a stock Mini-T up against the SE version of the T-Rex at more than twice the price of the Mini.
I'll admit the T-Rex is the leader of the pack for this class of heli and has been for some time now. But that's what drives the other manufactures to try and dethrone them. Like you mentioned Thunder Tiger is a vary well known and respected company that is just now getting in to electrics. They didn't just jump in to the mini electric market with something to grab a bit of the profits. They spent a few years developing something that would be worthy of there reputation.
I think they did a grate job with a 450 class heli that handles like a 30 in a hover and slow precise maneuvering. But will also get out there and run head to head with the best Align has to offer and do it in completely stock form.


I guess its time for the T-Rex guys to come beet me up now.

[Aztek1701]

Hi Raphel,

Well as you can probably see from my machine list on my sig, Im a bit biased the other way lol . Like Danimal has never flown a trex, ive never flown a mini T so I cant vouch for it. What I can say is the ones I have seen look to be pretty docile and nice to handle, whereas a trex 450 right out of the box can be a truly skittish little machine. My advice to you would be to look at the price of spares as a factor in the cost of a heli. When you do that, I bet (cant promise) that the trex will work out cheaper. You need to be looking closely at the cost of Mainshafts, Feathering spindles, blade grips, tailbooms, and maingears. Blades dont count cos they can come from anywhere. Also there is much more support available for the trex. You can be nearly guaranteed to be able to find somebody with experience of the trex... I couldnt promise the same for a mini T.

As far as company reputation goes... My opinion is that Align have single handedly blown the heli market over in terms of value for money in the last few years Not just the electric market, they have taken a fair slice of the nitro market as well with the Trex600N (in less than a year) and they seem to be showing no signs of stopping with the Trex 500 (just released) and the Trex 700 next year. Also, Align seem to listen and respond VERY quickly to customer issues + they have some of the best pilots in the world designing for them so they must be doing something right.

Danimal has made some very valid points Im just helping to support the other case

The decision is yours

Take care... Azzy

[hawkman]

I live in a windy part of the world, I own a Trex 450 XL HDE....I can vouch that Align make a great product. parts are cheap, and plentiful...and the upgrades are just incredible as far as choice is concerned.

The stock motor works...and works well, the ESC is ok and does the job. I just do general flying about...nothing fancy...maybe a tight turn here and there. My demands are not that great so cant comment on outrageous performance.

The Rex can be tamed down a little, mine is quite docile...like me and handles a stiff breeze suprisingly well.

I can coment on the other helis out there, its fair to try them out...but only if the spec is the same if not better then the standard Trex kit...I would be suprised to see Aligns butt whipped there. I like Aligns presentation of the kit...with its basic tools and glues and two sets of blades in my recent kit...outstanding!

I am quite biased