venture30cp vs raptor30v2

first post here at helifever(won't be the last i'm sure)

after 2 months of research and learning here is what i've chosen

Jr xp8103 w/4 ds811(JR) servos, 7chan fm rec, batt for both rx and tx, charger---- found at LHS(local hobby shop)
price $380 usd(that's us dollars-not used)

Futaba GY401 w/9253- $190

G2 flight simulator w usb controller- allows you to plug in your transmitter through the supplied controller if you wish
price- $200

haven't picked a flight support package yet- best i can tell it will run me about 200 dollars- or am i missin somethin?

all this info has been included for those that are just at the stage i was 2months ago----

here is the real dilemna

which heli to choose----i have a narrowed it down to the raptor 30 or 50 v2 and the venture 30 cp---

only one other heli guy in my area-that i know of- he flys the xcell and it is a bit out of my price range-

i like the idea of eccpm on the venture-also like the idea of the rappy being revised(the V2) ------what do you recommend??????//

i already know that the venture is a bit heavier----not a concern just yet. also know that the rappy is a bit cheaper to fix
with that in mind---post away and help this newbie pick a copter before his BD(4/25)!!!!!!!!

my lhs has the venture on the shelf and supplies parts for this model--the owner flys helis and would be willing to help me with the setup and fly my model the first time if i purchase with him. he told me that he would not be adverse to helping me with the raptor, but he will not be carrying the heli or supplying parts for it either. i like the idea of doing business locally/supporting small business as i intend to open my own medical practice in the next 2-3 yrs. firm believer in what comes around goes around. while it almost seems that i answered my own post-i still would like the input of the members here---compare/contrast the two(3) models of helis========thanx in advance

Looks like you've done all your research. As for the heli's I had a Raptor 30 VI about 2 years ago and learned how to hover with it and started practicing nose in before I quit. I was stupid and sold off my helicopter and radio gear. This past month I was in my LHS and they had the Great planes G2 simulator sitting there. I jumped at a chance to fly a heli around since I never had flown that way before I sold everythong. Needless to say I was hooked again! I know it was just a simulator but forward flight is much easier than I mentally though it would be. So I too picked up the G2 simulator and started my own research on heli's. My readings led me to the venture 30 as well. I was lucky enough to find a very good used one on ebay with a 0S.32, GY201 gyro, all servos, glass blades, flight pack, and receiver. I picked up a JR 378 to do my flight duty's, I did have some trouble setting up the radio for the CCP mixing, but it was my own fault. Horizon basically walked me through step by step, What great support!!! I had it out for its first hover and must say, It is so smooth that I quickly picked up the 45* hover, then 90* within a few tanks. I can see why this heli is rated highly for novices like me. I will take on the deaded nose in hover shorlty, forward flight to follow. Honestly looking back, I do not think the raptor was such a good beginners heli as this venture is. I know the VII is out, and must be better now, but I'll wait and get my feet wet then look into possibly a 50/60 sized machine.

Might also want to take a look at the Century Hawk Sport. Price is only $159 and it goes together pretty nicely. I have it and a Raptor 30. Both fly similarly with a little edge to the Hawk in steadiness. Any of these helis would be a good choice to start out on.