The fabled "How cheap" thread of DOOM!

[Skid_Slide]

I am currently in the process of convincing my wife, to allow another heli to join our growing family. Its been 9 months since my last... and the doc says its ok... but I must succumb to her advanced accounting skills and build it on the cheap. Did I mention cheap?

How cheap can you built a Trex-450? Anyone build a budget bird?


:confused:

[Sleepyc]

Everything I own costs me $150.

My 40% Cardens.. $150

My Rapror .50 Titan.. $150

My 12Z - $150

WHATS wrong with you, nothing in this hobby costs more than $150!!
(At least thats what you tell her!!)

[Skid_Slide]

oh, right. My bad. haha.

Now.. if i can only get my VISA statements sent to another address... hrm....

[brian94066]

well, now it's time for you to learn the magic of cash:D

[benwhite22]

Starting from scratch (no tools, radio etc.) I built a heck a of rex for around $900. But everyone is unloading their 450s to fund a 500 so used is the way to go. Check out ebay and the otheRR websites.

[Malves]

I got a used in excellent condition V2 with everything but rx and battery for $400 shipped. Just look around. It's gonna crash anyways, so why buy new? It's just a 450. I LOVE mine, but it's still a little entry level heli.
There are plenty of deals out there, just make sure you get a real V2. Avoid the "upgraded to" V2.

[brian94066]

or you can buy each parts seperately

EX (all real items w/ real price found scattered online)

full V2 frame w/ head, tail, etc (scratched carbon) - $180
450th + Align ESC - $70
GY401 - $100
3x HS65MGs - $80
AR6200 - $40
CF blades - $30
CF paddles - $10
CF tail blades - $12
TP 2100 prolites - under $60 on advantage hobbies

[WavyDavy]

I bought mine 2nd hand, including Futaba 6ex tx, 3 x HS-65 mg and a futaba S9257 tail servo, 401 gyro and lots of spares, 2 batts cellpro charger and a ali case for £ 425 ( $850). Was professionally built for the guy, about a month before, but he decided to get a 500. All I got to do now is learn how to fly it :D Still at the hovering stage, but getting there slowly. Wife thinks it cost £350 ($700).

[CSpaced]

Used is definately the way to go if you wanna stay cheap, just make sure you know what you're getting! I was able to pick up a V1 450SE with good servos, motor, esc, CF blades, & Fut 401 for $400, I just had to add a receiver. Like someone else said, its only a 450 and it will crash eventually!

[9lives1968]

Used is the way to go! I bought the 450s combo new for 179$ and had everything else on hand from plank flying except gyro/ts. I then have picked up a used RC-tek Diablo450, HDX-450,Dragonous 450, and some other T-clone frames cheap for parts and backups. No way would I be able to own,completely set-up, and fly all these if I bought new. The only downside to buying used is that on all of them, I had to break them down and reloctite since you never know if the previous owners used it. This should be the first thing anyone does to a heli that they buy used imho.

[Skid_Slide]

Thanks for everyones reply.

I see that the majority of recommendations are to buy used. I think that is probably going to be the best way for me.

Thanks again! :)

[brandonduley]

Everything I own costs me $150.

My 40% Cardens.. $150

My Rapror .50 Titan.. $150

My 12Z - $150

WHATS wrong with you, nothing in this hobby costs more than $150!!
(At least thats what you tell her!!)

well said sleepy

[Trex Pilot]

Just get what you want, she will get over it when you buy her a new "CHEAP" diamond

[brian94066]

that is, if she can't real from fake:D

[Oobly]

Does it have to be a TRex? How about something a little different from the crowd like an SJM or DragonusII. You can put something very nice together for under $500 assuming you already have a decent tx. Flying-Hobby has some nice combos which even with shipping will be quite affordable.

[Trex Pilot]

There is nothing wrong with the Belt Cp or the ESmart form esky they are affordable

[Skid_Slide]

I thought SJM was out of my price range... I'll have to look at them again. I really like their helis.

I also like Dragonus (hey tecknix!) but i really don't know about all the "tweaks" to get it to fly right.

I'm on the fence, but my wallet is empty right now so i guess i have a bit of time. :-)

[zennnnn]

You can get the TREX 450 se V2 from Allerc.com with motor and ESC but no battery and blades for $320ish. Then get a used 401 $80-95, used 65hs or mg $60-90, carbon blades from dealextreme $12, dealextreme lipo 11V-2100mAh-20C $27, etc. Then you'll soon have an awesome 450 v2 for about $550-600ish.

[Trex Pilot]

I am selling one of mine here
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2033732

[CSpaced]

I am selling one of mine here
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2033732

Thats a good deal right there..

[Trex Pilot]

Thats a good deal right there..
Thank you, I thought it was to :)

[Straub]

I am selling one of mine here
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2033732

Sold!

I hope :p

[Trex Pilot]

Sold!

I hope :p
I sent you a pm

[Straub]

I decided the best thing for me to do is build my own. Thers is no cheap way of doing this and building is half the fun :p

Sorry Trex Pilot!

[Trex Pilot]

Well then i guess it is still up for grabs

[Straub]

I finally pulled the trigger and ordered a 450SEv2 kit w/401 gyro/s9659 & hs-65hbs. :clap:

How cheap you ask? $599 :o

Looking forward to the build :D

[Nightz]

I feel your pain....my wife eventually figured out the "extras" cost twice as much as the kit.