EXI 450 or HK 450?

[BTCat]

First time in builds and mods, I think. BTW, the search engine Sucks! Sorry, but it will not let you search anything under 4 letters. Therefore I could not search EXI 450 or HK 450. Had to go by memory.

My question for you guys who have one or both (Kent) of these kits: Which is the better buy? Any pros and cons you have seen or unique issues with the builds would be appreciated, too. AND, of course, best place to buy.

I am thinking about a build, as well as every other option under the sun.

[Solitaire]

Never noticed that about the search function. Maybe Dave can rectify that.

Either project would be a good build for you BT. Although I haven't seen the HK450 up close and personal, I believe the layout is quite similar to the EXI. They are both Trex compatible.

The servo mounting may be slightly different and the HK450 is mostly plastic. I really am impressed with the EXI 450SE a few of us got on sale. It's a beauty to behold. Fit and finish is excellent. As a matter of fact, I bought another one from NitroPlanes when they had them on sale. (Thanks to ranben's good eye)

I already had a plastic 450 size heli (Belt CP), so the EXI was a must for me, but I don't think you'd be sorry with either for a build.

There's a slight price advantage on the HK right now, but the EXI may go on sale again at some point. Maybe I'll post up some pics.

[ranben]

Hey BT,

Like Sol, I got the EXI 450 SE on sale. If you watch Xheli.com and Nitroplanes.com they may put it on sale again, usually around $50. I am builidng mine (first build) now and so far am very pleased with it. Good looking heli for the price.

Kent will be able to give you more details on comparing the different EXI models. If I am not mistaken he has three different models.

I will say, being my first build, theres a lot more to it than I thought, but have learned a lot and so far I have no regrets. Of course I havnt tried to fly it yet............ If you havnt already, go to Helifreak.com and watch the Finless Bob videos on 450SE builds. You can learn a lot from his videos.

[Solitaire]

I know I said there was a price advantage to the HK450, but I think I have to backpeddle on that. The HK is $36 and the EXI is $70 right now, but there is so much more metal on the EXI, it's a far better deal IMO. Here's some pics of my spare frame. Stacked alum frame, BTW.

[thayghetucsb]

i also got the EXI 450 SE. i ended purchasing a separate CNC head which is $60 by itself and CNC tail from dealextreme for another $20. the stock plastic blade grip on the EXI450 SE is fragile. One crash and they're gone. CNC upgrade is a well worth investment. the overall frame structure is beautiful, identical to Trex450 SE V1/V2. The alluminum finish looks much better than the Genesis or Blueray (Yes, i own all 3). Wish i didn't buy the Blueray or Genesis. The only reason i got the EXI 450 SE because it was on sale. It turned out to be the most pleasurable purchase and best bang for the buck.
The HK450--> i have no idea but from the pics i examined, should the very similar if not identical to EXI 450. Can't go wrong with either one.

[BTCat]

Thanks for the input, guys. I looked through the pics, Sol. If those are up-to-date, looks like you have a lot more work to do ;D. I do like the idea of more metal.

I'll have to give Kent a tap on the shoulder and get his opinion, too. I like the idea of a build, in principle, but I also like the idea of a bargain. So if I see some poor, cash strapped person on ebay getting rid of something, I might do that, too.

[akent]

I believe that the Exi 450 SE is the biggest bang for the buck out there. It's price is $55 today.

I don't have the HK, but from the pictures and listening to others, it is pretty much an all plastic machine.

Like Sol has said, there is considerable metal on the Exi.

I also have two other Exi's. The Squadron IMO is probably more like the HK than anything. It contains far more plastic. It reminds me more of what the HK would be like.

Then I also have the Exi T450 SE Carbon Fiber edition. This thing is a joy to behold and fly. This machine is the best deal out there, in reality.
It's $150, but if you consider the aluminum case they are selling for $35, the heli is itself $115. This extra $60 over the SE buys you a carbon fiber frame stack, carbon fiber fins, carbon fiber battery mount, a fiberglass canopy, a fully CNC machined head and tail, CNC bearing mounts for the motor and tail, CNC motor mount, CNC boom holder, CNC canopy mounts, CNC anti-rotation, CNC tail servo mount, and more!! It's just amazing.

Anyway, my opinion:
1. Exi 450SE - best bang for the buck
2. Exi T450 CF - best deal out there
3. Exi Squadron - relative crap

Best,
Kent

[McKrackin]

I bought an HK out of curiosity and I must say.....get the EXI.
The HK went together easy enough except for breaking the tail drive pulley by thinking about it too hard.
I'm confident the HK will fly but I'm def-nefinately keeping it on a back burner till my heli is perfect.

[BTCat]

You guys save me more money and trouble than you will ever know. And I won't tell you too often. Don't want you getting the big head

I saw the $55.00 deal today at lunch. I think I'll look into it this evening. If I get it, the party is just starting ;D. I'll be on here asking away.

I had another thread going about a Trex locally, but that guy is a flake. No deals.

[McKrackin]

I used another PC to look closer at that pic and it is at best an Align 450 SA.OLD.

If it is newer then it is a clone of an old old Trex.
Three years at best.

[BTCat]

Apr 1, 2009 17:01:02 GMT -6 McKrackin said:

I used another PC to look closer at that pic and it is at best an Align 450 SA.OLD.

If it is newer then it is a clone of an old old Trex.
Three years at best.

You're right, Ern. I got more pics from him. Lots of plastic and it looks to be an old, old Trex kit.

EXI tonight! Got the budget police approval and everything. Suppose I ought to say something about that new TX

[akent]

Awesome BT!!
Them lady cops that create our rules on the fly are amazing when they really do give us the go ahead!!
I'll betcha that payback will be at some point. At least for me, it's daily!!

If you can work it, please look at the T450SE CF. It's $95 more, but you get an awesome aluminum carrying case (that has a place for your transmitter, batteries, tools, etc.) and pretty much 100% CNC and carbon fiber everything that would cost WAY more than that to upgrade to later.
This thing is top of the line, as good or better than any top of the line Align product.

If you can't do that, then the SE is perfectly serviceable. You just need to do some mods to it to have a bulletproof tail. The plastic tail hub just wants to turn on you, if you get the headspeeds too high.

Keep your headspeeds low and you'll be ok. 2,500 MAX.

Best,
Kent

[akent]

Here's a video of my Exi SE after all the dust settled.
I love this thing!

[McKrackin]

Oh God Kent,,,,,,


One of the goons on Run Ryder wants to trade my Trex 500 for an X-Cell Furion 450.........S#it,what do I do?

I want it
I need the money though.But for what?I'll just build another heli inferiour to the Furion.


HELP!!!!!

[akent]

I WANT a 500! or bigger!!

Ack, but I can't handle the explosion price.

Unless I misread your post, some dum bastid thinks his furry450 is betta than your 500? Wurf mo?

Uh, then you NEED to sell me your 500. Then I'll try to do a deal with that bastid for my Exi450SE. Then He'll bite and buy mine and I'll buy yours and that will all be then moot.
Kent