Worth getting a Rave 90?

[TeacherBrent]

Hi,

I have been in the market for a 700 sized nitro in the past few months and I have really liked how the Rave ENV nitro flies in the Phoenix sim. I noticed that parts support has come back and that airframes are pretty affordable now. I have always wanted a Rave heli and a nitro, so is it safe to say that parts will be around for a little while or should I save for something "newer"?

Thanks for the help!

Brent

[sud76]

I am probably not the best one to comment since I am rather bias in this area. I have an ENV, Ballistic, Stingray, 2 450's and in the process of building a 635. but, I can guarantee you will not be disappointed in the performance.

[pctomlin]

I would be a little bias too, however I don't know of a better 700 nitro than the ENV. I am so much happier knowing that parts are available for the Rave line of helis again, love my Ballistic. The ENV and Ballistic are outstanding to fly and have a great presence in the air.

[Freeskiken]

I am probably not the best to ask since I don't have a Nitro heli but I love the Ballistic 700 and 635. They Fly great. The quality is excellent. They are easy to build, durable and easy to work on for repair.

[MPSHEP]

Buy it and don't look back!!!

[gitbse]

I've held onto my ENV through thick and thin. Seriously glad I did. I've seen and flown alot of different models, and none of them impress me enough to switch. Recently, N7's have taken over our local crowd. Sure, they are kinda nice. However, with all the design quirks... we've encountered problems I've never dealt with before. Plus, N7's with an OS 105 get maybe 6-7minutes of flight time. My ENV with my modified YS91, gets 12 at full bore, and I can stretch it to almost 15 minutes. No lack of power, in fact probably more.

If you want something flashy, sure you can get a new model. But if you want something that flat out works, get a Rave.

[LuckyLen]

I bought the Rave as my first nitro 700. I have a Whiplash, and subsequent to the Rave bought a Goblin 700. The Rave is still my favorite 700. The Goblin is a better 3D machine, IMHO, simply because it has more power - but it doesn't fly more accurately than the Rave. With parts now available I don't think you will find a better flying 700 nitro. Maybe equivalent, but not better.

[faceman425]

I'm all nitro now and although I have not flown the NX7 im assembling yet so far the Rave ENV is my go to heli. It just plain flies great. I always feel fully in control with it. Im actually hoping the NX7 flies as well as it.

[Freeskiken]

I have thought about it but I have never built a Nitro. Wouldn't know what components to use. If I build one it would be the Rave ENV. What is the best motor ?

[LuckyLen]

Freeskiken, that's sort of like asking about the best heli - everyone has an opinion. But for my Rave ENV, I have flown the OS105 HZ-r. I find it to be pretty easy to start, very reliable and very good power. There were some needle issues from the factory (well documented on this site), but I must have had a good one as I never had a problem that a good cleaning of the regulator didn't solve...

[Freeskiken]

Is there a big difference in the YS91 and the OS105 ? Other than bore ?

I guess it is like asking chev or ford.

[Freeskiken]

I think I would get the YS91.

[JT Whirlybird]

I have a new ENV I'll be building before to long. My question is, what engine to put in it. I have an OS91 in a TRex 700 I just got running after complete machine (including engine) rebuild. I was thinking of the OS105 since they don't do a 91 any longer. Still learning it's quirks & habits & getting broken in. I like the idea of the same engine on both, for some consistently, but am open to seeing what others think, and wanting to learn what others have done. Gitbse, I see what you noted about your YS91. I'm wondering if that is a better option?? I don't fly 3D, just fly/sport fly, & like the longer run time with adequate power - not trying to build a racer here! Just wondering what the nitro veterans think. I'm experienced with nitro with my planes, but not with these helis, & these engines. I also look for parts availability/reliability etc. Thanks in advance!

[Blade120]

I have owned a few O.S.105 Hz-r engines currently have one set up on my Rave, its been pretty much trouble free have around 13 gallons trough it right now its still putting out pretty good power and fires right up.