A new heli stand in town - review

[Finless]

OK the heli stand I had reviewed many moons ago was a great stand. BUT you cant get it anymore. Lots of people have been desiring a heli stand. Helifreak user Prontow has been working on one and he sent it to me to try out. It will work up to the Trex500 sized helis!

It works well and I had a few folks at the field give it a once over and got opinions.

UPDATE: 6-2010
My review video shows an older version and the stand has been updated since then. See Prontow's web site for the latest info.

www.prontow.com

Here is a little video on it.
VIDEO -> Review of Prontow's Heli Stand (11 Megs)

Prontow is making some updates based on this review video so it will only get better.
He is thinking of a $85 price tag so if your interested PM him or email at the address shown in the video.

Enjoy!
Bob

[Prontow]

I would like to thank Bob for his review of my stand, it's dedication like his that keeps Helifreak the best RC Helicopter site on the web!!!!
Just a update on what I am doing at the moment, I have fixed the flimsy tool/parts tray no more flexing at the front corners! And I have added a cup holder per Bobs suggestion. I have also redesigned the top pivot so the paint does not get scraped off then it is operated.
I added steel rods that push through the legs into the ground to stabilize the stand when it is used in a grassy area. I am also working on a stand that will handle a 600 size bird, I don't think it will be too difficult but still a couple weeks away.
I will post some pics of the changes and the 600 size stand when finished.
Thanks for the interest shown so far, you can PM me or e-mail me at prontow@yahoo.com if you would like more information.
Cost of the stand is $85.00 plus shipping.

[TheBum]

Is there any chance we could get a stand for 600 sized helis? I realize it would probably have to be floor-standing and would cost more, but it would be handy for those times I need to work on the heli while it's upside-down without having to balance it on the head button.

[Prontow]

I am working on a 600 size stand now. It is still a couple weeks away but it is coming. Cost will be a little more but not much. I will post pics and info when I am done.

Thanks

[TheBum]

Originally Posted by Prontow

I am working on a 600 size stand now. It is still a couple weeks away but it is coming. Cost will be a little more but not much. I will post pics and info when I am done.

Excellent! I'll be one of the first in line, assuming I can swing the finances.

[ImNix]

Bob,
That is a serious "Farmer's Tan" where your watch once was. LOL

Also interested in the 600 size.

[Gmoney]

Really nice stand.. Go big (90)

G

[wicked_n_raw]

Originally Posted by Prontow

I am working on a 600 size stand now. It is still a couple weeks away but it is coming. Cost will be a little more but not much. I will post pics and info when I am done.

Thanks

Hey Prontow,

Instead of just making a 500 and 600 size stand, how about make it adjustable to also fit 90's for us out here who have 50's and 90's or will be getting any of them soon. Just a thought, but anyway great work!

[BarnOwl]

I see it standing on a tripod. Is it also possible as a bench heli-stand?

[Prontow]

Making a fixture that could be clamped into a bench vise would be pretty easy to do. I have not started working on a fixture like that but this gives me another option for my stand. Are you thinking about using a bench vise or would a clamp built into the stand be better?

[BarnOwl]

A clamp would be better. I was even thinking of just bolting it to my bench because I have a fixed workbench were I do all my heli stuff.

[Hawk_Sport]

all i use for my workbench for the heli is a camera tripod with a 16"x16" platform bolted to it. wich is all i need... its adjustable in the center and legs extend pretty far apart. basically a heli pad for working on, takeoff and land from it.... will post pics if needed....

[Prontow]

Just an update on the stand, I am having the fixture parts powder coated by a local machine shop so the finish is going to be rock hard! I am also making the stand larger, hopefully so it will fit a 450 size to a Synergy 90 size machine. I will be able to make the fixture fit but I am concerned about the center of gravity on the stand itself with the larger machine. I will be working on this this weekend.
I should have the parts from the powder coater by midweek and can start assembling them.
I will post some pictures of my "New and Improved" stand when I have one ready.
Thanks for all the interest!!!

George (Prontow)

[TheBum]

This will be great once it's finished and if you can find a distributor, I think it will sell really well. It will certainly save me some contortions during builds and repairs.

Thanks for your hard work on this!

[wicked_n_raw]

Wow that is great, if everything works out it would help with all my birds! Put me down for one!

[3D Dave]

George,

I'm a new heli pilot and am just building my 2nd heli (E550 Raptor). Just wanted to let you know your stand looks very promising. I'd like to see several close up pics when it's done.

If you are thinking about marketing it (which I think you are) I'd make sure to attend the i-Hobby show in Chicago this Oct. with about 50 of them. They will surely sell like hot cakes (if priced right).

I did not read the entire thread but it looks like you're building one stand that fits 400 through 600 size helis. That is surely the way to go. Also, just a suggestion (you may have heard). Make sure the adjustment knobs are as large as possible.

I will definitely be watching for the first version on the market.

Dave D.
Schaumburg, IL

[TheBum]

Originally Posted by 3D Dave

I did not read the entire thread but it looks like you're building one stand that fits 400 through 600 size helis. That is surely the way to go.

Actually, it will do through 700 size helis.

[Prontow]

Well I tried to use a mocked up 700 and 90 size heli (A pair of Raptor skids with a 10lb weight attached about where I thought the center of gravity would be) and I was not happy with how the stand did with this much weight on it.
So right now I am going to say this stand is good for a 400-600 size machine. Since I do not have ready access to a large heli, I would not feel comfortable selling a stand saying it will work for a large heli and it really not.
I will post some pics when I get my parts back from the painter.
Thanks for everyones interest!!!

[TheBum]

I'm sure I speak for just about everyone in expressing my appreciation of the effort you're putting forth on this. I'm looking forward to the finished product.

[tonhe]

I am very interested to see what the final version will hold.. Please contact me when you're completed. And in advance I would like to thank you for putting so much time and effort into something like this..

-Tony