Outrage G5 Specifications-
- Length: 620mm
- Height : 210mm (including head button 203mm without)
- Main Rotor Diameter: 775mm
- Tail Rotor Diameter: 157mm
- Blade Length:350mm
- Main Gear 150T .5 mod gear
- Auto Rotation 106T
- Drive Gear 25T
- Flying Weight 780-850 Grams depending on equipment used
- Black plastic tail blade
- Black fiberglass 350mm main blade
- Painted fiberglass canopy
- Silver fiberglass frame and landing gear and fin set
- Kit Only. No Electronics Provided.
Instructions-
The instructions for the G5 are similar to most others. Simple CAD images that show how to put the helicopter together. Though they are not bad like some manuals I have seen, they could be better. I have seen other kits that have very detailed step by step manuals with clear commentary that really made assembly clear. However, the build is very simple on the G5, so in reality, this is not major issue.
The manual can be viewed here.
Build
The build of the G5 would probably considered an average one for an experienced modeler. Everything went together smoothly and there were no major faults in the build, but as with all 450’s, sometimes working with the small screws and parts can be trying. The servo stack was also probably one of the most difficult to put together of all the 450’s I’ve build.
There are more parts to the G5 than some other common 450’s, and almost every screw inserts into metal, so proper use of loctite is very important on this bird. As long as you take your time, just about anyone should be able to build this heli.
The setup we ran on our test bird includes the following-
- 1700KV motor
- 6s Outrage 1300 pack
- HS 65 on cyclic
- Spartan gyro/9257
- 350mm CF blades
- Hobbywing 40amp esc
Parts Quality/Fit and Finish
Parts quality is very high on this 450. It is probably in the level of the Rave or the Furion. All the metal is strong and goes together very well. There is also minimal slop in the head, which is uncommon in most 450’s. The carbon frames were cut well from the factor with no sharp edges and no major blemishes.
We were all very impressed by the frame design. With many stiffeners, the multi piece carbon frame was much more sturdy than other competing kits. With that, however, came a bit of a weight penalty.
The tail on the Outrage G5 is a work of art. It’s overbuilt design provides very good slop free control. It is definitely more substantial than most 450’s. In addition, the belt is much thicker than other helicopters of this size. During our testing it showed no signs of wear, which is common in some 450 kits.
Durability
During our testing, we managed to put the strength of the G5 kit to the test once. While performing a funnel in windy conditions, the pilot lost the tail and essentially thumped it into the ground from 5 feet up. The throttle was cut just before it hit, however the bird was moving very quick and hit pretty hard on packed dirt and gravel. Miraculously, the G5 held up very well. There was no major damage to the frame at all. The only parts that needed replacing were the blades, main shaft, boom, and one carbon landing skid. The extra weight from the metal blocks in the frame, kept the whole helicopter in one piece for the most part.
Overall Performance
On the 6s setup we ran, the G5 was certainly not the snappiest 450 we have ever flown. There was plenty of power on hand, but it lacked the pop that most 450’s have. Granted, we did not test any blades other than the stock 350’s. It is possible that the helicopter would come alive with some better blades. Given that, the other flight characteristics of the G5 were great. It flew much more stable than other 450’s and tracked very well. The flip and roll rate were well matched, and neither was overbearing. The G5 would make a great sport flyer, or a 3d machine alike. Also notable was the flight times. With the 1300 6s pack, we were getting a good 5 minutes of stick banging 3d before we had to land, which is about a minute better than 450’s set up on 3s. If paired with the 1600kv motor, I would say it is safe to assume that you could get a good 7 minutes of sport flying. Overall, the flight characteristics of the G5 are all a helicopter pilot could ask for, controlled, precise, smooth, and accurate.
Value
At an entry level price of $369 for the carbon kit with FG blades on HeliDirect, the G5 is placed in the middle of the 450 price range, with higher end quality and components. For that money, you could put a lesser 450 together with servos and a motor, however, the difference really pays off in the flight performance and quality. Replacement parts are cheap and plentiful at Helidirect. Out of the box, the helicopter quite frankly worked. Sometimes you don’t see this with lesser kits.
Verdict- Excellent
You just can’t go wrong with the Outrage G5. As long as you take the time to set it up properly, the helicopter will deliver for hours of flight time. If you have ever considered it, I would definitely taking the jump. It is a different bird that you don’t see every day, with a unique design and outstanding flight characteristics. You can find the G5, along with all other Outrage products, at HeliDirect.com
