In the 20 plus years I have been involved in this hobby, I have never seen the type of dominance one brand holds over all the others the way Align RC and its line up of T-Rex helicopters do. Add to this a huge Trex aftermarket parts & clone market and it's hard to ignore how Align has and continues to shape our hobby.

With collective pitch helicopter sizes ranging from the tiny T-Rex 250 up to the large T-Rex 800, there is an Align Helicopter for most people and most budgets. The T-Rex 250 up to the 800 are all available in electric powered versions as well the fixed pitch entry level micro T-Rex 100.

The T-Rex 600 & 700 are also available in nitro powered versions. Some people are even converting their T-Rex 700’s (and likely the 800 when it's been around a little longer) to turbine power by throwing the new Wren MW-44 two stage gas turbine heli engine between the frames.

Align Helicopter kits are a pure joy to build. Whether this is your first RC helicopter build or your fiftieth, I think everyone will appreciate how well the parts are identified, how easy the kits go together, and how good the instructions are.

As you can see, every part grouping is nicely and compactly packaged and identified making for easy and fast assembly. The instructions are logical and well laid out showing the corresponding parts bag identification, exploded parts view, assembly instructions, and listing each part down to the last set screw.

The first time builder will be impressed how nicely an Align helicopter kit goes together, and the more experienced RC heli builder will be amazed how quickly a T-Rex can be built with many of the fiddly parts already being pre-assembled.

I have built and flown my share of RC helicopters over the years and was pretty loyal to Miniature Aircraft which still make wonderful quality kits, but they are more expensive and hobby shops that stock parts (at least here in Canada) are getting impossible to find. Align helicopters on the other hand are carried at almost every good hobby shop around the world with an outstanding parts support network including many aftermarket parts. I am a true fan of Align now flying three Trex 600’s (two ESP's in scale bodies and the electric Pro 3GX), a little 250SE, the 700E 3G with BlackShark3 F3C fuselage, and the 800E DFC 3GX Trekker.

Speaking of 3G & 3GX... These are Align’s electronic flybarless systems available for all their birds from the 250 up to the 800. If you are ready to throw your flybar out the window and start enjoying the clean looks along with all the benefits a flybarless setup offers, Align’s 3G is one of the easiest to start with on your T-Rex; the 3GX is more complicated to setup but that naturally equates to a better performer and a more customized feel.

The full kits come with everything needed – new flybarless head (conventional or DFC)& components along with the 3G/X stabilization unit/sensors. Align also offers all of their helicopter super combo kits in 3GX versions out of the box offering outstanding value.

As I mentioned, Align has jumped on the DFC bandwagon in a very big way now offering all of their flybarless versions with DFC heads ( here is my DFC writeup if you are unsure exactly what DFC is). I'm still not convinced this is a good idea nor am I convinced DFC is a better way to do things over the conventional washout for all but the hard core 3D flyer. It will be interesting to see how DFC plays out over the next couple years. That said, it's hard to ignore how clean, simple, and good looking a DFC head is. I would have to say my 800E DFC is the best flying heli I have ever owned (size plays a big part in that obviously), but I am really enjoying DFC on that machine.

DFC debate aside; top Align helicopters off with their line of electronic components such as Align’s full range of helicopter specific digital, digital coreless, and HV digital brushless servos (most being re-badged Savox servos), their GP750 & GP780 gyros or 3G/X stabilization units, a full line-up of very powerful high quality brushless motors, and ESC’s (Align and Castle) that are all included in most of their “super combo” kits; and you have in my opinion some of the best quality and performance helicopter kits for the price. Best bang for the buck is how I look at most Align super combo kits.

Align Helicopter Recommendations

With all the various Align Helicopter Kits currently offered, it's impossible to recommend what is best since it depends on your specific needs & budget. As I just mentioned however, all their super combo kits offer the best no hassle value since most include everything other than the receiver, radio, LiPo battery for the electric versions & nitro engine/muffler for the nitro versions.

In the Align helicopter model descriptions below, I have linked to each size of Align Heli so you can read more about the "nuts and bolts" of each specific model & kit on RotorQuest's web site (where I purchase all my Align helicopters here in Canada).

Align T-Rex 450 Class

As I say many times, I feel the 400/450 size electrics are the best way and size to get into single rotor collective pitch for most people. They are not as twitchy as a smaller micro CP or even a 250 and much easier to see and work on. They cost considerably less than the larger birds (both up front and for replacement parts & LiPo battery costs) making for a less stressful learning experience. They are also not much more than the 250 size, meaning 450's as a general rule of thumb give you the most rotor size to dollar ratio out of all sizes of collective pitch helicopters from micro to monster.

The Align Trex 450 Plus DFC is Align's first ready to fly helicopter that comes paired with a decent computerized radio. This heli competes directly with the Blade 450/X and is my number one pick these days for beginners who are looking to get their first collective pitch heli (assuming they want flybarless to start with). That link above takes you to the writeup I have done on it if you want to learn more about what makes it such a good choice for the beginner new to collective pitch.

The Align Trex 450 Pro DFC Super Combo is their high end 450 size heli. It boasts many higher end components than the 450 Plus DFC and is meant for the serious 450 flyer. Full metal DFC flybarless head components and torque tube tail drive are the main component differences along with a high end servo package and of course the higher performance 3GX flybarless system over the basic 3GX MR that comes with the Plus DFC version.

Align T-Rex 500 Class

The Align T-Rex 500 is a very nice size for the increase in stability & size over the 450, but the price goes up substantially. If your budget is stronger, a 500 is a good size to start on, but it really is not that much less expensive than the 550. Not as many folks fly the 500’s it seems since it is kind of an “in-between size” but for some, it makes the best size option for their flying environment and budget.

Align T-Rex 550 Class

For those of you with 30 sized nitro helicopters and are looking at getting into electric flight with a bird roughly the same size as what you are familiar with, the T-Rex 550’s are for you. This is the size most people consider “regular” since it is what most of us “old guys” learned on when nitro was the only power option.

Now that the Trex 600ESP is no longer available, in my opinion, the 550 is a very nice collective pitch machine to start on in this size segment. It's the one I would most like to instruct on and what I recommend to people who know they want a larger bird to start with but don't want the large step up into double the LiPo costs with the 600 nor want to deal with the (almost scary) power increase.

Align T-Rex 600 Electric Class

Ah yes, the good old 600’s – my personal favorite. The Trex 600’s both in electric and nitro versions are next to the 450’s and 550's Align’s top sellers at most hobby shops. This has so much to do with the size and the price. The 600’s (same size as a 50 size nitro) are such a nice size and simply a joy to pilot.

The Align helicopter T-Rex 600ESP Superior Combo offered tremendous bang for the buck and remains to be one of my favorite RC helicopters of all time.

True, an electric 6S (22.2 volt) powered 50 size heli may be somewhat underpowered for the high performance hard core 3D crowd, but for the average flier up to enthusiastic sport/light 3D pilot, there is more than enough power. Keeping the costs lower by not requiring a much more expensive 10S or even 12S LiPo power system makes economical sense for most folks who put budget before insane performance. These 6S 600E versions also make for great scale mechanics offering easy battery access.

Unfortunately as I mentioned, they are no longer available but if you are lucky, used ones do show up from time to time; however people tend to hold onto them like treasured tools.

Here's one of my Trex 600ESP's inside a Bell 222 Fuselage

If you do want insane hard 3D power however, Align has the new high voltage 600E PRO DFC running two 6S packs in series (12S power) just like the 700E and 800E.

I've been flying the 600E Pro now for almost a year and it's a pretty sweet and addicting machine once I got used to all the power. It begs to be flown hard at full power and that's when it seems the happiest! The helical main gear has next to no gear whine that the ESP version had. This rascal just sits up in the sky humming away until you start throwing it around and then that magical sound of the blades smacking and cracking the air becomes the only noise you hear and what a great noise it is! As I said, this thing begs to be flown hard and if you're not shaking or sweating a little after flying it - you're likely not having any fun ;-)

For those that crave the sound & smell of nitro power, there is an Align 600 size helicopter for you - the Trex 600N DFC Super Combo .

Align T-Rex 700 Electric Class

What can I say, the 700E is a big bird (same size as most 90 size nitros). It's powered by 2 6S 5000 mAh LiPo’s wired in series (12S = 44.4 volts). The 700E is a power hungry machine yet when flown conservatively can produce some impressive flight times.

I'm currently flying the first generation 700E 3G Super Combo and it has been a fantastic heli from the very first flight.

Without a doubt, the 700E is the bird I usually gravitate to when I just want to have insane fun out at the field as it usually puts on the best show and eats up my less than perfect stick inputs. It's pretty much my favorite heli right now for acro flight - period! Skinning it out with the Align/BlackShark3 F3C fuselage (designed specifically for the Trex 700E) has only helped improve the overall enjoyment and visual impact of this wonderful helicopter.

I would have to say for my flying style, where I fly, and my overall average skill level, this is my favorite heli right now. To me, this is what flying an RC helicopter is all about!


As for nitro powered, like the 600, there is the fuel guzzling Trex 700 Nitro DFC Super Combo . Like the 600N, it comes with all the servos (less throttle servo) and includes the governor sensor for the 3GX system and a voltage regulator. You need to supply your own 90 size engine and muffler.

Align T-Rex 800 Class

The Trex 800E DFC Trekker is a big brute with full aerobatic 3D ability. It's pretty much the same size as my Intrepid turbine and yes I have been saving up the hobby funds as it was going to be my one and only big heli purchase this year.

I was also seriously considering the SAB Goblin 770 as SAB Heli makes some of the best engineered machines going right now IMO, but again the overall value and bang for the buck on the 800E DFC was just too good to pass up and as a result, I've just added another Align helicopter to the fleet. The Trex 800E Trekker is also being marketed as a big heavy lift AP (areal photography) camera ship. The new Align APS GPS auto pilot system that is compatible with the 3GX unit is obviously what Align has in mind for hands off pin point hovering while taking photos or video. Myself, I just love seeing this big beast up in the sky having lots of fun flying it and hearing those 800mm rotors smacking the air - heli heaven!

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Final Thoughts

I encourage you to look through Align's web site just to see what other kits are available because they are always changing and bringing out new product. Even being an Align flyer, I have a hard time keeping up with all the new models & product. You will also find the latest firmware updates for the 3G, 3GX, and APS GPS systems on their site. In short, if you plan on flying or already fly Align Helicopters, that link is must to book mark or add to your smart phone or tablet.

Lastly, what would an Align Helicopter write-up be without a video of what one can do in the hands of a much better pilot than I am. May as well have a look at the 800E Trekker being "worked" & showing off some of its potential - Turn up the volume and enjoy!

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