Gotta say, I have a ton of the rise stuff, I know how to solder but wanted something I wouldn't have to spend days to fix before I could (try to) fly again. It worked pretty good for that and it got me started. Futura and Wayne are correct though, there is a lot of money sitting there and it will not go the distance control range and video quality wise. For me, it is getting a second life, I find I still run the house racers around during the winter and bad weather etc and I let new people fly those first to let them see what it is like without having a dangerous (or expensive) accident. I am also letting the grandkids fly the 250 stuff now and so it has not quite collected the dust (and cats
) that Futura's has. And as Futura pointed out the displays and goggles are pretty good and they get used all the time because the grandkids aint touchin my fatsharks and there is often someone else who is interested to see what it's like.
In the long run there will be someone interested who is just getting started and I will give it to them to get them started cheaper before they know if they will like it or not.
I think the bottom line is if you can solder, or are determined to pick it up, you can get a good bit for that same money as the rise gear. It wont get you everything, but what it will get you if chosen wisely among your choices, will be compatible with everything you fly for many years to come.
If on the other hand you really want to try this and can't solder, and/or are not somewhat mechanically inclined and computer savvy, then the rise set is not a bad option to get a start for not too much money.
But if you want to do serious acro or compete one day at a race AND your willing to pick up some new skills, willing to do the research and ask the questions and learn, then the choice is clear. Don't get the rise, because with a can do and will do attitude like that, you will outgrow it in 3-6 months.
