Looking forward to the flight report @Grubscrew , sounds awesome...
Simon

 

So finally fully set up - dry weight is 4.85kg and RTF with packs is 5.6kg. This is the old style frames, will be interested to see if the new frames are any lighter.

 

Preliminary pics in the original style frames. Had a test hover at the fun fly last weekend to run in my packs. First flight 2060 headspeed and 3 mins hovering/plodding around only used 24%!!! Unbelievable.

 

So parts arrived yesterday for the FZ upgrade! Couldn't help myself and had to take a few photos of the new canopy!

 

GAUI X7 FZ Frame Upgrade - A Review!

Before I start I'd like to quickly mention something. What do I like about reviews? You get to see new gear up close and hear about all the cool features of a new model! What do I dislike about reviews though? Well, usually the guy doing them has some incentive to conveniently ignore any features of the model that aren't so good... I don't like this. I think it's dishonest and puts potential buyers off. And when I see pilots flying one brand and being all hush hush about issues they have, to me it means I don't go for that heli. I just don't know what I'm getting into!

So guess what?! Im gonna write a good, honest, objective review of this heli! Now I'm the Gaui field rep for ZenRC - cause I love my Gaui's! Always have! But I'm not gonna let that get in the way of giving you guys a solid objective overview of this model showing both the great features, and the not so great. Cause in the end ZenRC is about being real and open about the models we fly and sell. That's what builds trust with customers and keeps them coming back, and that's why when Sean asked me to join the Zen team I said yes straight away

SO! On with the review!!!

I've just installed the new frames and canopy for the GAUI X7 FZ. This is basically the V2 of the model - there have been a few small upgrades over the years to the head/OWB, etc. So what's new: The lower frame section of the X7 has been updated from a 'saddle pack' type system to a sliding battery tray. It makes it much easier to install batteries for a flight and also allows you to run stick packs now! The canopy has also been updated for the FZ model with a new scheme, which looks farkin schmick See the attached pics and I'm sure you'll agree, this heli is sexy as

So here's the pros and cons of the new features!

Pros:
- Sliding battery tray update, easier to install batteries and ability to use stick packs.
- Easier to adjust CofG.
- Wider lower frames and allows easier FBL install underneath.
- Schmick new FZ canopy.
- Better weight distribution due to taller frames gives better flight characteristics.
- Price!!! The new X7 FZ kits are now one of the least expensive 700's available at around $1050AUD, down from about $1350 previously. This is a great move by Gaui.

Cons:
- Large ESC's are difficult to mount, issue hasn't been approached with this update.
- Internal wiring must be made external to avoid battery tray.
- Lower frames more fragile than previously.
- Original X7 canopies need slight trimming to fit new FZ frames.

So the pros - the upgrade was fairly simple given the structure of the X7 frames. Basically the lower section of frames unbolts by removing around 7 bolts either side, and the boom support fixtures, and that's it! Once removed, whip up your new lower section and install! Very simple and straight forward - the mechanics are all in the upper section of the frames so remain completely untouched by this upgrade, which means no need to touch servos, gear meshing or anything.

I'm a fan of the new battery trays! Unlike some single piece of carbon designs, the FZ trays have two carbon layers separated by some CNC cut aluminium pieces (see pics). Plenty of space for Velcro straps and they clear the frames quite easily which can be an issue on some models. So I'm pleased with this.

After a few flights I noticed something - the taller lower frames and new battery placement feels different in flight, and I like it! The model feels smoother in flips and more stable due to this new weight distribution. Otherwise the helis flies as before, very smooth, precise and robotic, which is what I always loved about the X7.

Lastly the new canopy looks sick! I don't think I need to say much here as the pictures do it justice

Now onto the cons - the biggest thing here I'm a tad disappointed with is that Gaui haven't addressed the issue of installing larger ESC's nicely on the X7. You'll be fine using a Jive 120, Castle 120/160 (I believe), however any of the larger ESC's like HW 160/200A or Kosmik 160/200A are more difficult. Here are your options:

- Gaui pro pilots all install their ESC's on the back rear side of the frame. It means your wiring will have to run back here but if that's not a problem then go for it! The battery trays mean you can adjust CofG to compensate for this.
- Some pilots manage to fit their larger ESC's up front on the side. See the attached pic showing placement of a Scorpion Tribunus 200A.
- Cut the canopy - if you want your ESC up front this is the only option. I was nervous to do this at first but a dremel with a circular disc made light work of it and I was quite pleased with the result I got in 30 mins. Be sure to use some SAB rubber lining for the edges or even just some superglue to stop it chipping.

So while I'm disappointed Gaui didn't address this issue on the FZ update there are still plenty of options and places to mount any ESC no matter what size. If anyone needs any tips or pics just send me a message and I'll be happy to help you through it!

Wiring - the X7 previously had a nice internal channel for wiring that made everything nice and neat. Unfortunately the new sliding battery tray blocks any wires from exiting this now, so wires heading from the front to the rear of the heli need to go on the outside of the frames. If you're a neat freak this may be annoying. As I had my wiring all internal this upgrade required some rewiring for me. Also the frame posts form part of the battery tray sliding mechanism, so if you use these to cable tie your wires make sure you use thin ones to avoid the battery tray. The 4 servo wires however were very easy to route and hide with my Mini Vbar at the rear of the heli (see pics).

The lower frames are more fragile now. Previously the X7 had multiple layers of thick carbon on he lower section and it was almost unbreakable, however this has made way for the battery tray improvements. I will have to see how they crash and update on that area.

The new FZ canopy is exactly the same as the old one bar one small thing - the lower section has a very slightly larger cut away to fit around the FZ frames. It won't take a lot of work to fix your old canopy with a dremel, but I wasn't aware of this before I upgraded and would have liked to have known! So be aware old canopies will require a little work. The FZ canopy however is totally backwards compatible and fits the old frames no worries, as I have tried and tested.

So there you have it!! Overall I am pleased with the update - a good new feature has been added to this model which a lot of people wanted being sliding battery trays. And it works nicely. I would have liked some work on ESC mounting and have been in contact with Gaui about this so hopefully this will be approached at some point. That said there are still plenty of options for any ESC to be mounted with about 30mins work on the canopy or mounting it at the rear.

This review is just on the upgrade from X7 to X7 FZ so it fails to mention all the other pros of this model. For me what stands out are the flying characteristics - if, like me, you love your heli really robotic, precise and smooth then that's what the X7 is about! For Vbar users try adjusting your style from max vivid to max robotic - the X7 feels like the robotic end, while my Goblin Competition felt more like the vivid end. There are benefits to both - robotics feels and looks great but it shows up your mistakes if you're lazy, while vivid is mushier to feel but allows your piro work to look smoother if you're not on the ball. Give it a try and fly what you like!

The robotic feel of the head along with the sleek look, chunky oversized parts, the toughest drive train around and the quality finish make the X7 my favourite 700 And given the new FZ now retails for $1050AUD it's one of the best flying, most affordable 700's available ATM. For me, the little extra work for the ESC was all worth it once I put it up in the air

That's it! If you have any questions about anything here or the model itself feel free to ask! As I said I'm happy to be real about my models cause I hate coming across surprises during a build. So I imagine others will appreciate being able to make an informed decision about their next heli too! Hopefully this helped. Happy flying!

Grub

 

Forgot the couple of extra pics I promised - here's a Tribunus 200A mounted on the front of an FZ, and also a pic of the sweet battery trays!

ZenRC will have more battery trays in stock in a couple of weeks if you are in need.

 

Nice honest review @Grubscrew , thumbs up man
Simon

 

Hey nice review there @Grubscrew . Just one thing, i have always steered away from deep frames thinking the pendulum effect would hamper the speed of rolls. But you say it feels better in flight? Are you a smaky type pilot? IE do you like really fast transitions?

 

I wouldn't say smack is my forte no! I'd say I'm a medium pilot if I had to describe myself haha! The hardest I can smack is towards the end of this video:

That said I have not noticed any difference in roll/flips rates no. Just feels nicer, more stable in flight than before. Any difference the new frames make to rates would be minimal I imagine, I haven't read of anyone noticing they've changed. The extra height added to the model is below the batteries where the skids attach to the frame, where there is minimal weight. So the weight certainly hasn't been lowered, more that it's been moved into the centreline of the model rather than stuck to the sides.

 

Loved the auto at the end. Nice...