Transform Your Helicopter with the SAB iLGoblin Pro 420 Conversion Kit
For hobbyists flying SAB’s 420‑class helicopters, the iLGoblin Pro 420 airframe has quickly become one of the most talked‑about platforms thanks to its blend of performance, build quality, and scalability. If you already own a SAB 420 model like the Raw 420 Competition (SG424) and are looking to elevate it without buying a whole new helicopter, the iLGoblin Pro 420 Conversion Kit is a compelling upgrade option. This kit lets you convert your existing machine into the Pro‑style version — retaining the best parts of your current build while given it a fresh capability boost and improved aesthetics.
The idea behind this conversion kit is simple but effective: rather than selling pilots a brand‑new helicopter, SAB engineered a set of components that replaces key airframe elements of the Raw 420 and lets you repurpose what you already have into the newer Pro layout. The conversion typically includes the redesigned frame parts needed to match the geometry and look of the iLGoblin Pro design, such as its updated side frames, battery layout, and support for the Pro‑style canopy and boom. Once installed, your SG424 becomes effectively indistinguishable from a fresh iLGoblin Pro 420 in both function and appearance.
This approach has several practical benefits. First, it extends the life of your existing helicopter: instead of retiring an older model when you want the Pro look and geometry, you can upgrade piece by piece. Second, it’s often more budget‑friendly than buying a full new kit, since you’re reusing many of the original parts (like rotor heads, blades, and electronics). For many pilots, this makes it an efficient way to modernise a beloved 420‑class machine. Finally, the conversion doesn’t typically require a complete re‑build from scratch — experienced builders can swap the necessary components and be ready to fly within a couple of hours with standard tools and setup knowledge.
In summary, the iLGoblin Pro 420 Conversion Kit is more than a cosmetic upgrade. It’s a practical pathway to bringing older SAB 420 frames up to a newer standard, improving the platform’s appearance, modularity, and future‑proofing without the cost and disruption of a full new build. Whether you’re looking to refresh a competition 420 or simply want your heli to reflect the latest in airframe design, this kit offers a smart, hobbyist‑friendly way to do it.
What the Pro 420 Conversion Kit Does
At its core, this conversion kit lets you take a SAB Goblin 420 or Goblin RAW 420 Competition and transform it into the newer ilGoblin Pro 420 configuration without buying a brand‑new helicopter kit. The conversion mainly replaces key airframe components so your helicopter gains the structural layout and geometry of the Pro version. The kit includes all the necessary airframe parts to change over to the ilGoblin Pro design — it doesn’t provide electronics or flying gear, but reuses most of your existing setup.
Here’s what actually changes and why it matters:
1. Updated Airframe Geometry and Mounting Points
One of the biggest effects of the Pro conversion is new frame components that shift the helicopter’s geometric balance closer to the Pro series layout. This includes revised side frame pieces and mounting plates that better align the drivetrain, battery mount and electronics tray.
Flight impact:
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More consistent centre‑of‑gravity (CG): helps the helicopter feel more stable in forward flight and less prone to pitching forward or backward unexpectedly.
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Smoother flares and transitions: improved geometry gives you a more predictable response during aerobatics and precision manoeuvres.
2. Quick‑Release Battery Tray With Integrated Connectors
The Pro style includes a quick‑release battery tray and built‑in connectors rather than older styles that required looser batteries or strap mounts. This is part of the conversion kit’s structure.
Flight impact:
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Faster battery changes: good when you’re flying a session and need quick swaps.
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More secure battery placement: tight battery mount = more consistent head speed and smoother throttle response between flights.
3. Updated Blade Mounting and Tail Layout
The kit adapts the heli to the ilGoblin Pro’s tail geometry and rotor sets, aligning the battery, boom and tail support closer to what the Pro version uses.
Flight impact:
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Better tail authority: matched tail support and blade size helps the tail hold against torque during aggressive moves.
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Reduced oscillations: aligning the boom and tail often reduces unwanted movement in fast forward flight or high‑speed rolls.
4. Becomes Pro‑Compatible for Future Parts
Once converted, your 420 becomes physically compatible with Pro‑style parts — like carbon booms, canopy kits, or other upgrades that are specific to the Pro layout.
Flight impact:
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Easier upgrades: swapping in stronger booms or reinforced side plates later becomes much more straightforward.
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Better resale value: Pro‑config helicopters tend to hold value better in the hobby market.
Flying Characteristics After Conversion
Overall, the conversion doesn’t magically make your helicopter faster or more powerful by itself — the real flight performance still depends on your motor, ESC, servos and governor system — but you will notice a cleaner, tighter feel for a few key reasons:
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The more refined airframe reduces flex, so control inputs translate more directly to movement.
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The optimized CG and battery mount help maintain steady head‑speed when throttling up or down.
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Tail authority and response become more crisp due to the adjusted boom and blade layout.
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When flying 3D patterns or fast circuits, the overall stability feels less jumpy because the geometry mirrors what SAB designed for the Pro lineup.
Most pilots who convert say that their 420 feels more confident and predictable after the swap — especially at higher speeds or when flying aerobatics — even if the basic components (ESC, motor, servos) remain unchanged.
Quick Summary
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The conversion kit replaces frame and mounting components so your heli matches the ilGoblin Pro 420 layout.
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You keep your electronics and flight gear but benefit from a tighter, more refined airframe and improved CG.
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In flight, this translates to more consistent handling, better tail authority, and smoother manoeuvres – particularly at speed or in 3D.
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The heli becomes compatible with future Pro‑specific parts and upgrades.
