Of course a B1,B2,B3 will "outperform" a 500 for the most part on the same job cause it will lift more and had more seats, can cary more fuel etc...
but I think Remote hooks point is that given a proportionate job, say lifting 75% of the normal weight the machine is capable of the 500 is faster just cause you can see better and its more manoeuvrable.
Sure an experienced bag/drill mover can be quick in an Astar, but the same guy will be quicker in the 500 assumig the weight your lifting is proportionate.....
Besides....8 hours a day on the line in an Astar always has me saying "dammyneckhurts"
Precisely, at least one person can read.
From a production/precision long line pilot, there is just no way you can go as fast with an Astar as you can with a 500 if terms of moving the hook around. Maneuverability and vision are unparalleled - this is one of the reasons you don't see us using Astars for shake blocking.... and it doesn't come any more intense that flying blocks for those of you who've never had the pleasure.
Is an Astar an all-round better ship? Of course it is, but we're talking about flying the line here.
RH