MM Magpie or GWS SS?

[sobamaflyer]

I think I've about destroyed my first foray into flight, an Aerobird Challenger. I'm way hooked but looking for the next step. I had about decided from lots of reading on a GWS Slow Stick but recently I've read more and more about the Mountain Models Magpie.

1) I've been flying them both on FMS (not that I'm a huge believer in a sim vs real world but it's helping the reverse orientation problem I was experiencing before). Do the actual models react somewhat as they seem to on the Sim?

2) I live on the Gulf Coast of Alabama and I never seem to find a day without just a little bit of wind so that is a concern, does the Magpie handle winds better than the SS? We usually seem to have a 2-5mph steady breeze.

3) Could folks with maybe experience on both make a recommendation to someone who's still pretty much a newbie.

Thanks, Travis

[Tailspin Ken]

Travis, :)
I have owned and flown both planes. Each has it's advantages. the SS is a lot cheaper and comes with a motor. The SS will assemble quicker. The SS is a good flyer, but will not handle much wind.
the Magpie is more expensive...$55 if you get both wings (it is almost like getting two planes or $55). then you will need a motor, servo extensions, and covering material. Though it is very easy to build, it will take longer to build than the SS.

You are very limited on how you can fly the SS unless you make a few modifications. the Magpie, however is a slowflyer with one wing and an areobatic trainer with the other. The Magpie will handle wind well. The Magpie is more durable.
Although the SS is a fine plane, if you are willing to spend the extra money, I would get the Magpie. It is my favorite plane! I don't think you will be sorry!
There is a Magpie build thread in the Parkflyer section on this forum that you may find very helpful. These are my opinions. Other's my vary.

Ken ;)

[ozace]

Get the magpie. It is much more durable and capable. I would skip the slow fly wing and go straight to the sport wing. The plane is just so easy to fly.

[bass3587]

I've had my Magpie for about 8 months now and still love it. Going to see about turning it into an A/P plane in a couple of months. Yes I've dorked it hard plenty of times and it's still flying true.

[Doppelganger]

I agree with the other posts. I have never flown a Magpie. But I'm seriously thinking about getting one. I'm past trainers and still, the Magpie seems like it would be a blast to fly. Plus it's durable. I flew my slowstick once, but i'm sure I would have flown the Magpie until it disentigrated. Umm...if thats possible.:)

[Jeremy Z]

This is a little late, but I'd vote for the Magpie. I have a T-Hawk, which is very similar to your Aerobird. If there's one disadvantage to these planes, it is that they get pretty hard to see when you gain altitude.

The Magpie is much bigger. It will be easier to see when it's further away. You'll be able to fly it further away. It will handle a bit of wind with more grace. If you're not confident that you're done crashing, maybe get something foam/plastic again, like an EasyStar. (It's bigger, so had the same advantages)

Jeremy

[glenclif]

Magpie !

[Rugar]

I vote for BOTH, as Im sure you would like either one. Im on either my third or forth Slow Stick now, hard to remember. We have a group that fly combat with them so they dont last us to long :D. I getting ready to get a Magpie AP for some camera work. I have 8 RTF planes, both foamies and balsa's, but my Brushless Slow Stick is still my most flown plane.

Gerald

[nakelp86]

MagAPie RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:-))

[newbee E-flier]

I live on the Atlantic coast with lots of wind all the time, and the SS has not seen much use. I don't have a Magpie, but I do have a MM SmoothE, and it handles wind very well.

[nakelp86]

Im in NJ, can count windless days in a year on both hands..........
I have SS but just for parts I may use it if I get a good wing to it.
For now MagAPie rules.
On occasion I fly moded ABX and T-hawk (later on lunch breaks).
Again, you wont be dissapointed with MagApie or just Magpie.