Entry-level aerobatic plane

[NJSwede]

I'm getting really fascinated with pattern-style aerobatics and I'm trying various maneuvers out with my ParkZone T28D. As much as I love that plane, it's clearly not built for aerobatics.

So... What's a good entry level aerobat? Unfortunately, I don't have much time to build, so it has to be BNF/PNP/ARF. Also, my car is small, so anything larger than 60" wingspan is going to be a challenge.

I've been looking at the ParkZone Extra 300. How is that as a first aerobatic plane? Looks nice...

[CrimzonRider]

Im kinda in the same boat, just a little further behind you. I am really thinkin about the Switch, have heard some good things about it. Also I just ordered a Formosa, might be a little much for me, but I need a challenge!!
Also I have been looking at the AcroMaster from Muiltplex , the switch is little more pricey, but the other two are cheap and ez to get parts!!!

have a good one
cr

found a couple of "crazy" reviews

http://www.amazon.com/review/R1PNF9W0AYLP85

http://www.amazon.com/ParkZone-Extra.../dp/B003IN64D8

but I really like this one....

http://www.cermark.com/products/Cerm...2d540-ARF.html

[kenchiroalpha]

Hi
Check out the RTF Extra from Cox
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/show...&highlight=cox
The BNF Sbach 342
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/show...082#post805082
The Advance 25e
http://www.e-fliterc.com/Products/De...ProdId=EFL4225
And as for the Switch, i picked one up a short while ago,
Havent had the chance to maiden her due to the windy weather
Hopefully this weekend it will happen and i will post my findings
Talke care dear friends
Yours Hank

[Figure.N9ne]

Originally Posted by NJSwede

I'm getting really fascinated with pattern-style aerobatics and I'm trying various maneuvers out with my ParkZone T28D. As much as I love that plane, it's clearly not built for aerobatics.

So... What's a good entry level aerobat? Unfortunately, I don't have much time to build, so it has to be BNF/PNP/ARF. Also, my car is small, so anything larger than 60" wingspan is going to be a challenge.

I've been looking at the ParkZone Extra 300. How is that as a first aerobatic plane? Looks nice...

I like the extra 300 for basic aerobatic flying, as long as you don't expect it to do 3d, stalled maneuvers, I think you'll like it. For pattern style aerobatics i'll be fine.

[NJSwede]

Originally Posted by CrimzonRider

http://www.amazon.com/review/R1PNF9W0AYLP85

Actually, based on this review, I feel like I should go buy the plane right away! Z8 is (in)famous for his anti-Horizon Hobbies agenda (only rivaled by his anti-AMA agenda), so his credibility is below zero when it comes to reviewing a ParkZone product.

[kenchiroalpha]

Originally Posted by CrimzonRider

Im kinda in the same boat, just a little further behind you. I am really thinkin about the Switch, have heard some good things about it. Also I just ordered a Formosa, might be a little much for me, but I need a challenge!!
Also I have been looking at the AcroMaster from Muiltplex , the switch is little more pricey, but the other two are cheap and ez to get parts!!!

have a good one
cr

found a couple of "crazy" reviews

http://www.amazon.com/review/R1PNF9W0AYLP85

http://www.amazon.com/ParkZone-Extra.../dp/B003IN64D8

but I really like this one....

http://www.cermark.com/products/Cerm...2d540-ARF.html

Hi cr
Formosa is a very good one
You should have no problem with her
I have a similar aircraft The "Accipiter Badius"
Take care dear friend
Yours Hank

[NJSwede]

Originally Posted by Yaniel

I like the extra 300 for basic aerobatic flying, as long as you don't expect it to do 3d, stalled maneuvers, I think you'll like it. For pattern style aerobatics i'll be fine.

No 3D. As much as I respect the awesome skills of 3D-pilots, there's something about a plane that's actually flying through the air that's so much more appealing to me than a plane that's hanging on the prop. Just personal preference...

[CrimzonRider]

Originally Posted by NJSwede

Actually, based on this review, I feel like I should go buy the plane right away! Z8 is (in)famous for his anti-Horizon Hobbies agenda (only rivaled by his anti-AMA agenda), so his credibility is below zero when it comes to reviewing a ParkZone product.

lol.....thats why I said "crzy" lol

have a good one
cr

[CrimzonRider]

Originally Posted by kenchiroalpha

Hi cr
Formosa is a very good one
You should have no problem with her
I have a similar aircraft The "Accipiter Badius"
Take care dear friend
Yours Hank

thanks hank, that is good to know.... been reading couple of threads about her and couple of mods....it coming tomorrow....cant wait....lol
OBTW Beautiful weather here.....no flying just building here!!
just bought my first computer radio....too jr dsx7 it coming friday....woooohoooo!!

have a good one
cr

[kenchiroalpha]

Originally Posted by CrimzonRider

thanks hank, that is good to know.... been reading couple of threads about her and couple of mods....it coming tomorrow....cant wait....lol
OBTW Beautiful weather here.....no flying just building here!!
just bought my first computer radio....too jr dsx7 it coming friday....woooohoooo!!

have a good one
cr

Hi cr
Congratulations
Take care dear friend
Yours Hank

[stuart]

hi njswede, any time some one asks this question i always answer the same. if your comfortable with the sticks and want a bird to fly hard,aerobatic,and have it go where ever you point it.

3dhs [3d hobby shop]"aj slick 42"ws ,i use a turnigy 35-30-1100 with a 40 amp plush esc,a 3cell2200mah20c zippy.

unlimited vertical! crazy good handling,makes me look like a good pilot..lol... only $139 arf. it can do 3d but that does'nt mean you have to.






42" AJ Slick - Red 4 Review(s) Your Price: $139.99

[NJSwede]

That looks really cool, Stu! I'll have to check that out ASAP! Thanks!

[CrimzonRider]

Wow 140 bucks............"ADD TO CART"

GOOD FIND...thanks man

have a good one
cr

[D0ntstare]

I was told by my local club that a fantastic aerobatic performer yet slow flying high wing trainer is the 'Wot 4' by Chris Foss, you may wish to check them out, they are also very cheap for what they are and apparently are easily converted, if conversion is not what your after there is a ARF version in foam

http://www.chrisfoss.co.uk/#/wot-4/4538950500

[Figure.N9ne]

I missed the part that you're willing to build an ARF. I thought you only wanted BNF and PNP

The slick is an amazing plane, one of my favorites but if this will be your first aerobatic plane, I'd recommend the 41 inch edge from 3dhobbyshop. It's $40 less, still flies amazingly well, and has wire landing gear which will help with those not so perfect landings as you get used to aerobatic planes. The slick has a two piece carbon gear which has been known to be fragile compared to other 3dhs models that use single piece carbon, or wire gear. Either plane is great though.
http://www.3dhobbyshop.com/41-Edge-5...e_p_14908.html

[rcers]

Originally Posted by stuart

unlimited vertical! crazy good

Another vote for the small 3DHS Slick - it rocks. If pattern is what you want the Aspera is what you need. The Sequence from GP is a distant second.

Mike

[stuart]

i went to the home depot and pickup a piece of thin alum stock to replace the carbon fiber lg...this after buying 2 replacement set due to their being to fragile.

i bounced the last landing ,was hard enough to break the wheel but the lg is still good[a little straightening ,but good..lol]



i love this plane!!!! very well made.

[rcers]

Originally Posted by stuart

i went to the home depot and pickup a piece of thin alum stock to replace the carbon fiber lg...this after buying 2 replacement set due to their being to fragile..

Wow about 250 flights on mine - no issues. You sure your not torture test landing?

[stuart]

torture.....lol..,i'm murderouse on lgs


of coarse the longer grass during the spring /fall seasons helps and the steady cross runway winds .

i also practice touch and gos a lot to perfect my landings,the uproar and the slick get the most air time and take the most beatings in my small hanger.[does a completed landing and immediate take off count as multible flights? if so then i'v got 100's of flights on each]if not,i have about 75 flights on each bird.

the carbon fiber lg of the slick is great and super light,but very unforgiving.

of all my kits built that still get air time,none fly as nicly as the slick!!i fear i may just keep buying arfs one day........ not a chance!!!!

[rcers]

No just kidding I have heard of guys with issues on the little Slick you are not alone.

Someone was making thicker CF gear for the little Slick - I think.

[NJSwede]

Originally Posted by stuart

3dhs [3d hobby shop]"aj slick 42"ws ,i use a turnigy 35-30-1100 with a 40 amp plush esc,a 3cell2200mah20c zippy.

Stu, that motor doesn't seem to be available anymore. Looks like the closest one is this:

http://3dxhobbies.com/turingy-35-30b-1400kv.html

Too many kv?

[rcers]

1400 is too high kV IMHO.

I use this on mine:

http://www.hobbypartz.com/alpha-480-...ess-motor.html

While it would be sorta marginal for 3D it is excellent for aerobatics.

MIke

[NJSwede]

Thanks! What prop are you using?

[rcers]

Turnigy light electric 12x6. It is a bit over 275w. But I have another motor as backup if needed.

[NJSwede]

Bummer! When I finally made up my mind to pull the trigger on the AJ Slick, it sold out!

What if I was to take this in a completely different direction and go depron? Certainly a lot cheaper and more durable. What about something like this as an "aerobatic trainer"?

http://3dxhobbies.com/new-airfoilz-e...0nx-combo.html