First Aerobatic Plane?
 

Of all the types of aircraft I have had and flown, none of them have been really high performance. I have had a Funtana, and a U Can Do, but they were the small sized ones. I am making my move into large planes with a Pulse 125, and an Ultra Stick Lite with a G26 for power. I have a DLE 30 NIB, and am considering the new Inverza. However, before I make the move I wonder if I should consider something else. Is there one plane that might make the introduction easier? A Yak, Sukhoi, an Edge, an Extra, or something else?

Which one would you choose if you had it to do all over?

My two picks:
http://extremeflightrc.com/html/2MVanquish.html
You can't beat the feel and performance of a pattern plane. They fly like they are on rails and fly great in KE, inverted, rolling, etc.

http://extremeflightrc.com/html/78extra.html
In my opinion this is the next best thing and next on my list.

Both are great looking and appear to be well built. I do notice, however, that both are sold out. Do they restock on a regular basis, or just wait for orders before doing so? If you know.

Get a profile. Unfortunately, Extreme no longer sells their 60-size Edge or Chinn Yak, two of the best IMO. The folks at Aeroworks still put out some fun profile birds IIRC.

A profile is as good as you are. They'll do pattern and then some.

I have that 78" Extreme Flight Extra.... I really like it. Keep your eyes open- If I remember correctly Extreme Flight will not put you on a waiting list but will notify when a plane comes in-you could check that out.

Sorry eddiec, profile planes just aren't what I fly. I just can't get into a plane that looks like it was run over. Just my personal preference, not that I have anything against them.

If you're talking more 3D type huckery than proper precision aerobatics, I can HIGHLY recommend the Gold Wing Sukhoi ... 26CC version / 70" wingspan.
their Yak 54 and 55 are both nice choices too..

When I put in aerobatics, that is what I was referring to. 3D, is not where I am headed although some moves are similar. I respect those that can hang a plane from is prop, but I want to fly different patterns as in IMAC, but want a non-pattern type plane. I remember some while back that one of the club members was saying that there are some planes in the Sukhoi, Yak, Edge, and Extra types that are easier to move to than others. I just can't remember what was said.

Back in the day, those practicing for the TOC used 80" profile planes as they could be set up similarly, were responsive and expendable..

I guess it's based upon one's skill sets. :cool: Don't knock it til you try it.

what what I've gleaned, any of the choices you've mentioned would all be great airplanes... I only got a bit confused as you mentioned both IMAC and the Inverza .. since the IMAC rules require a scale airframe (one that has been flown in full scale aerobatics... Sukhoi's, Extra's, Yak's etc) the inverza would not qualify...

I get it though.... you're looking for precision capable airplanes that look more like full scale than those that look like RC Pattern airplanes....

the Extra 300 (although not my personal favorite as far as LOOKS are concerned) is IMHO very very tough to beat.

:)

hope I didn't further confuse the matter :D

AMA, no you got it exactly right. Even though I referred to IMAC, it was meant as an example only. I am aware of the size and aircraft rules of IMAC as we run an event at our field each year. I have been mostly a sport flyer and it is time to look at other avenues in flying.

You can fly a Hobbico trainer in the IMAC Basic Class if you want. No scale rules at all.

;) I had no idea. Thanks K-Bob!

Extras seem to dominate the IMAC contests, they are arguably the most stable aerobatic airplane. The ExtremeFlight plane would be a great aerobatic performer, capable of competing in both IMAC and Pattern, and just a good all around flyer.

Yaks are usually preferred for 3D over precision aerobatics. I think an Edge is closer to an Extra than a Yak in performance, but don't quote me on that one.

I had a Yak that was lengthened so it would track a little better for precision flying (like a Quique airplane). It did pretty well in contests and it was also nice to float and tumble around. I would not get another one unless I knew it was longer than a scale model though, as I'm not that into 3D flying.

OMP has some 30CC MX2's that they claim are good for IMAC/3D. They make/sell nice stuff. My next plane will likely be the 78" Extra, if not than one of these:
http://www.ohiomodelplanes.com/models/index.htm

3D hobby shop has a 72" Extra that they pair with a DLE 30cc, also the 74" Edge, and the ~71" AJ Slicks
http://www.3dhobbyshop.com/72-Extra-...w_p_15149.html
http://www.3dhobbyshop.com/74-Edge-5...d_p_16042.html

Pilot RC Extra
http://www.chiefaircraft.com/radio-c...prc-ext26.html
http://www.chiefaircraft.com/radio-c...ext300-24.html

For me, I know my electric setup is more than enough for the Extreme Flight 78" and I lean toward that one for the size. A few extra inches makes a big difference. 30CC might be marginal for 3D but should be just fine for aerobatics.

I think that is what I was told as I remember. The Extra is a good plane to transition to. Although I have to be honest here. While I was deciding, I decided to go scale. Aeroworks had a 15% off every plane sale! and I pulled the trigger on a Cessna 195 for my DLE 30. So it will be a little while longer.