I’m going with a 160 but I’m sure a 140 would be fine..

Ok so got a couple of flights on my Predator now and generally loving it! Flies really great. My only concern is with the quality of the retracts and I wondered how everyone else was doing?
After two good landings - 10 out of 10 in my book I have one brake dragging, and one strut compressed but did not fully decompress without a fair bit of pressure. Wondering if I need to think about a set of pro-link to upgrade or if it’s a bit premature. Interested to hear any one else’s experience? Thx

Thtough some digging it appears the Pilot Servos are made by Savox. I ordered turbine ready with the servos so we will see.

I’ve been using the Pilot servos that came with the turbine ready thrust vectoring version. I have about 75 -100 flights so far and no problems at all. Has been my most reliable plane all summer.

Using google, checking specs, and digging in to forums I became certain they are Savox. That’s why I went ahead and ordered turbine ready.

Running an Evo booster 160, no smoke tank yet, will check my auw and post.
I worked a bit on the retracts over the weekend and they seem to be better, just loosened the bolts on the tight wheel a little and threadlicked them back in, seems to have worked. As far as the ole is go I just used some Teflon spray and kept working them so we’ll see how it goes.

Since this is my first turbine I a few questions:
1. What size turbine 120, 140, or 170?

I fly mine with a 140 (Cheetah 140, so more like a 150) and I find it perfect. No residual thrust to deal with on landing, and plenty of power for pretty much unlimited vertical. I can even get it to hover a few seconds. I also fly off of grass and the 140 is plenty.

2. Will this thing really fly on an 80n to 300n? Wouldn't 300 be serious overkill?

If you are flying off of grass I wouldn’t go anything less then a 120. It will fly fine on an 80 or 100. Just need to manage your energy better. I think a 140-160 is perfect, especially if it’s your 1st jet. If your into flying 3D then you will need a 180 or larger, I think a 220 would be good. A 300? If your experienced and that’s the type of flying you want, then a 300 will do as well. Just be very careful when going full power.


3. The manual shows double control horns on surfaces, but I have seen pics of singles. Which is it?

I think this might be down to which production run, mine has double.

4. Which gyro, the Igyro 3e or the Aura 8?

I am sure either one will do just fine, I fly mine with a 3e with the GPS sensor for auto gain adjustment.

5. Anyone notice any coupling tendencies during flight?

Coupling tendancies are fairly minimal, mine are probably due to where I have my CG set, but knife edge is very good. However the Version 2 has a larger vertical stab which I thought was a good idea. Vertical stand on version one could stand to be a little larger.

6. Does this jet come with the heat shielding to protect the wires or must it be purchased separately? If so then where?

no heat shielding needed. Double wall thrust tube does a good job, unless you go with a 300, then you may want check that.

7. Does all of the fuel tubing come with the kit?

Plane comes with all tubing.

8. What type of clunk is used? Is it tygon or Viton

Comes with Tygon. Which is fine for a season, then swap out if you like. I flew all summer with the supplied tubing with no problems. I will swap out the inner tank tubing for Viton during my winter maintenance.

9. I anyone using anything else other than the MPX connector shown earlier in this thread?

Nope, love the connections. Simple and effective

10. Has anyone used larger tires for the mains?

Nope, been flying off of grass all summer and never felt the need to go with larger tires. They work very well.

I was informed that when this jet stalls, it happens quickly. Is this the general consensus that other s have experienced?

At least for me, no bad habits what so ever. Stalls are very smooth and you have plenty of warning before hand. Just gently drops the nose and will recover very easy. No wing drop. Very easy jet to fly, looks far more intimidating then it is to fly. Really nice jet to fly. I think there isn’t anything better for the money.

I would also suggest to get the thrust vectoring version, even I’d you don’t intend to use it. I took mine off till I am ready for 3D. This version comes with a larger fuel tank, better spec servos and of course the thrust vectoring nozel and servos already installed. Which installing the servos after would be a real PIA.

Thanks for all your help.
Tone[/QUOTE]