Originally Posted by
flyva
Thanks for your interest.
Given this is not F3A but you guys know motors/esc better than anyone. Intending to go IMACing with an EF 78" EXTRA or a 25% PILOT. I'd like to stay with a 10S setup and wondering how these motors compare in performance and reliability:Hacker Q80 13 or 14 XS vrs Neu F3A vrs Plettenberg Advance 30-10. Regarding the NEU, I'm wondering if the gearbox is worth all the fuss.
Also would appreciate feedback on what make and model ESC works best with each of above motors.
Lastly, what flight time can I expect with a typical F3A x 10S x 5000 setup?
You can't go wrong with any of these motors. They are all dynamite and you will find each one of them used at the top level of the USA nationals in pattern. The geared motors give better breaking, which helps you from gaining too much speed during dives, so you can do rolls and have some control. They are probably the lightest option. The Pletty Advance is close in breaking and similar efficiency and is a totally awesome motor without the hassle of a gear box. I don't know a ton about the Hacker but it should be somewhat similar - guys use them and love them.
If you go on RC Groups there is a good thread about the 78" Extra. I hope it is my next airplane, and my choice would be to run the Advance on either 10S or 12S. Guys are running that motor with 10S in that airplane and doing fine. I asked a top pilot who flies the Neu F3A and he said the 1515 is probably a better choice for the 78" Extra. Not that the F3A is a bad choice.
The 78" Extra is a big plane and needs a lot more power than a 25% airplane. You can run a 25% on 8S, so all of these motors would be overkill. I have a 26% Sbach and it's getting a Neu 1512, a half-step down from the Neu F3A. I'm running 10S because it needs the weight in the nose. It is going to be ballistic.
BTW I fly the Advance in my 2M ship and have been running a Neu 1512 on 10s.
Because the 78" Extra is wide, your flight times will be a lot less than what we get in pattern planes. There is more drag with a wider airplane (and with a bigger wing span) so it's hard to compare. I would go with more capacity if at all possible. Or 12S.