I think I can give you a honest assessment of the Sensai as I have mentored quite a few people with this airplane as well as own one that I use for training folks who prefer to start with electrics. My favorite for those who wish to start with glow/small gas is the Sig Senior Cadet which remains my favorite.

There is a very large number at our local field who own Sensai's among other types, so much so that for the last several years we have promoted special events just for the Sensai. These have included pylon races with pylons shortened to two hundred feet, Fun flys with the typical mix of competitive events and my favorite a cross country 1.8 mile rally. That one is not a race but a rally since the timer records the pilots predicted time before he boards the truck for his trip around the triangular course and is scored by his spread between the real and predicted time.

The pics above where made just before the midnite hour and an annual event here every new years. The idea is to be airborn when the ball drops, note the Sensai in front.

Now a note about the chief competitor with the Sensai which is the Apprentice from Horizon. Agine I can give an honest comparison since up until yesterday I also owned one of those. That one I picked up cheap from someone who had purchased one before coming here and ordered a Sensai instead. I did so to pass it on to someone who may need something cheap to continue.

OK to the direct comparison First all the Sensai' that have been sold here by the LHS and I think the number is around thirty have been receiver ready versions so none of this gyro gimmick crap. Also keep in mine I think the Apprentice has a larger version and am comparing only the apprentice that is the same size as the Sensai.

The Sensai is a far better flying airplane and easier to mentor someone with, It is a far better looking airplane as well.

One plus for the Apprentice is they have designed for float kits. the Sensai has nothing and float installation while not impossible is difficult because of the attractive round bottom fuselage.

So over all I do prefer the Sensai particularly for first timers agine who wish to start with electric. As far as "trouble with the motor and esc" I cannot comment since I have not witnessed or seen a single case of that . Now some (two) have come through with one or two defective servos and the were replaced with no problems.

Almost forgot the Sensai uses less expensive batteries but still will outperform the Apprentice.

John