Originally Posted by
KC8QPU
So what are they flying?? What airframes? This for us is the biggest factor. Not many are willing to pull the trigger on a true pattern plane? At least not 2m size. I know I have personally always tried to preach that it is really not what kind of plane your flying. But who is flying it. Hence one of the reasons I tried to fly the Eflite Splendor at some competitions. At least for 75 percent of new pilots that plane is well with in their reach financially.
Both pilots started out with 3DHS 65" Vipers. Then the Sportsman pilot switched to a 50 sized used Nuance. Flew that at several contests. Then he picked up a used Vanquish. The Intermediate pilot moved up to a used Shinden. Personally, I started flying pattern in 2013 with a Hobbyking Airoso...took several 1st places in Sportsman and then many top 3 finishes in Intermediate the year after. Our newest pilot just picked up an Estrella. Another picked up a NIB Airoso from me a few weeks ago. A couple of weeks ago a Sportsman pilot competed fairly well with a Kaos. Last year a Sportsman pilot had a Splendor and finished 2nd. So, a mix of 2 meter planes and smaller planes in Sportsman. You can almost always find a good, used 2 meter plane for sale for 1/2 of new price at a contest. Like any hobby, you need to spend some money.