ORIGINAL: wildwobby
why? lol... i dont want crap... and i am not spliting any thing i already have enough for the computer and 400$ left over for R/C And with school ending June 11, I can work, and get a couple more hundred bucks. so...... I need to know What the Pros and cons of getting RTF and ARF or w/e. And also what club i should join.
Thanks,
Robby
First, unless you have a LOT OF MONEY, find a club and have them provide an instructor (clubs provide free training/lessons). This will allow you to learn to fly safely in the shortest period of time with the least amount of damage to your plane/equipment.
As for your question.....................
An RTF has everything pre installed (except some MINOR gluing) for you - engine, radio, control rods/surfaces. The downside to this is: The engine, while USUALLY fine for that plane, is marginal for use in a second plane. The radio provided, while doing the job quite well, is USUALLY a low end radio and may not be the brand you would like or have features you prefer.
An ARF, requires you to do minor gluing, and installation of the engine, fuel tank and radio (VERY easy for a beginner to do). It has the advantage of you being able to select an engine that will be useable for a second plane, and you being able to select the brand and grade of radio you would like. The disadvantage is that INITIALLY your cost is higher, BUT, in the long run it USUALLY winds up being lower.
A prime example of what I am talking about is: MOST RTF come with a bushed bearing 40 engine. These engines are fine for trainers, but USUALLY do not have the power/performance needed for a second plane. By you being able to select the engine, you would PROBABLY select a ball bearing 46 engine. Yes, that 46 is probably a little too much engine for the trainer, but when you graduate to your next plane, that motor will have adequate power/performance for you to use in the plane. As for the radio, I suggest seeing what brand(s) are PRIMARILY being used at your flying field and getting the same brand. The reason - if you have a problem, someone at the field should be able to help you.
A suggestion.....IF you can afford it, seriously consider a computer radio and preferably a 6 channel radio. Yes, the price is higher than a 4 channel radio, however, you will most likely be using (or wanting to use) features that are on the radio within a short period of time.
Hope this provides some help to you.