RE: What competes with the YAK 55SP-E?
I was in your shoes 4 weeks ago, now a happy e-3D flyer (or whatever the acronym is). My setup:
Lee Ulinger YAK-55 from darrolcady.com
Hacker A20-22L brushless motor
Hacker X-20 speed control
Two Thunder Power 1320 mAh 3-cell lithium polymer packs
Three APC 10 x 4.7 gray props
(total so far $300 exactly, including shipping)
Other stuff:
Great Planes Triton charger w/thermal probe, $130
Standard JR receiver (already had)
Five Hitec HS-55 servos (already had)
I decided to go a little larger/newer/more expensive because I figured all this gear would last a while, and in the unlikely event I didn't enjoy park flying, it would have better resale value. But now you couldn't pry it out of my dead fingers -- it's fabulous! I've already ordered some Depron foam and started sketching out one of my own.
The Yak is a little hefty at 17+ oz. with my standard receiver and twin aileron servos, but the motor handles it fine and it will fly in some wind. Flights are about 10 minutes hovering and closer to 15 mins if I take it easy.
Welcome to the fold!
Duane Gall
RCPRO