Hmm, good question. I suppose that depends on you.

The "new" planes aren't as fast as the old ballistic designs. They do fly better though. In fact, a good 2 meter plane must be flown to be appreciated. They are unlike anything else in the sky. They are smooth, graceful, and true.

When I was a kid in about '79 I too freaked over the Curares and such. I wanted one so bad I could taste it. I simply couldn't afford it at the time. I did however manage to attend the 82 (or 83?) Tangerine pattern meet in orlando. At that time, it was a HUGE pattern contest and drew the top dogs. Watching those Curares, Tipos, EU-1s, UFOs with those Rossi engines on nitro pipes....man what a rush!!!

I also watched Don Lowe demo the "new FAI turnaround pattern" that weekend. He flew it with a Laser 200 if memory serves. That was the first time I ever saw a rolling circle. I thought that was the end of pattern, it was slow and very unpattern to me at that time.....

Well 20 years later I FINALLY decided to give it a try. I must say I had no idea what I was missing.

Is it as much fun? To me, absolutely. It is different however. I love the old planes and I have a Bridi UFO with a Webra .61 RE, piped, with Kraft electric retracts on the wall behind me here. (Signed on the wing by Joe!) I just appreciate the difference for what it is.

If the speed itself is the main draw for you, then maybe you wouldn't appreciate modern pattern. But if the precision, the discipline and the skill is what you like, then I'd have to say it's moreso now than it was then. Scored turnarounds added a whole new slant to pattern. Now even the entry class only has one box exit.

Well my advice would be to do both =) but if you need primarily a speed fix, the new designs are fast, but nothing like the old piped missles of yesterday. They are incredible aircraft though, and everyone should feel the sticks of a properly trimmed 2 meter design at least once......you may never fly anything else =)

Mike Hester