I have a either a .46FX or a TT .61 looking for a plane to practice pattern flying. So far I have come up with the Zen 50, H9 Aresti, and GP Venus.

Only three requirements:

1) Has to be a good windy day flyer.
2) Has to be under $220
3) Has to be an ARF

Which plane should I buy Doesn't have to be one of the three listed.

thanks

Albeit I don't know the GP Venus, I'ld go with the zen .50
I posted the same question before (for the time being I'm working on a Cloud dancer, before the Zen....)
And I 've got a good number of responses in this and other forums, regarding the ZEN50
(I believe it sells for $250.00) but for what you want is better than the Aresti (better quality too!)
Regards,
Patrick

If I go with the Zen should I put the .46FX or .61 up front

I am not trying to hover but I do want good constant speed performance with little slowing on the verticals. I would go with the .61 but I am worried about the weight

I bought a *RTF* Zen 50 from a fellow on on RCO a while back. It came with a Rossi .60, header and full-length tuned pipe, servos, radio, batteries, prop, etc. It balanced perfectly with everything installed - the RX battery was placed just above the back end of the fuel tank for balancing.

Unfortunately it was damaged in shipping - I haven't flown it. I did end up purchasing another kit. I was planning on using a YS .61 2-stroke but I'd really prefer to use a 4-stroke.

i just saw the Gp Venus on a flier.......
and Still I would go for the Zen 50; also the price (at quantummodels) is $220.00
My guess is that teh .61 will be good if you're an experienced flier
weight shouldn't be aproblem
Regards,
Patrick

I use an FS63FZ on my Zen50. Its the best 4C engine for it; sounds great, performs great etc.
Vim

It's going to be interesting to see how people like or dislike the Venus. Given GP's track record, it should be a good plane for a daily flier. I would go with either that or the Zen, both look pretty good. The zen has impressed alot of people over its lifespan, while the aresti hasnt been all that stellar.

If my Kyosho Majestic decides to meet the ground, I may try the Venus, just because it's very affordable. The specs are very close to the majestic, but with larger surfaces for F3a stuff, which would save me some time doing the mods. I am running an Enya 80 4stroke on the Majestic, and all up weight should be between 5 and 5 1/4 lbs (prob 5 lbs 2oz max), so I am excited to see it fly.

Post pics and let us know what you do.

Steve

(semi-repost)

I would love to see pictures of your installation. I have one of these kits in the box - I have a YS .61 2-stroke on hand which I can use in it but I'd really prefer to use one of my YS 4-strokes.

Thanks for all the input.

All else being equal I would prefer the Zen but at $155 I don't think I can pass up the Venus. Tower is offering $15 off orders over $175, which mine will be; and since I am a member I will get free shipping. I guess I am just too cheap

In a couple of weeks I'll let you know how the Venus flies.

Regards

I'm not real familiar with the Venus, I've just started noticing it coming out, and been so busy with other building projects haven't read up on it.

What I can tell you is about the Zen50 I own....I've had it since it came out, a little over a year I think. I've got an OS70 4-stroke mounted inverted in it, fully cowled in. Remote glow allows this. With this engine combo it's unlimited, and pulls vertical like a tractor. Very true flying plane, with what I would consider "Corvette like" handling. Very, very manueverable, and crisp, but still allows for very smooth lines.

It comes with installed retracts, pull-pull rudder(although I upgraded hardware here), fuel tank, foiled rear stabs(yes, vert and hor are foiled), even counter balance on both rear control surface. Wing comes joined and glassed already. Beautiful glass cowling and belly pan. Tinted canopy(slight).

I hope the Venus is near as good, as the Zen. I've been very pleased with the Zen, as it's a real clean plane, easy to take care of, and at $220 w/included retracts it's a deal. I use it for pattern practice, and it's very capable of a number of sequences. Good luck.

PS, do a search here on the Zen if your interested, it should come up with several threads about it. At least you can get some info for a future project.

You know, it does irritate me that the Venus is coming out. I totally recovered the Majestic I have, and it is very very very similar to the Venus. Had I known it was coming, I wouldnt have gotten the Majestic LOLOL