I want a 3D trainer that can do knife edge, harriers, waterfalls, blenders, flat spins, k/e spins. I have a CG Extreme 330. It 3D's well but thats all its does. Its damn unstable in normal flight. I can do all the manuvers listed with it but if I just want to fly slow figure 8's a few feet of the runway its a handfull. I'd like a plane that can do 3D on high rates but be real *****cat on low rates.

Well, let me tackle this one...its not that easy though...

Having flown a UCD 60 and the Freestyle, both planes would do all listed above. Both would behave like you want (3D on high rates, pcat on low rates).

I believe the UCD is a little stronger on the 3D side. But, the Freestyle would beat it in the k/e tricks. The freestyle excels at pattern stuff.

To me, the UCD flies a lot like the Flip 3D (though not as good), while the Freestyle flies smoother, more graceful. The Freestyle has very good flow flight characteristics, the UCD was a little rougher (not much).

I guess is boils down to what you really want to do.

Now bear in mind, my opinions are based on what I have experienced. The UCD 60 was not mine, I did not like the setup. The Freestyle is mine, set up the way I like it. Inverted is hands off, k/e requires little rudder. Tank is on c/g. I can fly pattern routines all day at 1/4 throttle. And it 3d flight is good (obviously not the best but good enough to satisfy my taste).

So, in conclusion, I believe the the UCD is a better fun, knock-about plane....I believe the Freestyle is a better all-around flyer.

Too bad you did'nt ask this question earlier, hobbypeople had the freestyle on sale for $99 (that probably would have made the decision for you).

Thanks wild...thats what i needed to know. I am leaning towards the Freestyle not for the pattern stuff but because of the good K/E traits and stability.

What 3D manuvers did you see the freestyles weaknesses in? I heard it dosen't water fall well....but it might just be CG or set up...

Lot's of people can't get the freestyle into a flat spin,
I am just about finished assembling mine with a thunder tiger .61 pro (Just alittle noseheavy...
You don't have to change the landing gear! I just put a 2-56 rod across the gear and it should work great, also exchange the linkages with 2-56 and 4-40 rods and dubro saftey locks and ez connectors!...
-Nik

I had both and all the comments already made are valid.


Don't put a .46 in the Freestyle if you want to 3D.

If you want a relaxing plane to fly in slow and close the UCD is better, lighter wing loading and a larger plane. The freestyle will drop a wing a little faster than the UCD.

The Freestyle does KE better unless you mix out all the coupling in the UCD.

I have a very strong Saito 72 that need a home. I heard the UCD 46 had fewer coupling issues that the 60 size...is this true? How do they compare in Harrier flight? Which is more locked in?

That 72 would work well in either plane.

True, you don't need to change the landing gear, but the Sukhoi 40 gear is taller(for those 14" props and easier takeoffs), stronger and prettier, plus its only $10 when hobbypeople have them in stock.

I saw the UCD 46 in action this past week, it did seem to have fewer k/e coupling issues than its bigger brother. It does seem to fly better also (yes, believe it).

Honestly, I have not tried flat-spinning my freestyle(nor waterfalls yet). I've been practicing all kinds of k/e stuff (loops, 8, cuban 8, etc.).

Man, you have a hard decision....

The only thing I don't like about my freestyle is that I wish it was lighter (auw=6lbs).

Also, check out this review: http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...?article_id=86