Flight differances between radiocraft 35%/40% Extra's
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
My Feedback: (4)
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Ocala,
FL
Who here has flown both the 35% and 40% radiocraft Extra's? I'm looking into either of them and looking to see if the extra money is worth the better flight characteristics of the 40%. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
-Kelly
-Kelly
#3

My Feedback: (62)
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,857
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Vineland,
NJ
I own a 33% and a 40% myself. The 33% is 105" wing and the 40 is 118. Although that doesn't sound like a big difference, surprisingly it is when you put them side by side. The 40% is much smoother and flies with a bit more authority. That is not to say that the smaller plane doesn't fly well, it certainly does. In my opinion, once you get over 30% of scale, it's just a different type of flying and performance. Below is a picture of the two planes. They are on the same table so the smaller plane to the rear is not that far away from the 40% in the foreground. Hope you get some interesting responses_bob
#4
While I don't own either of the Radiocraft's you mention, I have flown various 35%, 40%, and 42% aerobatic airplanes. From that experience, I can say that typically the larger airplanes fly smoother and present better in the larger sizes. If one is going to compete, the subtle differences can mean a slightly better score, although probably not contest breaking if both pilots are up to snuff.
While I do think the 40% airplanes fly better, I think the reall issue becomes supporting the size difference. Cost of the airplanes. the need for a trailer for the larger ones. Does it fit in the shop well, or is it a hassle to get it in and out. How much does it limit where you can fly it, Etc. These are the issues that should be addressed first.
If you get through those, and you still can't make up your mind, just bite the bullet and get the 40%. You'll never keep looking over your shoulder wondering if you made the right decision
While I do think the 40% airplanes fly better, I think the reall issue becomes supporting the size difference. Cost of the airplanes. the need for a trailer for the larger ones. Does it fit in the shop well, or is it a hassle to get it in and out. How much does it limit where you can fly it, Etc. These are the issues that should be addressed first.
If you get through those, and you still can't make up your mind, just bite the bullet and get the 40%. You'll never keep looking over your shoulder wondering if you made the right decision
#6
Thread Starter
Senior Member
My Feedback: (4)
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Ocala,
FL
Originally posted by sfaust
While I don't own either of the Radiocraft's you mention, I have flown various 35%, 40%, and 42% aerobatic airplanes. From that experience, I can say that typically the larger airplanes fly smoother and present better in the larger sizes. If one is going to compete, the subtle differences can mean a slightly better score, although probably not contest breaking if both pilots are up to snuff.
While I do think the 40% airplanes fly better, I think the reall issue becomes supporting the size difference. Cost of the airplanes. the need for a trailer for the larger ones. Does it fit in the shop well, or is it a hassle to get it in and out. How much does it limit where you can fly it, Etc. These are the issues that should be addressed first.
If you get through those, and you still can't make up your mind, just bite the bullet and get the 40%. You'll never keep looking over your shoulder wondering if you made the right decision
While I don't own either of the Radiocraft's you mention, I have flown various 35%, 40%, and 42% aerobatic airplanes. From that experience, I can say that typically the larger airplanes fly smoother and present better in the larger sizes. If one is going to compete, the subtle differences can mean a slightly better score, although probably not contest breaking if both pilots are up to snuff.
While I do think the 40% airplanes fly better, I think the reall issue becomes supporting the size difference. Cost of the airplanes. the need for a trailer for the larger ones. Does it fit in the shop well, or is it a hassle to get it in and out. How much does it limit where you can fly it, Etc. These are the issues that should be addressed first.
If you get through those, and you still can't make up your mind, just bite the bullet and get the 40%. You'll never keep looking over your shoulder wondering if you made the right decision
-Kelly
#7
Kelly,
With the trailer, shop, and field issues out of the way, I think your only choice is the 40%, at least in my mind. It certainly would be a lot cheaper than building, setting up, and flying a 35% for a while, then selling it. The best most people get is a price less than the sum of the parts when selling. You would be out a lot of time with building and setup to boot.
Do post a follow up once your 40%er is done
With the trailer, shop, and field issues out of the way, I think your only choice is the 40%, at least in my mind. It certainly would be a lot cheaper than building, setting up, and flying a 35% for a while, then selling it. The best most people get is a price less than the sum of the parts when selling. You would be out a lot of time with building and setup to boot.
Do post a follow up once your 40%er is done




