I'm looking around for a good winter project (winter is rapidly approaching in western PA) and I'm pretty sure that I've narrowed it down to the Aeroworks or Carden Extra (30% size). If anyone has any experience with either of these kits, let me know what you think of them. Specifically kit quality, engine suggestion, performance.

Or if anyone has a lead on another extra in this size range.

Thanks for the info,

Ben

from what i've seen.....i don't own one but know people who do ....CARDEN is the way to go....powered with a 3w75

I have built and flown three carden extra 300s. All 30% and I now have a 40%. Im a guy that sticks with what works for me and Im not saying that there are other kits on the market that are not good, BUT the Carden kits are the best I have EVER seen hands down. For instance if you take their sheetin which is all contest grade and lay it next to each other, there is no sanding no gaps and no hassle's. Dennis is great to talk to and will answer any questio you might have. I called Dennis some time ago about a dent I had in my canopy on my 40 extra that I thought was done in the mold and no questions asked a new one was at my doorstep free of charge in three days.

As far as flying it flies awesome mine has a brison 4.8 twin wieghs 21 lbs and has Cardens TOC tail mod and does everything imaginable.
Just my two cents but with the ease of building it the quality of the kit and the way it flies The carden is the winner hands down!

Good luck any more questions e-mail me at [email protected]

Pete

T28,

How much did your 30% extras weigh? I have a 3w-60, is that enough power fo a 30% 300?

Joe Brannon

Which of the two is the easiest to build?

I have a carden 300s 30% with a 3w 60 and love it. it is a reallly good flying plane.

Andrew Jesky

Flyboy91
Any idea what your 30% weighs? I'm getting ready to start on a 31% Colombo Andersen Extra 300L, trying to decide on what to power it with. Will yours hover with a 3W60?

Thanks
Mark O

My carden weighs 20 Pounds and will pull out of a hover but not real fast.

Andrew

I have both Aeroworks and Carden products. Both are very good quality, while being different in construction.

Carden kits are strong and sturdy, and fly excellent. Aeroworks kits are strong and lightweight, and fly excellent. Since both fly great, the differences can come down to construction and durability.

The Aeroworks kits build faster and easier. They are very lightweight, but are not as durable as a Carden. That is not to say that they fall apart in the air, its just that you need to be more careful in manhandling them in and out of the trailer/car/shop. The stringers on the bottom are not as strong as Carden's sheeted foam, but they are much much lighter. The Aeroworks planes fly light in the air, whcih can be very good for aerobatic competition. They are also very much like the Radiocraft planes, which also has an excellent reputation in the marketplace.

The Carden kits take more time to build. There is a ton of sheeting and foam to deal with. The overall plane is heavier than a Aeroworks or Radiocraft, but they still fly excellent. The weight gains have the advantage of making it more durable for handling.

Note that the Aeroworks and Radiocraft are more fragile in handling only. In other words, they do not fall apart in the sky because they are weak, rather, they can get damaged in transit if you are not careful where you rest the fuselage on the trailer mounts, etc. All three are very strong airframes for their intended purpose, which is heavy and hard aerobatics.

You really won't go wrong with either one, or actually, any of the three. I really like my Carden's, but I won't part with my Aerowork's either!

I have a Carden 300 30% with a 3W-75. It is a piece of cake to fly, the power of the 3W is awesome. The plane builds straight and true, the quality of the materials is second to none.

Carden is well known for great customer service. If you have a problem, get on the phone with Dennis and He will talk you right through it.

Even though I did some lightening work on it, it came out to be a bit over 21 lbs. The 3W engine is a bit heavier than some, plus I have three batteries and a smoke system.

" I love it"

CCCAAARRRDDDEEENNN