I can't decide what to get in the 35% size. I want to use it for IMAC (sportsman) and 3d. I have a BME102 but I'm willing to purchase DA, BME 115 or 3W if folks suggest it.

My thoughts:

Aeroworks 26o QB,
SD models YAK
Comp arf - not sure which size or model

What other suggestions do folks have?

Should I plan to use cans or mufflers? My current plane is SD 33% Yak with 3w 80xi and can. Works very well, but I'm looking for more.

I appreciate everyone's thoughts, especially those with first hand experience.

Solstice

I would say Go for the Comp ARF 2.6m Yak or Extra.
I've had both and They're both good flying planes and the quality is excellent.
My preference would be the DA100 with cans.

Either way, whatever you end up with - Enjoy it

I'd be looking at Extras. They really do everything well. In the composites, I have the Comp Arf Extra 330L, and my flying buddy has the Comp Arf Yak 55SP, we both agree that the Extra flies much better in every part of flight. It tracks better during precision stuff, rolls are more axial, and it's more stable in high alpha, and the controls have more authority in high alpha (especially noticable during things like harrier rolls.) Composite airframes are nice, but certainly consider wood ones as well. I'd rather have wood, but as luck would have it, the composite ones just kind of happen to me.

Another plane to consider is the Pacific Planes 260. It's a great plane with a good hardware pack, and is a really good deal as well. The company behind it seems to be very good to deal with, I've spoken with them numerous times and have always been impressed. I haven't had a chance to fly one, but I know someone who has, and he thought it was a great flying plane.

For power, DA100 with Cans or mufflers if you're buying new, otherwise, run what you have. If you are not in a sound sensitive area, just run mufflers, they are less money and easier to install. I'd stay away from the 3w106 if you are considering a composite plane, the engine is a bit longer than the DA that the planes have been designed around, and as such you have to buy a special spinner that drops back to make it look right. Not that it's not a good engine, I have one in a Cap, and it's great, I just prefer the DA.

The Extra 330 34% Chip Hyde. very easy to buit it. Cannister ready. Include Tail Wheel, Wheels., Chip Hyde Control Horns
https://www.netboxhobby.com/displayP...&categoryId=10

So many choices!! I have a good bit of flight time on lots of different 35% ARF's and I really have not found a BAD one yet. I would have to say that my choice would be the 35% Extra 260 from Aero Works based on personal experience. Horizon Hobby is also about to release a Hangar 9 35% Extra 260 and I am going to do an RCU review on it.. BOTH planes have very high quality hardware sets, come with the hinges preglued in place, canopy already attached to the hatch, the cowl is ready to bolt on, landng gear bolts right on and the mtor box is pre marked for a couple of different engines. I have flown the 260QB a LOT and I really like it a whole lot. I have seen a good bit of video footage on the H9 260 and it looks to be a great flying plane too. Both are about $1000 and you are getting a HUGE bang for your buck. If you want a less expensive ARF that is also very complete the World Models 100CC Katana is a nice flying plane. Its heavy though, mine weighs 30 pounds with a BME 110 which is the lightest 100CC class engine there is. If you went DA or BME it would be 32 pounds +++. BUT, it flies very well. Its too heavy for 3D and I would not recommend it for such, especially if you are a beginner with Giant Scale or Giant Scale 3D, but it would make a really nice flying IMAC plane. It tracks like its on rails. The Aeroworks Yak as well as the Aviation Models(SD Models... etc etc) Yaks are nice too. I have seen several fly and they are nice. The QQ Yak is a kick but plane too as is the Chip Hyde Extra..

The Comp ARF's are nice, they fly nice but they are really expensive compared to the afformentioned and they are very hard if not impossible to repair if you not the landing gear out or mess up a wing. To me although they are excellent airplanes their flight qualities are not any better than the new style quick build wooden arfs. If it were not your first 35% plane I would say go for it, but unless you just have the money to spend and you like the way they look, its not going to gain you anything.

As far as body style they are all good. The Yaks have a little more drag but fly very nicely(I have 2 of them), the Extras are the most versatile by a LONG shot( had one of those too) and the Edge 540T is very good at 3D and a good all around plane too..

Like I said, so many choices, just take your pick!

Just my opinion.

Hi Mike,

I forgot about the H9 offerings. Very good point. I'll keep it in mind too. I have been flying for 18 years, building and flying everything. Been working on 3d a lot the last two years. It's hard to hover! I'm working on controlling rudder and pitch during a torque roll. Not good, but not bad so far. I have had a 30% Carden Extra 300 - fine for IMAC but not setup for 3d. Then a Aeroworks 50cc Velox. Seems pretty good, but it was impossible to balance with DA50 at stock location. Would have required all batteries and then lead in tail. NUTS was what I thought. My current ride is a TOC1 33% Yak with 3W 80xi on can. Wow is all I can say. It is so much better than all else I figured I needed to go bigger.

I appreciate your thoughts and suggestions.

Solstice