What are some of the characteristics of different aerobatic planes? Particularly Edges, Extras, Caps, Yaks, etc.
I know that it is in the eye of the pilot but what are the differences of one compared to the others? There will also be differences in the manufacturer's products.

Any one want to compare?

Slopoke

some1 asked them a few months ago Tom at wildhard told it well see if you can seach that one out

Firstly, Merry Christmas!! Secondly, this topic has been pretty heated....but as long as the Yakkies don't attack I think we'll all be okay .

Seriously though, most of the differences between these planes vary more between MFG than the plane they're modeled after. Extras and Edges are very similar, as are Yak's and Sukhoi's. Caps are closer to edges/extras but aren't really in the same grouping. Same with Giles. Most Sukhoi's on the market are pattern-based and have small control surfaces. The same goes for Extras, but 3D extras are alot more common than 3D Sukhoi's.

Sukhoi's and Yak's have a lot of drag...so their downlines are slower than the downlines of Extras, Edges, or Caps. They tend to be better suited for slow flight, some claim they're better for 3D. Extras and Edges are really clean planes. They do great snaps and spins, have cleaner angles, and are better suited for a bit of speed. Some claim they're better for IMAC type stuff. I've never been impressed by a Cap. Every one I've flown (and most of the ones I've heard of) don't knife edge very well, snap excessively, and simply don't slow down well. Apparently they're great IMAC fliers, but don't slow them down! I only have experience with one Giles, and it was a 40% Carden. From what I've heard, they fly very well at speed. They're not great slow, but much better than Caps. This is what I experienced.

Really, though...I'm sure that Bill Hempel could 3D any Edge better than I could 3D a Yak, and that Quique Somenzini can fly any Yak at Pattern better than I could fly any Extra or Edge. I'm telling you, there are subtle difference between every model plane...but bigger differences between MFG's. I've flown a Phoenix Models Extra, and if it flies the same as my Aeroworks Extra I'm going to be very upset. I'm sure that they both are going to have some "Extra" characteristics...but it had better not fly like the Phoenix Models Plane!

And A Merry Christmas to you.

Thanks for the info.

It's true that a good pilot can make any plane fly good. The Hempels and Quiques class is one level that I will never attain, but I appreciate what they do.

Slopoke

the YAK IS ATTACKIN lol. I have a Yak 54 from seagull, ARF not assembled yet, but the trim scheme is great, along with the throws. I just cant wait to see it fly. Im gonna use an O.S. .91 FX, w/ a Pitts muff. Hopefully I can find a small smoke pump, and get that rocking. But, I was looking at an Edge, Im not into the cowl style, I prefer a full, open cowl. with this plane I plan to use it to start to learn 3D, and Aerobatics. Once I get proficient with this aircraft I want to have a plane w/ larger surfaces for 3D/High alpha flight.

to sum it up,

Seagull Yak= learn aerobatics, and High alpha.

Next plane= 3D flight

To be completely honest, that's the trick: buy the plane you like the best, looks-wise. I like the lean, clean looks of the Extras/Edges....that's why I have a brand-new AW Extra in the process of being assembled.