Hi Fred,

I'm sorry about your Extra. How did you like it before the crash? How was the power(vertical), slow speed characteristics, etc? Mine's at 15lbs with numerous lightening mods(Taurus 2.6), and has great slow flight behavior. I've heard that even at 16 lbs it has very good slow speed performance.

Although the manufacturer's of the ARFs should supply hardware up to the task, especially someone as knowledgable as DP, but they usually don't. I never assume the stock hardware that comes with ARFs is adequate and always replace it with proven setups, such as Rocket City control horns and Hanger 9 titanium turnbuckles, or what I usually use, Central Hobbies titanium ends with carbon fiber rods.

It's pretty absurd that you have to do this, but it's sort of a must do when you buy most ARFs. Unfortunately lots of people that are buying ARFs don't know this, and shouldn't have to. It's getting better with some companies(such as Hanger 9), but most still are not providing first-class hardware.

Definitely let us know your experience with DP in getting your new parts. When I crashed my Extra and bent the wing tube, I had a new one in two days. My experiences with them has always been excellent, though they are hard to reach. Forget e-mail and call them....sometimes it takes several calls to reach them. Don't leave a message, keep calling back. It's a pain, but it's worked for me.

Bill