Here's my review of this plane. I'm trying to be as honest and objective as I can. I like the plane but do have some critical opinion as well. My facts are just that, facts. It's the information I personally found out. I'm reviewing this plane as I hope others would. Hopefully this will give you some honest information for you to evaluate whither or not you'd like to own this plane.

I'll start with the engine and do a mini seperate review.

Evolution 45GX

Weight = 3lbs 6ozs. (DA50R for comparison is 3lbs 4ozs) with ignition
Prop = NX 21x8
Muffler = Evolution pitts style
Max RPM = 6800
Measured thrust with my trusty, highly accurate fish scale = 19.0 lbs
Elevation = 4800'

I have 1 3/4 gallons of break in fuel through the engine. It has loosened up some. Initially I only got about 6400 RPM. The oil it came with is pretty darn sticky. I hope that it will spin over 7000 RPM when I change (in about 4 more flights) to the Amsoil 50:1 mixture.

This is my first gas engine. I found it very difficult to start. (I couldn't actually ever get it start, even after about 1000 flips) I finally asked and got help here on the internet and via friends (thank you). It had a leaking diaphram and we had to physically prime the engine. After that it fired right up and has ever since.

Starting procedure is: Full choke and full throttle. 10-15 flips until she pops. Open the choke, 3-5 flips and it starts.

So far I've only had one deadstick (27 flights). That happened on landing 3 feet above the ground. (no problems)

The engine makes plenty of power for the 13lbs 5ozs plane it's in. Tranisition is quick and smooth. Overall I'm very impressed with the smoothness of the engine. Vibrates less than my mighty 110s. The midrange power is outstanding. It is super easy to hold power in slow high alpha knife edge and in flat spins and hovers. Transition to full power is also nice.

I'm told I should be able to pull a larger prop at a higher RPM to compete with the DA50 (we'll soon find out as I'm building a plane with a DA in it right now) So maybe this engine won't compete with the DA because I don't think it will pull a larger prop. I do think it will loosen up and pull over 7000 RPM once I change to regular oil. At least I hope it does. Many that compare my numbers to their own might not realize I'm at high elevation. It makes a lot of differenct.

Overall I'm very satisfied with the reliablity and smoothness and performance of this engine.

Thanks
Barry