Re: Carden v. FiberClassics

You mention that you are looking at the Carden because it is less expensive- not necessarily so. In case you are not aware, the Carden is a kit and the FiberClassics/Composite-arf Extra is an ARF. To get a Carden 40% Extra in the stage of completion of a FC/CA ARF, you would have to make an additional investment of time or money- if you didn't want to or couldn't do it yourself, the Carden would most likely cost you more than the FC.

Having said that, one is not necessarily better than the other. I have the Composite ARF 40% and flew a friends 40% Carden Extra this past weekend. I would be happy to own/fly either one. Both fly great. The Carden was a bit heavier- around 40 lbs (with pipes) and the Composite ARF is around 37lbs (with pipes). Let's assume that they both fly great and that's not part of your decision.

The Carden has to be built, painted and covered and is a bit heavier. The Classics/CA ARF is painted and ready to install gear and engine + some additional items (overall, much less work to get ready to fly).

The Carden is made of wood and foam and could, theoretically, be rebuilt, depending on the damage. The Composite planes are difficult to impossible to repair (for me, anyway) and requires that you buy replacement parts.

You cannot go wrong either way- however, these two options give you very different products (with regard to stage of completion and potential repair).

Dave