I'm looking for a cheap ARF (under $100 shipped) that has low wing loading, a symmetrical airfoil, and that will fly inverted just as well as it flies upright. I want something I can keep in the rear of an S10 extended cab (low maintenance). My plan is to practice my inverted flying and normal pattern style aerobatics, something that can also do 3D would be nice, but a very tight budget is limiting me.

I have an OS 50 SX ready to mount and a flight pack awaiting a plane. A Sig something extra would be my first choice, but $200 is WAAAY over my budget, and I don't know about the ruggedness of Modeltech Magic Extra. I thought about an Easy Sport, but they are a bit pricey when considering what else is out there.

OH yes, I plan on flying this little ARF in 20-25+ MPH winds. I don't like weather stoping me and when it comes to wind, practice makes perfect.

Well, you kind of eliminated my choice with that pattern thing. The Modeltech Magic is probably the best bang for the buck anyone ever came up with. The Magic Extra may fill your bill, but I have not seen one. Keeping it at $100 kind of limits your options. I would seriously think about looking for a used plane or look on "that option site" ebay. Now if you wanted to bump your price to $150, take a serious look at the Kangke SK50. You should also take a look at the Sportsman Aviation Hot Knife (http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/127595.asp).

Your going to think I am nuts but I would go with the Model Tech Extra 300 ($89.99)I have one with a OS .46 and I love it... I like doing high speed passes and high speed inverted passes with it. I would love to see what this plane would do with a 50 SX on it. If you set it up like mine you will need a square battery pack to get it far enough back for the plane to balance out.


[link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXRF43&P=7]http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXRF43&P=7[/link]

The Hangar 9 Twist may be what your looking for. It is on the Horizonhobby site.

I say this a lot, but think about the World Models Super Stunts 40.

Personally, whenever I want to place my brain in neutral and fly I grab my old Ugly Stik.
A fully symetrical wing, tricycle landing gear, no bad habits an abosolute joy to fly. They come in a variety of sizes from a dozen manufacturers.

Given the Price range that you are talking I would recommend the 40 sized ARF from VMAR.

Yes Iknow that a lot of nasty things have been said about VMAR; BUT!!!
For the Money spent - they are a good buy, (currently under $100.00 US)
The Vmar Line has seen a lot of improvements in the past 3 years,
If you take the time to inspect the bird closely BEFORE your first flight, you can eliminate any short comings.

I got mine second hand 5 years ago I have flown it aggressively, crashed on occasion, recovered it and still enjoy the symplicity of the design.

There are better airplanes out there - but not for under $100.00.

How about the Lanier Extreme Stick ARF? Go to Lanier's website - looks like you can get one for $99 (free shipping) direct from the manufacturer.

If you're more interested in pattern and not 3D, check out the World Models Super Sports 40. $99....

How about a Hanger 9 Pizazz... you can find them on ebay pretty cheap still

You can get this plane at Quantum for $99.00 shipped. If you want to fly in wind, light wing loading might not be your first consideration. http://horizon.hobbyshopnow.com/prod...p?prod=HAN2650. It looks pretty cool.

How about a SPAD?

I may be wrong but light wing loading and high wind don't play that well together... Since most SPADs have a fairly high wing loading, the wind does not knock them around that much. And being plastic, the back of your truck will not be an issue either. As for the pattern stuff, you got me on that one. There's not much to building one, and cost is under about 15 bucks.


Ken

Kangke SK50 is priced more than 100.00, but it's an awesome flyer, and basic 3D would be possible with the OS 50. I could hover mine with a tt .46 11x5 apc.

Model Tech Magic Extra is a good choice, and it's fun to fly in the wind.

Any Stick (.40) would be a third choice.

That would also be my first choice. The stick flies just fine in high winds, and should be able to do some 3D stuff too. The 50sx is a good and strong engine. Heck, you might find a used something extra airframe here on RCU. Look in the for sale section.

World Models Super Sports 40. $99, very sporty airplane.

Good flying,
Bob Scott

Phoenix Funstar or if you want a stick, try the Modeltech Lucky Stick.

This is my favorite plane right now. I can't say enough about it. I'm in love.

http://www.chiefaircraft.com/cgi-bin...els/Model.html

Price is $119.95 shipped.

I went from never trying 3D to hovering on my 3rd flight. It does flat spins, torque rolls, harriers, bug splats, waterfalls, it is stable and it has a thick airfoil. It flies slow and lands at walking speed.

It does have 2 issues that needed fixin. The main gear is wires and the wheels wobble around and it's kinda floppy. The tail only has a wire skid-- not a tailwheel. I added a piece of hard plywood on the main gear mount and installed some real aluminum gear. I added a steerable tailwheel as well.

Power is a Tower Hobbies .75 2-stroke. Best engine in the world for $99. Flying weight is 5lbs. 8oz.

I DID use dual elevator servos with a JR Matchbox. I am glad I did. The surfaces are HUGE and I don't think a single servo and torquerod would have given the same authority to my harriers or snaps.

I REALLY like this plane. I never take the wings off. It fits in the back of my Nissan pickup fully assembled.

Stick...absolutly.
Tail dragger, build the wing flat. Replace the firewall futher back, 33% back from the original position towards the wing. Just take out a razor saw and cut the baby off then stick in a new one. While or at it, double the size of the ailerons.
Party on.

One last pic.

Throttle servo is Hitec HS-81. I used some flying wire straps and bent them into an angle. Then I bolted them to the servo and used small wood screws to mount the servo to my engine mount. Linkage is short and sweet.

I didn't bother with the fiberglass cowl on this plane. Not much left of it after cutting to fit around the TH .75 anyway.

Plane hovers at 1/2 throttle here in Denver at 6000' altitude. I'd think your 50 would do the job at lower elevation.

Thanks for the info everyone. I decided on the Extreme Stick 40. At $99 shipped to my door it seemed like just what I was looking for. I was thinking about the ultra stick, but just about everyone at my field has one.

World Models Super Sports 40. $99, although i think i'm late [:'(]

Tuff Flight 4D. It's like a 3D capable duraplane. Are they under $100?

Considering you have an $150 motor, a sub-$100 knock around plane may not do it justice.