i want to get this plane and put a Laser .80 in it, but i have been reading all the negativity on it in regards to the covering. is it a kit that i should avoid?

I don't know about avoid but definately take note of the problems with it. It does fly very well but at some point you may have to replace the covering. There just isn't a whole lot of planes out there that are designed like it. The Fliton Inspire 60 is designed about the same but is more expensive and has covering problems too.

I have this plane with a Saito .82 up front swinging an APC 14X4W prop. I'm not a 3D flyer but it is a very nice flying plane. I re-shrunk the covering and all of the sharpe edges I hit with clear nail polish. I have about a dozen flights on the plane and haven't seen anything bad happening yet with the covering. The covering seems to hold up very well in the sun and it's very visable in the air. I used the Graphtec CF gear and it's working out fine. I fly off of concrete so I may not have had a problem with the stock gear unless I went somewhere else that had a grass field only. TH has this plane now for $159.99 and with their specials you should be able to get it for a good price.

Zippi, did you seal your covering before getting nitro grease on it or after flying it for a while. I'm about ready to go up with mine, but haven't done anything yet to the covering to protect it. Thanx

GarySS,

As I do with all ARF's, re-shrink the covering and seal all areas as needed before you get fuel on the plane. I've been checking it over after every trip to the field to make sure nothing is coming loose. So far so good. The plane flys really nice with the Saito .82

Zippi,

what servos are you using?......i have a bunch of Futaba s9001's and i know in the manual they recommend 9650's, but those are kinda expensive.......i just want to have fun with this plane.

I used Hitec HS-635HB standard servos on 4.8 volts. Worked out fine. I have the CG set at about 4 7/8" from the LE but I think I can go back further.

thx

I had serious covering issues on a GP Skybolt. The clear layer on all the checkerboard areas was separating just from handling during assembly. I called GP and they sent me new wings, new tail pieces and even a new fuselage since the tail had already been epoxied in place. The replacement pieces have been much better.

thx for the input guys........my choice of 3D midsize was this or the revolver............i like the looks of this one better, and i have the little electric version and soon the bipe version.........i'll take Chucks advice here and go for it. if the covering is an issue, then i'll get ahold of Barb at Hobbico, she'll make things right.

i'm thinking of using an OS .55AX in this plane..............too much power?

I doubt that the 55 AX would be too much. Probably fly it just right. I sure like that Reactor that's a couple of posts up ^^^^^ I might have to get another one. They sure fly nice.

hey gang,

do you think an OS 91FS SurpassII would work in this plane?

i intend on buying this model and will fit an OS-81 f/stroke, this should be a great combination for good pattern / aerobatics.

If you haven't already bought it get the Saito 82. Low weight and great power for the Reactor.
Otherwise the 91 setup is about 7oz's heavier and you'll have to move your battery further back to balance. Tank in the belly... it'll fly. She won't float as nice but it'll fly. The additional power will let you hover with a little more authority.

The 55AX would be faster but less thrust, the OS91FS would be more thrust though heavier where as the 82 is right in between both with less weight.