Need help selecting a new ARF
 

So I'm still trying to figure out what I want to get. I just lost my NexSTAR, and need to find a new ARF. I am looking for something that will be stable and easy to land, but also be able to do some basic aerobatics. Here are a few I found so far. Tell me what you think would be best and also if you have any other aircraft that would make a good stable/basic aerobatic trainer. I run an O.S. .46 FXi.

NexSTAR: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJDH3&P=0

Arrow: http://h1069809.hobbyshopnow.com/pro...p?prod=HAN2625

Avistar: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXPY56&P=0

MAYBE

Voyager: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXCLX6&P=0

Would the Voyager be much harder than a basic high-wing trainer?

RE: Need help selecting a new ARF
 

The first three have semi-symmetrical wings. The Voyager??? I can't find that in the description.

The first three will have some tendency to self-correct. If you get them "cocked up" and then let go of the sticks, they'll slowly try to right themselves. That's not really a wonderful thing nor worth much if you're flying now with an instructor on a buddy box.

The voyager won't be quite that stable, but once again, if you're on a buddy box, that isn't the most important detail.

How much had you flown the first airplane? Were you getting comfortable? Were you taking off and landing?

I'm flying my own Tiger2 and buddy boxing a friend with his 4Star. Both of them are very stable and as easy to land as a couple of highwing trainers that I'm flying with guys I'm instructing. All three of those guys would be just as comfortable landing my Tiger2 as they are with the trainers or 4*. They've all got "enough" time to have become "used to" flying enough that they're now practicing, not just trying not to crash. If you're to the point where you're practicing making your figure 8s look like figure 8s and not just trying to keep from crashing, I'd suggest that you buy whatever you think looks kewl, so long as it's described at least as a good 2nd airplane. Of course, if it's described as a trainer that's kewl too.

If you consider yourself as a student that's progressing at a normal pace, and have more than a couple of flights, then don't limit your choices to flatbottom wing trainers. But if you're still "just starting", then stick with the aircraft like your first three.

RE: Need help selecting a new ARF
 

Im still in the begginers area. I had the NexSTAR but just lost it due to a flat spin yesterday. That was a great trainer. I had no problem keeping her in the air or landing her. I was at thew point where I was practiceing, not just trying not to crash. But I think I still want to stick to a trainer untill I get some more time flying and perfect my skills with them. The Arrow is really looking to be the best. Its good size and has a semi wing for basic aerobatics. Im not to sure about that Voyager, I'm sure I could fly it but it would take a lot more work to get her back on the ground i think.

RE: Need help selecting a new ARF
 

My daughter and I have been very impressed with her first glow plane. It's a World Models Sky Raider Mach I. It's a semi-symmetrical high wing ARF and does basic aerobatics very well. It also only cost $75. I replaced the main gear wire with some I had on hand and fuel proofed it better with epoxy. Other than that with the OS46 AX and standard servos it flies great, lands easy and is easy to see in the sky.

The Arrow you listed is a simliar plane, but a bit smaller I think and more expensive.

RE: Need help selecting a new ARF
 

hey Pilots12,

Sry to hear about you losing your NexStar, sounds like a great plane though. As for a new plane id probably stick with a high wing one for now and then maybe down the road look at the Voyager or other planes like that/mid-wing planes, if you feel your flying experience is at the point were u want to upgrade though, then you could do that as well. I have the realflight simulator G3 and have flown the NexStar on there and its definetley a great plane. I first learned on an electric sailplane which probably wasnt the best route but it got me there haha :), i then bought the Avistar and had a .40 O.S. LA engine in it and it flys great and can do reasonable aerobatics, it flys straight and tracks well, and takeoffs are pretty layed back, as are the landings it floats in very nicely. the color scheme on it looks good in the air to and u can rly tell the top of the wing from the bottom which helps alot.
personally i think having a good solid stable trainer with some aerobatic abilities would be your best route. i know for me every flying season after winter i take the trainer out for a few days/week or so to get myself back into the groove of things that way i wont crash the other planes :D. if you have any other questions about the Avistar or anything else let me know i'll help as much as i can. good luck!!

here is a picture of my Avistar......ignore the Spitfire dont buy that yet ;).