looking at buying arf. and these seem fairly easy as far as arfs go. are they any good. and wich are the best models to buy???

I purchased a Phoenix Models See Bee ARF a few weeks ago. I was very impressed with the quality of the plane and it went together quickly. The plane flies great, just as promised. Bottom line: Thumbs up on the Phoenix Models.
Rollie

I have the Phoenix Models Extra 300, I think the quality and finish is great. I got mine on sale over a year ago for $89 and Im only on my 6th flight with it and it flys great but its my first low wing so I really cant compare it yet. I would buy another.

Chris

Two of my flying buddies had Phoenix Sukhoi SU 31s & they were (note "were") CATASTROPHICALLY BAD. Both suffered numerous structural failures & both were lovingly re-built several times, only to break somewhere else.

The Sukhoi is JUNK!!!

Other Phoenix models may be OK.

I have the extra 300 and have about 50 flights on it. I've been very impressed with it. It's fun to try and fly imac manuevers. If you're looking at possibly 3Ding with it. Forget it. It comes in a little on the heavy side, and the control surfaces aren't real big. But I've had a blast with mine so far. It's a pleasure to fly. Looks good too!

I'm assembling their Giles 202 right now and had to modify my muffler for the GMS 47 I'm using. The stock longer pipe just doesn't clear the bottom of the fuselage, so I traded for a Magnum 46 muffler. Fits just right.

The covering is wonderful with only the control surfaces needing a little ironing. The cowl and wheel pants are fiberglass and color match the trim wonderfully. I don't care for Phoenix's metallic motor mount, but didn't want to mess with replacing it and didn't have problems with the Sonic 25 Low Wing, which had the same type. Numerous folks state that the plane's somewhat heavy, but it feels pretty light to me. I can't give you a flight report because I just picked up the muffler yesterday and will start assembly sometime this week. Judging from the wing taper and size, the loading's going to be right on the ragged edge and this thing's gonna haul you-know-what.

The Sonic 25 was a nice plane, but I can't stand the sticky-back covering called PVC film. Just my opinion, it's not because I had problems with it. Here's the "Rate it" write up I did on the Sonic 25 Low Wing:

[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/product_guide/kitratings.cfm?kit_id=2745]Go to the very bottom for mine[/link]

The sonic lowwing might just come to me instead of an ugly stick. Do you have to hinge anything with that arf stik?

Mr Bass,
I am in the middle of building the Pheonix F20 Tigershark, & this is my 1st Pheonix model. Am very impressed so far with how easily it is going together. Some of the joints in the fuse are hot glue which alot of people on hear don't like but they are all well glued, & sealed so I'm not worried. The covering is Oracover & is written all over the box, & the quality of finish overall is better than I can do. All control surfaces come hinged & pinned, & the fit is very good.

I have bought this to go as fast as I can & want to push this well over the 100Mph mark, & feel that it should do this with ease.

Hope this helps,
Crasharama...

crash where did you get the tigershark at?

Chad, I forgot to mention the hinges. Like Crasharma's F20 Tigershark all control surfaces come pre-hinged with pinned type hinges on the Phoenix Giles 202 (also on the Sonic 25 Low Wing). Not only that but get this, ALL CONTROL SURFACES COME HINGEGAPPED on the Phoenix Giles 202! They use a clear Oracover strip that is very well done. Now that's attention to detail!

Good luck if you decide on the Sonic Chad. It's a docile aircraft so is ideal as a first low wing, and is pretty fast with a 40 size engine.

Hey Crasharama,

How is the Tigershark? I just ordered mine today.

I have been flying a SeaBee all summer. Not only is it a great flyer but is a terrific value at $100. I had the Sonic 25 low wing and except for the PVC covering I was very happy with it also.

Seabee's are fantastic value, I have had 2. All crashed due to pilot error. Number 3 is on order. Great flying planes

I have just finsihed putting together a Pheonix Tucano. It went together very well . Quality wise it is as good as anything from World Models,
However I did do the standard "junk some of the hardware" trick that I do with all ARF's, except the Great Planes ones.
I remade the pushrods (I don't trust pushrod wires held in by heat shrink) and fitted larger wheels (I fly off a rough grass field)
I have not flown mine yet, but have flown another identical model and was very impressed. It flew more like an F3A Pattern model.