Just wondering if a Great Panes Big Stik is a good 2nd plane? Pros /Cons [sm=RAINFRO.gif]

GP Big Stik 60 was my second plane. They fly great. Hangar 9 Ultrasick 60 is a better choice though in my opinion, having flown both.

I'v flown both.

The UltraSticks have a wider speed range and more aerobatic capability. Plus IMHO The Ultrstick is better quality.

Hi compass 1,

Generally the larger they are the better they fly. Love those Reynolds numbers. However they are more expensive to buy and crashes hurt the pocket more.

Cheers,

Colin

I just ordered one even tho it was made in China.

All of it... Oh so true.................

Your gonna love it!!!!

I bet, think my magnum 91 will pull around? Just kidding it should pull the covering off, which I do want to change some color, I am real keen on the cross thing but oh well looking forward to getting it.

I would get an ultrastick. I have flow a bigstik/uglystik, and ultrasticks are more aerobatic. I would go to a ultra stick if i went back.

compass1,

I can't comment on a Big Stik, never having flown one. I maidened a Hangar 9 Ultra Stick 40 two weeks ago, however, less than two months after my solo. If you can perform basic aerobatics and fly inverted for extended periods, your skills should be adequate. A flying buddy says the Sticks make the best second plane, ever, and I'm inclined to agree. For those with highspeed connections, the link is my tenth flight with the 40 version: [link=http://www.cferrara.com/albums/jonc/Jonc2_001.wmv]Ultra Stick 40[/link]

My recommendations for Ultra Stick beginners like myself: Assemble the flaps version and slave the flaps to ailerons for starters. Discard the supplied tailwheel wire and use a Sullivan assembly. Don't go for max control surface throw in the beginning.

I fly a GP Big Stik 40 (it's my second plane) and I love it. It's a lot of fun. It's very predictable in the air with no bad tendencies. It slows down very well for landings too.

SOme of the folks in our club fly Ultrasticks and they seem very nice as well.

Mark

Well like I said, I like the Ultra Stick 60 but haven't been able to find one, and for the price the Big Stick is better lookin than the see threw yellow of the ultra.

My second plane was an old school GP big stick 40. Nice flying plane . Never being one to get rid of my airplanes it is still in my hangar, though has about 10 years of dust on it. "Remove dust and install radio equipment if in need of airplane. "

The good thing about Sticks is they are great planes no matter what your experience level is. They have always been one of my recommendations for a second plane.

I have several planes, but I always keep some type of Stick around for really windy days and for in-flight breaking in of engines. I presently have a Big Stick 40. The engine mount looks like Swiss cheese. I have had 7 or 8 engine on it.

The Big Stick 40 or the Lucky Stick from Hobby People are tougher, but slightly heavier, than the Ultra Sticks. The Lucky Stick is a little cheaper. I had one of their 60 sized Sticks, which they call the Joss Stick, for years to test bigger engines. After 6 or 7 years it got so ratty, I finally gave it away. The new owner fixed it up and it is still flying. They all fly super.

This Big Stick 40 has the dihedral brace installed upside down, bracing wires on the tail and the rudder servo in the tail. It needed tail weight. The engine is one of my OS .46AX's with a Tower muffler during break-in.

Well I changed my mind and ordered the H-9 Ultra Stick Lite 120 with the Saito 120 in the combo deal, should be here next Wedensday or Thursday. I forgot the CA thin called em back, man they are proud of the darn glue not to mention the plane.
So no Big Stik this time.

Winghawg, great choice!

How does the Ultra Stik fly, Chad?

Ed you last pic show your wing drooping like my ex Nexstar tail dragger did, on purpose or did you do it for a reason? I ordered some covering to change up the see threw clear, want to learn the windex method. One that is colored looks much better, Disclaimer Photo used without permission...

Light foot,
From my extenisve talks with people, it flys pretty good. And i have talked very extensive about this plane with some people (ICE)

Hello Jonc:

I have a couple of questions about your US 40. What size Sullivan tail wheel bracket did you get? The 2-6#s or the 5-12#? What size tail wheel are you using? Are you using the stock motor mount? Do you have any suggestions for improvement? I notice some people mentioning a weak tail, LG, and wing hold down plate.

Thanks,

Mr Akimoto

Here's mine...It's my first glow plane and it flies real well. I still have yet to land it by myself. It's been really windy here in the islands wind gust up to 25 mph and I'm not comfortable landing it, just don't want to chance it. I installed a .75 Tower engine, plenty of power but had to put some weight by the tail area to balance it.

Mr Akimoto,

Following a the advice of a long-time flyer, I used the Sullivan S860 bracket with the stock wheel. A piece of 1/4" plywood, approximately 1-1/2" x 3", beveled on three edges, and covered in Ultracote, serves as a mounting plate. The un-beveled edge of the plywood is towards the rear. The plate was epoxied to the horizontal stabilizer after trimming the covering away. Then, #4 x 3/4" sheet metal screws were used to mount the bracket. According to my friend, this is plenty strong, and he's used the same method on larger versions.

I'm sorry I don't have any other recommendations for the US.

Hope this helps,
Jon