First I just wanted to say that although I've had many small flying vehicles in my life, none have lived up to their promises until the Aero Ace. This is the first plane that I've had that flies slowly enough and well enough to maneuver in a small space. It's crashed hundreds of times with no trouble. This is by far the greatest flying toy you could ever own for under $30.

But now I find myself wanting just a bit more... an Aero Ace Mark II or something like that... with just a tad more power and control. I'd like something that's a bit more capable, but don't want to give up the slow, easy flight. I'm willing to pay a lot more than $30 for such a thing... Is there another option?

What is the logical next step beyond the Aero Ace?


thanks,
Pat

That all depends on the size of plane you want, and if you want electric or nitro, and how much space you have. If you're just wanting something to fly around the back yard, check out the flat outs. They're pretty neat. LOTS of control, but require brushless / Lipo setup. Not too cheap, but the planes themselves are...

Pat, I doubt you will find something similar to the Aero Ace in a slightly larger size. Check out the slow stik's, etc for something big and slow. The Aero Ace is far and away the greatest toy ever made. They have set the bar for future flying toys. Not only do they fly slow enough for new reflexes, they are extremely durable. The last element is missing from most larger airplanes.

You should take a look at the Parkzone Slo-V:

[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=PKZ1300]Parkzone Slo-V[/link]

It shares a lot of the same traits as the Aero Ace. It's a great slow flying plane that can manuver in small spaces. It can be flown outdoors or inside in gymnasium. It's stable and smooth flying.

Horizon Hobby just reduced the price on this gem of an airplane from $139.99 down to $99.99 for a complete ready-to-fly aircraft. It even includes the AA batteries for the transmitter. The big difference between the Aero Ace and the Slo-V? The Slo-V has an almost 4-foot wing span!

Don't be offended but there is a difference between "toy" planes and "models", both are fun and have there place. If your interest is no longer satisfied by a toy then some of the suggestions already made would be good next steps. There are also several levels of model aircraft above those suggested depending on your level of interest.

Can you give me some background on "flat outs"?

Is that a particular make of plane or a style?

Can you recommend something in particular?


thanks!
Pat

Pat,
there are a whole mess of different Flatouts. Pretty much whatever you want you can find. Check them out on Great Planes' website.

[link=http://www.electrifly.com/flatoutindex.html]Great Planes Flatouts[/link]

Ken

There are a wide range of electric foamy ARFs available from a number of manufacturers that are very similar to the Great Planes Flat Out series, including the Ikarus Shock Flyer series and the Thunder Tiger EP Profile series. These are popular models for learning to fly "3D" style aerobatics because they're light and manuverable and easy to repair if you don't pull off a stunt quite like you were hoping.

The problem with electric foamy style planes of this nature is that, while you can buy the airframe for $25 or $39, you have to purchase another $100 to $200 worth of micro servos, electronic speed controller (ESC), battery, and micro receiver to fly them. This assumes you already have a transmitter to use.

Once you make the initial outlay, however, you can replace the airframe and simply reuse the electronics when you happen to trash your foamy. Many brands of battery, motor, and speed controller will come without electrical connectors attached, or connectors incompatible with one another, and you will need to be prepared to solder the proper electrical connectors onto your various power system components.

I would still suggest the Parkzone Slo-V as a good step up from an Aero Ace to a "real" hobby quality RC plane.