after reading member reviews for my first plane, i have weeded out 2 of about 5 candidates for purchase. I would love to hear some suggestions for a RTF or ARF electric plane that is 1) capable of decent straight line speed and 2) capable of mild to somewhat wild 3D. I am the typical mortgage and car payment guy and can't afford to buy a plane with electronic(servo) problems or structural problems that they should have never left the factory with. Especially when the maker refuses to make good on known problems. I am very big on warranty and product service and support. I don't mind waiting and saving a little longer to get a plane that is reliable. I'm relying on advice from you guys, cause, hey where better to get the lowdown but from the people who buy em right. thanks in advance.

NM you said electric and I rambled on about glow planes.
Same premise though. If you start with a 3D plane it will probably be in a garbage can before very long.
Look into a trainer type airplane like this
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXJKU3**&P=0

I should have been more specific, my first plane meaning the first one I buy. I have a friend that has been gracious to teach me using his aircraft and I have been "training" on a Realflight G3.5 simulator since the first of the year. While I still consider myself to be "green" I am very familiar with what does what. I have been putting off buying anything till I felt I was ready. That little red button saved me a bunch of money the first few months.

I really have to watch my money, so I figured a sim was the best way to start out. Although we didn't have a spare radio or trainer cord, my friend stood right next to me and I kept the plane at a high enough altitude, that, if I got in trouble, I could just hand him the radio to hopefully save it.

How large a plane are you looking for?

You siad electric, but do you mean a foamy? OR a 40-size? Or what?

We need more info to go on

something in a 40 size would be about right, not too many places in my area for anything bigger.

If you truly are confident that you are ready for something more than a basic trainer....take a look at the Hanger 9 Pulse XT. Can be flown as electric. On low rates the plane is easy to fly and very aerobatic on high rates. I have guys at my club that fly Funtana X100s, and are impressed by what I can do with the Pulse. Keep in mind though that it is not a 3D plane. Also know that start up cost for electric seems to be more expensive(to me) due to cost of the batteries. If you can go glow...I probably would. Lipo batteries can cost as much as the plane...and thats only for one or two flights. On glow you can fly all day as long as your RX packs are charged.


As far as planes without issue- seems as if all planes have their flaws in one way or another. Make sure you get someone that has experience to look over the ARF before/ as you build. There are always some areas that should be reinforced to be on the safe side.


Words expressed here are just MY opinion. Keep asking questions, you'll find your way.

You also mentioned 3D...I dont know much about it...but take a look at the Hanger 9 Tribute. Seems to be cheap. Read the reviews on here and see what else you can find.

I have contacted the manufacturer of one of the planes I'm interested in. I'm allowing them the oppurtunity to address some concerns I have read about it, before I buy it. I basically said "convince me to buy it". I will check into the Hangar 9 products. While I realize there will be small issues with just about anything on the market, I believe a company should address concerns. Especially ones that they have received multiple times. Thanks so much for all the input, talk at ya'll later.