Low cost plane for beginer?
#1
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From: P,
PA
Hi, I am looking for am RC plane for less than $100 US. I have never flown these before.
I am thinking of getting the AirTech Stealth bomber:
http://cgi.*********/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...tem=3126179376
Are there any better ones for less than $100? I know that is a very cheap one but I just want to see if I like it, and if so I will get a more expensive one later.
Thanks
I am thinking of getting the AirTech Stealth bomber:
http://cgi.*********/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...tem=3126179376
Are there any better ones for less than $100? I know that is a very cheap one but I just want to see if I like it, and if so I will get a more expensive one later.
Thanks
#2
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From: Bainbridge, Ohio
The old saying is "You get what you pay for." RC is no exception. $100 US is probably not enough to give you a satisfying first experience.
Why not visit a local club first? Many have "club trainers" that can be used by new people to learn on, with an instructor on a buddy box, of course. That way you could save your pennies while you learn to fly and be able to invest it in a better rig when you get a better idea about what is out there and what you like.
Why not visit a local club first? Many have "club trainers" that can be used by new people to learn on, with an instructor on a buddy box, of course. That way you could save your pennies while you learn to fly and be able to invest it in a better rig when you get a better idea about what is out there and what you like.
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From: Philadelphia,
PA
> but I just want to see if I like it, <
Unfortunately, this is not a hobby you can enter casually. You must commit yourself to a major effort of time, energy and money. Think of it like learning to play tennis or the piano. You must devote yourself to it to succeed. Follow TailDraggin's good advice.
Dave Segal
Unfortunately, this is not a hobby you can enter casually. You must commit yourself to a major effort of time, energy and money. Think of it like learning to play tennis or the piano. You must devote yourself to it to succeed. Follow TailDraggin's good advice.
Dave Segal
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From: Jacksonville,
NC
The guys that have already posted replies are giving sound advice. I seem to recall paying around $380 for a Tower Trainer 40 ARF "Super Combo" including everything to start it; fuel, glow starter, smart stick, glow plug wrench, etc,...
It was some of the best money I have ever spent, and would'nt do it any differently a second time around.
If you like, you can get an Aerobird for around $170 which will teach the basics, but heck, for just twice that, you can have a nitro methanol burning trainer.
Think about it...
It was some of the best money I have ever spent, and would'nt do it any differently a second time around.
If you like, you can get an Aerobird for around $170 which will teach the basics, but heck, for just twice that, you can have a nitro methanol burning trainer.
Think about it...
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From: Fairfax Station,
VA
Get I firebird II. $89.00 learn on it, then teach a kid how to use it.
You can learn how to toss, turn, and land.
I felt it was worth having a crash worthy plane to you can get plenty of flying time in between repairs.
See my thread for COG/trim
Good luck.
You can learn how to toss, turn, and land.
I felt it was worth having a crash worthy plane to you can get plenty of flying time in between repairs.
See my thread for COG/trim
Good luck.
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From: RustenburgNorth West, SOUTH AFRICA
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From: Laurel, MD,
You should also take a look at SPADs at
http://www.spadtothebone.com/
You still have to buy an engine and radio. SPADs are a little different to build, but it isn't hard. And the cost is hard to beat. There are also some guys selling SPAD ARFs that are still quite a bit cheaper than the typical .40 sized trainer.
Electric park fliers like the firebird are also options, though you should ask around about a specific one (as you did, but try the electric forums), as some of them don't fly well, espeically for a beginner.
I trimmed out a firebird for a guy who showed up at the club field after he had problems flying it on his own at the local park. I got it going for him easily enough. The rudder-throttle planes fly ok as long as the thrust line and wing incidence is correct. (his was off a hair, making it impossible to fly).
http://www.spadtothebone.com/
You still have to buy an engine and radio. SPADs are a little different to build, but it isn't hard. And the cost is hard to beat. There are also some guys selling SPAD ARFs that are still quite a bit cheaper than the typical .40 sized trainer.
Electric park fliers like the firebird are also options, though you should ask around about a specific one (as you did, but try the electric forums), as some of them don't fly well, espeically for a beginner.
I trimmed out a firebird for a guy who showed up at the club field after he had problems flying it on his own at the local park. I got it going for him easily enough. The rudder-throttle planes fly ok as long as the thrust line and wing incidence is correct. (his was off a hair, making it impossible to fly).
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From: Laurel, MD,
oh, btw, for an engine, ask around the local club. You might find someone who has an old-but-runable spare engine they'd let go for cheap. I've also gotten some great deals on used engines on ebay, but you take your chances there.
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From: Fairfax Station,
VA
Sorry, I forgot to post my thread I referenced:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/showthread...light=aerobird]
http://www.rcuniverse.com/showthread...light=aerobird]
#12
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From: P,
PA
I got this one on ebay for $49:

I know it's a very cheap model but I just wanna see if I like it or if I get bored after a few weeks. If I like it I'll get a much better one and resell this one.
I know it's a very cheap model but I just wanna see if I like it or if I get bored after a few weeks. If I like it I'll get a much better one and resell this one.
#13
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From: Evergreen,
CO
I have been flying RC for 40 years, and got fed up with the "bigger and more expensive is better" attitude that I found pervaded our flying field. After bouncing around the indoor guys fgor a while, I bought a couple of Stealths, and they are a blast.
Check out this link for more people using them.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...&pagenumber=12
There are some QC problems, but they are solvable, and people are starting to modify these for some real performance. They are not "proportional control," and you need a decent sized field to fly one, but they are incredibly rugged.
Good luck, and let me know how you do.
Chris Bart
Arvada, CO
Check out this link for more people using them.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...&pagenumber=12
There are some QC problems, but they are solvable, and people are starting to modify these for some real performance. They are not "proportional control," and you need a decent sized field to fly one, but they are incredibly rugged.
Good luck, and let me know how you do.
Chris Bart
Arvada, CO
#15
I have to admit I didn't read every post in this thread but in case someone didn't already mention it, my club, like many others, will let you come out and "try" flying to see if you like it. Our club president spends most of his time teaching people to fly and will give people who are sitting on the fence a chance to fly on the buddy box, if they're interested. Granted, it's not as flippant as I'm making it out to be.
My advise to you is to find a local club and go visit. Someone is bound to let you give it a try on the buddy-box.
My advise to you is to find a local club and go visit. Someone is bound to let you give it a try on the buddy-box.
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From: AmersfoortUtrecht, NETHERLANDS
How about this one:
http://cgi.*********/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...&category=2563
3 Channel for only US$ 79.00 + 30.00 shipping from Hong Kong!
Image:
http://cgi.*********/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...&category=2563
3 Channel for only US$ 79.00 + 30.00 shipping from Hong Kong!
Image:




