Hey,

I was wondering if anyone had any recomendations about getting a Nexstar RTF or ARF?

Thanks, Andrew

This is the way I see it: When you buy the RTF, you will only need the field accesories (Glow plug Igniter, Starter, Fuel, etc.) there is no need for any thing else to start the fun.
But let's think that you already own an engine or a radio, then the ARF is the right choice. Also think that the radio is an entry level one and you maybe will want to upgrade in the near future.
The engine that comes with the RTF is a great one and easily could be used in a second application, as same as the servos and receiver.

If I were to buy a Nexstar, it would be the ARF. The training aids in the RTF just aren't worth the high price.

I wouldn't recommend a Nexstar at all though. After flying for a few years and having the opportunity to pilot a few other trainers, I realize that my old Nexstar may not have been the best option out there like I once thought. The Tower Trainer is a much better flyer as is the World Models Sky Raider Mach-1, Alpha 40/60 and others.

Don't get me wrong, the Nexstar will get the job done and you'll likely be satisfied with it. There are just better options.

I purchased the Nexstar Select RTF as my first glow trainer. I liked the bolt-on wing, the bundled flight simulator, and the high quality O.S. .46 FXi engine that were included. I didn't like the ALS system which had to be disabled in order to fly the plane.

The Nexstar is a good trainer and very easy to learn to land with. It doesn't handle windy conditions as well as other airframes that are available, however. The steep angle of the wing dihedral and the long wing chord make the Nexstar a handful in breezy (15mph+) wind conditions.

If I were to buy another Nexstar, I'd buy the ARF. I'd pair it with the Thunder Tiger Pro .46 engine and a 6-channel computer radio like an Airtronics VG6000 or a JR Sport SX600. The Nexstar doesn't need the extra channels, but computerized trim controls are really handy and it would be nice to have a radio system with mixing and programming features that can store multiple model setups in memory as you grow with the hobby.

I ended up buying a full-blown simulator package shortly after purchasing my Nexstar, the included simulator only tends to wet your appetite for a simulator with more planes and flying fields. The included simulator is helpful while you're training, but it is easily outgrown once you've mastered the basics of flight.

If it's often windy where you fly (15mph+ winds are common), then I'd recommend getting the Avistar ARF instead of the Nexstar. It's narrower wing chord and shallower dihedral angle make it much easier to handle in windy conditions. The recommend engine and radio would still apply.

Good luck and good shopping!

I just had the Nexstar ARF. You can get free (albeit cheezy) simulators online, and you don't need the AFS or whatever the RTF comes with. I chose a 6 channel computer radio, and the OS 46AX. Spent way less money than if I were to get the RTF, and had a better radio and engine to boot. There's no need for more than a basic 4 channel radio with that plane, but once you get to more advanced planes you'll start to want a more advanced radio. I'm currently using the computer program part of my radio on my second/third plane right now.

I bought the ARF and put a OS 55ax into it with the Futaba 7c 2.4 and I love my combination. I used the aids minus the AFS (does not come with ARF) and after a couple hours on the G4 sim I went out and solo'd. Taught myself and I'm having lots of fun. Added flaps and dual ailerons for when the floats come in. Good luck.