If there is any other planes that you think are better, please post.

I voted the 4*, but I like the 60 size better.

I had the Phoenix Dolphin. Great second plane for under a hundred bucks from Tower Hobbies. Haven't flown what's on your list so can't vote.

Just a note that 'second planes' really take a beating as you build confidence and start to experiment; mine certainly did so I appreciated not spending a ton of cash on it.

Of the two sticks listed, the Super Stick is the better choice for a second plane. The Ultra Stick is geared more toward advanced and 3-D flight.

So between the Super Stick, the 4* and the Escapade, pick the one you like the price and looks of - all three are great.

I would vote for a Tiger http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...XH755&P=ML

Sig Midstar...without a doubt the perfect 2nd plane...

RCKen's "Looking for a trainer, what's available. (Updated 01-03-2009)" thread http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm has a section for second planes. All would be good choices. I'm sort of surprised that none of the "Stick" airplanes made the list.

Prices for the listed ARFs range from less than $90 to more than $200. Chances are a $200 ARF is better quality than one that costs $90 but that does not mean you will like the way it flies better than the cheaper model.

The question you asked comes up fairly often, and it probably will come up as long as RCU is around. Everyone can offer opinions based on what they have flown, but, it really comes down to what you want and how much you want to spend.

Based on my personal experience, I recommend a Sig Astro Hog with a .70 four stroke. That was my "second plane" after three trainers. It was more responsive than my trainers but not twitchy. The downside: it is a full kit build and the kit has not been updated in probably 30 years. Comments like "be sure your chainsaw is sharp" are often used to descibe the build. I paid a guy to build mine.

I was going to pick "Goldberg Tiger 2/Tiger 60" but it wasn't on the list. The Kyosho Calmato Sport isn't on the list either, but it's very similar to the Goldberg Tiger series. The Great Planes Big Stik and the Great Planes Easy Sport should probably be on your list as well.</p>

Since the Hangar 9 Ultra Stik was on the list, I selected that instead. The Super Stick is probably a nice plane, but the covering on the Ultra Stik is much higher quality.</p>

The folks who selected the Sig Four Star .40 aren't steering you wrong, either. It's a fantastic plane.</p>

I actually have a Phoenix Models Dolphin .40 ARF I'm flying right now with a Magnum XLS .46A on it. I've been surprised at how fast and agile it is. It's an excellent plane and a terrific value, but care would have to be used while setting up the throws if a new pilot were just stepping out of his high wing trainer and into the Dolphin.</p>

Here is my vote! http://www.airborne-models.com/html/...p?ProductID=16 It's super cheap and super easy to fly, but will do all the major aerobatics. The 4*, dolphin, escapade, and this plane are the same plane really. Only a few small differences in looks, ie turtledecks. I haven't flown the others so I can't comment on them but the escapade for only a Benjamin seems like the best deal out of your selections.</p>

Yes Sir 4 star 60

there all good second planes. Mine was great planes j-3 cub 40

Why not another trainer?

My trainer was the LT-40 (kit). I voted for the Sig 4*40 as best 2nd plane but that's not the advice Ifollowed. I have the Ultra Stick 40 but also have the Sig 4*60 as well as Sig Somethin' Extra.

First of all, keep your trainer.  You will never know how often many of us go back to the basics and just fly our trainers.  It always helps to fly something that is not as capable as our performance aircraft are, so we can get back to flying rather than letting the plane fly for us as many of the high performers do.</p>

My second plane was a Tiger 60.  In fact, it is still around.  I sold it to a club member and, as far as I know, he still has it.  I flew that thing every time out, perhaps 6 or 7 flights a day.  It has many many flights on it and it was a great second.  It had all the capabilities.  It was a larger plane (larger than my trainer), low wing, aerobatic, great wing loading (it would just float there if I wanted it to), landed perfectly, had the speed of a good aerobatic, but was very forgiving.  </p>

That is not to say that the Four Star's are not good second planes because I had one of those too.  It was a four star 40 and flew that thing almost as often as my Tiger.  I sold that too, and as far as I know, it's still around.</p>

My favorite current plane is a real toss up.  I love my GP Venus II for it's pattern-like capabilities, but really love my Goldberg Skylark 70 which is almost as capable as the Venus but a tad bit more forgiving.  Both planes are great, but for a second, I would have to say the Skylark would be a better choice.</p>

Lots of choices out there, and as many people replying that have opinions about second planes.  And, all of us are absolutely correct!!!   </p>

So, if you choose any of the ones mentioned, you just can't go wrong!!  Natrually, I would love it if you chose the one I recommended  but would be just as happy, well, almost as happy, if you chose one that others recommended.</p>

CGr.</p>

Ialso picked the 4* but Itoo like the 60 size better then the 40. Another good one Ihave had the pleasure to fly [and work on, remember Joes statement about second planes taking a beating} is the H-9 Pulse 60. Thing is it is almost a 4*. There really are some great choices for second planes out there, the Mid Star is another one I have flown a lot and really like. Just way too many good choices!!!

My opinion...and only mine...based on the planes you posted on the poll...I would give the Escapade a shot. Being that you're still learning, its cheap - yet looks nice and ppl seem to be very happy with its performance for the type of plane it is.

if you want a kit then get the gp rapture

+1 I think the somethin' extra is an awesome plane, stable in flight and slows to a crawl for landing

After maidening mine yesterday I couldn't agree with you more, even better than my 4 star.

I went from a high wing trainer to a 4*40 and it was the PERFECT second plane.  It is forgiving, yet aerobatic.  It'll teach you how to fly a tail dragger, but it tracks pretty straight and level upon power up.  Landings are trainer like.  I miss those days.

I might have missed something here...did you say what your first plane is/was?

millerhill, if that question is for me, it was a hobbico superstar.

Right....then I would vote for the Tiger 60 or the Goldberg Skylark.

Ditto

My second was a Tiger60. Great second plane. I still fly it every time Igo out. You cant go wrong with a tiger60kit or ARF. Built mine from a kit, it was my first kit, its pretty straight forward, good first kit.