Nexstar or NOT
 

Hello I'm Very Excited to get involved with RC flying!

I am ready to buy a trainer but I'm not sure what plane will give me the most bang for my buck.

1.) I have been reading related posts about the nexstar and it seems that everyone disconnects the AFS. So what is the point in spending 400$ for the nextstar. Is the simulator really worth it. I mean all of you veterans learned with out either of these products of modern technology.;)The nexstar also got many poor comments about poor Assembly and craftsmanship.

2.) Could someone point me in the right direction:eek:. I don't have endless money and I know I will eventually crash any plane i end up choosing[sm=drowning.gif].

Thanks
Justin

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

Sure the direction you want to be pointed in is the direction of the nearest club and instructor.

When you find the above to items your choice of "which" trainer to buy really becomes meaningless:D:D
Whichever you chose will suit you fine and before you know it you'll be back here telling everyone how great [insert trainer name here] is!!!!:D

Don't sweat the crashing part an instructor is your best insurance!!!!!!!!!

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

Crashem is giving you great advice. Find the local club and see if they have instructors. Talk to them and follow their advice. They might actually lead you to a good used trainer system that someone has recently outgrown.

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

The Nexstar has its good ponts... but I'm not sure if its worth the extra $100 vs the cost of a similar model without the flight sim and fancy gadgets. (I haven't seen the gadgets... The Nexstar I have seen had the AFS, LE attachments and spoilers removed. It flew like a trainer.;):))

The Avistar is a very similar airframe, with a semi-symetrical airfoil (which improves aerobatics) and none of the add-ons. A good solid trainer that I have seen a few people have success with. (both are Hobbico products... I did that on purpose.)

Most of the 4-channel "40 size" ARF trainers are similar enough that if you spray painted them all black... you'd have a hard time telling them apart in appearance and in flying qualities. there are some that are sturdier than others... Some that are heavier (often the same ones that are sturdier) but they are all useful for the beginner.

*************

Your instructor will probably be a little 'prejudiced" in favor of some model... that's probably fine. He may also have a radio preference... JR, Futaba, HighTech and some of the lesser known brands are all fine too.

The first flight of the model is the most dangerous to the model. A beginner + an untrimmed (new) airplane + the engine starts = 3 strikes... get a trash bag. Its a formula that works much more often than not. The instructor just trimming the airplane to fly level is a HUGE help.

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

NexStar NOT!!!. Have seen one today in flight and IT IS CHEAP!!!!. My bed sheet in the morning is smoother than the covering on the NexStar....also the wings are flexing in the air....:eek:
.02

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

i have a nexstar and it flies great. i have not had a problem with it. when i received it i took it out of the box assembled it charged the batteries with my quick field charger and met up with my instructor. we did not use the AFS the first time but have tried it on 2 other occasions my instructor thought it handles real good for an arf. there was no problems with the covering at all and the engine never needed to be adjusted. this is the problem with some of the people that reply to things in RCU they give people advice even if it is wrong. koma is making conclusions based from what i can understand only on observations. from what i can tell he has only seen one flying. I'm sorry but you cannot say all nexstars are CHEAP just because you see one flying i also have a hanger9 xtra easy and a P51 mustang and still think the nexstar is a good plane all round. there are some horror stories out there but isn't that the same for a lot of ARF'S. you gotta CHECK THEM OVER BEFORE YOU FLY THEM.
NexStar NOT!!!. Have seen one today in flight and IT IS CHEAP!!!!. My bed sheet in the morning is smoother than the covering on the NexStar....also the wings are flexing in the air....:eek:
.02
[/quote]

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

Justin,

I don't think you can find a product that someone somewhere won't rag on. I've been flying my nexstar for a few months now and have been very pleased. The covering on mine is very nice, many of the experienced pilots comment on it. As with any plane you want to go over it and make sure everything is snug. The only problem I've had with mine are some loose screws so I took them all out and put them back in with lock tite.

Tony

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

Justin,

There have been more and more of these showing yp at our field and I have flown several of them. I do not think it is as good a trainer as the Superstar of some of the other trainers out there. The AFS system seems to fight your control of the plane so we usually disconnect them, and the airbrakes only add drag, but sometime slow the plane too much and it stall and just drops a foot or two off the ground. Considering the $100 extra you pay for the Nexstar IMO it is just not worth the extra cash, when the only usuable part of the extras is the sim, and for almost the same money you can get another (better flying IMO) plane and get the full version of the sim.

The best advise has already been given, that is to find a club and a trainer and follow his/her advise. That way you can stay compatable with their buddy box system and learn to fly correctly and enjoy the company of great guys in a great hobby.

Terry

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

I will throw in my personal opinion here. Check out the Sig Kadet LT-40. It is available both as a kit and as an ARF. Many people think this is the best trainer out there. The Avistar already mentioned is another one that has a great following. It is probably a bit more aerobatic than the LT-40 but it won't be quite as easy to learn on either. The LT-40 is very aerobatic once you have it mastered and max out the throws so don't think it will limit you too much down the road. Typically when you get to that point your eyes will be wandering to something different anyway. Which way you go is personal preference.

I could go on about why the LT-40 would be a good choice but the best advice I can give you in making your decision is to use the search link at the top of the page and read all the posts you can find about the LT-40, Avistar, Nextar and any others people suggest to you. You will learn a lot in the process - especially what to look for in a trainer. It has already been said that most trainers share the same basic qualities and this is definitely true to some extent. As long as you have a good instructor what you get isn't as important as what you do with it once you have it. When starting out, fly as much as you can and listen to what others are telling you. Everyone at the field will be happy to give you advise. Just remember most of it is opinion so some is good and some is bad so stick close to your instructor and follow his lead.

You are definitely headed in the right direction if you start out with something that is forgiving and has a reliable engine rather than getting a plane that tries to be too much and comprimises the basics in doing so. The Nextar in my opinion is a good example of this. On paper the concept of the Nextar sounds great but the final product does introduce some compromises while trying to be perfect at more than just being a good trainer. If you are stuck on the NexStar because it comes with a simulator go look at RealFlight G2 Lite. You will be able to practice with it just the same and get more than one plane to boot. The one real drawback I see to the NexStar is the radio it comes with. Not that the quality is bad it is just too basic for one to want to continue using it for too long. Your next plane will undoubtedly be much more capable than your trainer so getting a good radio from the start will leave you more room to grow before you have to buy a replacement.

Like I said, use the search feature. Many, many have asked the same question you are asking before - myself included. There is a plethora of information just waiting to tell you much more than you thought you ever needed or wanted to know.

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

I flown a couple of my students planes and there are cool, the flaps and anti spin or what ever they call it allow me to slow way down to land, I like it.

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

IMHO, the Nexstar is not worth the money.

For the same (or maybe a little more ) money, you can a decent BB 46 engine (Thunder Tiger, GMS. OS - NOT LA) that is user friendly and a lot more powerful, an entry level 6 channel computer radio (NOT the Futaba 6EXA[:'(]) and an ARF trainer (quite a few to choose from).

Doing it this way, you now have a radio you will not "outgrow" in 6 months - 1 year, and an engine that you can actually use in a second plane when you outgrow the trainer.

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

Its statements like these that I find so amusing. It's been over 20 years of building/flying for me and I still find that my 6 channel non-computer radio (Airtronic 6vgdr) still works in most of the sport models that I routinely fly.. Yes computer radios can make setup and flying easier. But telling somebody that they will out grow there radio in 6 months to a year is just to funny. Judging by where the original poster is from (PA) his whole prime flying season is about 6 months. Unless you fly an alot in six months you shouldn't have even out grown your trainer much less the radio in it.

;);)

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

The Hobbico NexSTAR comes with the O.S. Max .46 FXi, an engine with ball bearings supporting the crankshaft.

bax

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

Re-read your own post... You have gotten by just fine with a 6 channel radio. The NexStar only comes with a 4 channel radio. Consider the most common second plane out there, the Sig 4 Star 60, it has dual aileron servos. With a four channel radio your only choice for hooking up the aileron servos would be to Y-harness them together. You would get the added weight of an extra servo but no ability to use flaperons, etc. Even if he doesn't want this feature on a second airplane he very well may on the third or fourth. This would require purchasing a new radio which isn't cheap.

To me the worst expense when getting into the hobby is the radio because you can either go cheap and end up spending more later to upgrade or go with a more mid-range radio that will last longer - spending a fair chunk of cash either way. The other benefit of getting a better radio right off the bat is it will hold its value better. How many people want to buy a used 4 channel with only basic features. Sure there are beginners out there who could use it but why not get something that would be easier to sell if you don't stay in the hobby or end up totally addicted (we all know someone who has) and end up wanting the fancy 9 channel model with all the bells and whistles.

As far as a computer radio your right it isn't necessary. It does, however, add a lot of capability that you wouldn't have otherwise and the difference in price between a good 6 channel non-computer and a 6 channel computer radio isn't that much. Now I realize that there are some out there that are intimidated by computer radios and would rather not have the extra complexities that come with it. In that case do what suits you best and be happy with your decision - either way you will be satisfied.

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

I usually use a Y-Harness on planes requiring 2 airleron servos. My 6 channels are so old that servo reversing and dual rates were considered High end!!!:D they may be 6 ch radios but for most second and third planes four channels is all you need or can handle.

Seems to me you are confusing the capabilities of computer radios with none computer radios My computer radios consider flaperons as a mixing function.

As I said before most typical second and third planes require at least a 4 ch radio with 4-5 servos. Yes you can find others but that require more advanced radios but it sure isn't neccessary and its misleading to tell a new comer that they are going to out grow there radio in 6month to 1 year.

Don't believe me go on towers web site and see just how many sport planes can be flown with a basic non-computer 4-6ch radio and tell me how long it would take an individual to exhaust the choices[X(]

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

OOOoooo K.....[&:]

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4 Channel basic system (TX, RX, 4 basic servos, TX and RX nicds, charger...) appx $100 to $120 (sometimes with aileron extension sometimes not[&:])
Flight pack with RX, 4 basic servos, Battery and swithc (sometimes an aileron extension cord.) Appx $100.

Hmmm...

***************

By the time the 6 ch would be desireable for extra functions... you often have 2 to 4 airplanes maintained ready to fly at any given time. Might want to have the second flight pack... it'll be handy. Add a buddy box cord and having started with the 4 ch, then bought the better radio... you have a trainer rig available any time you want it. (and a spare TX battery... just in case. That's a $30 value...)

***************

By the time you want the 6 ch radio... maybe the prices will drop or more functions will be available for the same price...

You will also know more about what YOU want from a radio... and be able to make a better informed decision about which to buy.

***************

Some people NEVER outgrow the 4 ch... if its all they ever need... the 6 ch is kind of a waste.

***************

Logically... you can't lose by starting with the 4 ch system.

**************

OK... rip it up.[&:]

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

I just started my R/C training two weeks ago and I was considering the Nextstar also, that is until I talked to a qualified instructor.
He recommended putting my money into a better computer transmitter and he did suggest the Sig Kadet Lt-40 which I did buy.

I couldn't be happier with the Hitec Eclipse 7 transmitter w/ spectra module that I bought either. He stressed that after I dd learn to fly that I would
no longer be happy with the basic radio the nextstar came with and I would probably have to give it away to get rid of it.

Find a qualified instructor and get some advice before you spend any money.

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

My nexstars covering was really bad. I think the biggest reason why not to buy one is the cost of replacement parts. what they want for a new wing you could buy a whole new ARF. What I did like was the motor and the flight sim. I know that with out the sim. I would have never soloed my first time out. Hind sight is always 20/20 but I wish that would have listned to others and not spent the $400.00 on the nexstar. You can get a Tower 6 channel reciever, transmiter and servos for $110.00 a tower 40 trainer at $69.00 and a super tiger .45 at $75.00. That's $254.00 and you have a 6 channel radio and $150.00 dollars left for a electric starter,fuel pump, fuel and all the other little goodies that your going to want. Check around with the guys at the club and you will probably find someone has a good used motor for next to nothing and maybe even a tx. The key here is that this is a starter plane and you will probably destroy it or just want a new one in the next year. Get a good tx and rx and a trusty motor and you will be able to use it over and over in each new plane as your ability grows.

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

I'll be honest, I have always had a computer radio while flying planes so I don't have the experience with non-computer radios that you do. I did say in my post that the computer/non-computer route is personal preference and not a necessity. Tell me though, if you take the NexStar radio and move it to another plane that has dual aileron servos how do you do flaperons when you have only four channels to work with. You can't... Maybe I wasn't clear when making my point. I was referring to the radio setup that comes with the NexStar, not your radio.

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

why?

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

another route, cheaper..go ahead and get you a good radio...ask the local club as everyone is suggesting.. JKAerotech.com check out their t-52 trainer ,,foam,,get a Norvel.061,, easy build easy flying ..easy as a park flyer...durable and will give you the basics in no time,,you throw it for take off and belly land it dead stick (good practice) everytime..or you can make it with landing gear if you want...but go at least meet the club members first.....you may find a whole trainer set up at the field that is for sale from a local that you can watch fly and is already trimmed........just my 2 cents...Rog

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

I have been flying electric and am looking at getting my first gas plane. I have been really looking at the avistar 40 RTF59 but like the nexstar but seems I get stuck with the 4 chan radio. Maybe get just the plane and my own 6 chan radio. The instructor at the field said nexstar was a nice plane but the guys I see flying it dont have any of the extra stuff on it and I dont plan on using a sim so that seems like extra $$$ that I wont use? Was even looking at a Magatech Nitro Airstrike but that plane is a little high price and thats just for the plane. Is the Megatech a high end trainer? Really taking my time and researching my first gas plane. Also was looking at the Arrow Semi-Symmetrical RTF trainer. Like I read from you gents they probably all handle pretty good. My main concern is a real reliable engine and would like a 6 chan radio but I like the RTF so I am in a bit of a fix :).
The hangar 9 planes talk about the evolution engine and a 3 blade prop? I the guys I talked to with the nexstar had already put on smaller props to prevent damage. Maybe a 3 blade prop gives a bit more clearance for those rough landings? Thanks again for the tips gang. Talking to the club people and Hobby store but you cant have to much info. Those guys get busy and its my money so want to make the best possible choice for me. Dont want to get bored real quick after laying down big bucks.

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

My first plane had the Evo trainer engine with 3 bladed prop. This has a weighted flywheel to assist in engine idle...which it does very well. The big thing that I experienced with the 3 bladed prop was its braking action. The Evo engine is a .45. I put a Zinger 11x7 prop on it last Friday and it is different plane. I also removed the weighted flywheel. There is about an inch of ground clearance, so taxiing is done slowly, and takeoffs require slow throttle application with lots of up elevator. The engine is surprisingly strong. I tached it at 10,990. The plane climbs great now.

If you get the Evo engine be sure to balance the props!!!! Mine was so out of balance that I had to tighten the landing gear bolts every 2 flights. It finally shook out 3 engine mount bolts!!!! One blade was way lighter than the other 2. A spare blade was the same way. It took grinding with a sanding drum on my Dremel to balance those 2 blades.

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

Thanks for the tips blwblw. I decided on the Hobbico Avistar. I am even getting brave and goin ARF vs RTF so I can get the radio I want.

RE: Nexstar or NOT
 

Another option is the World Models Mach 1 trainer $69.95 for the plane get the radio engine combo you want (after talking to club instructors of course). This is a nice trainer and you cannot beat the price and World Models is known for their quality


Terry