I have a Killer Kaos with taildragger retracts and a 61 fx. I'm starting to get into SPA. I'll probably fly Chattanooga in Novice or Sportsman. I know I have to leave the gear down. My question is how a Daddy Rabbit compares to the Killer? I've noticed a lot of the top guys fly Rabbits. It looks like a older less refined design on the surface, although it has an airfoiled stab and looks like a pretty big tail overall. If I get into SPA I would probably build another old pattern plane keep it light, set up for a 4strk and keep my Killer for more of a hot sport flier and put a tuned pipe setup on it.

Just would like some opinions flowing of how each of these fly's compared to one another.

First off, I should point out that I haven't flown either model, although I know quite a few folks who have flown one or the other. Both models will do a very credible job on all of the maneuvers that you will encounter in Novice or Sportsman. It is often said that success is 95% practice and 5% plane (assuming that the plane is straight and properly trimmed.) At this point in your career more benefit will be gained from studying the maneuvers, practicing your centering, learning how to do truly round loops, etc. than from choosing one particular model over another. You should also know that there are many flavors of Daddy Rabbits. The most popular is the version that Dennis Hunt offered at one time, but there are no plans or kits of this version commercially available. If you are at Chattanooga there will be many opportunities to inquire about the different versions of DRs.

Jeff Owens
President, SPA

I can only echo Jeff's sentiments about planes and practice. Lots of practice with an airplane you're familiar with will make more difference than any new airplane.

I've personally flown nothing but Daddy Rabbits since I started flying SPA in 2013. I currently own 5, all slightly different. They are all fine flying airplanes, but so is the entire Joe Bridi Kaos/Chaos line. I just happen to like the DR as it fits my flying style well when coupled with a 91 4-stroke and has no particulaly bad habits. If I were you, I would fly what you have for now. It will do everything you need for SPA competition for several years to come as Jeff said.

Below is a photo of the DR I'll be flying at Chattanooga. I'll also be manning the scoring computer, so stop by and say hello.

Thanks for the input and advice. I am planning on attending and depending on how confident I am I will be in either novice or sportsman. I've recently moved and changed clubs. I'm now in Knoxville's KCRC with a few SPA guys. Bill Dodge has been helping me set up my Kaos and giving me advice. The reason for my post is I may pick up a DR with a 91 4strk that's for sale. If I do it could be a backup plane or depending how I like it might be my contest plane next year if I catch the SPA bug. Well gotta patch up the Killer from a bumpy landing and hit the field off hours to get some flights in and practice with wheels down and just flying the patterns. Here is me with the Killer.

Jimmy

Your Killer looks like it should do well. I love the graphics on the wing! Since you are working with Bill I imagine that you will have it dialed in rather quickly. I look forward to meeting you at Chattanooga. It is good to see an new SPA member from Knoxville.

Jeff Owens
President, SPA

I really like those graphics on the wing!!!

I agree with the others. Practice a lot with a straight and trimmed plane. In my case I have flown them both and prefer the Killer... Have only flown them with 2 strokers, so cannot comment on how they fly with a four stroke.