The more important question is what do you want it to do? Spending more, doesn't mean you get a better plane for the lower classes. Many of the planes in that list are designed to play at the highest levels, which doesn't necessarily mean they do the lower classes better. The Krill's are very nice planes and fly VERY well, but they are very expensive, and are much more complex than other choices. For most pilots out there, you would have a hard time telling a difference between a Vanquish, Osiris, or any of the more expensive planes, except you could build 3 Vanquishes for the cost of the kit for the Krill, and really see no value added. Most pilots wont keep a plane for than 3 years, so if you are just starting out, by the time you get to needing a top level FAI design that one you have now will be out of choice anyway. I have flown, and have watched the Vanquish fly FAI, and it will hold its own when setup right. I flew mine in Masters contests last year and scored as well as I did with my Wind S Pro. If you want to spend close to 5K for a Krill or whatever, feel free, but it certainly isn't necessary and it really wont give you any extra value over the much lower priced planes unless you are playing at the top 15 level in FAI at the NATS. You are better off with a lower prices plane with the best equipment you can buy, and then getting a second one setup exactly as a backup. I hate seeing guys spend a fortune to get into pattern, and then get frustrated once they realize that the plane is only part of the equation. Dollars don't always translate to flying better.

Just my opinion,

Arch

you are very informative Arch and you are right. i agree with all that you said.  i can get a great deal on carf  planes so it really would be too much more than a vanquish. i think both are very good.

ok this is what i have desided. im probably going with a carf as long as i get the deal i want or a spark new or used. the vanquish will be 3rd pick if i cant find a good used spark evo.  i think this will be the way to go. thanks for all the help desiding. the the nuance is very nice and so is the toxiris they would be in the running as well.  the cr set up has a cool factor but the advantages arn't really big enough to go with .  thaks

Glad to help. Just hate seeing guys throw money at something that really doesn't benefit them for what they are doing.

Arch

I see you are in Ohio, I am the District 4 VP and would be glad to help you in any way requuired. Just PM me and we can chat. We also have a great pattern group here in the Cleveland area, it might be worth making the 45 minute to an hour drive to join us during a few practice sessions. You will learn a ton flying with other pattern pilots.

Just give a shout.

Anthony
[email protected]

AAbdu, i think that would be a ton of fun. i'll have to get with you then we have a nice day. i snt you my number so you can call anytime you plane to go out and fly.

thanks

anyone familar with a gator rc g-202 f3a plane?

It's about 10 years old. They were from the time when F3A and IMAC almost collided, and pattern planes were getting very 'scaley'

is it worth getting to start pattern or go with a more modern set up?

It would get you started in Pattern, that's for sure.

However, for a somewhat longer horizon (i.e. capable of flying the more advanced sequences later) you'd be better off sticking with your original list and going with electric propulsion. You'll be able to find a lot of help with electric set-ups, and electric is a lot easier on airframes and servos.

All my Humble Opinion, of course.

littledevile

I fly pattern planes though I do not compete, I just like to fly them as they fly so well. I started with a second hand Sebart Angel 50 with the stock motor / controller and 6S battery. Unless you are already a very good pilot this model will do anything you can. I then decided I would like something a little bigger and moved up to a Sebart Wind 110 again on 6S. ( This allowed me to stick with my simple charger etc.) I liked the 110 a lot as being bigger it presented better in the air and flew fine except in very windy conditions when I felt it was a bit underpowered.

I eventually crashed the Wind 110, and although the fuselage was in two pieces and one wing tube was pulled out of one wing, I repaired it and it still flew well, it is still flying with a friend who has damaged and repaired it again. After the Wind I decided to go full 2 meter and bought a Shinden all composite at a very good price (under $900) I also had to buy a decent charger (Cellpro 10S) new motor / controller and 10S battery packs. There was more work to do the install than the wooden models as the motor mount is not pre-prepared and some thinking, cutting and glueing is required! The Shinden flew very well too although at my skill level I don't think it flew better than the wind 110, when I eventually crashed that too all I had left was a bag of fiberglass! Composite models do not repair easily.

I have now gone back to a new Wind 110 this time on 8S with more power and less amps. Love flying it still and If I go back to a 2 metre I would only buy a wooden one i.e, a Vanquish 2M or an Osiris, I suspect both of these will fly on 8S if you are not into competition flying but I would always take advice from RC Pattern on such matters. You should be able to put a Wind 110 in the air for around $1,000 including motor / controller, servos, charger and some battery packs.

In short I would not advise you to jump straight into pattern with a full house 2M competition model. If you have not flown mid-sized electric models you need to get on the learning curve a bit lower down and get used to battery charging and management etc. I would suggest a Wind 110, but if you inssist on 2M I would follow Arch's advice and get a Vanquish. Therer are build threads on here that you can read for both the Vanquish and the Wind 110.

Best regards and good luck.

thanks guys so much, i came across a custom gator 202 with a plettenburg motor and thought it may be pretty good for the price.  but had heard nothing about them before. im on the prowl for a good  2m.
john you are right about composite being more work than a wood model for sure. i currently fly 3, 3m carf areobatic planes and 2 krills. i just love the nice painted finish with no chance of wrinkles. and the rigidness of the airframe makes crisp manuvers at any speed.  and i learned on electrics and have had upto a 35% in electric. i agree you need some a decent charger to persue larger electrics, and good timing to get the right amount of batterys charged before you have to be at the field.  good advise. i guess my search continues. thanks

Littledevile

Sorry, I did not realise you were already an experienced electric flyer.

John

oh no that is ok, John. i love to see good ingo. even if it dosn't help me it can help someone else reading along. thanks again