Guys,

I've been looking to finally get an F3A model and have been looking at composite models from the likes of the Leviosa, Gaudius, Integral, Valiant, Axiome, Wind S Pro etc and note that whilst there is a big price difference (primarily due to state of finish etc) they are ultimately very similar as they are tasked with doing the same job well.

So, as a first 'decen't model for F3A does it really matter what I go for? Can it simply be based on looks? As with most things it's very hard to buy "last year's" model as psychologically it feels as if you have disadvantaged yourself straight away

Take this as my real world example - does it really make a difference if I went for an Intergral instead of a Valiant? I see there are plenty of top placings with Integrals still yet I also hear people haved moved to the Valiant as it snaps better??!

What are your thoughts? Are we simply sucked in by marketing to buy the latest and greatest model if we're to do well or, as is usual in this hobby, is it more down to practice once you have a straight and trimmed model?

Cheers,
Mark

Hi Mark

Here in Holland, pilots with F3A ambitions can take small steps flying easier schedules. This will allow them to concentrate on the basics of F3A/Pattern like straight lines, geometry, positioning etc before the start flying the 'P' and 'F' FAI schedules.

For this 'easier' classes, you can do very well with the 'older' F3A planes and you can choose from a wider range of planes.

If you go straight for FAI-F3A class, then the more modern 'high' fuselage planes are the way to go because these planes will help you trough the the sequences much easier.

But if you are not that experienced yet, and want to start in the FAI-F3A then also the older planes can be a price worthy choice as you will need to learn the basics anyway.
What good is it if your plane can snap perfectly but you do not know how to position your plane or compensate for crosswind etc.?

Then also, some pilots fly there Integral , Oxalys for such a long time and have setup it so well, that they still can beat the newest planes on the market....

So choose wise..... ;-)

Have fun flying (pattern)

Mark, that's a good question. If this is your first venture into this type model, then you could make your choice of the ones you list based on how you like the 'looks' of them. They are all good models and will certainly provide a solid foundation to build your skills. You also commented on 'last year's model' and while we all find some way to justify the need to have the newest model, in truth, an older model (I fly an Integral) still flies better than my capabilities. In the F3A classes, as we move into more complex maneuvers like rolling loops and circles and countless snap rolls, the latest greatest model may provide some level of advantage over an older model but most competitors don't have the requirement to do the complex maneuvers required in F3A. On the other hand, manufacturers all need to bring out new models to entice us into paying for the 'latest greatest', they need to do this to stay competitive. Nothing wrong with that and we all love hearing about the newest world beater model and trying to figure out how we justify buying one or fitting that purchase into the modeling budget.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, 99% of the score you get for a maneuver depends on the pilot. ;-)

Woodie

I would second that E-Motion


Seriously though, I have had the excellent fortune to own and fly a Fliton Inspire, two Integrals, a Beryll, and an E-Motion all within the last year, and what I have learned is precisely what Woodie said: " 99% of the score you get for a maneuver depends on the pilot."



But . . . having said that I will also say that I LOVE my E-Motion and am very happy to be working on building my skills with this one particular model. My point is if you have the resources and a particular plane "tickles your fancy" then I say "go for it"!, but at the end of the day what ever model you choose should be fine






Joe