Can't decide on trainer plane, please help
 

I have been looking at the GWS Slow Stick and the Hobbico FlyZone SkyFly. [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&W=000684424&I=LXKLV7&P=K]Link to FlyZone SkyFly[/link]

I don't really have that large of a flying area, I made a diagram and attached it to best describe it. Its definitely NOT 600 X 600. My best bet says its 400 X 200.

Equipment that I have already:
[ul][*] JR XP6102 Transmitter[*] 2x [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?&I=LXKZC2]Great Planes 8-Cell 9.6V 1800mAh 4/5SC NiMH [/link][*] 2x 11.1v 2200mAh 18C LiPo
[/ul]

I don't know if the battery packs I have can be used with either of the planes.

I have been leaning more towards the Slow Stick because of the equipment that I already have but from the reviews that I have been reading on the SkyFly or similar planes makes me believe it would be a better trainer.

RE: Can't decide on trainer plane, please help
 

I would go brushless with the LiPo's, lighter and more powerful. You should have no problems using those with either plane I would imagine. Just make sure you get an adequate ESC. You might even consider a glider. Otherwise, I would probably say go with the Slow Stick.

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=EFL1075

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/easystar.htm

Or possibly something like an Aerobird Extreme
http://www.redrockethobbies.com/Hobb..._p/hbz7200.htm

RE: Can't decide on trainer plane, please help
 

You really think my LiPos will work with the Slow Stick, Each weigh 158g, Thats 5.55oz.

Here are the specs on the Slow Stick:

SPECS: Wingspan: 46.3"(1176mm)
Wing Area: 505.9sq in (32.64 sq dm)
Weight: 11.9-15.5 oz(338-440 grams)
Wing Loading: 3.39oz/sq ft (10.3g/sq dm)
Length: 37.6" (954mm)
Center of Gravity: 3-3/4" (95mm) back from the wing's leading edge
CG for Glider Version: 2-1/2"-3-3/4" (65-95mm) from the
wing's leading edge dependent on wind conditions
Control Throws:
Elevator: Up & Down 20°
Rudder: Right & Left 35°

Using a 30A esc and brushless motor on the Slow Stick, do you think I could use both the Lipo packs and NiMH Packs. Basically what I'm trying to ask is if I set the Slow Stick up for a brushless motor and LiPos will I still be able to fly with the NiMH packs or does that require separate ESCs

Are there any ESCs that can use both LiPos and NiMH batteries?


I guess what I'm after is a set-up that I can get the most out of the equipment that I already have.

RE: Can't decide on trainer plane, please help
 

The LiPo's should weigh less than those 8 cell NiMh's.....I am not sure on the ESC using both batteries. I think you can do it, but the ESC should have a certain low voltage cut-off programmed for the LiPo's, 4.2 volts I think and I believe that sometimes causes problems with the NiMh's that usually have an ESC low voltage cut-off programmed around 3.2 volts. I have never tried running both on one ESC. If you get an ESC that you can program the low voltage cut-off on, you can change it per the battery you are using and I believe everything would be fine.

RE: Can't decide on trainer plane, please help
 

If your going to be changing batteries {weight} then try to position the batts. right under the C.G. of the slo stick that way you will not have to set the C.G. every time you change bat. Also give the easy star a look it's probably the best trainer out there.The SS will not fly in any wind at all.The easystar will.Just my 2cents.

RE: Can't decide on trainer plane, please help
 

For that space, the Slow Stick is the right choice.

Those Sub C packs will not work with either plane.