I'm not too sure what to get...I have G2 and loved it minus a few things like damage, and some of the views, but I think its a great deal! now I'm looking for an upgrade but these two seem to be the top two to go with...? Not sure...any insight would be helpful and appreciated. Thanks,
Joel n Brad

Joel,

I have tried both sims (XTR and G3), I only fly planes so I cannot comment on their helis. I initially liked XTR because the graphics were so good.

The photofields were excellent in XTR. I struggled to create my own photofield for XTR but was never able to get the results I wanted. The XTR community was primarily European at the time which made it hard to get help. I felt that the XTR community was no were close to that of G2 and I new that G3 would be released soon. The other thing that I found lacking in XTR was the flight physics. The planes were just too easy to fly and just did not seem to have the correct physics. I ended up selling XTR and bought G3.

G3 initially was a disappointment for the physics had its problems and the community support was not there like it was for G2. G3 did not have photophields which I desired. Fortunately for G3, Knifeedge kept issuing updates to the sim and slowly but surely the sim became excellent IMHO. The flight physics are now (after several updates and plently of airplane tweaking by the G3 community) very close to being ideal. Knifeedge released the ability to use photofields in the sim with an airport editor which allowed me to duplicate our home flying field. Shortly, users will be able to create their own planes using an outside editor which will allow the G3 community to really take off. You will most likely see every popular plane made, available for G3.

Personally, I feel G3 will be the way to go in the long run. Knifeedge is routinely making upgrades which give the sim community more control over the sim. It will be the G3 community which will make G3 the number #1 airplane sim to have. Knifeedge really needs to be applauded for giving over so much control over the sim to the flight sim community.

so weird how opinions vary so much. I've got all 3 plus all the free ones I've been using them for many, many years and can honestly say I don't even pick up G2, G3 or AFPD anymore. Reflex was the one who gave us photo fields so I applaud them. Heres what really makes me laugh, When people say " This one has better physics than that one" .... That cracks me up! All the sim have great physics engines( Ecpecially for under 200 dollars). It's a matter of how much do you want to tweak it and how good is your understanding of aerodynamics and how they translate to the paticular sim you are using. G3 ,to ME, feels very artificial physics wise.....like a cartoon, But they feel great to others. what does that mean? means dont take my word for it or his......Go find out what YOU like.

Chris

Chris,
Seems like you gave them all a fair chance.
Some people were very turned off by the quality of the initial G3 release, and rightfully so. However, there have been many dramatic updates, and the latest addition bares little resemblance to that initial release. If you have not tried the latest, you may be shortchanging yourself and G3.

That is not to say that it isn't possible for someone to have an unfavorable opinion of even the latest edition of G3. It's just that there will be a LOT less to complain about. If you haven't tried it lately, you might want to give it another chance. If you have... well, okay.

I believe all the sims have their hits and misses. I have tried the latest and my advise to anyone would be, you wont be disssapointed with ANY of them. I'm just getting so tired of the same ol question "which one is better" and the same ol answer ..." the one I own". My personal preference is Reflex. What I have found personally is aerodynamically it is more indepth, if the user takes the time to learn the physics of it...which I did. I can make any model in ANY sim fly very easy OR very hard, like a video game or very realistic. In my opinion that argument (for ANY sim) is worthless! But that question will be asked everyday without research of the posts the day before to the same ol question. " which ice cream is better chocolate or Vanilla? I'm looking to go get a cone and am not sure which flavor to get....anyone?

Perfectly understood.

Well then all things being equal G3 is the only sim where you can fly w/up to 20 other R/Cer's online and thats all I do. Flying solo gets real boring real fast IMO.

Yeah ,That is a pretty cool feature. I'll givem that. . I would'nt let that be the reason I bought a paticular sim however. G3 can stand on it's simulator merits alone without all the frills and thrills and shiny flashing lights (so to speak). Baloon popping? definately not a reason to buy a sim...

Okay, Chris.

If a fellow wanted to buy a sim to practice Scale Aerobatics (IMAC) sequences, what would be the best choice, from a physics standpoint? I would prefer to be able to use my 9Z as the TX, but that's not a deal-breaker.

So, how about it, Chris?

G3, XTR, or AFPD for IMAC practice?

G3 doesn't have "baloon popping"?

The balloon popping was in reference to another sim

Steve, It would be pretty irresponsible of me to answer that as I have never had the pleasure of flying IMAC. I could tell you which one I "think" is more accurate for that but that would be opinion only. The fact is there are two different users of simulators: The new to the hobby users who want to learn how not to crash a plane, and expirienced pilots who want to polish their skills. All the sims are great for the first. However for the latter I would say you need to do everything in your power to try each of the big 3 before buying. NONE of the sims are absolutely aerodynamically perfect (fact!). What may feel close for one may feel off to another. The worst thing to do is to put out the question "which one do I buy guys". most people will say to buy the one they have so they can justify spending 200 dollars on it (human nature). You wouldn't buy a car ONLY based on what a few people in a chat forum say about it.
The fact is, all 3 sims are great training tools. They all have "good" aerodynamics engines for the small price tags (the military and nasa have aerodynamics simulation worth millions that aren't perfect). You really need to try them all. The best thing to do is really study the flight parameters for the specific sim you are using and "tweak" them until they do feel perfect (for you). But for anyone to answer that ol question by saying "this one is the BEST" is pretty silly, but not as silly as the person who buys a sim based on that statement. so I won't do that.

Chris

I understand and agree with that; which is why I phrased the question "from a physics standpoint". IOW, which one is most easily tweaked and/or responds best to tweaking.

Okay, thanks.