B-ARF or Flash
04-13-2010 | 09:09 PM
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From: Hensley,
AR
RE: B-ARF or Flash
I dont think either would disappoint you. I imagine the BARF would be faster . I have a Rabbit in my Flash. It would take more than I have in it to take it from me. I couldnt be happier, best flying airplane I have ever had my hands on, but I have not flown a Bandit.
Cody
Cody
04-13-2010 | 09:33 PM
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From: Henderson, NV
RE: B-ARF or Flash
Both are great planes. I have owned both.
The BARF flies straighter and seems to land on auto-pilot.
The Flash is stronger, assembles at the field with two screws (compared to 10), and half the price.
They are both GREAT planes. If money was no issue, I would probably get the BARF. But the similar flying characteristics and the price make the Flash very attractive.
If this is the hardest decision you have to make, you'll have a blast with your new plane!
The BARF flies straighter and seems to land on auto-pilot.
The Flash is stronger, assembles at the field with two screws (compared to 10), and half the price.
They are both GREAT planes. If money was no issue, I would probably get the BARF. But the similar flying characteristics and the price make the Flash very attractive.
If this is the hardest decision you have to make, you'll have a blast with your new plane!
04-13-2010 | 09:46 PM
#5
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RE: B-ARF or Flash
Chad this is my hardest decision for the week. I am just not sure if the Merlin 90 is strong enough for the Flash. The truth is that I am currently flying a Flash checkers scheme with a super eagle. If I got another Flash I would get the blue angels scheme, but I am curious to see if the Bandit will handle the 90 better and if the BVM stuff is really better than C-arf.
BTW the EVO 160 I got from you is running great!
BTW the EVO 160 I got from you is running great!
04-13-2010 | 10:06 PM
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From: Henderson, NV
RE: B-ARF or Flash
Marty,
The Merlin will push the flash just fine. It will not have unlimited vertical, but it will be more than enough to put a smile on your face. The Bandit will be faster with the 90. It is smaller, lighter, and sleeker.
However, the 1 minute set-up time of the Flash, and the tank-like strength make this a very tough decision....
Best of luck Marty!
The Merlin will push the flash just fine. It will not have unlimited vertical, but it will be more than enough to put a smile on your face. The Bandit will be faster with the 90. It is smaller, lighter, and sleeker.
However, the 1 minute set-up time of the Flash, and the tank-like strength make this a very tough decision....
Best of luck Marty!
04-13-2010 | 10:11 PM
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From: Hensley,
AR
RE: B-ARF or Flash
Chad, are you saying the BARF is easier to land than the Flash? I'm not doubting, i just can imagine anything easier. I consistantly make the best landing with my Flash of any airplane I have had in 20+yrs.
Noahb, I think the vertical is great , its obviously nothing like the Titan powered ones but from a full throttle pass, I can go up until i need to pull it back over the top keep site of it. I guess the top speed at 180 but that is only based on my Falcon 120 at 155 via gps. I have not put a gps in the flash. Takeoff at 85F is less than 120ft with 8 min of flying fuel , shutting down with 25-30oz remaining and I have only the main tank which I modified to hold 95oz.
Noahb, I think the vertical is great , its obviously nothing like the Titan powered ones but from a full throttle pass, I can go up until i need to pull it back over the top keep site of it. I guess the top speed at 180 but that is only based on my Falcon 120 at 155 via gps. I have not put a gps in the flash. Takeoff at 85F is less than 120ft with 8 min of flying fuel , shutting down with 25-30oz remaining and I have only the main tank which I modified to hold 95oz.
04-13-2010 | 10:36 PM
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From: Henderson, NV
RE: B-ARF or Flash
Cody,
Transitioning to the Flash landing was a little bit of a task for me. The Bandit can be a "chop the throttle, keep the nose down, and flare" plane. The Flash wants to approach nose-high, with a little power to the ground, which was a different for me to get used to initially. And, because of the large flaps and speed brake, it can be a little pitchy when first learning the landing approach.
After learning the approach profile, I agree with you Cody. The flash is a breeze to land, and after doing my high altitude stall tests, I no longer fear the nose high approach. Admittedly, it was a little nerve racking at first. Because of this, I also think the flash would make a good transition jet to some of the scale fighters.
As I have said, both are winners!
Chad
Transitioning to the Flash landing was a little bit of a task for me. The Bandit can be a "chop the throttle, keep the nose down, and flare" plane. The Flash wants to approach nose-high, with a little power to the ground, which was a different for me to get used to initially. And, because of the large flaps and speed brake, it can be a little pitchy when first learning the landing approach.
After learning the approach profile, I agree with you Cody. The flash is a breeze to land, and after doing my high altitude stall tests, I no longer fear the nose high approach. Admittedly, it was a little nerve racking at first. Because of this, I also think the flash would make a good transition jet to some of the scale fighters.
As I have said, both are winners!
Chad
04-13-2010 | 10:43 PM
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From: Hensley,
AR
RE: B-ARF or Flash
What a credit to the Bandit to have those looks, the speed and still be that easy to deal with on landing. Maybe when I grow up, I can afford one 
For now , the Flash has been more than I expected.
For now , the Flash has been more than I expected.
04-13-2010 | 11:48 PM
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From: Eagle,
ID
RE: B-ARF or Flash
I think the Bandit ARF is the BEST flying airplane I have ever flown. Slow rolls are amazing on it. Aerobatics wise I think there is nothing better. But bang for your buck maybe the Flash is the way to go I don't know. I agree with Chad the Bandit ARF is easy to land. I like landing the Bandit over the Viper Jet.
Andrew
Andrew
04-14-2010 | 03:31 AM
#11
RE: B-ARF or Flash
For a 90 size turbine I'd go with the BARF, which is a cleaner airframe and will be much faster than the Flash. If you had a 120/160 in your hands, I'd choose the Flash over the Bandit simply because it is stronger and takes less time to set-up at the field. I've also owned both and I'd say from a flying standpoint, the Flash is 80% of the BARF, but since we're not flying a IMAC/Pattern contest with our jets, who cares? However, if you really care about aerobatics, then get the Flash and use the extra cash on a 35% Extra with a DA-120. [8D]
However, if you really care about aerobatics, then get the Flash and use the extra cash on a 35% Extra with a DA-120. [8D]
04-14-2010 | 09:46 AM
#12
My Feedback: (44)
RE: B-ARF or Flash
Well as you can see there are opinions on both sides of the fence; I never owned a BVM model so I can not comment, however their reputation does precede them, and so does the price; however that being said price may not be a variable in your decision.
I do have a Jet Central Rabbit powered Flash (equivalent thrust of the Merlin) and from my limited experience I think it is a great combination, you can carry less fuel which equates to less weight.
You can see the speed in the video link under post #205 of this thread
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_89...mpage_9/tm.htm
I do have a Jet Central Rabbit powered Flash (equivalent thrust of the Merlin) and from my limited experience I think it is a great combination, you can carry less fuel which equates to less weight.
You can see the speed in the video link under post #205 of this thread
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_89...mpage_9/tm.htm
04-14-2010 | 01:09 PM
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From: Sunrise,
FL
RE: B-ARF or Flash
I have assembled and flown both planes. Both are excellent!!!
The Flash will assemble quicker, The Bandit has better/stronger landing gear and fuel tanks. (My Flash tanks leaked from the factory). The flash landing gear uses pins to hold the struts into the landing gear which can break on not so perfect landings or if you grind too big of a flat spot when installing. For me the Bandit is easier to transport with the 2 smaller wings vs the one peice wing. I usually bring other jets to the field also so the large one peice wing gets in the way. That said the Bandit does take a little longer to assemble at the field but in my opinion worth every extra minute as it is my favorite plane.
The Flash will assemble quicker, The Bandit has better/stronger landing gear and fuel tanks. (My Flash tanks leaked from the factory). The flash landing gear uses pins to hold the struts into the landing gear which can break on not so perfect landings or if you grind too big of a flat spot when installing. For me the Bandit is easier to transport with the 2 smaller wings vs the one peice wing. I usually bring other jets to the field also so the large one peice wing gets in the way. That said the Bandit does take a little longer to assemble at the field but in my opinion worth every extra minute as it is my favorite plane.
04-14-2010 | 02:46 PM
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From: Las Vegas,
NV
RE: B-ARF or Flash
We own both now too...although the Flash is not on line yet. I really like the Bandit from a builders perspective as I have yet to fly ours. Jake says if flys sweet and he has zero problems with it from flight 1.
The thing I like about the flash is it is a little bigger than the Bandit, goes together quick at the field, and it is a TANK....one of the best built airframes I have ever seen. I am building two flash's right now and so far they looking to be a great value.
The thing I like about the flash is it is a little bigger than the Bandit, goes together quick at the field, and it is a TANK....one of the best built airframes I have ever seen. I am building two flash's right now and so far they looking to be a great value.
04-14-2010 | 03:34 PM
#16
My Feedback: (44)
RE: B-ARF or Flash
ORIGINAL: topgun24
I have assembled and flown both planes. Both are excellent!!!
The flash landing gear uses pins to hold the struts into the landing gear which can break on not so perfect landings or if you grind too big of a flat spot when installing.
I have assembled and flown both planes. Both are excellent!!!
The flash landing gear uses pins to hold the struts into the landing gear which can break on not so perfect landings or if you grind too big of a flat spot when installing.
04-14-2010 | 04:42 PM
#17
My Feedback: (80)
RE: B-ARF or Flash
ORIGINAL: RCISFUN
No problems if you use trailing link gear
ORIGINAL: topgun24
I have assembled and flown both planes. Both are excellent!!!
The flash landing gear uses pins to hold the struts into the landing gear which can break on not so perfect landings or if you grind too big of a flat spot when installing.
I have assembled and flown both planes. Both are excellent!!!
The flash landing gear uses pins to hold the struts into the landing gear which can break on not so perfect landings or if you grind too big of a flat spot when installing.
04-14-2010 | 09:42 PM
#18
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (24)
RE: B-ARF or Flash
Maybe I have too many turbines and should just sell the Merlin..............wow what a bad thought I almost had myself thinking like my wife. It seems from the comments that I can't go wrong with either plane but then why am I struggling to make decision?
04-14-2010 | 10:45 PM
#21
RE: B-ARF or Flash
Just gonna throw my 2 cents in here. A friend of mine has a flash with a P-120sx in it. I smoked his ***** with my P-70 powered Barf. Another friend had a P-120 powered Kingcat. Passed him like he was standing still. The barf with the merlin 90 will be awesome! Terry Nitch has one with a Jet Central Rabbit (about same engine no?) and he loves it. By the way the first guy has TWO flashes with P-120sx's. I built the barf for him and while he was drooling over the Barf not ready to fly it yet he had another flash built. (Prettier than the first one for sure) And I kept telling him Whenever you fly that Bandit your gonna wish you had another Bandit not another flash. I think he'd tell you there both good but all he fly's now is the Barf. I have also flown both but you would probably expect me to tell you the bandit is better. But it is. IMHO of course. Ok I'm done. Oh yeah Straight fin Training wheels if you must. (Trailing links) Build it as the manual states and If you have any questions or need help don't hesitate to call me. Or pm me and I'll give you my number. Oh yeah by the way,,, My barf is flying 194 straight and level checked by two different Stalker radar guns on repeated passes. Just didn't want anyone to think we were doing anything dangerous. All the above contests were in a racetrack pattern.
Tim Redelman
Tim Redelman
04-15-2010 | 07:32 AM
#22
My Feedback: (57)
RE: B-ARF or Flash
ORIGINAL: Tim Redelman
Just gonna throw my 2 cents in here. A friend of mine has a flash with a P-120sx in it. I smoked his ***** with my P-70 powered Barf. Another friend had a P-120 powered Kingcat. Passed him like he was standing still. The barf with the merlin 90 will be awesome! Terry Nitch has one with a Jet Central Rabbit (about same engine no?) and he loves it. By the way the first guy has TWO flashes with P-120sx's. I built the barf for him and while he was drooling over the Barf not ready to fly it yet he had another flash built. (Prettier than the first one for sure) And I kept telling him Whenever you fly that Bandit your gonna wish you had another Bandit not another flash. I think he'd tell you there both good but all he fly's now is the Barf. I have also flown both but you would probably expect me to tell you the bandit is better. But it is. IMHO of course. Ok I'm done. Oh yeah Straight fin Training wheels if you must. (Trailing links) Build it as the manual states and If you have any questions or need help don't hesitate to call me. Or pm me and I'll give you my number. Oh yeah by the way,,, My barf is flying 194 straight and level checked by two different Stalker radar guns on repeated passes. Just didn't want anyone to think we were doing anything dangerous. All the above contests were in a racetrack pattern.
Tim Redelman
Just gonna throw my 2 cents in here. A friend of mine has a flash with a P-120sx in it. I smoked his ***** with my P-70 powered Barf. Another friend had a P-120 powered Kingcat. Passed him like he was standing still. The barf with the merlin 90 will be awesome! Terry Nitch has one with a Jet Central Rabbit (about same engine no?) and he loves it. By the way the first guy has TWO flashes with P-120sx's. I built the barf for him and while he was drooling over the Barf not ready to fly it yet he had another flash built. (Prettier than the first one for sure) And I kept telling him Whenever you fly that Bandit your gonna wish you had another Bandit not another flash. I think he'd tell you there both good but all he fly's now is the Barf. I have also flown both but you would probably expect me to tell you the bandit is better. But it is. IMHO of course. Ok I'm done. Oh yeah Straight fin Training wheels if you must. (Trailing links) Build it as the manual states and If you have any questions or need help don't hesitate to call me. Or pm me and I'll give you my number. Oh yeah by the way,,, My barf is flying 194 straight and level checked by two different Stalker radar guns on repeated passes. Just didn't want anyone to think we were doing anything dangerous. All the above contests were in a racetrack pattern.
Tim Redelman
You mut have had one fo the few P-70s out there. I did not.
04-15-2010 | 07:41 AM
#23
My Feedback: (80)
RE: B-ARF or Flash
ORIGINAL: Tim Redelman
Just gonna throw my 2 cents in here. A friend of mine has a flash with a P-120sx in it. I smoked his ***** with my P-70 powered Barf. Another friend had a P-120 powered Kingcat. Passed him like he was standing still. The barf with the merlin 90 will be awesome! Terry Nitch has one with a Jet Central Rabbit (about same engine no?) and he loves it. By the way the first guy has TWO flashes with P-120sx's. I built the barf for him and while he was drooling over the Barf not ready to fly it yet he had another flash built. (Prettier than the first one for sure) And I kept telling him Whenever you fly that Bandit your gonna wish you had another Bandit not another flash. I think he'd tell you there both good but all he fly's now is the Barf. I have also flown both but you would probably expect me to tell you the bandit is better. But it is. IMHO of course. Ok I'm done. Oh yeah Straight fin Training wheels if you must. (Trailing links) Build it as the manual states and If you have any questions or need help don't hesitate to call me. Or pm me and I'll give you my number. Oh yeah by the way,,, My barf is flying 194 straight and level checked by two different Stalker radar guns on repeated passes. Just didn't want anyone to think we were doing anything dangerous. All the above contests were in a racetrack pattern.
Tim Redelman
Just gonna throw my 2 cents in here. A friend of mine has a flash with a P-120sx in it. I smoked his ***** with my P-70 powered Barf. Another friend had a P-120 powered Kingcat. Passed him like he was standing still. The barf with the merlin 90 will be awesome! Terry Nitch has one with a Jet Central Rabbit (about same engine no?) and he loves it. By the way the first guy has TWO flashes with P-120sx's. I built the barf for him and while he was drooling over the Barf not ready to fly it yet he had another flash built. (Prettier than the first one for sure) And I kept telling him Whenever you fly that Bandit your gonna wish you had another Bandit not another flash. I think he'd tell you there both good but all he fly's now is the Barf. I have also flown both but you would probably expect me to tell you the bandit is better. But it is. IMHO of course. Ok I'm done. Oh yeah Straight fin Training wheels if you must. (Trailing links) Build it as the manual states and If you have any questions or need help don't hesitate to call me. Or pm me and I'll give you my number. Oh yeah by the way,,, My barf is flying 194 straight and level checked by two different Stalker radar guns on repeated passes. Just didn't want anyone to think we were doing anything dangerous. All the above contests were in a racetrack pattern.
Tim Redelman
Kinda doubt that a 70 Barf "SMOKED" a 120 SX Flash.... I had a 70 in my old Barf and my pal had a 120 "SE" in his flash and we were about the same speed. I think your friend did not have it opened up with the 120SX. No way a 70 powered Barf keepin up with a 120SX powered Flash.
04-15-2010 | 09:55 AM
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From: Sunrise,
FL
RE: B-ARF or Flash
My stock Flash landing gear came with 6mm pins not the 8mm dubd mentions in post #20. I heard of some modifying the 6mm to 8mm but I have not done so. Since the Flash landing gear is bolted into wood and NOT flex plates like the Bandit I was advised not to go with 8mm pins as they want the pins to break before the wood in the wing breaks. Not sure if he drilled out for 8mm pins or if they upgraded the stock gear.
