I'm looking for a pattern plane and like the idea of the Tracer with a OS 70 and retracts. I have mastered a trainer and will be flying a stick for a while before the pattern plane goes up, the only question is, which one?

Any input is appreciated.
WOOD

Wood,
All the choices you have listed are good. The idea of retracts while still in the "learning" curve may be a bit much. You may want to make that a later addition. I haven't seen much advantage to retracts in this size plane. If getting in the air and not spending time building then the Aresti is an excellent choice. You will find the planes will "go where you point them" and won't be any more difficult to to fly. Where the challenge will come is in landing as the planes will penetrate much easier and seem to float past the runway. Hope this helps. Let me know if additional information is needed. Bill

I would lean toward the Aresti...But then again its a very well done ARF. If your looking into a Kaos don't look at the GP Super Kaos or the Tower version...Go for one of the other models Joe Bridi has available like the Ultimate, or Utter Kaos these are improved designs that make good improvements.....

The Tracer seems to be another good choice but I have not seen many around...

The Aresti is a really good solution at a great price.

I fly pattern and the Aresti although not quite as solid as my YS140 DZ powered Smaragd can do all of the sequences currently in place for next year. Especially if you starting out in Pattern I would look at the Saito 72 for power it is light and runs very well.


Troy Newman
Team JR

A Friend of mine is also flying a Smaragd. He absolutely loves it!
What are your opinions of yours? I hope your delivery was easier than his.........(long story)

These kits are great they fly very well and the workmanship is superb. The problem is they can only make so many of them......They are tough to get your hands on.

Central Hobbies is the importer for the US and they have a huge shippment of kits coming in early this year. They will be getting Smaragds, Hydeaways. Alliances, and all the good stuff.

I love the way my Smaragd flies, I also looking forward to getting another one and the New Hydeaway looks good too.

Who is your friend? I probably know him, becasue there are only about 5-8 Smaragds in the US

Well its snowing here in Colorado so no flying today......

Cheers

Troy Newman

Have you looked into WorldModels? They have the Zen line of airplane, also the TaiJai line, each one in different sizes, most come with installed retracts. Reasonably priced too, the Zen50, of which I happen to own one of, is priced at $220 for airframe, installed retracts, most hardware. I did switch out some as in the pull-pull systems, and clevis's etc.., but for under $250 you get a really nice flying plane with "Corvette like" performance. I power mine with an OS70 4-stroke, and have unchallenged vertical performance. Real nice combos to be had though.
The Smaragd is a very nice plane, and definately a contender for the top-spots, and I consider it a "high-end" plane, right up there with the "Hydeout" and other such planes, however I wouldnt recomend for a first pattern plane, unless money is not an issue. You'll be looking at $800 to start for just the airframe, if I'm not mistake here. If money is no object, go for it. Good luck, and have fun

I want to thank everyone for the input, I really appreciate it!

I don't think I want to spend that much money on my first pattern ship, but is is good to know what is hot.

What about a Chipmunk? I just heard these fly good also. I think I will start researching the Aresti, researching what is out there is part of the fun.

Troy, I didn't get your comment on the Aresti being a well done ARF, why wouldn't I want one? I may be pressed for time this winter/spring and may lean towards an ARF, if it is weel done that is!

thanks again, WOOD

The Aresti is a very well done....I have flown a couple and I think they are a good solution...

In fact they are becoming more and more popular at my local field.



Troy

The Aresti is a nice flying pattern trainer - a buddy at the field, who likes to fly fast and furious, has one - I asked him about it...he said "well, it flies nice, and goes where you point it, does whatever you want it to, no surprises"...that is the HIGHEST recommendation you would ever get from someone who flies fast and furious, for a pattern plane!!

I plan on getting one someday, and would definitely power it with an OS .70 Surpass, or possibly a Saito .72 4 stroker....

Even a .65 4 stroke ought to do well on it, though....

Hey rcav8or,

I looked at an Aresti in the box yesterday and it looks real nice, I think I'm leaning towards the Aresti. Anyone heard of any problems with the Hanger 9 stuff? I have not.

Thanks,
WOOD

For pattern, what about the Super Kraft F3A/40 or the World Intruder ?

Has anyone seen them?

I have a Super Kraft (Kangke) F3A flying with over 200 flights. It has an Irvine .46 which is not enough engine for the vertical I want (OK I want unlimited). The engine bolted to the supplied soft mount (already drilled and tapped) and the supplied muffler extension did the same. The plane is very quiet with this set up. The plane tracks so well and has so little coupling I haven't even bothered with any mixing. The down side is the weight which is somewhat heavy from the fiberglass fuselage. The wing is light but one of the blocks in the wing came loose before the first flight that holds the landing gear wire. You will need to bend a knee in the landing gear leg to place the wheels forward as it has a tendency to nose over. Of the choices listed go with the H-9 Aresti. I'm flying a H-9 Pizazz and it has been really fun. nice building and covering job. I did replace all the hardwaare though with fiberglass rods etc.
Bill

I am seriously considering the Aresti myself - thinking about putting an OS91 four stroke up front - any comments???
Travis

Personally? I think overkill...as in WAY overkill.

I try to always over-power my planes, but a pattern plane is not really meant to fly "hard and furious", but with finesse. A .91 would bore holes in the sky just great, but it would be a bit heavier, and not as precise on maneuvers. I would stick with a .70 or .72 4-stroke. The .91 would just be extra $$$'s that would be unnecessary, and probably not used to it's potential, as in, never at full throttle. The Aresti is a .40 size plane...possibly the BEST engine for it, is the .46 FX, or something along the line of a Rossi, etc.

If you are looking for something for the 91, I would be tempted to go with something like an Extra, .60 size. The Kyosho .60 Cap would be excellent, as well!

Someone is always willing to say "oh yeah, bigger is ALWAYS better", but that's really not true...

Just my $.02...

Hey Guys.

I too am looking at an aresti or something of that type. I think a Rossi 45 with the mini pipe is the engine of choice. A buddy of mine has a Sig commet, the daddy of the king kobra, with a Rossi 45 and an APC 10X6. It scoots around the sky pretty quick and has almost unlimited virtical.
Anyone else had any experiance with the Rossi 45?

Thanks
Jeremy Smith

I just made it to the web page where the Smaragd is displayed. This looks like a very nice aircraft, well done. It looks like some carbon fiber materials were used. What would it cost me to assemble something like this, as a total package? air frame/ motor /servos....that is if I can get one.

Thanks,
WOOD

I have an Aresti with a Saito 91.
I mounted Hitec HS255mg servos one for rudder and one for elevator in the back sides of the fuse. just under the front of the stab. I also used Hitec HS81mg Servos for the Ail. and an HS55 for the throttle.
Saito 91 with APC 14x6 prop. 14 oz. GP. tank.
The finished model came in under 5 1/2 Lbs. and it flies great.
Very groovy, slows down for landing very well, vertical is out of site.
I fly most maneuvers at 1/2 throttle or less. The large prop really keeps the speed low on the down lines.

From the list you give, I have only experience with the Kaos. It is a fantastic flyer. Rock solid with a lot of good history behind it. I would call Joe Bridi and order one from him. I've had two of them and they are a joy to fly. See his kits at www.bridiradiocontrol.com

My wife got me a Killer Bee kit for Christmas! What a gal!!!