Flatlandmike, you took the words out of my mouth. I was talking about the price difference between 28% and 33%. THe 35% planes often add quite a bit more to the cost, and jumping to 40% can easily double the cost.

Many places sell the 5955TG for around $91-$95, and less with volume discounts. This is literally a few bucks more than the 5945. The servo is a MONSTER, and very few planes smaller than 3m/120" need two per aileron.

The ZDZ80 is thought to be "weak" when people try to use a poorly-designed, restrictive exhaust system. My 7 year-old and 4 year-old zdz80RV engines consistently turn any 26" prop within 250-300 rpm of my Dad's and Brother's DA100s. Granted, the DA has greater torque through the midrange and is more like a 4-stroke YS engine, but it also weighs 2# more.

My 7 year-old Hangar 9 Extra weighs 22# 3oz, uses one JR 8411 per control surface with the big Hitec quarter-scale 5745mg on rudder. It absolutely floats like a butterfly and has tremendous punch. I guess more power on the ailerons may help, but I never have any problems. I like to fly fast and smooth, with fast point rolls, etc. I contend this requires more servo torque than slow 3D flight.

I guess the bottom line is, don't tell your wife how much these planes cost...

Also, I think the bigger planes are much easier to fly, but the smaller planes are less "intimidating" to fly. I am less concerned about breaking a 28% plane, while I know I can destroy the bigger planes in flight if I am not careful enough.

...And, to get myself back on topic...

I just bought a 30% plane from "another manufacturer". I regret doing this, and wish I bought the Wild Hare 28% Extra, or waited for the 50cc Sukhoi. I own one of the first Giles 202's and think Tom does a great job designing these planes.

Cheers,

Brett

you know i never put it all together, the price of the 28%er the way i build them. I put the 5955 on all the sufaces and use a 4800 li-on battery with ti turnbuckles 3 switches 3 regs etc etc . all the same gear i would use on a normal sized 80 cc plane. Well at the end of last season a person at my field wanted to buy my plane rtf and i told him i would only sell the plane to him for what it would cost me to build another of the same. I wish he never asked me to count it up because i found that every bit i used to make my WH 50cc extra ended up 2.2 k. when he found out the cost he decided not to get it and who can blame him since there are plenty 50cc planes here frm 1300 to 1600 with adequate servos and other parts. He doesnt throw down on a 3d plane like i do so all the goods i would use would be over kill for him.

Not sure what it is I assumed. On the 33% WH planes I referenced, you need two aileron servos not because of torque requirements but because of flex in the aileron. In their stock condition, they are no where near stiff enough to go with only one servo.

As far as the old style ZDZ80, I've flown a couple 33% planes set up with cannisters. They weigh 23 lbs and 23.5 lbs. It didn't seem like they have any more power than my WH 260 with a 3W80, which isn't overly impressive in the power department.

Either way, best of luck with the 33%er you mentioned.

Dan

the one i flew and other i have flown were using side dump mufflers and pitts muffler the last one was the side dump variety running a nx 26/ 8 and had straight up lines for ever power from a hover start.

Both my 35's can smoke your 33's[8D] I'm sure there's just got to be a 40% person out there ready to chime in

By the way im not trying to say one 33%er is better than the other just that they can be had for about the same price, and still be dam good performers.

My first gas giant was a 33% Godfrey Extra 230 with a 4.4 Precision Eagle. It was a very good plane until it was put away for other toys. It wasn't designed for 3D but it was still alot of fun. Newer 33% planes are far better than that old 230. A lot lighter, too.

I'd love to but mine is not finished just yet

Sure hate to sell off any of the 4 50cc'ers I have hehehehe, but I guess I might have to think about it LoL.
But man I could build #5 50cc and half again # 6 hehehehe. Oh well I will make a decision one way or another hehehehe.

I did my first two 28% Hares for abougt $1,790.00. There's just no possible way for me to contemplate doing a 33% and up for that. All the engine prices have gone up since then as well as servos. The only thing that's become less expensive is the batteries. I started with Duralites and later went to Fromeco. That saved some bucks.

Sure had and am having a lotta fun in the process though

I can see where you guys are coming from I just bought my first gasser a WH 28%extra 300 I wanted the 33 % but looked at the cost diffrence.
I couldn't swing the 33% right now. I am almost done building and I am up to 1.8K already. I am not complaining. This is an expensive hobby and I know that.
but if I am spending $430 for a plane and $600 for an engine I am sorry but I will not cheap out on other options. It dosn't make sense to.Maybe in the near future I will get a 33 or 40%er
but for now I am happy with the 28%.

You have THE RIGHT attitude. Do it right, don't do it cheap. It pays off big time!

I dont build mine cheap I dont think LoL, just dont go into extremes when buying goodies. For example I have my 28% WH Extra outfitted with a MVVS 45, Hitec 5945's & a 5955 (rudder), LiIon packs, Smart-Fly regs, etc. These things are all good and not skimping on any area, just not quite up for the task of a 35% bird.
I think using the 5945's would be a bit on the low end for ailerons and elevator for a 35% bird, whereas 5955's would be a better choice, of course I have not flown one and maybe I am wrong. Maybe I would be just fine with the 5945's, any comments here are welcome. Engine choice is certainly a place to spend or save money with a 35%er, dont think a ZDZ 80 single is going to do well on a 35% bird, again comments welcome.

Thats my thinking as well..If you can build a 35% plane with all top notch gear then do it..I know I can't so I have 2 50cc planes with top shelf gear and love every minute flying them!

I've flown Tom's 28% planes for the last 3 years now. I stepped up to the 33% size last August and couldn't believe how much better they fly.....It's very noticeable how much more stable they are....Once you fly one, it's tough to enjoy the 28%. [X(] I still fly the 28%, but I keep it for a back up plane.....The 33% stuff flies fine with the $600 3w80Xi, and I'm running 5945's on the ailerons, and 5955TG's on the elevators and rudder... Compared to 28%, you have 2 extra servos, the cost of the kit (ARF), and a bigger prop. That's it. 3W80xi is $600, same as any other name brand 50-60 cc power plant... I won't be setting up anymore 28%er's .