Need help deciding.

thehaze · October 23, 2012, 09:02:26 PM

Ok so it's winter build season (or for guys like me winter assembly season) and I'm thinking about my next plane.

For next year I'm looking at getting into IMAC style aerobatics and I need a nice sport plane that won't break the bank and can fly the sequences without getting away from me. Two models have struck me as good choices.

1. The Eflite Extra 300 32e http://www.e-fliterc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFL4125

2. The GP Revolver 46-70 ep http://www.greathobbies.com/productinfo/?prod_id=GPMA1018

All things being equal, the Extra is my current choice (which is saying a lot because my nemesis Mike McConnville designed this plane) however I keep thinking the revolver might also do the trick.

Anyone out there have any experience with either of these models? Pros/ Cons, horror stories?

bfeist · October 23, 2012, 09:27:50 PM

Just to complicate your thought process further, I'd say the revolver is a "sport" plane which makes it probably good for learning maneuvers but it isn't really IMAC or pattern. What about something like the Vanquish? It seems inexpensive compared to the Revolver and is a real pattern ship.

http://www.extremeflightrc.com/html/vanquishmkII.html

bfeist · October 23, 2012, 09:30:38 PM

Geez, and I just looked at that e-flight link. $289 for a 52" airframe?? Why not got for a full 70" extra for $389 http://www.extremeflightrc.com/html/70extra.html

thehaze · October 23, 2012, 09:38:59 PM

The eflite one is $214. And yes there's a premium to buying a eflite plane. But IMHO they build really good airplanes and the parts inventory is easy to access.

Plus those extreme flight planes look like they had a whole bunch of extra covering material laying around and didn't know when to stop.

I did look closely at the 3DHS stuff, but by the time I get the plane shipped to Canada and pay all the fees and such, the price for the eflite plane wasn't that far off.

Ededge2002 · October 23, 2012, 09:53:07 PM

The extreme flight planes are made in the same factory as my Sebart I understand...
Eflite... I'm kind of flat on. There planes fly ok but some of the others fly better. (opinion!)

thehaze · October 23, 2012, 10:03:32 PM

What is the go to imac starter plane?

Ededge2002 · October 24, 2012, 08:09:54 AM

Besides a 25 - 40% carden I have no idea of a favorite.
Lots of planes can do the routine if set up properly. I will do some digging and post my results

imran1042 · October 24, 2012, 08:26:06 AM

I know I don't have as much knowledge about planes then you guys but I was searching today just to see whats new and stuff and i came across some cool planes that you might like and they are not as much money as the other ones.

http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/eratix-3d-25e-arf-EFL4075
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/mini-funtana-x-arf-EFL2425
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/advance-25e-EFL4225

sihinch · October 24, 2012, 08:51:36 AM

Dave D was talkin to me about IMAC planes at the weekend and he said by far the best foamie he has ever flown (that would be great for IMAC practice) is the SkyWing Extra 330. You can get them from www.wattaplane.com for $139 with free shipping. Or from bestvaluerc.com in china.

They are 48" span and run 3S 1800-2200mAh.

I just ordered the MXS and am thinking of the little Edge 39" too! Apparently the hengli motors they sell are great too.

bfeist · October 24, 2012, 10:05:57 AM

Quote from: thehaze on October 23, 2012, 10:03:32 PM
What is the go to imac starter plane?

I asked an IMAC flyer at the Bramalea field (I believe it's his home field but I can't remember his name) last year what the best way to get into that type of flying was and he said the Vanquish was a great place to start.

thehaze · October 24, 2012, 10:33:49 AM

The vanquish is classed as a pattern plane. And a lot of the planes flown as iMac planes are either 3d planes or some sort of hybrid.

I guess what I'm wondering is what's the difference between pattern aerobatics and imac aerobatics? Do they require different setups? My understanding is that a good pattern plane will not do 3d stuff really well, which is fine since I'm not interested in 3d, but I'm just not really sure what qualities I should be looking for.

I do know I'd like something a little larger than a park flyer, a 50" ish wing span, and more than 3lbs auw. I just find that smaller planes get pushed around too much.

Ex14th · October 24, 2012, 10:41:01 AM

Simon was right about Wattsplane's latest offers. Great looking, and I believe they are made out of EPP - indistructable, and one more important thing is, you are supporting a Local Company. Max is the nicest guy you can ever dealt with, operating out of Hamilton, Ontario.

All being equal, nothing beats a 3D Hobby Shop's Slick if you can find one. They have a very good problem, they couldn't keep up with the sales. The quality is excellent, very light but rigid.

Pic shows the Wattplane Extra.

Ededge2002 · October 24, 2012, 05:34:23 PM

far as I know the main diff between IMAC and pattern (F3A) is that imac requires the plane to be scale. there are likely lots of other differences but the planes are required to fly similar manouvers.

Bobmic · November 11, 2012, 06:08:08 PM

Hey Mike,

I found a great plane for you and I am sure you will enjoy it (not sure if you like the price through..

. )

http://www.rccanada.ca/rccforum/showthread.php?t=188923

Dave Dietrich · November 11, 2012, 07:33:36 PM

IMAC or Scale Aerobatics is flown with a scale plane allowing for a 10% deviation from the scale outline of the plane. Meaning that you can change things like flying surface size, hinge lines etc. If you are certain you won't hit the ground with it then a wood plane is a good way to go. If not then you want to consider a foam plane. Easier to fix when chit happens and can handle a little bounce here and there. A bigger plane typically flies better and will handle the wind better but will cost you more for sure. The 3DHS and Extreme Flight stuff are great flying planes built very light but they don't take so well to hitting the ground. The one thing you have to realize is their is no bonus points for flying a poor airframe in IMAC and a good airframe can make a pilot look so much better. There is nothing better than the joy you get out of flying a good plane, if you only shop by price you are missing the big picture. A good flying plane will be the one you will end up pulling out of the car first and can't wait to fly. A plane that tracks well is easier to fly and helps you to learn maneuvers quicker and easier and is worth the extra money.