Best first EDF suggestions?

[Tarasdad]

I've been wanting to add an EDF to my hangar but just don't know what to choose. I really love warbirds as opposed to sport planes. I also prefer non-vectoring jets (unless said jet has thrust vectoring IRL). I just don't know what size would make for a good entry into the category.

One thing I do know is that it needs to be something that can handle wind pretty well. Where I live (Southern California's Mojave Desert) our flying times are dictated more by the wind than by the clock. This time of year we rarely have total calm conditions so flying with at least a light breeze is required if you want to fly at all. Past experience tells me that larger planes fly better in the wind, but is that true of a foam EDF?

Experience-wise I have been flying RC for a long, long time (with breaks). I still have my first radio, a Futaba Conquest 6-NLK bought in 1987 from Larry's Hobbies in Spring, Texas. I still fly the glow engines I have from the same era. I tend to like bigger planes (60" and up) for their handling characteristics and because I can see them more easily, a not-so-minor concern these days - my eyesight isn't getting better as I get older, dang it! I've flown both high- and low-wing models, primarily tricycle gear although I do also have a few taildraggers.

Thanks in advance for any input!

[Rocketeer]

RE: Best first EDF suggestions?

Greetings,


Look into the Zeta Dolphin at Atomik RC.

-(cht)_54280988915&utm_source=gg&utm_medium=cpc&utm _term=_&utm_content=11_main&utm_campaign=[pla]-(cht)&ref=DF4rcI_udU6GfakKSQwtHg&kpid=1387374]https://11main.com/atomikrc/zeta-dolphin-jet-4ch-pnp-55mm-edf-rc-airplane/p/1387374?ref=DF4rcI_udU6GfakKSQwtHg&kpid=1387374&ci d=cse_gg_crafts-hobbies-&-toys__[pla]-(cht)_54280988915&utm_source=gg&utm_medium=cpc&utm _term=_&utm_content=11_main&utm_campaign=[pla]-(cht)&ref=DF4rcI_udU6GfakKSQwtHg&kpid=1387374

It is an awesome plane for getting into EDFs at the right price.

Bill L.
in Okla.

[Pheonix]

RE: Best first EDF suggestions?

Well, there are a couple of ways you can go depending on your price range: The 90mm EDF's are larger and therefore easy to see. However, they will run you 300 to 400 dollars. The Taft hobby viper jet is a high speed trainer. I have two and they fly very well and landings are a breeze with full flaps. Next is the 64-80mm jets. These will cost less are very good flyers. I happen to like the 64mm A-10 by Freewing. It is easy to fly and take off and landing are very good for a 64mm plane. I too live in Southern Cal and the wind is a problem this time of year where I am. I fly my Viper jets and the Freewing ME262. All handle the wind very well. Hope this helps some.

[yorkiepap]

RE: Best first EDF suggestions?

When my fascination for an EDF became a hunger, I watched many videos on YouTube to get an idea of the various flight envelopes each type presented. Weaning into EDF's can be easy & enjoyable to uncontrollable & destruction. When I saw a video from Tony on NP(where I got my Neptune) illustrating the great flight characteristics with wind, power, & stability, I was impressed. After some mods as recommended on several forums & YouTube with the ESC positioning & servo pushrod protection for grass landings, I was ready for maiden. I had a fellow club member experienced with EDF's do the maiden & set the trim which only took 2 clicks to allow straight & level flight at 1/2 throttle & had set DR/Expo at 100% at Pos1 & 75/20 at Pos2. It flew perfectly at 100% as indicated by my buddy at the field & he was impressed at the superb flight characteristics of the NP Neptune(or HK's Sonic64). Hand launch at 2/3 throttle into the wind was quite easy & no problems. It also does glide quite nicely w/power off to extend flight times once at higher altitudes. At our club's Schneider Speed Runs, my Neptune did a consistent 93+MPH at full throttle......fast enough for me.

This would be an excellent "EDF Weaner" to grasp the "feel" of EDF's with a nice size, low price, & good quality. Here's some pics & links to do some evaluation. Definitely worth considering.

Denny

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__36711__Sonic_64_EDF_Wing_EPO_1230mm_PNF_US_Wareh ouse_.html

http://www.nitroplanes.com/02a-101-neptune-epo-blue-arf.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G25K-6Pc750

[dahawk]

RE: Best first EDF suggestions?

My first edf was the Phase 3 F-16 from Hobby People. Still, one of he easiest planes to fly. Cheap but beer cooler foam. Can sometimes find it on sale for $50.00.

After that I acquired several small Skyangel 50mm which are cheap fun but hard to see. Then came a few 64mm, the two best being the Freewing F9F Panther( Easy flyer) and the Stinger 64 High speed version( can be a handful) . Moved up to 70mm world with the Unique Models T-50 (nice but tricky), FMS F4 Phantom II ( needed mods), Phase 3 Squall ( a real dog)

Had the new 80mm A6 which was a hoot. Crashed due to Spektrum DX9 problem( long story) Great plane though and intend to buy the F5N when it arrives. Also plan to buy the Dynam Turbojet twin 64mm(Cessna Citation II) .

My ultimate dream plane is the Freewing Stinger 90. Saving up for that one.

The bigger they get the easier they are to fly IMO.

All in all, you can't go wrong with Freewing !

Good luck !

[Hippie 64]

RE: Best first EDF suggestions?

Hey guys , Starcop I agree that's a great plane but to jump into a EDF for a first time $400 plane is a lot for never flying one . It's a great built plane like all Freewing products are . Wouldn't a Dynam Turbo Jet probably be a better step for a first one ? Price point is much better so when something happens it's not such a hit before getting some experience.
I don't mean to step on any toes guess I'm thinking more along the price on a first jet that has higher odds of a situation happening .




Bryan

[Joel224]

RE: Best first EDF suggestions?

I'd suggest a considering a delta wing jet as a first EDF.  There's something great about that design that allows high speed but also an amazing floatiness.  I started with a FMS Mirage 4000 (out of production), and I belly land it almost at a stand still.  Hard to do that with other wing types.  That floatiness makes things a lot easier when learning on an EDF.  Motion has the 64mm FMS Rafale; not very expensive, 3S, and from all I can tell a very cool plane.

[Tom]

RE: Best first EDF suggestions?

I'll weigh in on this one. I'd highly recommend the Freewing F9F as a first jet. Why? First, it does not have the typical small wing span or very swept back wings on a typical jet. It is must more "floaty" then a typical jet. You can easily glide for 100 yards with the proper CG which makes it very easy to get your bearings with jets. However, it is still an EDF so you can learn the characteristics of a typical jet (i.e. - no propwash). Additionally, it is cheap and easy to repair. Yes, you will crash you first jet - I guarantee it. If you really want to lean to fly jets well, you have to push yourself a bit and you will not feel bad when you have to glue the nose back on your $sub $100 jet. It is small enough to throw in the back seat yet large enough to handle some wind. Turn up the rates and move the clevis in when you get up to speed and the roll rate is absolutely amazing. While it is not overly fast, there is enough power to do loops, rolls, and immelmann turns with relative ease. http://www.motionrc.com/freewing-f9f-panther-64mm-edf-jet-pnp/

I'd also look at the E-Flite UMX Habu S. Yes, it is small but you have the benefit of AS3X and SAFE which will help you get out of a jam. http://www.motionrc.com/e-flite-umx-habu-s-df180-with-as3x-28mm-edf-jet-bnf/

All that said, you can always put a gyro in any jet and flip it on if you are in trouble. What you would ideally want for your first jet is "Auto Balance" mode. You can start with higher gain and progressively lower the gain on the gyro. Eventually, you can turn it completely off while flying and only use it for takeoff and landing (or not at all). Complete selection can be found here: http://www.motionrc.com/gyros-and-flight-stabilizers/

[ryramZ]

RE: Best first EDF suggestions?

I've been wanting to add an EDF to my hangar but just don't know what to choose. I really love warbirds as opposed to sport planes. I also prefer non-vectoring jets (unless said jet has thrust vectoring IRL). I just don't know what size would make for a good entry into the category.

One thing I do know is that it needs to be something that can handle wind pretty well. Where I live (Southern California's Mojave Desert) our flying times are dictated more by the wind than by the clock. This time of year we rarely have total calm conditions so flying with at least a light breeze is required if you want to fly at all. Past experience tells me that larger planes fly better in the wind, but is that true of a foam EDF?

Experience-wise I have been flying RC for a long, long time (with breaks). I still have my first radio, a Futaba Conquest 6-NLK bought in 1987 from Larry's Hobbies in Spring, Texas. I still fly the glow engines I have from the same era. I tend to like bigger planes (60" and up) for their handling characteristics and because I can see them more easily, a not-so-minor concern these days - my eyesight isn't getting better as I get older, dang it! I've flown both high- and low-wing models, primarily tricycle gear although I do also have a few taildraggers.

Thanks in advance for any input!

Lot of good advice here to digest for sure. I like to know what kind of surface you fly from. It sounds like you have plenty of other flying experience so that's good. Also I like to know what jets you are liking or hope to be eventually flying after you cut your teeth with your first edf's. It helps a great deal to know what someones edf aspirations are. A guy who wants to stick with the 3s 2200's he already has gets different advice than the fellow who is maybe coming from a hangar full of 4s or 6s birds.

Without knowing those few things I'm left with a few generic comebacks to your quandry.

Freewing Rebel V2 4 cell 3000 and 2500 fit perfect, great flight time, easy to see, retracts and flaps 200.00
Freewing F22 flies great, comes in 3s or 4s, easy to fly and land depending on surface. Under 200
The Panther is a great flyer so is the mini Freewing F86 for bellylanders. Optional landing gear kits are available for the Panther and the Stinger 64's
The A 10 definitely has a warbird feel, 4 cell system retracts and I think flaps. No swept wing so should slow down well. Again, depends on surface.
So many good choices.
I've had a blast with these edf's ranging from 3s to 6s some with rudder some without.
Any questions let us know. Great guys at Hobbysquawk!

[Hippie 64]

RE: Best first EDF suggestions?

Hey Matt I just got that one last week! What a beauty. I'm waiting on the weather here . I watched your video I'm guessing a easy 10 times . I take off on a running track and land on the soccer practice field that is maintained very well and low . I watched yours for the grass landings . Thanks for your videos, I'm a subscriber so I get notifications when you add . 
Hurry I'm hungry for more to watch !! LOL 



Bryan 

[jlk69]

RE: Best first EDF suggestions?

Well as I am still a relatively new EDF pilot I can offer what my first EDF was. The Durafly Vampire. Very inexpensive, is a warbird and has a great wing that makes it glide like a glider. Big enough to see and a hoot to fly for even the relatively new pilot. Plus parts are dirt cheap and plane can easily be upgraded with inexpensive EDF/motor and upgraded ESC to produce a very fun plane. After the Vampire I went smaller and picked up the UMX Mig-15 and found a great deal on the Great Planes Micro F-86 which I put a Lemon stabilized Rx in to tame it's manners in the wind.
Just bought a Freewing F-86 through RCGroups that is still NIB for my next adventure! Should arrive in a week.
Good luck with what ever plane you choose and enjoy the whoosh.
Jon

[ryramZ]

RE: Best first EDF suggestions?

Hey Matt I just got that one last week! What a beauty. I'm waiting on the weather here . I watched your video I'm guessing a easy 10 times . I take off on a running track and land on the soccer practice field that is maintained very well and low . I watched yours for the grass landings . Thanks for your videos, I'm a subscriber so I get notifications when you add . 
Hurry I'm hungry for more to watch !! LOL 



Bryan 

I saw his last one yesterday. Mirage 2000 Psycho style. That bird is slippery.....

Bryan, watch his Cessna 182 vid it's awesome! :D

[Hippie 64]

RE: Best first EDF suggestions?

I watched the Mirage that's a monster if your not on your toes !!!

Matt my wife will only film if she is really close to me . Says she can run behind me so as not to get hit LOLOLOL
That Sky Trainer is a good looking bird btw

Bryan

[Jim Talley]

RE: Best first EDF suggestions?

My first edf was the RocHobby F-16. Had almost 200 flights on it before I finally screwed up. Quick, stable, lands slow, with a little headwind can really high alpha.


Jim

[Ricka1]

RE: Best first EDF suggestions?

My first EDF was a 64mm A-10. It was very easy to fly- fast or slow, and I feel was the perfect first EDF for me.
I'm reentering the hobby after a short break and plan to start again w/ the Freewing Stinger 64mm

Rick

[Cudaguy]

RE: Best first EDF suggestions?

My first was the Freewing Rebel 70. Flies great, like its on rails and will float in for landing. also has flaps and retracts for 199$. I have about 40+ flights on mine now and it goes with me every time I fly.

[Randol]

RE: Best first EDF suggestions?

My first EDF jet was a stinger 64 3S. After a bit of a learning curve and crashes, all is well. Couldn't argue with the price, and motion's excellent product support in terms of parts.

[Rocketeer]

RE: Best first EDF suggestions?

Greetings,

It has been a long time since I first responded to this query.
I've noticed that the originator never posted again so we'll never know which way he elected to go.

That being said, I have had time and opportunities to investigate additional EDFs.

While I still would highly recommend the Zeta Dolphin as a first EDF flier, in hind sight I think I would also recommend the Freewing 64mm A-10 or the very similar flight characteristics of the Dynam Turbo Jet.

Both are very docile and predictable in the air, both are dual 64mm EDF and both take off and land almost autonomously.

Clear Skies

Bill L.
In Okla.

[Pheonix]

RE: Best first EDF suggestions?

I have the Freewing A-10 and it a very good first EDF. No bad tendencies as far as I know reported.

[urrl]

RE: Best first EDF suggestions?

My friend Harry bought a used F-86 from his pal Doug and he had no problems flying his first time jet. The F-86 is what I would chose if I were a first time jet buyer because it's up to date, easy to fly, not too fast and it's a Freewing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zcyfab_Cfs