FMS 80MM Dassault Rafale

[starcop]

Looks like fms coming out with a new 80mm Rafale


https://youtu.be/qpHvha4RoCY

I'm not a big fan of FMS, now that Freewing is building better quality models. I know, Alpha will school people when it comes to building a great RC aircraft! It's nice to know you have a guy that puts his heart and soul into these products. Then, he shares them with people with open arms. Hard to find a true Hobby guy at heart. Super Job you've always done for Us RC guys Alpha. I'm sure you will be a Legend in this industry. Keep me informed Buddy! Love the work you do. Matt

[xviper]

Who do you want to see reviews from? Other than owners in SE Asia and maybe a couple of early arrivals in Europe, nobody has this plane yet. Most private reviews and videos come from N. American owners and only RC Informer and Bajora has (had) one and I don't consider those guys as "private". They also likely didn't get the typical production copies that the rest of us will get. I believe those have the Reflex installed. Plus, sometimes after those guys review them, the manufacturer incorporates some tweaks to the production versions. (eg. FMS 1700 Corsair that was released a few weeks ago.)
Like I said to dahawk, cancel or keep the order, it's really doesn't matter. There'll be plenty left over after they arrive and Horizon has shipped all their pre-orders out. Same goes for if you're in UK or Europe.

[Captain Moron]

Was going to buy the Rafale but not so sure now .There are no reviews of the Rafale on the Media (OK a few from China but that is it )and I am always worried by silence

[xviper]

There is not a lot of info on the Rafale coming out. Even RC Informer is quite. To me that tell me a lot 🤔

If he crashed it, he may be quiet for a while.

[Captain Moron]

There is not a lot of info on the Rafale coming out. Even RC Informer is quite. To me that tell me a lot 🤔

[dahawk]

I went ahead and cancelled. Just not enough info flowing about this plane and a complete lack of enthusiasm coming from HH. A 7.2 lb 80mm with a few 2:30 min demo flights. Hung in there as long as I could hoping it would be something it's never gonna be. I'll wait and see how it turns out. I wish it well.

Not in a dire need of a new plane though I like to start the season off with something new. Have many of the Freewing 80's and a few 90's. I'll probably buy a Mirage V2. Simple , straight forward. Fast

[Evan D]

+100000 %!!!

[dahawk]

Your photography is always amazing.

[Bajora]

Model Aviation Magazine is trying something a little new and has released a digital “First Look” at this model. A more through review will still appear in in the magazine in an upcoming issue. A video is also embedded in the linked article below.

[Bajora]

I just wish these professional reviewers (a) told us up front whether they accept stuff from the manufacturers/distributors, (b) actually had some verifiable credentials other than having a YT channel (c) could speak in complete sentences without saying "you guys" every few seconds.

"Professional reviewer"?!



Pretty sure there is no such thing. At least IMO.

[dahawk]

Kallend +1 Amen. Unbox, Whoopdee doo. 8 screws. Next ? Took over three hours on YT. On the livery, at first, I too was really turned off by it. It's grown on me and with my aging eyes, the yellow is a good thing.

[kallend]

True, you're right. He does do a lot of planes justice with fixes and fully wringing out some planes. He does a great job. And motionrc does as well.

I just wish these professional reviewers (a) told us up front whether they accept stuff from the manufacturers/distributors, (b) actually had some verifiable credentials other than having a YT channel (c) could speak in complete sentences without saying "you guys" every few seconds.

[Captain Moron]

Well said Flanker. The colour scheme on the Rafale put me off buying it. Yes I know the paint scheme is from an actual Rafale but I like it to look like a front line fighter. I expect there others that love it.Be interesting to know how many other people have been put off my the Rafale paint scheme?

[Flanker271]

I just wish manufactures would stop putting these fantasy paint on military jets. When I buy a warbird I want it to look like a frontline fighter with a paint scheme that replicates an actual Air Force. At least, give us a base grey version so we can paint and customize.

[dahawk]

Jon has flown and reviewed a lot of edfs over the years from 50mm on up. I trust his opinion. He gives us the straight skinny.

Of course,with everything, there are trade-offs and compromises. We all want this new Rafale to check off all the boxes: Quality, flyability, ease of assembly, looks, speed, durability, flight time, vertical, value for price paid,etc. I'm sure there are a few things that will be lacking for some. Happens with all of them.

I guess you have ask yourself what the " must haves" are for you. No one likes unwanted surprises. That's what makes a buying decision difficult in a pre-order situation. It's a crap shoot.

I'm willing to gamble that the Rafale has far more plusses than minusses. FMS has done a good job in the Edf category in the last few years.

[SanExup]

True, you're right. He does do a lot of planes justice with fixes and fully wringing out some planes. He does a great job. And motionrc does as well.

[Bajora]

He didn't say holy smokes enough. Perhaps the flight time was so short he only got a few in.

I actually wish the "reviewers" would do a fourth or fifth flight review. Where we.can see the strengths and weaknesses of the given plane. Instead of the initial unveiling maiden flight of a new product to showcase.

It's like the written reviews of planes that say, "this plane is the best plane I've ever owned, I can't wait to take it fully out of the box fly it for the first time."

Uh, fly it for a day, then tell us what you think...

To his credit, it seems to me like he usually does do more than just a quick two minute flight with a new model? E.G.the new V3 big FMS Corsair ... he videoed multiple flights and then swapped out the motor and prop, etc. I am sure he will have more flights and more to say about the Rafale. He is just trying to give a little attention to each of a lot of different products that have come flooding his way.

[SanExup]

He didn't say holy smokes enough. Perhaps the flight time was so short he only got a few in.

I actually wish the "reviewers" would do a fourth or fifth flight review. Where we.can see the strengths and weaknesses of the given plane. Instead of the initial unveiling maiden flight of a new product to showcase.

It's like the written reviews of planes that say, "this plane is the best plane I've ever owned, I can't wait to take it fully out of the box fly it for the first time."

Uh, fly it for a day, then tell us what you think...

[AirHead]

EXACTLY.

There are several individuals who post supposedly impartial reviews but we know perfectly well that they are infomercials. We saw a lot of those for the MiG29 early on, then they stopped coming when the MiGs started crashing. Another hint that you're watching an infomercial is that they are always pushing the viewer to click on a link or subscribe to their YT channel.

EXACTLY! It's a marketing free for all. He's basically the Howard Stern of RC. Many failing radio stations used Howard to attract listeners and inject life into their dying market. Kind of a "shill" for the marketers and distributors out there in the hobby marketplace. They need to lure us and sell us "the new girl in town". Unfortunately, many of these products are faulty; possibly by design and then the price goes up and you end up with a wanker of an airplane....That ain't know ripper of a party mate....It's a Doovalacky....

[Captain Moron]

Exatly XVIPER