Beginner 3D plane

[TOO TALL]

I am looking for some suggestions on what would be a good beginner 3D plane. I have been flying for a couple years now and want to get into something that is more challenging. I appreciate all input and if you have a suggestion I would also like some reasons as to the recommendation. thanks in advance.

[WintrSol]

What size and power system are you thinking about? I have a Value Hobby Sabre X 51, which is of very strong construction, and very light for its 51" wingspan. In that size range, the Edge 540 types are also light. With such low wing-loading, they are very easy to fly and land as a sport aircraft, and you can begin developing your 3D skills. I'm talking about all-wood construction with film covering here, as the foam versions seem to be a lot heavier, so it's harder to reach more than 150W/lb. I don't fly fuel engines, so can't comment on those.

[TOO TALL]

I would like to stay in the 50 inch wingspan to start with, as far as power system I am not sure. I do have 3 and 4 cell planes so I could go either way there. I do like the edge,and extra type airframes the best. but I am looking for some ideas as to what would be best to start off with. I am leading towards balsa planes but I know foam can be easier to repair.

[WintrSol]

The most damage I've had on my Sabre is the landing gear, and one aileron that came loose in flight (that cause the first damage to the landing gear). Some plywood and epoxy fixed the gear. If I had landed as hard with a foamy, the fuse would have been distorted, and repairs, while possible, more difficult. I think one has to fly the way they always do to start, before trying any advanced moves; learn how the air frame handles in your familiar environment, then work in a few test moves. I flew my Sabre for about 2-3 months before I tried more than a brief knife edge or vertical. I've yet to hover it.

[TOO TALL]

thanks for the info ill look into the plane.

[Shirty]

Mate, my two cents for what it's worth. I'm primarily a 3D pilot, got into early years and years ago because like you, I wanted something more challenging. I love it, there's always something to push your skills.

Start with a foamy. It's easy to put a 3D plane into the ground, especially when you are starting to learn 3D and get into a few tricks. For the unitiated it can be easy for some to lose orientation quickly, especially in high energy tumbles, blenders, ke spins etc. Most balsas wont survive a decent crash. Most foamies you can glue it together and be back flying within a few hours. So I'd recommend you start with a foamy until you have a few of the basic tricks sorted and you're comfortable with the much bigger throws. Something around the 48inch size as you mentioned is a great starting point. The best I know of and closest to a balsas 3D performance, are the skywing range of epps. You'll find skywings at best value rc, or wattaplane if in North America.

http://www.bestvaluerc.com/shop/default.asp

http://www.wattaplane.com/shop/default.asp

Hobbyking also have skywing make one for them and re-brand it "hobbyking", its identical except says hobbyking instead of skywing.

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/hobbykingr-tm-edge-540t-epp-light-plywood-3d-aerobatic-airplane-1220mm-arf.html

They come in 38, 48, and 55 inch sizes, there's some vid below of my me and my mates flying them. It'll give you a good idea. The mx is made by future models, also available at best value rc, though I like the skywings a little more personally. Though the mx hovers itself. Super easy to hover that one.

In the 48 size, a nice economical setup with plenty of power for 3D, is to use a turnigy sk3 1000kv, 13x6 apc prop, 40-60amp speedy (the hobbyking plush series are good value, I use em in most of my 3D foamies, though I'll go a castle in my balsas), and this will do a 3s-2200-2600 nicely. 60 amp soeedy, drop the prop to 12x6 and you can go 4s if that's your preference.

As for balsas, you can't go past the extreme flight and 3DHS airframes, though the skywing balsas are just as good in my experience too. (And quite a bit cheaper). In the 48 size, you simply can't beat the extra, this thing does everything well imho. (And I've flown nearly all their 48's).

Extremeflight: http://extremeflightrc.com/Extreme-Flight_c_26.html
3d hobbyshop (which is owned by extreme flight now, they merged a couple of years ago): http://extremeflightrc.com/3D-Hobby-Shop_c_11.html
skywing balsas you'll find at the above mentioned skywing sites, the balsas aren't available at hobbyking.

As for airframes: edges are awesome for low and slow stuff. The straight wing makes high alpha manoeuvres like harriers etc a lot more stable and easy to do. Extras are the great all rounder. They dont excel in any one direction but do everything well. Mx's and slicks are great for high energy stuff, like your tumbles and spins. However, any of these airframes will do the whole range of 3D comfortably, just some are a little better at one area than others. Again, you simply cannot go wrong with extreme flight/3DHS airframes imho.

Anyway, hope it helps. :)

[Shirty]

55.

[Shirty]

Mxs

[Shirty]

This is the 48 EF extra, I LOVE this plane. Comes in red too. The demonstrator 48 edge is also pretty awesome. I have a fair few EF planes, in 48,60, 72,74 sizes, as I said, pick any, you can't pick a bad one for 3D.

[Shirty]

And finally, here's the brand new 52.slick which might suit you too when you're ready for a balsa - just released flown by someone much, much better than me. World champ and team ef pilot Jase dussia. Enjoy. ;)

[Shirty]

That should get you started lol. :)

[WintrSol]

Finally, an experienced 3D pilot adds his knowledge! Interesting that HK says theirs is foam over plywood. Still, great links for some interesting aircraft.

[Shirty]

Whatever way you decide to go, good luck mate. Happy to help if you have any questions.

[TOO TALL]

Hey man thanks for all the good info, I really do appreciate your time. I'll look into these planes, like you said I didn't think balsa was a good place to start but wasn't sure to start with foam planes. Again thanks for the info

[Shirty]

No worries, more than welcome. Here's a pic of my mates and mine lined up for a early morning foamy 3D session. ;)
(I love 3D flying and I'm a maaa instructor so always happy to help if you need any tips, setup, how to do tricks etc). I'm not even close to someone like Jases skill level, but I have fun trying all the same.

[Pauly]

The QQ Extra 300 I believe it is from Flex Innovation's is suppose to be the perfect 3d starter is what some friends of mine have used. I would like to have one myself.

[rifleman_btx]

My old fms p38 could hover with the best lol. I flew that thing like an idiot hahaha!

[mjse]

Hi Shirty,

Can you advise me which plane would be the best 3D beginner I can buy it in Australia? I have
been flying for years but new to 3D world.

Thanks mate.

[OV10]

Hi Shirty,

Can you advise me which plane would be the best 3D beginner I can buy it in Australia? I have
been flying for years but new to 3D world.

Thanks mate.

Sorry to advise but Shirty disappeared from this forum over 13 months ago...……...hope he's alright

[mjse]

Thank you OV10.
👍