Nice Maiden and you seemed very comfortable with the Tron 7. I really enjoy seeing your maidens on the Extreme Flight Extra 300 V2, PA Katana 52 and now the Extreme Flight 78" Edge 540 and how much you enjoy increasing your knowledge and ability with the planes. I know you said you were pairing down some of your other planes, would be hard to part with some of your other great planes.
Thanks for the comment. Yes--always trying to learn something new. That's one of the great things about the hobby--always somewhere to improve. Regarding the fleet reduction: That mostly applies to planes I don't fly anymore. The PA and EF stuff wouldn't be included on that list.
Great video but YIKES! The geometry on the Edge's elevator is completely wrong. Somebody was having an off day. The elevator horn should probably be straight down, or the servo arm and elevator arm make a combination that adds up to 90°. NOT whatever that mess is. Is that how it was in the manual? I'd not only be concerned about it locking out, but also introducing differential throw.
There isn't a manual for the 78". The 60" and 85" both have the elevator in a different position. The elevator servo openings are there out of box and they recommend 1.5" arms. The hardware comes bagged together with links/horns/rods. So there is really only one way to put it together. There are no real options. Someone else left this comment: "Also the geometry on the elevator is a none issue. Air pressure will always pull it away vs cam locking when pushing by hand. Two totally different pressures."
I am so glad I subscribed to your channel as I seem to be following a similar path as you trying out different aerobatic planes from pattern to aerobatic and wondering which ones to invest in like your 50,60, 70 and 80 inch series planes you have reviewed. I have MANY FOAM PNP planes that are EASY to build and get into the air flying. I know I have my work cut out for me getting into these different BALSA ARFs like yours. I have a question - after building and then flying these LARGER BALSA ARFs do you enjoy flying these BIGGER planes more than your smaller FOAM or BALSA planes AND do you think you will eventually have JUST, or MOSTLY these BIGGER planes in your hangar? Also for a PRICE vs FLYABILITY factor, what size category, 50 thru 80 inch, would you recommend I invest in as a "middle of the road" plane? Thank you John as I value your opinion, greatly
Now this is a good question: Right now, I thoroughly enjoy flying the 60" EF/SW planes: Laser, Gamebird, Edge540. They are small enough to transport and handle easily, but big enough to have a good presence in the sky and they are extremely capable. More affordable from the start, and easier to replace if you have an unintended landing. The bigger planes: 73", 78", 85" are spectacular looking on the ground and in the sky, but they are more work. They're heavier. They use 3 batteries (1 rx pack to power servos/rx, and 2x6s in series for the flight pack). So you're charging quite a bit and it just takes more "pit time" to get them ready to fly. The motors/servos/props, and ESCs are a little pricey too. Then, you have the realization you just lofted $1500-$2500 in the sky using consumer grade electronics and the anxiety sets in. Once you get over that little anxiety, you'll realize just how nice the big planes fly. They're very stable, easily visible, unimpressed with wind, and they tend to be show stoppers at the field. As for middle of the road: Skywing has a few 67" options which are very compelling. Single battery, no freight fees, and really starting to push into that bigger plane space without the expense. I've also been very fond of my 73" Slick. That one, honestly, is squarely in the big plane category--dual batteries, spendy components, BUT, it is a little easier to handle than the 78's and 85's. If I were starting from scratch today, I would probably get my feet wet with a nice 60". I LOVE my ExtremeFlight Laser v3 60" and I like the Skywing Edge540 Yellow/Grey 60" too--but really, they're all very good. Once you've played with the 60" class planes you can make a choice about moving up, or trying others in the class. There is a school of thought that says buy the biggest thing you can afford to crash. There is merit in the concept as you'll probably wind up "buying up" anyway. One thing you'll learn immediately when you start flying EF/SW planes: They all fly really well and will spoil you. Just get yourself a nice set of low rates. Take your time with the build. Favor book CG to start and you'll be rewarded with a very nice flying plane. Hope that helps. This is the best question of the year so far. J
@@RCVideoReviews John - Thank you SO much for your reply. It will help me, and other RC pilots, I have been sharing your RU-vid channel with. I will start working on researching the suggestions you made and try to make an educated decision of what plane(s) you mentioned in your response. Keep up the good work as you are an asset to the hobby🙏👍🙂
I have that same 40CC motor on my 78" Pilot Extra NG. I have about 20 flights on it without issues. I run 12S 4000's and wish I had bought 4500's. I have 5000's but it feels heavy to me.
It balanced perfectly with the batteries in the middle of the tray. On the 2nd flight I saw 3.85 after rest and I clocked 7m of flight time exactly. I'm glad the SS worked out. It was definitely a more economical option--by a stretch.
Nice little plane. EF makes the best. On the elevator, they make quick disconnect links for models set up like this. Also the geometry on the elevator is a none issue. Air pressure will always pull it away vs cam locking when pushing by hand. Two totally different pressures.
I'm surprised they don't mention quick disconnect links on the website. I'm not sure I'm willing to test that theory on air pressure--at least not on this plane.
Wow! That plane is huge. Nice maiden flight John. I believe I could fly that easily. Nice work on the build also. Beautiful airplane. Keep up the good work. Oh, nice helicopter skills.
I need to start trimming my planes like you always do and you give a good explanation of what you do! I've been watching your videos since I started flying again a few years ago! I took a layoff of flying for about 20 years but then everything was glow powered and I still have a few of those from way back!!
I've worked this process out over at least 200 maidens and I have a very high success rate on maidens barring mechanical failure. I think it works well.
Gorgeous plane! I can't justify spending that much on a plane that will never see a runway. Mendocino coast in CA...tall grass and hand chucking is the best I get.
@@RCVideoReviews Thanks for the reply! Would you prefer gas for longer flight times? I fly the 60 size of that, and I find that 7 to 8 minutes is just when I am getting warmed up. But I really don't like the sound of gas or the way a gas engine will destroy the plane structure and servos over time.
@@RCVideoReviews Yes big built up or composite models are fantastic the bigger they are the better they fly the less susceptible to the wind they are I like them Plus I think it's better to have 2 or 3 big good airplanes then a bunch a little OK ones but that's just me
