Spirit Elite ARF

[Jack Rowland]

Anyone flying one yet? Comments?

[Randy G]

Well, earlier this year I was going to buy the Elite ARF but was told the wait time was until April. Instead, I bought an Arthobby.com Boar 2m and am extremely happy with it! From what I have seen flying at the local field, the Elite is a really heavy ship that doesn't want to thermal that good. From what I remember it is 50+ ounces? The arthobby (with extra weight) is just over 20 ounces and thermals like crazy! I am very happy with the plane and highly recommend it !

[tempest411]

You would be a lot happier with a plane by a dedicated sailplane kit manufacturer; the Spirit Elite kit is really terrible, the Elite ARF is an overwieght pig for thermal soaring! I don't know why people buy these when there are a million better choices out there. Dreamcatcher Hobbies sells a short-kit called the Whisper. It would be a much better performing glider. Or, as far as ARF's go, Art Hobbies kits are an excellent value for a very high quality plane as well, just as Randy G commented.

Rick

[DryFly]

We have a new one flying in our informal club up here and I have taken the sticks on it a couple of times. With lightweight gear installed it weighs in at just over 41oz. Fairly chunky for a bird of this class but it does have its plus sides. It is CROW ready and has very good penetration for the rough country (mountainside)sloping we do. Because of its weight it is not too terribly impressive on a calm or limited lift day, but when the wind gets up and grounds us floater flyers or has us fighting to get back (which is often this time of year) the elite can punch through it and keep going.
I suppose you can find as many opinions about a bird as there are variable conditions that are ideal for that make. So I guess it really depends on what you plan to do with it.

[Jack Rowland]

Thanks for the replies, guys. It sounds like this would not be the best choice for a 2M, full house for Michigan flatland thermal flying. Sounds like time to revisit the Omega 2M or one of the Art Hobby ships.