Vision & Espada R feedback

[Hoot]

I have read all of the posts in the "Which would you buy"thread. Most of the posts are about the Shadow and a few about the Experience Pro.

I bought a Vision V tail but haven't flown it yet. I bought it because the price was right, nobody has one in my club and I read good things about it in Europe. Anybody have any experience with it here in the US?

I would also like to have some feedback on the Espada R. The Espada appears to have two wing panels instead of the three piece wings of most composites. Should the leverage from those long wing panels when you have to dump the plane to make a landing be a concern?
Thanks !

[cody303]

The Espada R is an awesome plane. It is very slippery but once you get used to it, it does just about every thing you can ask of it. It really excels in the wind and does great in average conditions its only down fall is in very weak or no lift conditions it doesn't hang as well as a Supra, or its big bother a Espada RL. Strength is not an issue with it I've hit mine into the ground so hard I was surprised it didn't break. Jaro is the best builder out there and he builds his planes light and strong. There where 2 of them in the top 10 at the World Soaring Masters one of which placed 3rd, so it has proven itself in contest conditions.

I don't have any experience with the Vision but another plane you may want to consider is the Espada RL. It flies like a more forgiving R and will out hang just about anything out there. Let me know what else you want to know about the Espada's

Cody

[dhauch]

i've also have alot of time on a Espada R.

Other then what Cody pointed out, which i agree on, i've never owned a plane that i can spot land so consistently then the Espada.

Also, love all the ballast it will carry, which for this skinny of a fuse thats amazing. There big slugs and real easy to use.

I have a real pet-peeve on fit & function, and this plane is one of the best i've seen.

It's one fun plane to fly

dh

[mlee8249]

Having watched the Espada since Joe Newcomb whipped one out in February at Phoenix, I can say there is no lie behind what Cody and David say. The one thing they did not say was that this thing launches to the moon!!! Incredible ping from the launch, which will get you on equal ground with any floater that tries the hang time game against you. With the altitude gain you get, you can paste the floaters. If it were not for the opportunity to get the Shadow, I would have purchased the Espada RL. No lie. I may still get one, other than my curiosity of the Vision Plus cross tail. But, I consider the Espada one of the new generation of sailplane models that are designed for all-weather capability. This group also includes the Pike Perfect, Sharon Pro, Vision, Victor, Shadow and Experience Pro.

Just when you thought the playing field got level, someone stepped up the level again.

Mike Lee

[tknuutti]

I'll second Mike's comments on the Espada R launch, it tows way fast and zooms really good.

Cody;
How does the big Espada RL handle tight circling with just the center-dihedral? nimble enough? It probably ranges out really good with the thin airfoil?
It's amazing that Jaro can squeeze that monster under 2kg RTF.

Lots of cool new planes in this 'supersized' class; Espada RL, Shadow, Perfect, Aspire 3.7m from Pazderka and the bigger Vision+ 3.55m.
The good old Sharon Pro of course still flies good. And rumours are there'll be an updated airfoil for it soon.

Guess I better go buy more lottery tickets :)

[cody303]

I do most of my flying off a very short high start, so catching a small light thermal close to the ground is very important and the Espada does that amazingly if you add a little bit of rudder. It ranges out good and does not get stuck in sink like some of the lighter models. People usually expect the roll rate to be sluggish because of the 3.7 meter wing but are very surprised how reactive it is when they fly it. Its really amazing what Jaro can do you really don't expect a 3.7 meter plane to be 68 ounces, and still hold up to strong launches.

Cody

[Chipwillis]

I saw two guys at the Fall Round up flying Espada R's.

All I can say is the Espada Wing Planform is a thing of beauty.

I love pretty planes and it was so pretty, I was questioning my purchase of a Supra ( not so pretty ).

I may have to get one next year! That, or a Pike Perfect! too many toys, not enough money!

chip

[davidjensen]

I think the Supra is the best looking plane out there. It's got NICE LINES. I just got my servo frames so I can start on the wing of the Experience Pro X. I finished the servo tray, ballast tube block and connected the tail control rods to the servos.

[Chipwillis]

I think the Supra is the best looking plane out there. It's got NICE LINES. I just got my servo frames so I can start on the wing of the Experience Pro X. I finished the servo tray, ballast tube block and connected the tail control rods to the servos.

So you think a Mantis is pretty too?

heheh...

I have a Supra and The wing is a thing of beauty for sure. I really like how the Pikes Look and the Espada as what I consider pretty.

I am glad there are plenty of options but as always wish there were more. Cheaper prices would be good too, but hey, I am definatly day dreaming.

[OVSS Boss]

For those who have not seen an RL, it has monster dihedral. I fingered one flight of Rich B's and it flew like a very clean Insanity, which works for me.

Marc

[dahld]

One of the great things about this hobby, is all the hype that we get to discuss about new models that hit the market. It's great, and I love it! However, I'll offer a slight reality check about what a new sailplane can and cannot do for you: I am a member of the Visalia club, and have worked the winches (7-8 hours per day) for the past few years at the Fall Festivals. In that capacity, I've watched literally (that means no B.S.) thousands of launches, the spectrum ranging from new guys with new airplanes, to old heads with old airplanes. My observations have taught me that launch height is more closely related to who the pilot is, rather than what sailplane he is flying.

Sure, the world champions usually have the newest planes, but I've seen Wurts, Perkins, Jolly etc., etc., (you know the list of names) consistently launch planes that aren't on the list of "new generation" ships listed above in this thread, as high or higher than the rest of the field. Conclusion...technology helps for sure (heck, I'm buyin' a new model this year too), but practice and skill of the pilot is what it takes to win, much more than what model you bring to the contest.

[bobby legue]

Yup. Good advise. To know your well used and worn plane is always better than having a new super duper 2006 xll.