E-Flite Power 160 alternatives? Atlas 5030/16? Big TowerPro?

[PerlAddict]

We just bought our first sport plane ... a Hangar 9 P-51D 150. Very excited to say the least. :) Now we're starting to look at power options. The first choice was obviously the recommended E-Flite Power 160. With Live.com's cashback rewards, we can get one brand new for $126 to $144 shipped off eBay. Not a bad deal at all.

However, I like having choices. I was looking at Hobby Lobby's Atlas series of motors today, and I was curious how the 5030 series compared to the E-Flite 160 (245kv, max 10S)? The 5030/16 (260kv) and the 5030/18 (236kv) seemed like the closest two options, and we've got enough stuff to order from H/L right now to get the 25% off discount, which would make them $105 + 9.25% tax.

And finally, there are guys flying big sport planes of this scale that have told me they're using big ol' TowerPro motors with great results. Any recommendations there?

Unless anyone has a compelling reason NOT to get the E-Flite 160, that's probably what we'll go with provided it gets at least equal performance to other options. I don't want to have to do a ton of fiddling and self-creating for this first kit. I just hate paying more for a name brand but then getting less performance. I don't mind paying more if the performance is greater, too, especially with a plane this big. But I'd hate to drop $30 to $50 more on something that doesn't perform up to spec with some other motors out there that are quality products. And since this is our first foray into big electrics, it's kinda like starting from square one on a lot of knowledge.

Looking forward to flying with the big boys next SEFF. :)

- Dave

[chalmrast]

You could look at a Hacker A60-14L (http://www.aero-model.com/motordetails.aspx?series=A60&style=L) (Pricey)

A Monsterpower 160 (http://www.nitroplanes.com/mo1602brmo.html) from Nitroplanes


A Skyshark Lightning 150 (http://www.skysharkrc.com/shop/?shop=1&cat=25)

[PerlAddict]

Thanks for those suggestions! I'll check them out, too.

Any thoughts on how the Atlas compares to the E-Flite? I need to try and dig up that model number for the TowerPro motor I was looking at, too ...

[Iain@hacker]

When selecting a motor, look at some of the less obvious benefits.
Warranty: Hacker has a TWO YEAR WARRANTY. Service: Hacker motors are serviced in the USA. Mounting options: Hacker motors are supplied with mounting hardware and two prop adapters in most cases (Car and Heli motors excepted). Longevity: Hacker has been around over 10 years making ONLY hobby motors. Customer Service: A live person is available 8-4 Monday through Friday to answer your questions.

"The quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten"

[chalmrast]

I can attest to these claims since I've personally been to their shop (luckily I live in the same city as the US Hacker Distributor!).

What about crash warranty???? I know I was treated well!!

[PerlAddict]

Thanks for the suggestion. Hacker motors aren't really my cup of tea, to be honest. And you didn't make any suggestions on what Hacker motor is comparable to the E-Flite 160, either. Hard for me to compare if I don't know what to look for in a brand. Ideally, I'd rather just buy a good quality motor for less that won't require me to think about warranty services at all. :) The Hacker A60 motors cost over twice what the E-Flite 160 costs (currently $124 brand new on eBay from authorized dealers). If I can buy two motors for less than the price of one of another brand, a warranty doesn't do me much good.

So no thoughts on the Atlas motor I posted? I think I'll just end up buying an E-Flite Power 160 tonight while they're on sale since I know exactly how it will perform in the Hangar9 P-51D, but I'd still like to hear thoughts on that Atlas motor I posted as well as larger scale TowerPro motors folks have used and liked.

Thanks!
- Dave

[bsipro]

hey dave
the I have used the Eflite 160 in a H9 260 extra 27% it is a great motor and real good quality for the money they have real good service also (Horizon Hobby). I would look at the Castle Creations 85HV or 110HV esc. great combo. I also own a Hacker A60-18l and a A100 they top of the line and great service.
you cant wrong

[PerlAddict]

Thanks, guys. Picked up the E-Flite Power 160 last night for $124 shipped NIB. But still curious about the Atlas if anyone stumbles on this later and has used those motors. Never know when a second big plane might end up under the Christmas tree. :D

[twiztidbowler]

Might want to look into the Turnigy motors from Hobby City Alot of the guys at my field flying the big airplanes use those motors

[PerlAddict]

Got any links to ones of equivilant sizes? I've got a few smaller turnigys and love them, but don't know what would compare in the Power 160 size.

Also, does anyone know if the E-Flite Power 160 can run off 12S if its propped down a bit? We have one 10S battery, but we've also got two 6S batteries that would be nice to run in a series to get a second flight in before recharging.

[mpope1]

Hacker a60-14l would swing a nice large prop for that mustang, 10s or 12s.

[Aobid]

Have you looked at the Hyperions? I've had good luck with them.

[NUMB-LOCK]

This is a video posted from Ty of Ty's Planes (Hope you don't mind Ty).
The plane weighs about 19 lbs.

http://www.rcuvideos.com/video/ME109-5th-flight

I also have a Power 160 which I have for a KMP Corsair (to be built). But I'm kinda waiting for Scorpion Power Systems to release their equivalent in this size motor. In any case, I don't think you will be disappointed with the E-Flite motor.