I agree with Mac50L who has also had hands on experience. A Bixler is a great plane ex stock to get you going and will last for some time before maitenance is required. Sure you may get the odd one that something will fail but this will happen with any plane no matter how much you spend. Go for the Bixler as your first plane.

I for the life of me cannot understand why anyone would purchase a clone of a readily and currently available model.Yeah ,you save a few bucks ,but as has been pointed out time and again ,the cheap copy is going to fail prematurely ,necessitating buying replacement parts or upgrades to make it as good as the original.Why not just buy the original to begin with?

the only time you'll catch me buying a clone is if the original is no longer available ,such as the case of the MPX Sonic liner..

Possibly sometimes people are merely dipping their toe in the hobby to see if they like it or not. In these cases especially, limiting the expenditure when it may be just a couple of sessions before deciding 'nah....its not for me' would be a consideration.

Originally Posted by Colonel Blink

Possibly sometimes people are merely dipping their toe in the hobby to see if they like it or not. In these cases especially, limiting the expenditure when it may be just a couple of sessions before deciding 'nah....its not for me' would be a consideration.

I can kinda understand where you are coming from there but buying inferior quality to begin with almost quarantees an earlier failure that might have otherwise been avoided.The satisfaction of saving a few bucks wears out quickly once you realise what you are left with is junk.

Originally Posted by addictedtoplanes

I was looking for a trainer for my mom, and decided on the HK Bixler. The reviews on the HK website say that it is a great plane, but I have also heard people say that it needs a complete rebuild after purchase to make it flyable. What is the truth?
Thanks

Also check out the Floater-Jet EPO (CloudsFly). It is a great flyer and can take off from the ground which I always do. I've had one for over a year and it is quite good.

Fly the Bixler or CloudsFly like it was designed to be flown and it will last a long time........that is, like a glider, not a hot liner. Using power to get it high in the air and then gliding will give you at least 30min of flying time.

I'll second MRGTX's opinion.

Originally Posted by daddiozz

I for the life of me cannot understand why anyone would purchase a clone of a readily and currently available model.

Maybe because the clone is better. No optional bits, they are all there and mounted ready to go.

Yeah ,you save a few bucks ,but as has been pointed out time and again ,the cheap copy is going to fail prematurely ,necessitating buying replacement parts or upgrades to make it as good as the original.Why not just buy the original to begin with?

They have also improved the "clone" in the V1.1. Most of the original complains do not apply now. Also why spend more than necessary for a plane that is going to be crashed, cheap or expensive version. It is going to have a limited life from pilot learning. That life in general will be shorter than the parts failure rate.

I've just replaced my original one after a year of flying. Reason? Bad piloting and pushing the limits. Clone or not it would still have crashed and eventually needed replacing. So for the price of the "original", I've got two clones (Bixlers) with the same flight characteristics as the expensive "original".

Basically buy two clones or one original.

Originally Posted by Mac50L

Maybe because the clone is better. No optional bits, they are all there and mounted ready to go.



They have also improved the "clone" in the V1.1. Most of the original complains do not apply now. Also why spend more than necessary for a plane that is going to be crashed, cheap or expensive version. It is going to have a limited life from pilot learning. That life in general will be shorter than the parts failure rate.

I've just replaced my original one after a year of flying. Reason? Bad piloting and pushing the limits. Clone or not it would still have crashed and eventually needed replacing. So for the price of the "original", I've got two clones (Bixlers) with the same flight characteristics as the expensive "original".

Basically buy two clones or one original.

+1 I am new to RC Airplanes and I bought the Bixler 2 because it was at a price point I could afford to learn and replace if need be without as much regret. So far I am nine flights into my experience and the bixler has handled me learing how to hand launch and one slow speed crash without as much as a whimper. I am not sure how long the Bilxer will last but I feel certain it will serve me well as I learn and I hope to add to my hangar as my skills increase and improve. I think I will more than get my money out of it. I also like the fact that I can buy relatively cheap parts to fix it if I do pull a stupid and really mess it up. Sure beats buying epensive parts or a whole new airplane while learning. Just my $0.02 and your experiences or needs may be different.

Where can I buy a Bixler?

I am in Australia

Hobby King of course.

Nowhere else ?

Surely there must be some dealers here in Oz?

Hobbyking's Australia branch. Do you mean where can I go to a "real" shop? Nowhere, this is the "buy on the internet" age.

You don't say where in Australia you are, the West Island is a big place (that coming from someone who lives in the South Island).

There's a good shop in Adelade, some in Melbourne, none I found in Coober Pedy....

Sorry I asked.

Real friendly, helpful place this has become.

Originally Posted by mrfirkin

Real friendly, helpful place this has become.

Yup, really helpful, especially when someone living somewhere in a place as big as USA and Canada asks "Where is my nearest shop?"

Originally Posted by Mac50L

Yup, really helpful, especially when someone living somewhere in a place as big as USA and Canada asks "Where is my nearest shop?"

Take another pill buddy.

I asked a question. Got sarcasm & abuse.

Again, anyone know of a retailer in Australia that sells the Bixler?

I am aware of HK. I'm just trying to save a bit on shipping costs.

Please, only those with a brain need respond.

Originally Posted by mrfirkin

Again, anyone know of a retailer in Australia that sells the Bixler?

I am aware of HK. I'm just trying to save a bit on shipping costs.

So you want to save shipping costs? So if you live in Sydney and there's a good a shop in Adelaide (which I have been to), how are you going to save shipping costs? HK Australia is in Australia and yes, there will be shipping cost within Australia.

So how can anyone suggest a good shop if they don't know where you are and you want to save shipping costs (within Australia)?

I'm sorry if the above sounds logical. And I apologise if you don't have a sense of humour.