As in the title, I'm looking for suggestions for a mid level 3 metre REF for sport flying and maybe ALES. I'm not adverse to a build, but an assemble is OK, too.

Hi Cold Boy,

Your going to get a ton of suggestions. You didn't mention money. I'm going to assume that it's no problem.
I'll start off the suggestions with an AVA from Kennedy Composits.

Bob in Seattle

Top Model Grafas or Gracia are nice for around 500USD for mid range priced sailplane. Pulsar 3.2 m for a bit more @ 815USD. I have the Pulsar 3.2 RES/M and it flys very well. Both are available from Esprit. AVA from Kennedy as mentioned is good, seen many of them at contests. Molded wing Supra E is another from Kennedy, higher priced however @ 1530USD. Oly III from Skybench if you want a big woody for 198USD.

Ava is great but is definitely high end.

I think Esprit Models has a lot more to choose from in the mid level range. SoaringUSA as well.

On cheap side, actually cheapest 3m ARF I think, Dynaflite Bird of Time from eBay, as low as $169.
But needs a bit of DIY spoilers/flaps rework.

Howdy,
For the price, I think you will find the Dragonfly strong hard to beat!

http://www.soaringusa.com/DragonFly-Strong-E.html

And you can get the glider version for a "truly" winch capable F3J/TD model.

Happy New Year!
Bob

Thoughts on an Art Hobby High Aspect ES?

If some of suggested are mid level, then what models are high ?

Originally Posted by cold boy

Thoughts on an Art Hobby High Aspect ES?

Would not be in my top 5.

Originally Posted by jaizon

Would not be in my top 5.

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it. What would be your top five?

Your original post said you were interested in an REF for sport flying and maybe ALES. If you are pretty sure you are going to go for ALES (even in the future) then starting with an e-glider is a good idea because converting, while okay, in some instances, is an afterthought, not a design.

I have converted two floater sailplanes (RES) and it worked out okay, but not as nice as the e-gliders I bought with ALES in mind to begin with.

Before I can give you a list I need to know what you meant by mid-level. Does that refer to price (and if it does what is your price range)? If not, then what, exactly? Then I'll be more than happy to give you a list.

Yes, an e-glider is what I'm after. I'm flying a Dreamline 1.8 RE right now, and I want something larger so I can fly higher and still see it. I was thinking in the $500 range, but I am tempted by the Pulsar 3.2. I am not a good enough pilot to take advantage of a high performance glider, so mid range it is. Thanks for the input.

Okay. These are not in any particular order.

http://www.espritmodel.com/albatros-3s-e-arf.aspx

http://www.soaringusa.com/DragonFly-Strong-E.html

http://www.e-fliterc.com/Products/De...#quickFeatures

Finding a strictly REF is almost impossible in that price range.
I would stay away from anything Reichard. Their customer service is beyond bad. Arthobby does not make competitive planes.

If you can save up a few more bucks, the Pulsar 3.2 would be on this list for sure. http://www.espritmodel.com/pulsar-3-2e-pro-arf.aspx

I will be buying the new style 4.0 E-Pulsar (with the canopy hatch - not a 2 piece nose) as soon as they hit the U.S., but is above your price point.

You can find plenty of comments on these planes on RCG and I suggest you read through them. If you have any specific questions, please ask.

Preston

I don't have one, yet, myself but everything I've heard says one can't go wrong with the sailplanes from Esprit Hobbies. From super light floaters, to moderately quick general purpose, to warmliners; they seem to have something for everyone. Many of their sailplanes are produced by TopModel cz. but Esprit doesn't have their whole line.

Once I decide which sailplane I want I plan on getting an almost ready to cover version direct from TopModel. One will end up paying a bit more, due to international shipping, but going with an uncovered model defrays some of that cost and one can then use a custom color scheme. Plus, if V-tails are your thing, they offer most of their line with either V or T tails.

http://www.topmodelcz.cz/index.php?&...nu_eshop_id=12

+1 for TopModel.

Their Grafas / Fascination models are used by actual FPV world record holder of 110km.

Albatros is a BoT e-clone, not worth triple price for Ail/Flaps you can DiY, imo.