Got a Radian and a bug for another sailplane. I'm still a beginner with limited building time; but, I'd like the next plane to be winchable and put me on the way to some competition. Looking for suggestions.

Thanks

Stop barking (ARF) and start building ... OlyII

How long does an Oly II take? I have multiple hobbies, obligations and a corporate America job.

Don't wish to build?

Go to the Classifieds here in RCGroups.

Yours, Greg

I have to agree with Greg here. The classifieds are the best way to go. What are you looking for, want to spend, skill level?

And if you want something new, virtually everything offered by places like SoaringUSA and Espritmodels (just to name two, there are others) is ARF.

Rick

Ok; but, the original question is: I have a radian and want a good sailplane that is winchable and will head me toward competition and learnin sailplanes. Suggestions appreciated. The Oly II looks good, I'm also hearing Eraser, Victory RES; but, I'm a beginner with a Radian in need of guidance.

thanks,

You mught try buying something used from a club member that can help you learn along the way. If your not a club member, try and find one. If there is no club by you, this could take a little longer. Try finding a used Bird of Time, 2 or 3 meter.

Bob in Seattle

Most of the club planes are Supras. It doesn't seem like a good second plane.

Your right about that. Be paitent, look in the for sale section for a used Riser, or Bird of Time.

Bob in Seattle

I watched a midified BOT winch and it was scary to watch. I thought the wings were gonna go.

If your budget allows, and you want to stay with RES, look at an Ava, Danny, or Topaz. And you can usually find one for sale in the classifieds here. All are quite winchable and good for getting a start into competitions.

From your description of your new flying skills and shortness of available time I would seriously recommend getting a Multiplex Easy Glider Pro. This is another foamy with rudder, elevator and ailerons. It is easily winch launched and with the tow-hook moved back about 3/4 to 1 inch it launches very high. It's durable, easy to repair if necessary with CA and not at all expensive. It comes 1) as a simple kit, 2) assembled with servos and 3) completely ready to fly. The Number Two version if used with your current TX and RX would get you flying in a very short amount of time - like an hour or two.

Contrary to my OFB LV Soaring, save the AVA, Topaz, Danny RES types for plane number three.

Ray

Originally Posted by give up

Most of the club planes are Supras. It doesn't seem like a good second plane.

I have also responded to your radio thread but you never answered anyone's posts.. I presume you have a DX5e from your Radian. That is what I use for my Radian Nd one of my Easy gliders.


BUDGET - how much do you have to spend?

HELP - sounds like you have help

RES or FULL HOUSE - Based on the other thread, you only have a dx5e. That will fly any RES glider. With Y cables on ailerons and flaps it can fly a FH glider too, but will be limiting compared to a sailplane radio like the Airtronics SD10G, the Futaba 8FG, Hitec Aurora 9 or the JR 9503. But you can certainly start with it.

THE WINCH - if you want to winch and you want to get into competition then you need something with a strong enough wing to let you learn the winch without constantly breaking the wing. Some people take to the winch right away. I had a LOT of trouble learning the winch. That's how I learned to fix wood ARF wings. . Now I love it and have a winch of my own.

You don't have to launch full pedal to be competitive but you don't want to be holding your breath waiting for the wings to snap as you are learning. BTW we winch Radians at my club.

The best winch trainer plane I have seen is the Easy Glider or the EG Pro. That wing wii tolerate a pretty good winch launch. If you make a big mistake, it is cheap and easy to fix.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXAVR0&P=7

You can get your timing and technique working before going to something expensive, like the Supra. And after you move up to some super plane you can use the EG to teach the new guys, take it slope soaring or stick a motor in it for ALES contests. And every contest pilot needs a back-up glider.

It is a very versital glider. You can practice your landings without flapperons using your DX5e.. Then add flapperons to the mix when you get your new radio.

You can even start to learn about camber, reflex and flapperons with an EG Pro when you get your new radio. For now your DX5e will fly it if you don't have money for a new radio right now. Be sure to put a 6 channel receiver in it so you can set up flapperons later.

You can also learn about the use of ballast as the EG is easy to ballast. The EG flies faster than the Radian and penetrates wind better.. The ailerons make it more responsive than the Radian which also helps in wind.

While it is still a gentle glider it will demand more of your attention than the Radian does.. Again, this is good training for the bigger full house gliders.

I have seen new contest pilots fly Easy Gliders at ESL contests.

If you want to go full house and away from foam then the Spirit Elite would be my recommendation.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXAVR0&P=7

Again it won't take a full pedal launch, but the ARF has a pretty strong wing and you can buy replacement wings. It flies well and thermals well IF you keep the speed up. This is not a floater. It does quite well in the wind. And it will give you all the surface mix experience of a full house glider. There are several in our club and the guys like them.

You can fly it on the DX5e with Y cables on Ailerons and flaps. You can still do flap camber and reflex too.

Then get a Supra. . I love mine.

Thanks for the comments. I'm thinking about a build. My son picked up a NIB OLY 650 for $40. I have the time and money for that. As I understand, they don't make 'em anymore. Too bad, looks like a nice plane.