Here is an updated list of the most reliable RC planes. These inputs were derived from the following two threads.

Thread 1

Thread 2


Based on all your inputs, I think we have captured the 30 most reliable planes available today. Thanks for all your help in putting the list together. Unfortunately, I can't update the poll once I submit it, but I can edit this post with additions.

Column definitions.

Type = Pilot skill level required.

Build Skill = Skill required to build model (if kit)

Remarks = Remarks


Airplane & Link..............................Type....................Build Skill....................Remarks

1. Stevens Aero SQuiRT..................Beginner.................Easy... ...............Great Trainer Airplane

2. Stryker

3. Mini Ultra Stik

4. Superstar E

5. Multiplex Easy Star....................Beginner.................Easy. .................Can also be an RTF

6. Multiplex Easy Glider

7. Parkzone Typhoon

8. SuperFly

9. Push-E-Cat.............................Beginner............. .....Easy..................Great Trainer Airplane -Very Durable

10. NightHawk 3D by combatwings.com

11. Unicorn Wing

12. IFO

13. GWS Zero

14. MM/Laser Arts Switchback Sport .......Novice................Easy................. ..Great Aileron Trainer -Fantastic Flying Plane

15. Hobby Lobby Electro 6' Telemaster

16. GWS E-Starter

17. E-Flite P-47D

18. MM/Laser Arts Eva Sport

19. Molt Models Tyro & Tyro 150

20. Mulitplex Twinstar II

21. GWS Tiger Moth

22. GWS Beaver

23. Mountain Models DuskStick

24. Mountain Models Magpie

25. Mountain Models SmoothE Sport

26. Lightflite Bug

27. Mountain Models Switchback 3D

28. Stevens Aero Groove

29. Hobby Zone Super Cub

30. GWS Pico Stick F

There's only one model on that list that I own, and if I had to say I've owned an "unreliable" model, I'd say it's the IFO, becuase it was so easily damaged compared to others I've got. You could say that's pilot error, but the landing gear would collapse on anything less than a perfect landing.

Why isn't the slow-stick on the list? As my AP ship, the only "work" I've ever done to it is upgrade the power system. Probably one of my most flown models.

My Gambler HLG has never let me down, it's got hundred's of flights - but has no power system..

Out of my current fleet, my Formosa, Siren, Corona, GWS C-130, Joker, Kwik-E, Twister, Sirius, have always been ready when I need them, as were my Mini Funtana, Dynamic, Filip, Kyosho F16, Bantam Bipe, Pico Jet, Stinger, Smart, X250, Falcon, Cutie, Fixx, Mini Bee, Flame, Zagi's (I've had three) and Mirage.

None of these have ever "let me down", so I'd consider them reliable..
..a

A poll that claims to be about reliability... but only asks which models someone has owned... is not going to get any info about reliability.

Most reliable model I ever owned was a Goldberg Tiger 60 with an OS .91 4-stroke. 2 years of frequently flying it... I took the engine off and removed the radio. Gave away the airframe. It never had to have repair after its second flight, when the glue joint holding the vertical stab failed. (and the plane was landed safely...)

Originally Posted by fhhuber506771

A poll that claims to be about reliability... but only asks which models someone has owned... is not going to get any info about reliability.

To clarify, it's not a poll about reliability. The poll (since that's the default name) is just there to say if you owned these planes or not. The reliability question was asked in the previous two threads.

The intent was to point people in the right direction when they look to buy a new plane and want to consider reliability in the equation.

Frank

Originally Posted by Andy W

My Gambler HLG has never let me down, it's got hundred's of flights - but has no power system..


..a

That's a good point about the Gambler, never thought to add that. Can't get much more reliable than a DLG. Of course that would open up a whole new genre.

Frank

I would have to say the most reliable would be my Predator Bee slope combat ship. You can go in at 60mph and it just bounces. Other than that, one of the ones on the list would be my MM Magpie AP ship. Handle lots of wind and it gives me pretty pictures

great thread I will keep an eye on the stats, it will be interesting .

You might just as well ask for the reliability of the person holding the tx.
All models are 'reliable' if flown within their design parameters, just the same as anything else, cars, tv, cameras etc. The list could end up as nothing more than "more people had this one so it must be the most reliable".

Now if it was a list of the worst planes including the justification and possible proof, not just "cause it broke when it crashed".

When a model is classed as reliable because it 'bounces' when crashed isn't really about reliability, (sorry pullup!, nothing personal), so perhaps the thread should be 'the most crash damage resistant'.


Sorry to seem negative, but I just don't see the point of threads like this unless people just like polls.

Wow, I feel left out. I've never owned, seen or heard of about 75% of those planes. No Hangar 9's, not Ultrafly's, no Great Planes, a couple MultiPlex (but not the MicroJet). What's Mountain Models? Never heard of them. Only one ParkZone. I would venture to say this list was written by someone who doesn't fly at my field.

Never heard or Mountain Models?!!? You should get out more. Or maybe you flying buddies need to.

Frank

Checked out their site. Not sure I was missing anything... {Dozes off for a second}... oh wait... {zzzzzz}

Originally Posted by HappyKillmore

Checked out their site. Not sure I was missing anything... {Dozes off for a second}... oh wait... {zzzzzz}

Trust me, if you have not built and flown a Mountain Models/Laser Arts airplane, you are definitely missing out on some great flying planes. Do yourself a favor and get one. You will be very pleased.

Frank

Here are some discussion threads for your reading pleasure.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=541596

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=462380

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=661309

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=643920

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=143898

I think the poll is unfair to include ARF type plane, as YOU the assembler/builder ultimately determine how reliable the plane will be. Pretty much any one with just a little experience can make a 1/2 way decent plane 100% reliable.

The poll should ONLY include RTF planes as these are assembled by the factory. Reliability is determined by the quality of the components their assembly.

I agree with FH... asking which planes I own is not the same as which is my most reliable plane. This appears to be a popularity contest.

As for reliability, I think that given so many variables in assembling the kits on the list, you can hardly judge their reliability - you should be listing ARFs or RTFs...

From a reliability standpoint, my most reliable RTF planes are my Stryker A, Aerobird, Hobbico Ventura. My most reliable kit is my GWS Tiger Moth 400.

Again, it's not a poll about reliability. The poll (since that's the default name) is just there to say if you owned these planes or not. The reliability question was asked in the previous two threads.

The intent was to point people in the right direction when they look to buy a new plane and want to consider reliability in the equation.

Feel free, if you wish, to add planes that you consider reliable. The more choices posted the better it serves everyone by helping them decide on which plane they would like to get next.

Since there is no way that someone could own all of these planes, we have to take people's word on how reliable these airplanes are. If it's a "popularity contest" then so be it. But by having folks show if they have owned these planes or not, it's a slight correlation, in my mind, that we as RC modelers will buy planes that are more reliable so the more planes owned the more reliable they "should be." By virtue of these forums, we can figure out what is junk and what isn't.


Frank