35% vs. 40%

[storklappe]

I am trying to decide on my next plane. I am leaning towards a QQ 102" Yak. My question is, how much "better" would a 40% plane fly? Everyone says bigger flys better, so my question is would something like the soon to be released 42% Aero Works Extra generally fly better than the 102" Yak?

When I fly, I am usually "shooting holes in the sky," a little 3D, a little pattern, but mainly just fly'in around.

Thanks for your input.

[Dean Allison]

I fly a 35% Comp-ARF Extra 330 and find it flies like a dream compared to my 28% Carden Extra 300 but there's 10 years gap in technology between the two aircraft so that would make a bit of difference.

There's a number of issues you maybe need to consider, one of them ultimately being the price of setting up the 40%er over the 35%er. More wing = More Servos, More weight = More engine etc.. etc...

I believe bigger is better but for me personally, keeping a 35%er in the air is about the limit of my budget as it is. When I made the descision on what size to go to next I thought about how soon I could replace the airframe should the unthinkable happen.

Another important consideration is getting it down the field without having to pull too much of it apart. I've seen blokes down my local field getting into the large scale stuff without giving much thought to transportation and having to take the spinner, prop and landing gear off just to get it in their vehicle. Just seems like too much stuffing around for me and turns the whole process into a disliked chore.

At the end of the day whatever you decide to go with, if you get it set up right you'll enjoy it just the same.

If the transport isn't an issue and the budget allows it, go the 40%er.

Good Luck.

[adrian]

bigger is better - fact - but, i fly 50cc planes for weekend fun and the big ones for events and shows.

[3D-Seth]

I just finished my 102" QQ Yak but havent maidened it yet (I dont have the right prop/spinner). The plane is of great quality and is one of the best arf's Ive seen. So far Im really impressed with how well this puppy is built. I'll post a pic.

I dont think that you could go wrong with either - just telling my experience with the QQ Yak . . . .

PIC

Seth

[randy racer]

i fly the 102 QQ Yak and love it, it flys big but is very agile. i have flown 40% planes that didn't fly as good but most of the better 40% planes will out fly a 35% plane. i am going up to a 40 to 42% plane this year but will keep the 102 too.
getting them to the field can be a big problem and i had to buy a trailer last year when i started flying the bigger planes. now i can't see how i could live without a trailer. i lets me keep every thing i may need at the field in one place and my planes don't get banged up getting there. i can bang them up after i get there.lol!

randy

[Hector]

I have been flying my QQ 102" for a year. Well really I have bought two (over 200 flights on my current one) during this year. And let me tell you something. It flies great. And after you have it dial in, it just get better.

And about bigger is better (35% -40%), the only advantage, that I see, is that it present it self better to the judges. I won the last year IMAC tour in Puerto Rico with my QQ 102, competing against other 35% and a couple of 40%. What I have learned over the years is that the airplane will help you, if it’s a good airplane, but how good it flies is up to the pilot (through trimming, practice and perfection).

But if you have the money for a 40%, and have the Space for it, what the hell spend it, before your wife or girlfriend spends it for you.

Regards

Hector

[Tailchaser]

You mentioned you love the 102 QQ yak, Isn't he suppose to come out with the 37% version soon? Might take a look at that plane also.

Chuck

[why_fly_high]

Unless you are going to be competing or just want a 40%er I would stick with the 100cc planes. They cost less and are a lot easier to store and haul. I fly a 40%er. If I wasn't flying IMAC I would go back to 35%ers. Things are easier with the 40%er but not by that much. I do think there is a noticable difference in precision flying though.

Just my thoughts.

Dan

[Temptation]

I believe a 40% is better. I would base my decision on what others have stated. If money, storage, and transportation are an issue, I would choose the 35%. If not then I would go with the 40%.

Mike Darr

[T. Bob]

Fly what you can afford,
and Bigger is always better.

[Geojungle99]

I like both sizes and I think bang for the buck, a 35% is hard to beat. The 40% airframes are getting less expensive depending which one you go with and although it still costs more to equip a 40, the difference isn't what it use to be IMO. With todays servos, the servo count has decreased to where its almost in line with what you'd see in a 35%. Airframes such as Wild Hares 41% is an excellent plane from what I'm hearing and at 1300.00, I think you get alot of plane for the money. The AM 40% YAK and 43% Giles can be had for 1100.00. You can often buy a used 150 for less than a new 100 so you could go that route on the engine. If the issues already discussed concerning a 40% aren't a problem for you than you may want to consider just buying the 40 now because chances are, you'll end up getting one later on. Save yourself the mental anguish and just go big.

[Eury]

Here's the key, don't EVER fly something bigger than what you have. Meaning, if you have a 50cc, don't try your buddy's 100cc, if you fly 100cc, don't try the 150cc. Every upgrade I've made in this hobby has been due to flying a friend's larger plane. First I had my Funtana 90 and was happy, tried a friend's 100cc, and moved to 50cc, was happy right up until I tried a 100cc Edge. Now I have that same Edge in my hobby room, and I put about 5 minutes on a friend's 150cc Carden Extra. You know what the next step is. I'm trying to forget the Carden, the Edge is sweet. Thank god I have no way to transport a 150cc, otherwise I'd be really thinking about spending the money.