Pros & Cons-Composite frame vs. wood airframe

[jaguar bone]

What are the Pros & Cons comparing composite airframes vs. wood airframes?

Been thinking of purchasing the EF EXTRA 260 (50 cc size), but I have been holding back for some unknown reason. Well, I think I revealed to myself why the hesitation- Maybe I need to learn and grow a bit more in the hobby?
Naaaah, I just like a challenge at times I guess?

I've always gone with wood fuselage construction. Wings, I have varied only from wood rib construction and cut my own foam cores.
Heck- Maybe its time for me to try composite construction?
-so-
I thought it would be wise to ask the FG members for their insights, praises and damnation's to avoid making a blind decision that may prove to be a regretful choice - or wuss out and go safe with tried and familiar.
Well -I'm no wuss! but I'm no blind faith follower either.
A ROGUE doesn't lead or follow- but is simply an independent mindset.

I need your feedback to make an educated decision!

What drives you to purchase another composite airframe?
What do you know that drives you to never try another one?
What keeps you from trying the first?

[zoomer260]

I can only answer the last question. Cost. Man I love those slick finishes on the composites. I'd give up the weight differance in a minute. I'm speaking on 30% as they seem to come in heavier than wood.

[robertp17]

Its about the cost here. I dont favor either one but would try a comp if they were not so costly.

[Flyinhigh]

Comps cost more up front, but last a lot longer, looking nicer and flying better along the way, baring the unmentionable. They are lower maintenance, with no covering to chase, wood to warp, glue joints to separate, etc. I don't know that they are any heavier if compared to a built-up that will withstand the same stress that comps do. Repairs to dings and mishaps can be easier on a built-up, but they happen easier, as well. Altogether, I favor the composites - my last three 40% planes will attest. My 260 had close to 100 flights before we parted ways, looking as good as new until then. My MX-2 has over 120 flights and is still in top form. My 3.3 M Yak is a beautiful plane and flies as well as any (it's also for sale, btw - time to buy a house) I can't think of any compromise that can be associated with comps that aren't worth the benefits. Nothing flies like them, looks like them, lasts like them........and heck, it's only money.

[thewrap]

It's alot of things. One is cost. I haven't seen any affordable airframes in composites that really compare to wood. Plus the fact that composites in my opinion aren't that great for repairs. I'll stick with wood for now. But I still have to like the look of composites.

[JimC-MD]

I have stayed with wood. I too like the finishes on some of the compy stuff. I detest the seam down the middle of the fuse. If I happen to ding a wood plane, I have a better chance of being able to repair it without adding a bunch of lard or wondering about the structure. I still prefet to build when I have a choice.

I am not saying that I will never own one. They are straight and fly well. I could even get used to my plane screaming at me while I thrash it. Who knows.

Wood is Good though

[KrisW]

	Quote: Originally Posted by jaguar bone
	What are the Pros & Cons comparing composite airframes vs. wood airframes? Been thinking of purchasing the EF EXTRA 260 (50 cc size), but I have been holding back for some unknown reason. Well, I think I revealed to myself why the hesitation- Maybe I need to learn and grow a bit more in the hobby? Naaaah, I just like a challenge at times I guess? I've always gone with wood fuselage construction. Wings, I have varied only from wood rib construction and cut my own foam cores. Heck- Maybe its time for me to try composite construction? -so- I thought it would be wise to ask the FG members for their insights, praises and damnation's to avoid making a blind decision that may prove to be a regretful choice - or wuss out and go safe with tried and familiar. Well -I'm no wuss! but I'm no blind faith follower either. A ROGUE doesn't lead or follow- but is simply an independent mindset. I need your feedback to make an educated decision! What drives you to purchase another composite airframe? What do you know that drives you to never try another one? What keeps you from trying the first?

Have you. . somehow. . forgotten the "Deathmatch" thread????

FlyingGiants Keyboard Deathmatch!!

[catman3070]

Once I flew my first composite I knew there was no other plane for me. Yes they are more expensive than the stick built planes, but IMO they fly better.

Here are the 3 I have now, I sold the 2.6 to make room for the new project.

[jaguar bone]

	Quote: Originally Posted by KrisW
	Have you. . somehow. . forgotten the "Deathmatch" thread???? FlyingGiants Keyboard Deathmatch!!

Great thread Kris- I'm up to pg 5. -- to your list of good and evil.
Thanks I was not aware of the thread obliviously!
Almost makes this one seem redundant - shy of personal opinions from other members.
Great job too - so far Kris! (page 5) Love your impartial list- ya bagged me a bunch of points with that 'volley' alone! It's now late ands I'm shutting er down to learn the winning outcome tomorrow!

	Quote:
	"Okay, since Bill can;t come up with anything to say. . Reasons Composite Airframes are BAD: 1) They are TOO stiff, and transmit every little niggle, vibration, and flight load straight into your precious electronic receivers and servos. 2) They are veryhard to repair in case of a mishap or accident 3) They are very expensive, and give you no flight performance advantage 4) Unless suitably braced, they may fail under high G twisting loads on the fuselage 5) Replacement parts are VERY expensive. Reasons Composite Airframes are GOOD: 1) They have much cooler color schemes 2) Everyone THINKS they fly better 3) You are an instant hero at the local flying field if you show up with one Reasons Wooden airframes are BAD: 1) They use wood, which means you have to kill trees. . . 2) The covering can lift under certain weather or heat conditions and needs to be looked after 3) They are not unique, 99% of modelers fly wooden planes. 4) The color schemes are more basic, and it's tough to do airbrush work on covering that may lift up or change shape. Reasons Wooden airframes are GOOD: 1) They use wood, which means you have to kill trees 2) Most non basket case damage can be repaired with Ca and ore wood 3) EVERYONE flies them, so almost anyone can help you build one. 4) They cost a lot less than a composite plane 5) They are "softer" so your electronics does not take as much of a beating 6) Properly designed and built wooden planes WIN every major competition in the US, including the TOC, Tucson, JR CHallenge, NATS, and many regional competitions. 7) if you buy a kit, it's easy to Bash it while building it. Any questions??? __________________ KrisW"

[eagle1]

I have built many wood kits and I have built 3 composites, IMO I like the compys, I have bashed one,the futaba scheme in my aviator, nad it still flies well,pancaked it on it's third flight, I have about 30 flights on it since.
last wood I built I installed a smoker on it and it did not take long for the oil to work it's way through, yes I did fuel proof and it still found a way in.
Compys for me

[Benji]

what about getting a half comp and half wood, I have a 3w extra 330 40% and it looks so awesome, is a really beautiful plane, the paint job is perfect.

[Benji]

OO forgot to say that I would really love to try a 260 carden kit. the look so awesome too.