Pros & Cons-Composite frame vs. wood airframe

[BoneDoc]

I'd say if you want to go Compy, just wait till you can go 100cc or more. The fact that you're talking only about 50cc tells me that you're not ready for one .

[adrian]

the guys are all right - and as I have both my vote goes with comp - wood is still easier to repair and NO SMOKE near wood - the comp stay better longer - fact!!! I am just starting assembly on my 3w votec322 and its a sorta combo - glass body and foam wood wings - but my Xtreme edge is a beauty!!!!! my old h9 ulti is now in need of re cover??? smoke has killed the covering

[bubbagates]

I have to agree that composites are better and worse in a lot of ways, but I've got to say I'll lean towards composite. I have 2 Compy's right now, the 2.3Extra 330 (blue/red scheme) and the 3M Extra 260 (yellow Kiwi scheme).

The 2.3M started out on a DA50 on the MTW can and it was just fine. Forget about anything resembling 3D though unless you use a pipe. It now has an older 3W70US that has been converted to a DA ignition and it's a mini missle and easily handles the IMAC intermediate sequence and could probably do the higher classes as well. Guys are using the ES Composite pipe on this plane with a Da50 and loving life. In my opinion a DA50/can combo will fly this plane well but you will be close to full throttle most of the time when using the canister. Add the pipe and now you are still at 19lbs but way more power.

The 2.3 is my toss in the truck and hit the field plane, i.e. great lunchtime plane as it goes together quite quickly. It also helped me win a few first places last year in IMAC. Once trimmed it basically flew the sequences with very little correction from me other than for wind. I'm betting the 3M 260 will be the same.

BTW, the 2.3M is going on 3 yrs now and other than a few little dings from me mishandling it it still looks good. I used the tape they give you on the seams and they are really not noticable

Now I do own wood as well. I have a Carden 40% Cap that I have yet to fly but I'm betting on this thing is gonna be a blast. I have the 33% WH Edge that is a total blast to abuse.

I also have the new H9 Sukhoi on the table as we speak and it looks promising. I've flow/owned the little GP Performace series Cap232 and the Ultimate and I must say they flew very well though much more work on the covering than my Compy's

All I am saying is get the plane that you want that fits the job at hand and your budget as well. See if someone will let you have some stick time on something you are considering, if at all possible

[pepatrick]

I think he is a lot like me. He wants the compy so bad that he even wants the 50cc compys. I like compys as much or more than anyone else on here, and I would not own a 50cc compy again. In the 100cc and 150cc planes class...there is nothing else but a compy in my opinion. I do think the 2.3M plane would be ok with a DA-50 and a tuned pipe...It actually flies a lot like the 2.6m planes...but a DA-50 on straight mufflers does not have enough get up and go for the 2.3. The 2.3 build is more similar to the larger planes and is just add your hardware and make a few cuts for the tuned pipe, however the 50cc compys...well..I would rather build a stick built kit than the 50cc compy extra or yak..

[bubbagates]

	Quote: Originally Posted by pepatrick
	I think he is a lot like me.

I go through the same thing. I'll spend countless hours reading available manuals, getting opinions and such. I'll go as far at times to say I am going to get a particular thing then change my mind 2 or 3 times. That happened with the Sukhoi, I was, then I wasn't then I was, now it's here

[jaguar bone]

Yep! Countless hours of analysis paralysis!! I've had it ever since I got in the hobby and believe the hobby has made it worse! !
Now here is why-
I was just lookign at KRILL-MODEL. These guys were not on my radar really.
28% with a published weight of 18.7 #'s. Livable!!
A DA50R with pipe should be F I N E

http://www.krill-model.com/eu/en/ind...kits&model=101
Technical specs:

Wingspain 2.20 m 86.6"inch.
Length 2.04 m 79" inch.
Kit weigth 5.4 kg (+/- 5%) 11.9 lbs
RTF weigth (DA50) 8.5 kg 18.70 lbs
Wing loading 79.91 g/dm2
Wing area 117 dm2
Engine 50-70 ccm (DA50,3W55,MVVS58,ZDZ50NG..)

Bonus! I really like the lines of the Katana S too. - Till I learn 850 EURS = $1282.52!! Damn!!
Then you are reminded: "don't forget about accessories" after the first shock.
YIkeS! That is a bit much for my ego. Crap sure looks good tho - maybe I should hold back a save some more?
This really looks cherry! Agree?

Plus the US contact's web page isn't working!
I've seen Doug's 33% in the 3D rolling harrier cutting the grass and the pancakes! An impressive airframe.
Any feedback - experience with this KRILL-MODEL?

[Pro Flyer]

Once I flew my first composite I knew there was no other plane and they just fly and look awesome here my 2 and 3rd on the way....

Damo

[jaguar bone]

Wow Pro Flyer- those planes do look GREAT!!
I am so happy to see that awesome looking pilot in your cockpit too. Not for us (@ RARC) mind you- but for the hobby! (You sure didn't waste any time installing him either!)

We have suffered long enough with horrible pathetic looking pilot figure choices! Now your guy looks as great as the plane he resides in! World Class!!
Thanks for posting the pictures!

............
Talk to me about your Comp-Arf 2.3m Extra 330L Powered By DA-50R !?? You must be happy with the thumbs up!??

Hummm, The Krill KATANA- is killing me now! Like seeing the new girl at school for the first time!
But boy 0h what an expensive date to pull off!

[as722]

Both are great and have as many good and bad points. As far as covering goes if it is done right it does not wrinkle and the myth that a composite airplane is lighter than a wood airplane it is just a myth. A wood airplane can be built lighter simply because we can choose what goes in it.


Albert

[jaguar bone]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Jamieman
	Ive always had wood. My 2.3 in my avatar is my first Compy & first gasser. I was scared of all the stories of landing gear snapping off & the fact they are harder to repair, but with time i have learnt this isn't the case. Methods are just different. You cant beat the finish after a coat of polish & they do fly really well.

Jamieman- Are you still flying the 2.3 ? What engine/muff. did you use?
Still making you happy? Would you "do it all over again" if you had the reason and the $$ ??
What didn't /don't you like about the build experience and current maintenance?
Thanks if you get the opportunity to reply. Pics are always NICE too!

[skymaster68]

IMO Comp all the way.
I used to fly a 27 and 34% Colombo's extra 330 and there is a ton of difference comparing to my 2.6 comp extra 260

[Pro Flyer]

	Quote: Originally Posted by jaguar bone
	Talk to me about your Comp-Arf 2.3m Extra 330L Powered By DA-50R !?? You must be happy with the thumbs up!??

It fly very well and yes I am very happy with it DA50 on the MTW can and it is just fine. Mine come out 9 1/2kg and I do 3D with it in a torque roll about half throttle. It is all about the way you set it up...

Damo