What's the best?

[2robinhood]

The wife is gonna get me a new 35% ( 100cc ) plane.
I really like the Composite ARF Extra 260 ( 2.6m ).
Is there an atvantage / disavantage with a composite?
Is there something better?
What's the best?

[showoff]

The new 110" Extreme Flight YAK. If its anything like the 88" it will be hands down the best 100cc YAK in my book.

[50%plane]

I would buy the EF 110" Yak if I could have a 100cc plane. I saw the prototype fly back to back with everything else on the market, and holy shizzle, hands down the best plane on the market from my standpoint.

[sweetpea]

Adv composite

-less hangar rash
-chance of water or weather warping a control surface or fuse side less
-typically straight and true (for an ARF)
-lots of people have em so setups are out there.

Disadv

-costs more than wooden
-if you aren't good with fiberglass repair any mishaps can be difficult
-fixing the paint can be difficult if you are not a good painter
-even though its an ARF there is typically more work to do before you can fly it than the more modern wood ARFS on the market
-squeals when you snap or spin (put this on ADV if you like that sorta thing)
-everyone has the same scheme and it adds lots of weight to change it (sand/prime/paint)
-if you are flying IMAC you need to add the tubing to the rudder edge so it won't wag


There are more of both..........these are just a few.

I prefer wood planes, but that is just me.

[smokin]

i tell ya what..... i absolutely love my compys! no wrinkles, no warps etc... they fly great! but when it comes time to fix even the littlest mishap........holy sh*t! what a task! i have a yak and a superxtra and they both fly wonderfully! i LOVE the comp arf squeal! i don't see how that could be listed as a negative! i will however tell you that i am only buying wood in the future. i have found that even the smallest of mishaps is too difficult for me to fix on these comps. i hate having a gear issue completely render a plane useless for a season as i decide to learn how to fix it!

[2robinhood]

I have heard it, but what is it that makes the comp arf squeal ?

[exeter_acres]

The ailerons are hinged with the top skin of the wing....
in order to get full throw there is a "pocket" on the TE of the wing, so when the Ail deflects down... it has some place to go.....

on full deflection, it is the air going in and out of this pocket......

I think

[cap 232g]

I have a Composite ARF Extra 260 2.6 and I am loving it. It is so locked in during sequence work and it is extremly stable in any 3D manuever. You will be amazed at how well this thing flies compared to a 50cc. Mine with a DA-85 actually flies too light in 3D. Only because it won't stop "flying" in harriers. Knife edge mix is next to nothing even in high alpha. Mine is 25 pounds with a DA-85 and a single 8711 on each aileron and rudder. So it is a light plane. It has unlimited vertical with the 85 also. So I don't believe you can go wrong with this plane.

I think everyone has different opinions on the Wood vs. Composite subject. I personally like both. I am currently building my second composite 100cc plane, a Krill Katana. The only disadvantage I see with composites are repair. But it seems to me that a crash that totals a composite plane, will also total a wooden plane. Unless you are a expert builder. The good news is spare parts are available. Minor repairs on composites aren't really difficult but won't look perfect unless you are a painter. But there are always decals.

Comp-arf planes are pretty simple to build also. The instructions are good and guide you through the whole assembly. The 2.6 260 was my first composite build and I was actually suprized at how easy it was. But it is still more difficult and will take longer than an arf like Aeroworks, Extreme Flight, etc.

Unfortunately, the only way to decide if Wood or Composite is better for you, is to own both.

Let me know if you have any qustions about the Comp-Arf 2.6m Extra 260.

[reyn3545]

Both are great planes, designed to do different things well. The EF is a terriffic 3D plane... very light. the CA is a slick, painted in the mold composite body that will fly straighter than anything you've ever owned. Its going to weigh in at 26 pounds or more, depending on your setup, and the EF would certainly be lighter.

If you ever think you may need to buy parts... consider the EF. If you are looking for a top of the line pattern plane, hate ironing covering, and want to hear your ailerons whistle... get the CA. You'll probably be happy with either.

Also, if you're considering a CompARF.. take a look at the Extreme Composites Edge 540 at http://www.bvmprops.com They have some great prices, probably even better prices on some of the models if you give them a call. I have the 100cc Edge 540... its a very nice plane, identical to the CA in terms of quality, and the rudder tray runs the width of the fuse... eliminates the vibration that always eats the paint off the sides of the CA's.

[cap 232g]

	Quote: Originally Posted by reyn3545
	Both are great planes, designed to do different things well. The EF is a terriffic 3D plane... very light. the CA is a slick, painted in the mold composite body that will fly straighter than anything you've ever owned. Its going to weigh in at 26 pounds or more, depending on your setup, and the EF would certainly be lighter.

My Comp arf extra 260 2.6 is 25 pounds (with DA-85 and cannister)and could be built lighter with a123's and carbon spinner. And the Extreme flight is advertised as 27-30 pounds but is a bigger plane. I believe Flying Hawaiian said his came out at 29 pounds with DA-100 and Carbon pipes. But don't decide based on weight unless you are at high altitude.

I'm in no way trying to argue with you.

[reyn3545]

True, a DA-85 would shave some serious weight off of either plane... lots of folks are going that route.

[cap 232g]

Also, If you end up going with the extreme flight, get on list quick because they tend to sell out. Fast!