Guys I'm looking for a little advice here. I'm trying to decide between the 75cc Aeroworks Extra 260 and the SD Models 33% Extra 260. I know that both manufacturers make great planes. I'm not trying to start a brand war. I've actually owned Yaks by both companies and was very happy. I'm looking for direct experience with these planes. I fly primarily 3D, so I'm not concerned with IMAC capabilities so much. My concern with the SD Models is the lack of a counter-balance on the elevator. But, the SD Models is about a full pound lighter, and about $200 cheaper. Has anyone flown both planes that can tell me if the Aeroworks is worth the extra money?

No one flown these planes???

Give it a little more of a chance. You've only waited 2.5 hours on a work day. I'm sure that someone has flown both planes, give them a chance to reply. The 75CC AeroWorks just started shipping...so probably not a lot of people have flown that so far. The 100cc AW Extra is a pretty popular plane.

Agree Cracky........ I know of the prototype AW flying and a few build threads, but actual opportunity to know the Plane and make a comparison, a few more weeks. IMHO

I have seen the SD fly with a DA-85 and it flew really well. The AW is too new, but in talking with Mark Dennis, it is their most wicked 3D machine to date. Properly built and being very weight consious, 22 pounds or less is possible with the 85's.
Something about the looks of the SD's that I don't like - personal opinion. Don't worry about the lack of counterbalance, though. You will have plenty of elevator authority either way.
Is the Aerowrks worth the extra $? Ask yourself, do you want to do a bunch of hinging, measuring and locating control horns, canopy mounting, engine box building, wheel pant trimming, etc.? If not, the AW is worth the extra cash.

Thanks for the replies thus far. I'm not as worried with the building issues with the SD Models because of their new HP series. They are pretty much sent in the same condition as the Aeroworks QB planes (At least my 50cc Yak was). I think my main concern with the SD Models is the lack of counterbalance on the elevator. I guess that you guys don't think that it is anything to worry about? I plan on running HT 5985's on the elevators.

Swatman. I had the same choice to make and I went with the AW 260 and DA 85 combo. The AW has 1 inch more wingspan and a very similar wingloading. (Depends on finished weight) Great looking counterbalance on elevator. I like the color scheme of the AW better. I used 5955's all around. The single airleon servos reduced the cost comparible to the SD 260. A good looking tailwheel comes with this plane also and appears to be lighter then a Graphtec. I am happy with the construction and conveinence of this plane. Waiting for a new JR radio before I'm able to fly. I have not flown the SD 260, but I plan on buying a 50cc SD Yak soon. Hope to see some flight reports soon.Jaketab

Thanks for the info Jaketab. I definately recommend the SD Models 50cc yak. I loved mine. I had the HP Team colors version and really loved it. I only sold it to trade up to the 33% size. It flew every bit as well as my 75cc Aeroworks Yak, and seemed to be constructed pretty well.
All that being said, I'm leaning a little towards the AW Extra now because of the stuff that comes with it. I just hate to pay several hundred $$$'s more for virtually the same plane.

Jaketab brought up a good point that you should look into. The AW uses one servo per aileron. Does the SD use two? If that is the case there is another $150-200 difference in servos. Might bring the prices closer together.

I just hate to pay several hundred $$$'s more for virtually the same plane.

They most definitely are not the same plane, and the SD does require two servos per aileron, so add another $200 to it's finished cost, unless you already have four of the same servos, the required extensions, Y's (or matchboxes/powerbox), and servo arms. With the location of each servo, you cannot go with just one or you will have massive flex. You will also need a tailwheel, at about $50, so you just added $250 to your $629. The AW is $795 and comes with a nice tailwheel and requires only one servo per surface.

hey BW, is $629 for the HP version of the SD?

Swat,
I can only comment on the AW Extra. I have the new 75cc, see my build thread below. I fly IMAC not 3D so can't help there. Plane flys very well but mine uses a 3W70 and came in at 23#. A little heavyer than advertised. I have no additional weight that I can think of except choke servo. I really like the quality and completeness of the AW. There was a SD Yak at the competition this weekend and I think the AW is a much nicer looking plane.
I have about 30 flights on mine after 1-1/2 weeks.
Mark

Sorry, I should have been a little more clear about what I meant in the pricing. I already have all the electronics that I am pulling out of my current AW Yak. The single servo in the AW will actually cost me a little more, because I will have to buy 2 5955's or 8711's to replace the cheap 5645's that I'm using now. I really like the AW, I'm just trying to justify the price difference, or find someone who can say that the SD flies as well.

gotcha

And TBM's are advertising the SD at $629 for the HP version, and they give a $85 discount if you buy the DA 85 with it.