I've had (3) DA50's.

The first one I ever had was a very early one, which they later did all the upgrades, like the reed block vent mod, etc. Broken in on Lawnboy (which was what we did back then) and then switched to Redline or Belray, it ran really, really well. Like an idiot, I sold that engine with my WildHare Edge. Double fault.

The 2nd one I got a year later was nothing but headaches. It was impossible to tune. It had a terrible tendency to quit while suddenly burbling for no reason. DA worked on it twice, and its unreliable behavior led to my QQ Yak ending up in a tree when it died on approach. It went back the last time to DA and was then sold with full disclosure. That 50 was replaced by an excellent Taurus 52.

The 3rd one, which I still have, has been great. It was in my 89" SBach until I wanted just a bit more oomph, so that plane received a DA60 transplant, which is running smoothly and extremely well on a JMB canister.

Nothing wrong with a 50 if the weight of the plane is around 16lbs.But like always, I go to the higher HP of a 60 at the same weight as the 50. The RCGF60 side exhaust is my best performing 60 I own.It out runs my DA60 with out the vibration .. I like my GP76 but wouldn't give you the time of day for another 61.Rite now the DLE65 has my attention,wait and see how it holds together.I seen one report of 7400 with a Falcon 24-9,thats knocking on the door of the DA70 and GP76,with less weight.
Like the OP I have been looking for a new modern 30% Edge.So far it's between PAU and Skywing,but neither is in stock.I like the 88-89" planes but they are getting fewer as time goes on.

I actually like the 85 as it’s an easier size to transport (my old PAU was 85, and only 80 long) plus I still have the 50 and it’s usable. Mine never dead sticks anymore with the new carb, just not as smooth in the mid as I’d like.

I just don’t like Skywings color schemes... all the fancy build tricks in the world don’t matter if I think a plane is ugly it’s just going to sit in my closet. Heck that’s why I put up with the horrendous KE coupling and bad ground handling of the Pitts, I just love the look.

I’d like builders kits as well, but I spend most of my shop time on scale builds so probably would never get one done.....

Originally Posted by J.V.1944

I've been flying the new Extreme Flight 85" Edge. If you have a 50-60cc engine laying around this is the plane. I couldn't be happier. It's a really nice flying plane. I have a DA-50 with a pitts muffler and it's got plenty of power. I also "had" a 88" PAU Edge, that is also a good plane, for a 60cc engine. A couple of pictures of the 85" Edge after I put on some graphics.

Nice Plane!! Thats what I'm considering getting just have to jump of the fence...

I’ve got a fair amount of experience with DLE engines and have yet to encounter a faulty ignition or reed block.

Hmmm ok. Now you guys have me thinking. Tower does great discounts on the DLEs, I could probably pick one up and sell my DA50 and come out even...

I fly at fields that have a large gas crowd. there are DLEs, GPs, and DA's. I haven't seen anything that would steer me away from any of them. I recently put a 55RA in a 60cc Mustang. This my third DLE 55 and second RA. The needles were set dead on from the factory, the engine started right up and settled into a nice idle. The newer ones come with Walbro carbs. I purchased it from Mile High RC.

Not sure if this is the correct thread to post this too as Im fairly new here.
Anyhow, I have a dle55 that has started to make a bad knocking noise when I spin the prop by hand.
Hoping someone can shed some light on what my problem might be.
Herea a link to the noise:

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Sounds like a rod on the way out -

You mean this?

Correct -
The rod bushing will wear if oil content is not kept up , we see recommendations of 32:1 - 25:1 good for the not so up to spec engines from what is read on forums

I just bought the engine previously owned and was running 30:1 mix!

The needle bearing on either end of the crank are rumored to wear out eventually. (I heard somewhere around 300 hours of use, so definitely after a while - though it depends on oil quality and mix and whether the engine was run overly lean.)

I had one make a noise like that once though, and it was just a slightly loose prop nut. (When I say loose, it took a wrench to turn at all, but it had not seated all the way.)

Just flew the Extreme Flight 85" Edge 540 with DA 50 K&S Canned Exhaust...

Nice Flyer and what a Kit! Very Complete....

Originally Posted by Nergall

I had one make a noise like that once though, and it was just a slightly loose prop nut. (When I say loose, it took a wrench to turn at all, but it had not seated all the way.)

You were correct, turns out the prop nut was slightly loose and as you said it took a wrench and abit of power to seat it correctly.
Engine is running sweet now, thanks for your help.