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Best rc plane for a noob

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If you live an area where you can get away from the wind, the Sports Cub S2 is a great little plane to start, it flies really slow, which helps when you're starting out. It is pretty easy to repair if you crash, the only thing is the horrible brushed motor, they don't last long, but by the time it's worn out you'll have bought a 2s or 3s brushless plane anyway 😉.
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If you live an area where you can get away from the wind, the Sports Cub S2 is a great little plane to start, it flies really slow, which helps when you're starting out. It is pretty easy to repair if you crash, the only thing is the horrible brushed motor, they don't last long, but by the time it's worn out you'll have bought a 2s or 3s brushless plane anyway 😉.

That looks like a nice little parkflyer, but $160 RTF is expensive for a 38-gram plane. I know size isn't everything, but it matters when it comes to RC planes because bigger is generally gentler, especially starting out.

You can get any of the WLToys XK planes for ~$50, which are twice as large already...

For $200 you can get an Aeroscout 2, RTF, about 20x more bang for your buck. You'll have to buy a few batteries, but they're under $10 a pop from Hobbyking, you'll just need an XT60 to EC3 connector.

I got into flying this year and bought a bunch of different starter planes just to try them out- the tiniest $15 planes, $50 planes, $100 cheapie trainers, and the Aeroscout is by far the best bang for the buck, almost unbelievably so. The fact that the RTF version is only $199 almost doesn't make sense to me, they could charge $249 and it would still be a good deal.
 
Bigger planes are generally easier to fly, but on the other hand the little cub also receives less damage when theres a mishap because of it's light weight, there are always trade offs, kind of just comes down to preference.

I myself would rather have the cub over the aeroscout just because it looks scale, but is still a good flyer.
 
Two reasons I like my Cubs. The Carbon Cub s2 has the big balloon tires so it's easier to land for me because I fly at the sand dunes.
I need a new one however, too many wrecks so the foam is pretty much toast. :eek:
My park flyer is light weight and as @Doom! mentioned, crashes don't damage it.
It's also easier to fly the high wing mount because they are more stable.
My F4U Corsair is a bit more difficult to fly but still easy.
 
Just curious. One day I would like to try my hand at flying an RC airplane.
I have used a sim before and did well but I'm sure the real deal is much harder.
What's a good entry-level plane?
When considering which to choose, think about your personal preferences and goals. If you’re primarily looking for a simple trainer to learn the basics, the E-Flite Apprentice with SAFE Technology might be easier to use.

Option If you’re interested in progressing into aerobatics relatively quickly, the Dynam Smart Trainer V2 offers that potential. https://www.dynamrc.com/products/smart-...tic-dy8962

As for your budget, you may want to compare the prices of both models and consider any additional accessories or batteries you may need. Also, keep in mind that prices can vary, so it’s a good idea to check with several retailers to find the best deal.

Good luck with your RC airplane adventures!
 
Thanks for all of the input on the subject.
When the time comes, I'll be reading this again and probably have a few more questions.
Thanks again!
 
Regardless of what direction you go with this, flying RCs to me is very rewarding.
The only thing that is keeping me from going with nitro planes and larger plane is area available.
I fly at the sand dunes like I mentioned so it's easier using cubs with big balloon tires.
I refuse to drive to Boise and get certified to fly and buy their ridiculous members fee every year just to fly.
 
There is some good info here!
I know its not the same as a plane but I've been flying micro-drones around the house and its been a blast!
I might try a bigger one that flies better outdoors soon even!
Flying is fun!!!
(Finding tiny black helecopter blades on asphalt, not fun!!!)
 
There is some good info here!
I know its not the same as a plane but I've been flying micro-drones around the house and its been a blast!
I might try a bigger one that flies better outdoors soon even!
Flying is fun!!!
(Finding tiny black helecopter blades on asphalt, not fun!!!)
I assume you're flying fpv? If so some of the micro drones 65mm with high power motors and if they are built light, fly well outdoors, but flying line of sight is much harder, the wind can really affect your drone. This is my 65mm in a fairly strong wind just cruising around my backyard.
 
No FPV on these little guys. They're Walmart $35.00 specials. I bought them a few years back. Our place was small so flying inside wasn't fun...
Fast forward some years and they are a blast with some room to crash them!
Speaking of crashing...
That video was pretty crazy! I am nowhere near that skill!!!
I suppose this is the same as most hobbies where the sticker shock hurts but its the first bite thats bad. Investing in the FPV and better drones seems likely.
We had a blast with our micros today!
 
No FPV on these little guys. They're Walmart $35.00 specials. I bought them a few years back. Our place was small so flying inside wasn't fun...
Fast forward some years and they are a blast with some room to crash them!
Speaking of crashing...
That video was pretty crazy! I am nowhere near that skill!!!
I suppose this is the same as most hobbies where the sticker shock hurts but its the first bite thats bad. Investing in the FPV and better drones seems likely.
We had a blast with our micros today!
I've been around a lot of rc stuff for a long while now, but the fpv side of things has been the most addictive thing I've ever done, the best thing about these little quads is that they fly inside so well, I can do freestyle tricks in the house and it's as much fun as flying outside. I just set up a few gates and race around at high speed, it's a blast, and it's pretty safe.
 
Lol! My "tricks" inside the house usually involve crashing into the dog or getting stuck in the ferns!
I'm thinking my tricks might not be as cool as your's just yet! 🤣
Maybe, but trust me once you get a few weeks into fpv you'll be amazed how easy it is compared to flying line of sight. Once you get used to the visual perspective you'll be flying all over the house and really enjoying every minute of it.
 
I'm looking forward to giving it a try! Fpv looks fun! After watching some vids, I feel ike I might need to be strapped into the chair I'm in! The video experience SEEMS like it might be intense at first! Lol!
I kind of like line of sight right now.
I'm horrible with orientation at distance. Since flying is all pretty new to me, I feel like this is good practice for a plane etc...

I'm POSITIVE that I'm doing this right because it FUN!!! 👍
 
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