Challenger Vs. Xtreme

[LEMMEDRIVEIT!!]

Hey,

I'm a first time flyer on an around $200 budget, who would like a basic park flyer, and I've done some research, I think that I've narrowed it down to the Aerobird Challenger and the Aerobird Xtreme. I know that the Xtreme is more powerful and everything, but what are the main difference besides size?

I'm just wondering if the Xtreme is going to be too much for me, and I shoudl just go for the Challenger.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[aeropal]

Also consider the Multiplex EasyStar Ready-To-Fly (http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240025.asp) ($159.99 Hobby People sale price expires 9am on December 1, 2004). The 72mhz 3-channel radio has separate receiver-servo-controller components that can be used in future airplanes. If you have enough left over, order a couple of A7KAN1050BR (http://www.unipros.com/cbpsite/packs.asp?cat=AIR&session_id=142680) battery packs with Tamiya Large Female connectors from CBP.

[LEMMEDRIVEIT!!]

Cool, thanks alot. Does anyone else have any oher info on the Aerobirds? I have read the other threads on them, but I would still like some opinions.

[meatwad]

well if you are a new flyer i would go for challenger. The first time i flew the xtreme i crashed. Its hard to control then i flew the challenger it was easy to fly when it did crash it didnt take alot of dammage and if you do get it get the Aerial Drop Module too

[aeajr]

I recommend challengers for new flyers. Xtreme is bigger, heavier and faster. Not a good combo for a new flyer.

[LEMMEDRIVEIT!!]

thanks

[Jamesont]

I bought an extreme first off and it was hard to handle, I had a good crash and after a bit of a repair bill, I am now waiting for my challanger to arrive that I ordered the other day, and I won't fly the extreme till I get the smaller version down. So I'd suggest the challanger for the first shot.

[PJSims]

My first (and only, so far) airplane was a Challenger. I love it.

Take it easy at first, and don't even think about flying it in the "Pro" mode until you are comfortable with it. I probably made 20 flights before switching to Pro.

Going from standard mode to Pro is not as big a leap as I thought it would be, but it is indeed different.

I think you can safely ignore all you read about the wings folding on high-stress manuevers...I've flown the heck out of mine and loop it all the time with no problems.

[LEMMEDRIVEIT!!]

Alright, thanks alot guys. Can't wait to get the Challenger. Also, any other info on what spare parts and/or hop ups? I was just thinking of the bigger battery packs/more of them.

[PJSims]

As far as the hop up's for the Challenger, save your money. I bought an 8.4 volt / 900 MAh battery for it and hate flying with it. Even after following a tip about cutting the foam inside the airplane to maintain the CG, it just sucks.

Yes, you have more power, but the damn battery is heavy and you will notice a definite increase in the sink rate. Even adjusting for it by trimming the airplane is not acceptable. I flew my Challenger today in semi-high winds (almost 10 MPH) and had no problems with the standard battery. As soon as I stuck the 8.4 Volt in, the airplane got really squirrely and I had to bring it down.

There's a zillion tips on the web for the Challenger...I suggest you follow them. Specifically the zip-tie in front of the motor. Oh, I also put some JB Weld around the boom where it goes into the fuselage to help keep it from twisting or getting pushed in should you happen to "Lawn Dart".

[Walks]

>> There's a zillion tips on the web for the Challenger...I suggest you follow them. Specifically the zip-tie in front of the motor. Oh, I also put some JB Weld around the boom where it goes into the fuselage to help keep it from twisting or getting pushed in should you happen to "Lawn Dart".


PJ: What do you mean about putting a zip-tie in front of the motor? I had three great flights with my Challenger then "it decided" to see how far it could drill itself into the ground :(. The ground won.

The impact was so hard the plastic surrounding the motor looks like it caved in a bit. The canopy broke completely off. If you have some links to tips on fixing the planes (though this forum has opened my eyes to quite a bit) and can post them I'd appreciate it. My son did the same with his last year and neither are flying correctly. I will put some bonding around the boom. That seems to be a popular suggestion.

Thx,

Walks

[LEMMEDRIVEIT!!]

He means drilling two hole about an inch above each other(vertically) on both sides of the main body thing right in front of the motor. Then, you run a large ziptie or a few small one in a loop through the holes so they put pressure on the motor towards the back, so it supports it when u crash

[Walks]

LEMMEDRIVEIT,

Will do. Also, I was at my local hobby shop last night and the gent there suggested putting an extra small metal plate between the outside motor mount and the fuse. Not sure how that would go on but I'll take a trip to Home Depot and see what they have that might work. I guess a buddy of his nailed the ground so hard it sent the motor shooting out the cockpit window. Yikes. That had to be painful to watch. :eek:

Thanks,

Walks

[aeajr]

LEMMEDRIVEIT,

Will do. Also, I was at my local hobby shop last night and the gent there suggested putting an extra small metal plate between the outside motor mount and the fuse. Not sure how that would go on but I'll take a trip to Home Depot and see what they have that might work. I guess a buddy of his nailed the ground so hard it sent the motor shooting out the cockpit window. Yikes. That had to be painful to watch. :eek:

Thanks,

Walks

I had to make a metal mount but that was because I tore out the motor before I developed the zip tie reinforcement. See photo.

If you put the zip tie in front of the motor, not other motor reinforcement should be needed.