Jason_H

Hi all,

I'm considering treating myself to a Xicoy CG Meter Pro, but it feels like it may be a luxury too far. Can I ask for those people that have purchased it, do you still think it was worth it. I really don't want to start a flame war about which is the best method for balancing

Dansy

My Feedback: (53)

Love mine and used it on all build.....measuring properly is a must, and letting them warm up before zero them for used....

Len Todd

I use mine on every new build. Gives you accurate total weight and weight on nose wheel. Once you figure out exactly how you need to measure things, set up is easy. Gives you an exact baseline measurement. Then as you adjust CG you can visually see where the CG is going.

The Xicoy is a lot more accurate than an EZ Balancer. Especially when you are adding single digit ounces. I still use the EZ Balancer at the beginning of the component loading to "ball park" things and at the end just to verify.

I also take the Xicoy to every one of our jet events. Helps to do LTMA Certs. Most pilots don't know how much their plane really weighs. Some don't even know where their CG actually is.

Just need to make sure you have the right cells under the right wheel! Tail draggers, need a little more set up to get the plane level. But that is a minor thing to do.

I never have used the control surface instruments. But, overall, if you are a Jet Guy, the investment is worth it.

sirrom

My Feedback: (4)

I have one and love it. I use it on every build and it allows me to quickly and accurately check my weight and CG. What I love about it is that I had to balance my T1 Jet and it was nice to be able to take the nose cone off and add weight as needed until I got to where I wanted to be, and being able to add a gram or two at a time until I get perfect balance. I also have it so that I knew if it took out X amount the weight in the nose my CG would move back a certain amount and I could fine tune my plane to my flying style. The angle meters are nice as well to set the throws of your plane very very accurately. One of the best investments I made. Just loaned it out to one of my flying buddies to check the CG on one of his planes and he was very happy with it.

Patrick

Viper1GJ

My Feedback: (20)

You will wonder how you ever did it with out one after you get it.
Gary

F900

My Feedback: (2)

Canadian Man has a good video on it during his F-18 build videos... I actually bought it because of how easy he made it to set up. If you have a few jets IMO its worth it.

camss69

My Feedback: (46)

I have the Xicoy balancer also and I love it. I've also helped several friends with their planes as well.

Jason_H

Thanks Daniel, good tip on letting it warm up! I'm sure it will be an asset long term.

Jason_H

Thanks Len, everyone I spoke to who has purchased it wishes they'd done so earlier, so that's probably a good call!

Jason_H

Yes, I've seen that video - I was aware of it before, but as you say, he made it look super easy. Thanks for the feedback!

Jason_H

Oh yeah, I can see I'd become incredibly popular at my local site as well Thanks!

Desertlakesflying

My Feedback: (28)

One of the best "How To" videos on using the Xicoy....

camss69

My Feedback: (46)

Yep, I've balanced three different friends planes so far... and convinced another to buy his own set lol...

Vincent

My Feedback: (61)

+1

smchale

My Feedback: (67)

As others have said, its really one of those ‘how did i live without this before’ tools. I like that when you zero in on your preferred CG you can reset the numbers and store them on the unit. So in the future if you make any changes to the model (ie. Add ordnance, wing tanks, smoke, new batteries, etc) you can quickly set it on the scales and see how it’s impacted the CG.

jvaliensi

My Feedback: (1)

I cut some foam for a Pelican case to hold my Xicoy CG Meter. I can leave the screen in the case while checking the CG or surface travel. This makes it convenient to use.

Dansy

My Feedback: (53)

Nice setup..

I used my iPad Pro with the Bluetooth option...works great and easy to adjust an see

Mine live in a drawer...they don’t travel at all.

camss69

My Feedback: (46)

Here are a couple friends I helped out with their CG’s recently. I need to start charging for my services lol!

The big Comp-Arf P-47 with a Moki 250 radial.
A one of a kind giant Seafury with a 200 gas race engine.
Then a friends new EF 35% Extra, no pic.
Next will be another Comp-Arf P-47 and then a TopRC Odyssey I’m building for a friend.

camss69

My Feedback: (46)

My setup obviously travels, I bought the $10 “pelican like” case from Harbor Freight. Works great and the price is right!