dragoonpvw

My Feedback: (7)

As the title says. I have a 3w-75 in an aeroworks 31% edge 540 and am tired of flying a plane whose structural integrity I am never fully confident in. I have repaired or upgraded all the usual points, gear, wing and canopy dowels but am ready to change as I am tired of constant repairs from easy flying. I have a good deal on the GP cap 580 but the weight has me worried, will the 3w-75 with its lighter weight and some careful planning keep the plane light enought to fly well, or should I go to the extra 330s from hanger 9, a few pounds less but a good looking plane. Lastly there is the edge 540 from h-9, the lightest but a boring looker. Mostly IMAC and sport flying but getting into some 3-d right now. None will have the power to weight of the 31% but the 75 turns a 26-10 at 6300 so it is no slouch.
All input welcome on these three planes, (I have a very good deal on any one of them from a friend, more than a 100 off each retail so I would like to keep to them).
Thanks
Paul

rmh

We have really worked on this situation --a lot
There are now a number of "35%" models which are designed for "100" sized engines.
We have flown/setup a number of these - from 26-30 lbs.
Performance is in th eye of the beholder so purchase accordingly
My friend won the 2003 IMAC Unlimited with a 29+pound 35% WH EXTRA -weboth setup ,on a non piped ZDZNG100-because he knew how to manage the power and is a very good flier.
Having said that -----------------
I now have the plane stripped to 26 lbs flat - with a piped modified ZDZ80 - more power yet

I just check ran a new H9 EDGE with a ZDZ100NG on in cowl mufflers which weighs an honest 21.2 lbs
Also WH has a new model which should weigh in at about 21 lbs with your engine --just right
Something else to consider-tho I have not seen or flown that one , it looks good

Which plane has the best power to weight?
A no brainer - the EDGE type setup
Which is the most fun
again -the EDGE
next the 26lb WH Extra.
If the 75 were mine - I would stop at anything over 23 lbs -- for really good -fun 3D stuff .
Our favorite one for all this stuff is a Giles we built at 18 lbs -with an 80
Look at the pics - same engine - 8 pounds difference

You can't beat light weight and high power
The comment "it may be heavy but it flies light" simply does not wash .
At least -not for me.

Thunderbolt47

My Feedback: (8)

I would go with the H-9 Extra or Edge. Dick Pettit is doing a review on the GP cap right now. It was flown last weekend with a BME 110 @ 26.5lbs. The BME 110 is a very light engine. I believe the H-9 planes could be built a little lighter than the Cap.

Also WildHare has their 33% Extra 260 that looks nice and should be light also.

that my 2 cents worth,

rctom

The new Wild Hare Extra 260 that Dick Hanson was alluding to will come in about 22 1/2 lbs with the 3w75 rear carb, if you have the lighter side carb version it will likely be under 22 lbs. The ZDZ-80 version came in at 21 1/2, Bill Hempel's rear carb 3w75 was 22 lbs 5 oz. I'm not sure but I don't think the H9 planes can match this.

Regarding flying ability the new 260 flies at least as well as the older and larger Extra 330 that Dick is working with. It has a better airfoil for precision aerobatics and is still an excellent 3d plane.

As for price, $100 off the H9 planes is still $20 more than the Wild Hare's regular price of $729.

TF

Columbo

My Feedback: (9)

I'm suprised that your 31% AW edge isn't structurally sound. Flew mine for two years with some hard
3D flying and it still was solid as a rock. Guess you must have gotten a lemon.


Greg

Kitman

My Feedback: (13)

Wildhare support will blow away the H9 support!


Kitman