What I would buy if I were starting RC today.
Start with the polyhedral wing Albatross kit and an Assassin kit from Crashtesthobby.com. You will learn faster if you learn to fly the slower Albatross before you try to fly the Assassin. Both kits are cut from nearly indestructible EPP foam and designed to last. The Albatross likes to fly 12-30 mph and the Assassin likes to fly at 25-70 mph with the same motor, prop and battery. Obviously the slower Albatross with poly wing plane is easier to fly and gives you time to build your reflexes for the Assassin flying wing. Our 40" class wings including the Assassin, Widowmaker and Rebels can fly on this same motor, ESC, servos and battery set up helping keep your costs down.
Albatross Kit with Polyhedral Wing CTH Albatross
Assassin Kit CTH Assassin
The following are links to two on line discount retailers for RC gear that will work with our planes. At the bottom of the page is a more detailed description of why I choose these products. You may find similar products at other suppliers that will also work but this list gives you a place to start with products we use at a great price. Some of the items come in bulk which saves money. Even though they are similar items you will find some items cost less at one or the other supplier. Charger, propeller and motor prices are are less expensive at HK while ESCs, servos, radios and plugs are cheaper at BG. Ordering ESCs from China BG rather than the US warehouse is cheaper but may take an extra week in shipping.
I recommend you get 4+ batteries, a spare motor and props and servos so you can keep flying. Make sure you get the right connectors on your charger and batteries and ESCs. (The HK charger comes with XT60 connectors while the BG charger does not.) We recommend the 3.5mm bullet plugs and the XT60 connectors on your batteries, battery chargers and ESCs. The charger listed from Hobby King has XT60 connectors from the factory. We recommend your batteries have at least a 35C rating so they will have enough power for your planes. I prefer the Graphine and Pulse brand batteries but there are many good batteries out there. I recommend the $65 Flysky i6 radio from Banggood or Amazon with the listed "IA6B" receiver which has the servo plugs on the end. Read my review.
Try this link to learn more about why the Albatross is the best trainer.
http://www.crashtesthobby.com/best-rc-trainer.html
Many things have changed in the last two years. I am updating links because many have changed and some products no longer available or shipping is unreliable. I am adding Amazon links because of supply chain problems for HK and Bangood.
Amazon links, not always the least expensive but better delivery.
Motor Amazon 2812-1534KV motor
Motor (Best price, from China slow shipping) 2812-1534KV motor
Ebay 2812-1534KV motor
(10X) HK Propellers (Best price) 7x6 APC style propellers
Propellers on Amazon 5X 7x6 APC style
ESC 30A Amazon with plugs 30 amp ESC
Metal gear mini 12g / 2kg thrust Servos on Amazon 8X MG90 Servos
Metal gear standard 55g / 10kg thrust for larger planes MG996R
6 channel Radio/receiver on Amazon FlySky i6 with a iA6B Receiver
Extra Receiver Amazon Flysky i6 (get iA6B receiver)
Charger B6-AC Lipo Charger
Charger B6-AC Lipo Charger
Batteries I prefer Graphine, Turnigy and Pulse brands 3S 1300 Lipo 11.1 volt
If you upgrade the motor you also need to upgrade the battery, ESC and servos
Bigger motor 3530-1700 KV motor
RCTimer 3530-1700 KV motor
ESC 40A Amazon with plugs 40 amp ESC
Propellers on Amazon 5X 7x6 APC style
(10X) HK Propellers (Best price) 7x6 APC style propellers
Prop Saver from Crashtesthobby 5mm prop saver
If you buy ESCs or motors without plugs you will also need plugs.
Bullet Plugs Amazon 10+ pairs
XT60 plugs XT60 Connectors
Hobby Store suppliers - Hobby King vs Banggood
(3X) Motor EMAX
(HK) 2812-1534 kv motor
(BG) 2812-1534 kv motor
2812-1534 kv motor RCTimer (best quality, slow shipping)
Amazon 2812-1534 motor
(10X) Propellers
(HK) 7x6 APC style props
(BG) 7x6 APC style props
30 Amp ESC W/BEC
(HK) 30 A ESC
(BG) 4X 30 A ESCs
Servo 12 gm/2kg thrust MG90 Servos
(HK) MG90 servo
(BG) MG90 Servo Make sure you get all metal gears.
Servo 22 gm/4.6kg thrust for faster small planes.
(HK Corona DS238 mg
(HK) Corona 238mg
Radio system - My review of the FS i6
(HK) Turnigy TGY-i6
(BG) FlySky i6 with a iA6B Receiver (Get left hand throttle)
Extra Receiver
(HK) TGY-iA6B V2 Receiver
(BG) IA6B Receiver
Bullet Plugs
(HK) 10 pairs 3.5mm
(BG) 50X pairs 3.5mm
XT60 plugs
(HK) 5X pairs of XT60 plugs
(BG) 10X pair XT60 plugs
Charger (copy) Make sure to get one with XT60 plugs
(HK) B6-AC Lipo Charger needs power supply
(HK) B6-AC Lipo Charger
EBay B6-AC Lipo Charger
(BG) B6-AC Lipo Charger
(4X) 3S Batteries
(HK) 3S 1300 Lipo 11.1 volt
(BG) 3S 1300 Lipo 11.1 volt
Albatross Kit with Polyhedral Wing CTH Albatross
Assassin Kit CTH Assassin
The following are links to two on line discount retailers for RC gear that will work with our planes. At the bottom of the page is a more detailed description of why I choose these products. You may find similar products at other suppliers that will also work but this list gives you a place to start with products we use at a great price. Some of the items come in bulk which saves money. Even though they are similar items you will find some items cost less at one or the other supplier. Charger, propeller and motor prices are are less expensive at HK while ESCs, servos, radios and plugs are cheaper at BG. Ordering ESCs from China BG rather than the US warehouse is cheaper but may take an extra week in shipping.
I recommend you get 4+ batteries, a spare motor and props and servos so you can keep flying. Make sure you get the right connectors on your charger and batteries and ESCs. (The HK charger comes with XT60 connectors while the BG charger does not.) We recommend the 3.5mm bullet plugs and the XT60 connectors on your batteries, battery chargers and ESCs. The charger listed from Hobby King has XT60 connectors from the factory. We recommend your batteries have at least a 35C rating so they will have enough power for your planes. I prefer the Graphine and Pulse brand batteries but there are many good batteries out there. I recommend the $65 Flysky i6 radio from Banggood or Amazon with the listed "IA6B" receiver which has the servo plugs on the end. Read my review.
Try this link to learn more about why the Albatross is the best trainer.
http://www.crashtesthobby.com/best-rc-trainer.html
Many things have changed in the last two years. I am updating links because many have changed and some products no longer available or shipping is unreliable. I am adding Amazon links because of supply chain problems for HK and Bangood.
Amazon links, not always the least expensive but better delivery.
Motor Amazon 2812-1534KV motor
Motor (Best price, from China slow shipping) 2812-1534KV motor
Ebay 2812-1534KV motor
(10X) HK Propellers (Best price) 7x6 APC style propellers
Propellers on Amazon 5X 7x6 APC style
ESC 30A Amazon with plugs 30 amp ESC
Metal gear mini 12g / 2kg thrust Servos on Amazon 8X MG90 Servos
Metal gear standard 55g / 10kg thrust for larger planes MG996R
6 channel Radio/receiver on Amazon FlySky i6 with a iA6B Receiver
Extra Receiver Amazon Flysky i6 (get iA6B receiver)
Charger B6-AC Lipo Charger
Charger B6-AC Lipo Charger
Batteries I prefer Graphine, Turnigy and Pulse brands 3S 1300 Lipo 11.1 volt
If you upgrade the motor you also need to upgrade the battery, ESC and servos
Bigger motor 3530-1700 KV motor
RCTimer 3530-1700 KV motor
ESC 40A Amazon with plugs 40 amp ESC
Propellers on Amazon 5X 7x6 APC style
(10X) HK Propellers (Best price) 7x6 APC style propellers
Prop Saver from Crashtesthobby 5mm prop saver
If you buy ESCs or motors without plugs you will also need plugs.
Bullet Plugs Amazon 10+ pairs
XT60 plugs XT60 Connectors
Hobby Store suppliers - Hobby King vs Banggood
(3X) Motor EMAX
(HK) 2812-1534 kv motor
(BG) 2812-1534 kv motor
2812-1534 kv motor RCTimer (best quality, slow shipping)
Amazon 2812-1534 motor
(10X) Propellers
(HK) 7x6 APC style props
(BG) 7x6 APC style props
30 Amp ESC W/BEC
(HK) 30 A ESC
(BG) 4X 30 A ESCs
Servo 12 gm/2kg thrust MG90 Servos
(HK) MG90 servo
(BG) MG90 Servo Make sure you get all metal gears.
Servo 22 gm/4.6kg thrust for faster small planes.
(HK Corona DS238 mg
(HK) Corona 238mg
Radio system - My review of the FS i6
(HK) Turnigy TGY-i6
(BG) FlySky i6 with a iA6B Receiver (Get left hand throttle)
Extra Receiver
(HK) TGY-iA6B V2 Receiver
(BG) IA6B Receiver
Bullet Plugs
(HK) 10 pairs 3.5mm
(BG) 50X pairs 3.5mm
XT60 plugs
(HK) 5X pairs of XT60 plugs
(BG) 10X pair XT60 plugs
Charger (copy) Make sure to get one with XT60 plugs
(HK) B6-AC Lipo Charger needs power supply
(HK) B6-AC Lipo Charger
EBay B6-AC Lipo Charger
(BG) B6-AC Lipo Charger
(4X) 3S Batteries
(HK) 3S 1300 Lipo 11.1 volt
(BG) 3S 1300 Lipo 11.1 volt
For The Bullseye, Bandit, Grim Reaper, Titan, Pinata and Storm Chaser:
3530-1700 kv motor
3530-1700 kv motor - RCtimer (best quality, slow shipping)
7x6 APC style prop
Corona 238mg medium sized servos
40 amp ESC
1800 to 2200 mA lipo for Titan and Pinata
2200-4000 mA lipo 30+ C battery for the Grim Reaper and Storm Chaser.
Why do we recommend these component parts over others?
Crashtesthobby's goal is to make RC something everyone can afford. We manufacture EPP foam planes that fly well and can survive better than other types of planes. We want parts that will remain easy to get and give high performance at a low cost.
All of the components we are suggesting are available from many retailers so you can compare prices and read reviews. These parts are simple and well proven with thousands of customers. You can find these parts on Amazon and on Ebay. Many of the different hobby shops sell them too.
3530-1700 kv motor
3530-1700 kv motor - RCtimer (best quality, slow shipping)
7x6 APC style prop
Corona 238mg medium sized servos
40 amp ESC
1800 to 2200 mA lipo for Titan and Pinata
2200-4000 mA lipo 30+ C battery for the Grim Reaper and Storm Chaser.
Why do we recommend these component parts over others?
Crashtesthobby's goal is to make RC something everyone can afford. We manufacture EPP foam planes that fly well and can survive better than other types of planes. We want parts that will remain easy to get and give high performance at a low cost.
All of the components we are suggesting are available from many retailers so you can compare prices and read reviews. These parts are simple and well proven with thousands of customers. You can find these parts on Amazon and on Ebay. Many of the different hobby shops sell them too.
Motor EMAX 2812-1534kv - This is an inexpensive, lightweight motor, it allows you to fly both fast or slow.
7x6 APC style props - This is a stiff prop that is quiet and inexpensive and works well with the 2812 1534kv motor and the 3530 1700kv motor.
30 Amp ESC W/BEC - This is a good sized ESC with a BEC to use with the above prop and motor.
Servo MG90 Servos - Metal gear servos can take more abuse. Make sure you get ALL metal gears.
Standard sized servos needed for all planes with bigger motors and/or wingspans over 48"
Radio Flysky i6 - The best radio for the price. 20 model memory. Uses 4 AA batteries but the batteries last.
The Turnigy from HK is a rebrand of the same radio. I prefer the iA6B receiver on the Flysky radio.
Extra Receiver iA6B - The B receiver design has the plugs in the end which are easier to install in planes.
Bullet Plugs 3.5mm - Used to connect the ESC to the motor. You will also need heat shrink tubing.
XT60 plugs - Used to connect the battery to the ESC. If you wire them backward you will kill your ESC.
Charger (copy) B6AC - Multifunction charger that is adjustable. Make sure you get the right wall plug. You may need to solder on XT60 connecters to be able to charge your batteries. Look Here.
3S Batteries 1300 mA 11.1 volt - It is always a challenge to find good batteries. Make sure you store them at about 3.7 volts per cell and charge just before you fly to get the longest battery life. Pulse and Graphine brands have more power but many other good batteries are out there. Look for batteries with a C rating of at least 35C or more. Try to find batteries that already have the XT60 plugs attached.
7x6 APC style props - This is a stiff prop that is quiet and inexpensive and works well with the 2812 1534kv motor and the 3530 1700kv motor.
30 Amp ESC W/BEC - This is a good sized ESC with a BEC to use with the above prop and motor.
Servo MG90 Servos - Metal gear servos can take more abuse. Make sure you get ALL metal gears.
Standard sized servos needed for all planes with bigger motors and/or wingspans over 48"
Radio Flysky i6 - The best radio for the price. 20 model memory. Uses 4 AA batteries but the batteries last.
The Turnigy from HK is a rebrand of the same radio. I prefer the iA6B receiver on the Flysky radio.
Extra Receiver iA6B - The B receiver design has the plugs in the end which are easier to install in planes.
Bullet Plugs 3.5mm - Used to connect the ESC to the motor. You will also need heat shrink tubing.
XT60 plugs - Used to connect the battery to the ESC. If you wire them backward you will kill your ESC.
Charger (copy) B6AC - Multifunction charger that is adjustable. Make sure you get the right wall plug. You may need to solder on XT60 connecters to be able to charge your batteries. Look Here.
3S Batteries 1300 mA 11.1 volt - It is always a challenge to find good batteries. Make sure you store them at about 3.7 volts per cell and charge just before you fly to get the longest battery life. Pulse and Graphine brands have more power but many other good batteries are out there. Look for batteries with a C rating of at least 35C or more. Try to find batteries that already have the XT60 plugs attached.
I know that choosing a first plane can be confusing where we sell a variety of specialized planes.
If this is your first plane get an Albatross poly wing and put a 2812-1534 motor on it with a 7x6 prop and 25+ amp ESC and MG90 servos. You can fly with 3S batteries from 1300 to 3000 mA. I usually fly with 3S-2700 mA batteries and can get half hour flight times. Your flying speed on the Albatross poly wing is from 10-30 mph.
We do sell a lot of 40" wings. I have at least 10 of this size of plane flying. I carry them around like arrows in my quiver. I like them because they are light weight aerobatic planes that are extremely fun to fly. In this group I recommend you start with the Assassin or the Rebel S-16% with a 2812-1534 motor on it with a 7x6 prop and 25+ amp ESC and MG90 servos. I also fly my Widowmakers and other Rebels too on a regular basis with the same set up. All of them have their own personality and all fly great. I like to fly the 40" class planes 1300 mA with 3S batteries to give theme enough power but still keep them light for high performance. If you keep the planes light you can have vertical performace with this motor set up. These planes are the toughest planes you can buy and can take a lot of abuse. Airspeed is from about 20 mph to 75 mph and that speed is what makes them a good intermediate level sport plane that is a lot of fun.
The 55" Grim Reaper and Grim Reaper XLs are great planes for older eyes and newer fliers because bigger wings are easier to see and not so sensitive on the sticks. Locally the 55" Grim Reaper and the 55" Bullseye are some of the most popular larger flying wings for low hour pilots.
If you want to enter the world of speed use the Grim Reaper set up above on the Assassin or Rebel with a good 1300-1800 3S battery ...... but this is not for first time flyers. (Hehehehe)
If this is your first plane get an Albatross poly wing and put a 2812-1534 motor on it with a 7x6 prop and 25+ amp ESC and MG90 servos. You can fly with 3S batteries from 1300 to 3000 mA. I usually fly with 3S-2700 mA batteries and can get half hour flight times. Your flying speed on the Albatross poly wing is from 10-30 mph.
We do sell a lot of 40" wings. I have at least 10 of this size of plane flying. I carry them around like arrows in my quiver. I like them because they are light weight aerobatic planes that are extremely fun to fly. In this group I recommend you start with the Assassin or the Rebel S-16% with a 2812-1534 motor on it with a 7x6 prop and 25+ amp ESC and MG90 servos. I also fly my Widowmakers and other Rebels too on a regular basis with the same set up. All of them have their own personality and all fly great. I like to fly the 40" class planes 1300 mA with 3S batteries to give theme enough power but still keep them light for high performance. If you keep the planes light you can have vertical performace with this motor set up. These planes are the toughest planes you can buy and can take a lot of abuse. Airspeed is from about 20 mph to 75 mph and that speed is what makes them a good intermediate level sport plane that is a lot of fun.
The 55" Grim Reaper and Grim Reaper XLs are great planes for older eyes and newer fliers because bigger wings are easier to see and not so sensitive on the sticks. Locally the 55" Grim Reaper and the 55" Bullseye are some of the most popular larger flying wings for low hour pilots.
If you want to enter the world of speed use the Grim Reaper set up above on the Assassin or Rebel with a good 1300-1800 3S battery ...... but this is not for first time flyers. (Hehehehe)
We warranty the products we sell. We want you happy with your planes. We have given you links to products we use but we can't offer any warranty on products, product availability or service of the companies linked on our website.
