njswede
150cc
The airframe itself is $119, but that's probably going to be the smallest expense.
For the motor, I've had great success with the EMax GT2826/05 from HeadsUpRC. It's really cheap (around $30), but delivers good performance. You probably don't want to push too hard in KE-spins etc. but for basic 3D flying it's more than enough. If you want a killer motor, the Motrolfly DM3615/750 seems the way to go, but that one retails around $100, I believe.
For the ESC, go with either the ZTW A-series 70A or a B-series 65A. The latter has the advantage of supporting a higher BEC voltage, which gives your servos more strength. They both are around $40. Really no need to look elsewhere. ZTW seems to be THE brand these days for affordable ESCs.
That takes us to the most painful part: The servos. I'm living proof that the saying "Buy quality, cry once" is true. I initially got a bunch of the PowerHD servos ValueHobby used to recommend for this plane (I don't think they do anymore). Utter garbage! Stripped on the second trip to the field. Then I went and put in some Hitec HS82MG that I happened to have. Much better, but too weak for this plane, so I wouldn't recommend them either. I now have a set of HS5085MGs sitting on my bench waiting to be installed. I have a feeling they're going to make this plane even better! The HS5085MGs aren't exactly cheap, but I think you could get away just fine with HS85MGs (the analog version).
So count on the motor setting you back anywhere between $30-100, the ESC about $45 and the servos about $120 if you go with the HS85MG (which I strongly recommend, unless you want to step up to the even more expensive 5085MGs).
As for durability, well, this is a 3D balsa plane built to be light, so it's not going to like being doinked into the runway. However, the LG plate is pretty beefy and if you add a little bit of epoxy around it, it should withstand some pretty rough landings. I have to admit that my landings aren't always perfect. I did manage to rip out the LG plate, though, but that was after falling out of a hover and pancaking the plane HARD. It took me about an evening to fix (check my blog on this site for details).
So if you want to get into a 50" something balsa plane, this is about as cheap you're going to get away with. Learn from my mistakes and don't try to save on the servos. Of course you can take the HobbyKing route, but without being a HK basher (others do that so much better than me), I'd strongly discourage you from that. The reason is that even a "tame" plane like the Sabre X is going to put a lot of strain on the components, and the HK stuff simply isn't built for that. I'm sure it works fine in sport planes, but I've learned the hard way first hand that 3D is a whole different ball game.
I hope this helps and I think you'd like the Sabre X.
For the motor, I've had great success with the EMax GT2826/05 from HeadsUpRC. It's really cheap (around $30), but delivers good performance. You probably don't want to push too hard in KE-spins etc. but for basic 3D flying it's more than enough. If you want a killer motor, the Motrolfly DM3615/750 seems the way to go, but that one retails around $100, I believe.
For the ESC, go with either the ZTW A-series 70A or a B-series 65A. The latter has the advantage of supporting a higher BEC voltage, which gives your servos more strength. They both are around $40. Really no need to look elsewhere. ZTW seems to be THE brand these days for affordable ESCs.
That takes us to the most painful part: The servos. I'm living proof that the saying "Buy quality, cry once" is true. I initially got a bunch of the PowerHD servos ValueHobby used to recommend for this plane (I don't think they do anymore). Utter garbage! Stripped on the second trip to the field. Then I went and put in some Hitec HS82MG that I happened to have. Much better, but too weak for this plane, so I wouldn't recommend them either. I now have a set of HS5085MGs sitting on my bench waiting to be installed. I have a feeling they're going to make this plane even better! The HS5085MGs aren't exactly cheap, but I think you could get away just fine with HS85MGs (the analog version).
So count on the motor setting you back anywhere between $30-100, the ESC about $45 and the servos about $120 if you go with the HS85MG (which I strongly recommend, unless you want to step up to the even more expensive 5085MGs).
As for durability, well, this is a 3D balsa plane built to be light, so it's not going to like being doinked into the runway. However, the LG plate is pretty beefy and if you add a little bit of epoxy around it, it should withstand some pretty rough landings. I have to admit that my landings aren't always perfect. I did manage to rip out the LG plate, though, but that was after falling out of a hover and pancaking the plane HARD. It took me about an evening to fix (check my blog on this site for details).
So if you want to get into a 50" something balsa plane, this is about as cheap you're going to get away with. Learn from my mistakes and don't try to save on the servos. Of course you can take the HobbyKing route, but without being a HK basher (others do that so much better than me), I'd strongly discourage you from that. The reason is that even a "tame" plane like the Sabre X is going to put a lot of strain on the components, and the HK stuff simply isn't built for that. I'm sure it works fine in sport planes, but I've learned the hard way first hand that 3D is a whole different ball game.
I hope this helps and I think you'd like the Sabre X.
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