Want to learn basic 3d flying, what plane?

[Foamforce]

I want to start learning basic 3d maneuvers like prop hangs, rolling harriers, etc. I need to pick a plane and I don’t want to make it unnecessarily difficult on myself by choosing an unsuitable plane, or one that requires a lot of tuning (which I don’t know how to do).

Is the FT 3D suitable to start, assuming that I keep it light? I can build it lighter than spec by peeling a lot of paper, being sparing with glue, and using a small 850mah 3s battery.

Would a 3D XL be easier to learn on than the original FT 3D?

Alternately, how about an inexpensive profile plane like the ones from VH?

39in Red Eagle Hummer ARF (EPP Foam)

valuehobby.com

PS, I’m not a new pilot. I can keep the plane off the ground during stupid maneuvers. Also, I’ve been playing around with 3d in RealFlight, but I learn much faster IRL.

Thanks!

 

[Mr Man]

There's an Extra 300 that I designed, but I havn't built it just yet. (been too busy with other awesome projects)

 

[Bricks]

It is hard to beat the ValueHobby Depron planes in the 32 inch, I have four of them built they take a heck of a beating with out much fuss and they fly really well. The Giles 202 is the best one of the bunch I have flown mine in 30 MPH winds where the rest will not do that. When they first came out they were $25 a piece I have three sitting here in the box of the early ones which came painted which I am glad I did

 

[AIRFORGE]

It is hard to beat the ValueHobby Depron planes in the 32 inch, I have four of them built they take a heck of a beating with out much fuss and they fly really well. The Giles 202 is the best one of the bunch I have flown mine in 30 MPH winds where the rest will not do that. When they first came out they were $25 a piece I have three sitting here in the box of the early ones which came painted which I am glad I did

Completely agree.
Value Hobby has a few very inexpensive durable EPP 3D profile kits that are perfect for learning 3D. They aren't high-end quality but will be more than adequate for getting started.

 

[Foamforce]

It is hard to beat the ValueHobby Depron planes in the 32 inch, I have four of them built they take a heck of a beating with out much fuss and they fly really well. The Giles 202 is the best one of the bunch I have flown mine in 30 MPH winds where the rest will not do that. When they first came out they were $25 a piece I have three sitting here in the box of the early ones which came painted which I am glad I did

Great, thanks! Would you say that the 32” ones are better than the 39” ones? The extra $20 is ok with me and they’re pre-decorated. Ease of flying is my primary concern though.

 

[Bricks]

Start with the 32 inch they fly much slower and light enough when crashes occur less happens. Use this motor https://valuehobby.com/2206-1500kv-outrunner.html , use a 12 amp ESC with 3s 500 MAH batteries. They fly the best with these props https://valuehobby.com/8045-slow-flyer.html, the orange plastic props they fly but not even close to the same performance. Last but not least 9 gram servos.

Link for putting them together instructions are so so I like using E-6000 for construction being they are EPP it gives some flex at the joints.

https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?2027889-ValueHobby-32-8mm-EPP-kits!!!-24

 

[Merv]

...Is the FT 3D suitable to start, ...

Yes. the FT3D is a great place to start. After you have learned the manurvers, move on to the FT Extra. Which is what I have done. I've not yet build the new FT3D but it would be the one I would build if I were starting over.

 

[L Edge]

You can save yourself quite a bit of time(build,crash,rebuild) and money, if you practice learning 2 things, that is, doing knife edges and flying inverted at 3 crash heights.
Secondly, you need to be automatic not only entering the maneuver from left to right, but doing it from right to left. That will pay off when you try to learn how to hover and need to recover especially when belly up.
Between using the rudder and right motor/prop combo, 3D becomes fun. I moved up to 50 cc composite Extra and really enjoyed it. Favorite was a doing a high knife edge(200ft) where I then descended down to about 2 feet and flew across the field.

I have a video where I used a cheap 3D plane to practice that in the wind if you would like to see it.