[Chskin]

Hello

I am looking to buy my first intermediate F5J glider (I have already used the Gentle Lady and Radian). My requirements a minimum span of 2.5m and a cost of under $800 (including motor, prop, esc, battery). The purpose of this model is as an intermediate flier to improve my skills and will allow me to move onto a fancy carbon ship one day. Most of my flying will be TD (no slope of aerobatics)

I would also like to buy from ICARE as I live in Canada and don't want to mess around with duties. So in no particular order, here is my short list: (cost includes the power package)

Magellan E XL $615
http://www.icare-rc.com/magellan_e-xl.htm

Magellan 110 $670
http://www.icare-rc.com/magellan_e-110.htm

Avia $520
http://www.icare-rc.com/gracia.htm

Gracia $740
http://www.icare-rc.com/gracia.htm


I would appreciate any impressions, what's good and what's bad.

Note, the Magellan's have D-box while the other two have carbon spars. How much importance do you attach to a D-box wing?

Thank you in advance

Craig

[p1ayaone]

Subbed, would like to hear what others have to say as well.

The Topmodel ships you mention also come in conventional tails (Prelude and Grafas if I'm not mistaken).

The only other one I know of would be the e-flite Mystique at someplace like greathobbies. Or build a Supra

[Mike Sebastien]

Take a look at E Flites mystique. Great flying machine and great quality.

[Rod]

I would second that the E Flite Mystique is a fine flier. We 2 here in our club, both are the RES types
.

[ddruck]

Any of the gliders you listed would make excellent next step. I have the Prelude, Avia's brother but cannot comment on how it flies, I bought it broken and have not finished fixing it very good quality though. They are all well built, but you don't see much about the Magellan gliders, I flew the smaller 2m size and was not very impressed with it's thermaling ability. All would be competitive if that is where you are heading. You did not mention where you are heading with the selection, fun, competition? How serious? What kind of field you fly at? These open structure gliders get punched through quite easily in rough grass. Also if you are really heading for moldy in the future you will want full house controls to get use to flying and programming such beasts. I am heading there myself this year, just waiting for my 4m Full Spread carbon Euphoria F5J to come in, even after 4 years of practice, not quite sure if I am ready for it.
The big difference between D box and open structure, according to some people is the D box is closer to true shape of the airfoil, where the other due to sags between ribs is only approximation, also D box can be lighter but definitely stiffer due to the locked box shape.

[John O'Sullivan]

I had a Magellan E XL a few years ago which I flew with the PSJ 1400 motor that Icare had at that time. It was a joy to fly. about 2 1/2 tears ago, I planted it on a power line and being carbon, it exploded resulting in an "Afro" of carbon from the carbon in the wing, blowing every electrical component in the model and causing a power outage. I liked the model so much that I quickly replaced the model and have never regretted it. The new 110" version seems a good model and for the small increase in cost appears to be great value. I'd go for the bigger one now.
Contrary to the listing in the website, it is NOT a carbon moulded shell on the wing in front of the spar, but is glass over I think Rohacell. There is however ample carbon reinforcement of the spar. which results in a strong and efficient wing. I'd have no hesitation in choosing this model. It does not have the light wing loading and thermalability of my 3.2m Pulsar but it will certainly not let you down.

[Ralph Day]

John,
Were you a popular fellow in the neighbourhood that day?

Ralph

[Chskin]

Thanks for all the advice. I would eventually like to get into high end carbon ships (Supra, Perfect, etc). I mostly fly for pleasure, not very competitive.

This glider I see as a stepping stone to give me the confidence and training to move into more advanced gliders.

Cheers

Craig

[John O'Sullivan]

Originally Posted by Ralph Day

John,
Were you a popular fellow in the neighbourhood that day?

Ralph

At least I did not bring down the power line
John

[aeajr]

Originally Posted by Chskin

Hello

I am looking to buy my first intermediate F5J glider (I have already used the Gentle Lady and Radian). My requirements a minimum span of 2.5m and a cost of under $800 (including motor, prop, esc, battery). The purpose of this model is as an intermediate flier to improve my skills and will allow me to move onto a fancy carbon ship one day. Most of my flying will be TD (no slope of aerobatics)

I would also like to buy from ICARE as I live in Canada and don't want to mess around with duties. So in no particular order, here is my short list: (cost includes the power package)

Magellan E XL $615
http://www.icare-rc.com/magellan_e-xl.htm

Magellan 110 $670
http://www.icare-rc.com/magellan_e-110.htm

Avia $520
http://www.icare-rc.com/gracia.htm

Gracia $740
http://www.icare-rc.com/gracia.htm


I would appreciate any impressions, what's good and what's bad.

Note, the Magellan's have D-box while the other two have carbon spars. How much importance do you attach to a D-box wing?

Thank you in advance

Craig

Did you buy something? What did you get and how do you like it?

Didn't buy yet? Still looking for Advice?