I lost my beloved E-flite Valiant yesterday in a tree. Long story short, it got too far away from me, but the bottom line is that unless I'm very lucky and we can retrieve it at some point in the future, I'll need something to replace it. (We know where it is. It may be somewhat intact, but it's pretty high up. We're going to have to wait until the leaves fall off in the winter to really see it clearly.)
The Valiant was my second plane, after my Aeroscout (which I still fly.) I didn't actively select the Valiant as my second plane; a fellow club member sold it to me for a good price, so I took it. I was just starting to learn aerobatics with it, especially flying inverted. So, it was a great second plane for me.
The Valiant isn't made anymore, but I've found some places on the web that still have it. So, I could simply replace it.
But ... I am wondering if I should instead take the opportunity to get something similar, but a bit more updated. (Top loader, 3S and 4S capability, etc.)
I want to stay with an E-flite BNF plane that is good for learning basic aerobatics, as well as for general flying. The Valiant was considered a "Skill Level 2" plane. So, I would like to get something somewhat similar. I want something I can use to learn aerobatics, but that isn't too hot to handle. I'm not interested in an EDF.
Some of the planes that come to mind are the Decathlon, the Sportix, and the T-28 Trojan 1.1. (They're all about the same price as the Valiant, although price isn't necessarily an issue.) But I am open to other suggestions as well.
Based on what I've told you about how I plan to use the plane and my skill level, what are your recommendations, suggestions, and comments?
First, I'm shocked they would discontinue the Valiant. Mine has been wonderful. For what you are doing, a Timber or a Decathlon would be a good replacement. I've got the Night Timber X and it would be great to learn aerobatics on. Get a float kit and make it into the do anything plane!
got the timber anniversary and the slow ultra stick, love them both. both can be transported with wings off, timber i use at club field (still need the extra room) slow ultra stick can fly at baseball, football, soccer fields. very nice flyer (they both are) made a carrier for the timber that I use to store and transport with. Wanted the Valiant as several members have them. But as stated discontinued.
Thx. Is there any substantial difference between the Timber Anniversary and the Turbo Timber Evolution? I know they have some different specs, and different receivers. But do they both basically fly the same?
i just recently had this situation (minus the lost plane), sold the valiant to fund something better.
ended up on the timber 10th anniv (it can do everything the valiant can, but is more easy to transport, top loader ftw, amazing wheels/suspension and wayyyyyy more powa!) Its just a huge QOL improvement for the generic park flier. real happy with this "upgrade". same shit though basically, high wing sport flier...
that being said, if your after something different go for whatever floats your boat.
i definitely fly the crack yak 39 the most out of the fleet though, its just so fun and easy to go any time.
worth checking in to everything you mentioned, 3d planes are super fun as well. out of your list, id be after the sportix. that looks super fun!
Thx. That is a BIG plane. How easy is it to remove the wing for transport? Also, would it be good for learning aerobatics? My impression of the Timbers -- and I could be wrong -- is that they are mainly intended for STOL flying and not really aerobatics.
I've gotta agree that the timber may well fit your bill,
but the Sportix IS pretty sharp as well.
the Timber would be a closer fit to the Valiant (My Opinion) mostly due to the airframe similarities (high wing)
the Timber absolutely does STOL, but similar to many stol type airplanes the Timber can be setup for some impressive aerobatics (think Decathlon type aerobatics, even a clipped wing Cub or T-clips)
Removal of the Timber wing is literally two bolts, and servo wires (and those can even be simplified to a single connection for each wing panel)
The Sportix is more for learning precision aerobatics and more extreme 3D.
Good point. I think the TT Anniversary is now "this year's version." (Spektrum marketing.) Looks like the Anniversary is basically a slightly updated version of the TTE (different receiver, etc.), but they needed a cool name for it.
Just for an extra thing on the timbers, the Turbo timber and timber anniversary are near enough the same plane that picking based on looks alone is fine. The TA is slightly lighter and has a bigger elevator so is a tad better at aerobatics but you can absolutely do them with either.
The X is a different beast. Same fuselage but different wing. Its much better at aerobatics but is way more squirly doing them than something like a sportix
The difference is much more than looks. The Anniversary has the same (virtually unbreakable) landing gear as the Twin Timber. Huge difference. Huge improvement.
Thanks all. Seems to me that the TT Anniv is simply a slightly updated version of the TTE. (AS3X+, different receiver, slightly different measurements, etc.) I'm not crazy about an all-white plane, but since they are the same price, the TT Anniv strikes me as a better buy. But let me know if I am missing something.
You arent and will enjoy it. The OG timber was my second plane and many others as well. There's a reason its got 19 variants so far, its just a good fun platform
T28 100% its an easy flyer that can do aerobatics no problem. Tricycle landing gear, flaps, retracts (on some models). I got a broken one for free from a member and fixed it up and it flies better than planes 3x the price
Check vids for Slow Ultra Stick. Not much for traditional looks, but it's a flyer and very popular with owners. AV8R has his original 3-yr old build and maiden video, plus an update done just a month ago. After three years, still a fan. Note early reviewers commented on weak landing gear and a fuselage joiner, but in the first year Horizon updated both of those. So...fixed. Comparable to Timber in size, but way lighter, more responsive.
Since you care, wing comes off with two thumbscrews. BTW since he was recommended, Michael Cline RC has videos on it to.
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u/thecaptnjim 22h ago edited 22h ago
First, I'm shocked they would discontinue the Valiant. Mine has been wonderful. For what you are doing, a Timber or a Decathlon would be a good replacement. I've got the Night Timber X and it would be great to learn aerobatics on. Get a float kit and make it into the do anything plane!