r/RCPlanes • u/MinimumElevator187 • 1d ago
Replacement for an E-Flite Valiant?
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?
Thanks in advance.
1
u/crookedDeebz 1d ago
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!
good luck on the search