Table of Contents
Introduction
The indoor environment has been rendered toxic by the advent of the internet. Children and adults alike waste hours browsing through useless Google entries or cycling through YouTube videos. All of this has led to a rise of concern regarding people’s hobbies – they don’t have any. If that’s you, then perhaps you can take on flying RC stunt planes once you’re through reading this article.
Latest update on 2022-11-23 | Images | Affiliate links from Amazon Product Advertising API
Flying remote control stunt planes is one of those few unbeatable hobbies where you just can’t have enough of something. The pleasure and exhilaration of cutting through the air, doing a barrel loop, or completing vertical circles is indescribable. For all the stunt plane aficionados and the newbies out there, this article will help you pick the best from the RC stunt plane world.
What is a Stunt Plane?
Remote controlled planes are often used to do aerial stunts and have been hence named RC stunt planes. Only a select few have the features and design suited for such a task and they have amassed quite a following. Stunt planes have continued to amaze and excite people as they take on new challenges to learn novel tricks and master those that they already know.
Features of Stunt Planes
Here are some features set apart stunt planes from the rest of the crowd:
Aerodynamic & Stable Design
An ideal stunt plane must have an aerodynamic design to pierce through the air and minimize the drag force. Stability is an equally important factor, there is no point flying around if you can’t maintain a stable flight. Planes that come with wings attached above the fuselage, also known as “high wing” planes, tend to have better stability. This frees up a lot of pressure from your side as the counterbalance effect of the fuselage will keep the plane stable in flight.
Easy to Operate
Planes are only enjoyable if they are easy to fly. If you’re a novice, be on the lookout for something decent yet easy so that you don’t end up ruining the fun. Most models mention this factor on the boxes, so keep your eyes peeled for them.
Range & Flight Time
Range is defined as the distance a plane can fly to, and while this is never too much for average stunt planes, having a good number is always appreciated. Think of it like this: more room, more stunts. Flight time or battery timing is also very important as it determines how long the fun will last per session.
Top 5 Remote Control Stunt Planes
We’ve narrowed down our picks to these top five models after much consideration, comparison and testing:
Top Race RC Plane 4 Channel Airplane
Top RC Plane 4 is ideal for stunt competitions and delivers best in stability and versatility. Equipped with a 2.4 GHz controller, the plane can be flown in groups without any disturbance. The plane does not merely look good, it works perfectly too. Mostly planes and drones are limited by “altitude displacement” when flying high.
This is the pressure of wind that pushes against the plane and keeps it from climbing any higher and instead pins it downward. However, Top RC Plane 4 is equipped with a 6-axis gyro stabilizer that obliterates this limitation and allows you to fly without limits.
Fly easy at first, as the controls need a few runs to get acquainted to. Once your hand is steady and you know how stuff works, you can unleash the stunt potential of this tough birdie. Believe us, you’ll be surprised at the things it can do. It also has a “one-key return” option to bring it back to you when it strays too far. The plane sometimes exhibits problems while taking off, however, it is a catch for what it’s worth.
Pros
- Allows you to unleash a set of impressive and exhilarating stunts
- The model comes packed with three extra propellers, just in case
- It is ideal for both young people and adults
- The tail wheel is steerable and allows for better control over the plane
Cons
- It is a bit pricey when compared to other models
- You might lose the plane if you fly it too high
Verdict
The Top Race RC Plane 4 Channel Airplane is a decent all in one option for stunts and air races, it is worth every penny it charges.
VOLANTEXRC RC Airplane
This plane is the one for you if you’re just starting and need to take it to the skies. It comes packed with three assistance levels for novice users and is visually pleasant with a perfect blend of colors and aerodynamic design. You will not require the assist options once you become an ace pilot.
Volantexrc RC airplane is ideal for grouped flights as its 2.4 GHz controller allows you to fly 20 planes simultaneously. You can spend joyous hours with family members and friends, showing off your moves or racing against time in aerial competitions. The plane has a better speed, can perform some pretty decent stunts, and climbs as high as 200 meters up in the air.
However, the plane parts are prone to damage, and hence this model, though cheap, is not suitable for the long haul. But if you’re looking for a beginner craft, this is the one for you. It has everything to get you started on your RC flying journey.
Pros
- The controls are straightforward and easy
- You can keep it airborne longer than competitor models
- It is completely pre-assembled, hence no problems there
- It is perfect for flying in groups, i.e. in a club
Cons
- The plane can crash if you’re not careful enough
- Hardware prices are a bit inflated
Verdict
The VOLANTEXRC RC Airplane is a decent beginner option, which will help you master the craft. Later on, you can move to better models.
Top Race RC Plane 3 Channel Airplane
Top Race RC lands another candidate in our top 5 list and for good reason. This model is equipped to cut through the skies and glide through stunts with ease. The plane is suited for all sorts of users, having “easy”, “medium”, and “hard” options to help you progressively master the craft. You can take the plane to a stunning 320 feet off ground and soar the skies like a falcon.
Its cordless 8mm motor generates excellent speeds but will only keep you in the air for 12 minutes. It is best to carry some extra batteries with you to keep the ball rolling. The frame is of sturdy construct but parts may fall off so check regularly for any loose parts. The propeller is delicate but protected by a dedicated saver which substantially improves its durability and longevity.
Pros
- It is a durable model and can take some pretty rough beating
- It has three modes: easy, medium, and hard, for users of all kinds
- The batteries are durable and can be charged easily
- It can ascend to 320 feet in the sky
Cons
- The propeller is a bit delicate
- Battery timing is not impressive
Verdict
The Top Race RC Plane 3 Channel Airplane is a decent all-rounder option, suited for users of all skill levels. It is a durable and enjoyable model.
E-flite RC Airplane
The E-flite RC airplane is ideal for beginners. Most novices will crash their plane seconds after taking flight, however, this is not the case with this model. This model comes packed with an optional safe mode. This mode will prevent the craft from rolling over or pitching upside down, hence preventing a crash.
An extra safety margin allows you to enjoy taking it to the skies without worrying about a crash. The plane setup also keeps it from ascending excessively or to dive instantly. This may reduce its stunt capabilities but ensures a safe and smooth ride, and you can still perform some pretty decent maneuvers with it.
The self-leveling feature is another appreciable add-on giving you a stable ride. The feature will also help keep the wings straight during takeoffs and landing. The plane is a high-performer, delivering great results in air. Its ESC, motor and prop are ideal for maximum thrust. The batteries may not be up to the mark for some people, if that’s the case with you, replace them with a stronger 4-cell variant. The model requires minimalistic assembly, and that too without specific tools, in contrast to other models that take hours to set up.
Pros
- It has been built from a durable EPO material
- The optional safe mode makes the aircraft easy to fly and maneuver, especially for beginners
- Wings can be assembled without any tools, the assembly is easier and less time consuming
- The craft has unparalleled flight stability and precision, making it ideal for novices
Cons
- The batteries may not be up to the par for some people, however, you can always use better ones
- Structural integrity is lacking in the hardware provided
Verdict
Overall, the E-flite RC Airplane is ideal for beginners, an affordable option that offers a safe and stable flight.
E-flite UMX Airplane
The UMX from E-flite is another decent option in the RC aircraft world. This model comes pre-assembled, so most of your work has already been done for you. All you have to do is to insert charged batteries into it and then you’re ready to fly. The model is suited for both indoors and outdoors, although stunts can only be performed outdoors.
It also boasts authentic navigation lights to help you conquer the night sky when it’s dark. These lights will allow you to keep the plane within sight and you’ll never lose your bird mid-flight. The landing gear is also impressive, being equipped with oversized wheels, ideal for beginners. The plane can also be fitted with optional water floats, allowing you to take off from and land on water.
Pros
- It is a small-sized craft ideal for both indoors and outdoors
- The NAV lights let you locate and fly the plane unabated in the night sky
- The model comes pre assembled, saving you a great deal of hassle
- The landing gear is fitted with oversized tires, ideal for landing
Cons
- There are some trimming issues with the model
- Sometimes, the landing gear will dig into the landing platform
Verdict
The E-flite UMX Airplane is an ideal adventure craft suited for both indoors and outdoors, land, and water, a truly versatile bird.
What to Look for When Choosing Remote Control Stunt Planes?
Buying the right craft can be tricky business, considering the plethora of variables involved. But you can make a better choice by looking out for the following points:
Power Source
There are two types of engines for RC airplanes: IC (internal combustion) and EP (electric powered). The former requires fuel while the other, as is evident by the name, runs on electricity. While an IC engine delivers more power, it is noisier and emits fumes of burnt fuel. These models are not welcome in public places and require private fly zones.
Conversely, EP engines, the ones that power all crafts in the list above, are much serene and do not emit any fumes. These are welcome in public areas as they do not cause any nuisance. Another plus point is the reduced cost of usage, i.e. you don’t need fuel and constant maintenance to run an EP engine, while this is not true for an IC engine.
Both engines have their pros and cons but mostly the latter gains preference over the former. As the concerns for noise pollution and fuel emissions have been raised in the public, it is best to go green and opt for the less polluting option. But if absolute power is your concern, then no one is stopping you from getting an IC model. If you’re on the fence and can’t figure out which one to go for, choose an EP engine.
Number of Channels
The number of channels directly correlates with the degree of control and inversely related to complexity. Simpler crafts have a 2 channel operating system. This limits your control over the craft but makes it less complicated and better suited for beginners. As the channels increase to 3 and then 4, the controls become more complicated and expert-oriented.
A channel 3 craft will allow you to control the motor, elevation, and the rudder. Rudders built into beginner crafts are much complex and allow for smoother maneuverability, however, that’s not the case with planes designed for experts. A 4 channel craft will have extra controls for the craft and give you maximum control. However, this will also steepen the learning curve significantly.
Self-learning to operate a 4 channel aircraft, without any prior information is not plausible. If you are a novice, try a low channel aircraft but experts can easily take on a 4 channel craft with ease.
Spare parts availability
RC planes are bound to come crashing down one day or another. Be it an innocent mistake from your part, poor weather conditions, or an accident, your plane might be wrecked after a strong collision. In that case, you’ll need to set up some spare parts to make it flyable again.
If your model doesn’t have any or is not compatible with those offered by the market, then it will be wasted. Be sure to check if the model comes with spare parts and if not then does the company at least provide spare parts. This minor check will save a great deal of time from your side later on.
Affordability
The biggest factor is the price tag. Different models offer different sets of features. Although you may be tempted to pick up the one with the most features in its arsenal, that may not be the ideal choice. The main idea behind getting one of these models is to pick the one suited best to fit your needs and wallet capacity. There is always tomorrow for a better, more expensive model.
If you’re a bit low on cash, either wait a bit longer to settle for what you can buy with ease. Also, look for the features that you may require instead of rushing for a model that offers everything.
Our Recommendation
From all of our top picks, we highly recommend Top Race RC Plane 4 Channel Airplane. This plane is an all in one package, it is durable, enjoyable, has great potential for stunts and a decent set of features. The innate resistance to altitude displacement is our favorite feature that sets this model apart.
Final Words
RC planes have amassed a huge audience. Young and adults are all alike fascinated by flying these birds, high in the air. These planes provide a perfect retreat from the toxic non-productive lifestyles we’ve become accustomed to. They also allow you to socialize with fellow aficionados, improving your social life. We hope that by now, you’re convinced about getting one for yourself or your kid.
Leave a Reply