LINKS- Electric Powered Gliders

[Sky Sharkster]

A short time ago I posted a thread (Getting Started in E-P Gliders) here with suggestions and links for ARF "Starter" powered gliders. A price limit of $100.00 was used to keep it in the "entry" level range.
Now we're going to raise the ante a little, or in some cases, a lot! The price range you'll find on these links goes from $125.00 to $1100.00. Most of the decent "Speed 400" LMR's ARFs(F5-J) fall into the $150.00-$400.00 range. The 2 meter and larger powered gliders are generally $400.00 to $800.00 although you will find a few for less.
So what do you get by spending 2,3 or 4 times as much money? Well, the short answer is; More performance, stronger construction and less weight. Partial or complete composite construction. Modern, contest-tested designs, airfoils and planforms. Optional controls like flaps, spoilers, ailerons, spoilerons, flaperons. Super-high-strength wing joiners in 2 or 4 sections. Removeable stabilizers. Much better hardware. A Kia or a Porsche? That's between you and your checking account!
A couple of notes before the listing; All of these sites sell Thermal Duration (TD) gliders as well as E-Powered Gliders. Most also sell Slope. HLG (Hand Launch), DLG(Discus Launch), F5-B (Hotliners), Pylon Racers and a few sell Scale or Sport gliders. The link is for the home page; Click on either "Electric Powered" or "F5-J". I don't know of any sites that sell only electric-powered gliders.
Options; Some designs allow the buyer to select different airfoils and wing configurations like flaps, spoilers or either of these combined with ailerons. For "Spot Landing" or "Timed Landing" competition you will find some sort of "spoiler" necessary and they often are the safest way out of strong lift and/or great altitude. Bear in mind your TX will have to have at least 6 channels and mixing capability for this option.
OK, This is not a complete list but it should get you started!
http://www.nfmodels.com F5-J, $200-$400. Niagria Frontier also sell 7-Cell, F5-B, Cosmotech GB's, NEU Motors and the highly competitive Poly Pulsar.
http://www.icare-rc.com Icare sells F5-J's for between $200-$700. Plettenburg, Kontronik motors.
http://www.soaringusa.com/cart/cart.php SoaringUSA carries Sport Electric Gliders $150-$500, Pylon, F5-B, F5-f $300-$1100 and F5-J's for $200-$700. They carry the "Nats" winning (F5-J) Sky Sergio.
http://www.polecataero.com DLG, HLG, 2M TD, Slope and F5-J. They carry the famous WindDancer F5-J.
http://www.espritmodel.com Esprit has a large line of gliders of all types and prices. F5-J, F5-E, Hotliners, Pylon, DLG, HLG, Slope, TD, Scale.
http://www.arthobby.com Carries a complete line of obeechi-covered foam wing models. These have F/G fuselages and sheet balsa tails. TD, 1-1/2 meter, 2 meter, DLG, HLG + E-Powered. Price range $125-$350.
http://www.charlesriverrc.org Site for Charles River RC Club. Plans, short kits for several of Mark Drela's designs including the Allegro.
The sites listed on "Getting Started..." like Hobby-Lobby.com also carry some "high-end" gliders as well. Have Fun! after all, "It's only money!"
Ron

[tim hooper]

Here's a couple of UK-biased sites, although the products should be available globally (perhaps under other names);

West London Models 'Highlight' range;

http://www.westlondonmodels.com/productpage.php?id=76

Puffin Models stock the Reichard range;

http://www.puffinmodels.com/reichard.html

FVK;

http://www.fvk.de/Englisch/FVK-Model...h-Version.html

.........and something of a global sailplane directory to finish off;

http://www.rcsail.com/manufacturers.html

tim

[Sky Sharkster]

Thanks, Tim! I especially liked the RCSAIL link, it's very complete! Now where did I put that credit card...?
Ron

[Jason T]

I agree Ron, where is my CC?

[AEAJR]

Electric Gliders - Nice assortment
http://www.nesail.com/categories.php...51fdf31a75585d

[tdonily]

I've looked at NESail's site, but have been hesitant to order due to the problems people have had with their service. Have they made improvements in this area? I certainly hope so as they have a nice selection.

[AEAJR]

I have read a few negative comments on the web, but the guys in my club who buy from them have nothing but praise for them.

[Jason T]

Travis,

I bought three airframes from NEsail and never had a problem. However, for all three I phoned my order instead of using their website.

[bentoad1]

Try Esprit I have been to there shop and they have a first class selection. You can call also These guys are good.