Ultra Micro J-3 Cub RTF

While this was recommended to me by a dealer as a good, first RC airplane for beginners, the dealer could not have been more wrong. If you are a newbie at this, get something else that is more durable, at least in regards to the motor, shaft, and prop, and also that has parts available from a local store.

Overall, it would probably be fine as long as you don't crash it at all. Even the slightest crash causes the prop shaft to break. If that wasn't bad enough, because of the way the shaft screws on to the propeller, this means you have to replace both the shaft and propeller (because part of the shaft becomes permanently stuck inside the prop) at a cost of about $3 per item, $6 total per incident.

Thinking that I must have gotten a bad shaft in the original package, I mail ordered (none were available locally in Indianapolis) three new shafts along with three props and a bigger battery. I figured I would rather have some extra parts I might never use than...Read more

Coming over to airplanes from about a year's experience with helicopters, I purchased both a micro J-3 and Mini Super Cub to learn on. With my DX6i controller I am able to set reduced rates and some expo in the controls on the J-3. With this, the J-3 is easier for me as a beginner than is the Mini Super Cub (with its stock controller). As a beginner I can only really fly the J-3 in calm wind conditions, the only disadvantage over the Mini Super Cub. But I highly recommend this plane, even for a beginner. Great product.

First, this isn't a beginners plane. I cut my teeth on the Ember 2, Mini Cub and Super Cub LP. I wish I had bought this plane right after the Ember - instead of the other cubs. I fly in the backyard or a small space generally, so I rarely get the chance to fly big. This plane is perfection - it's fun, flies well in a small space, and seems to be able to take a fair beating.

I was concerned that it would be very sensitive to wind, but it actually flies incredibly well in the wind. My first flight with it was in 10 - 15mph wind. It was very manageable - and maintained excellent control characteristics.

I haven't crashed it yet, but can't imagine getting into a situation where I would. 10 - 15mph is big wind, and no sane person would take any foam plane into that. I did, and I've only been flying for 6 weeks. I didn't crash it in that situation, and I'm great at crashing planes. So, I'm happy. I just wish the supplier would get the stock built up...Read more