Balsa or Foam, Foam or Balsa . . . That is the question.

[Lawn_Chair_Hero]

Howdy everyone,

Haven't flown R/C in about 10 yrs, however I'm returning full-force and was wondering if anyone had any opinions on which type of kit is the better way to go: BALSA or FOAM?

If there are any suggestions as to what electric brushless kit would be the best buy, I'm all ears.

Thanks,

Will

[dnkehl]

What type of flying will you be doing? Are you going to start with a beginner plane? Where do you shop for your equipment?

[desfjr1300]

Yep it would definitely help to know those things in order to help point you in the right direction, but at first glance I'd say go foam. Since you've flown before you know a crash normally results in hours of repair at best or a re-kit at worst, whereas a little CA and accelerator normally gets a foamie back in the air in mere minutes.
Personally I've been having a blast lately with one of these:
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=PKZ5075

[dnkehl]

I have to agree. Foam is very durable and easy to repair.

[Leo L]

Let us know how experienced you were and how quickly you expect your skills to return. It might be a goofd idea for you to get a simulator and see how well you do.

What is your primary preference: building or flying? If flying is your preference, foam is definitely the away to go until your skills have fully returned or been developed. Foam planes are generally better at withstanding crash damage (provided that its a good foam plane from a quality manufacturer like HobbyZone, ParkZone, E-flite, Multiplex, etc.), are much easier to repair and are more foregiving in their flight characterisitcs. Balsa planes are more precise in their flying, which is why most advanced flyers prefer them, but they are not really a good choice when you are learning or re-learning.

[dnkehl]

Hey Lawn chair hero are you out there?

[aeajr]

I usually suggest that first time flyers go with foam. It is hard to break and easy to fix. Once you get your wings, then you can move to balsa.

[dnkehl]

We need to ask again, Lawn chair hero are you out there?

[Debra]

I vote for foam, too! Although balsa can be easier to fix, foam trainers are generally more durable.

[dnkehl]

Could you please give an example where balsa is easier to fix than foam. I am drawing a blank on this one.