View Full Version : firebird xl
astrojim
03-13-2002, 10:05 AM
thinking of buying this for my son. just looking for a little fun.
any feed back would be helpful.
http://216.40.226.212/~admin2/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30431&highlight=tigerwoods
I posted this thread a while back, and I too have flown the FBXL, as my first plane, it flies nicely, but the only thing about the FBXL is that it doesn't teach you as much, and believe me after your first airplane..... OHHHHHHH BOY! There will be more. You, as well, as your Son will bound like no Son and Father have ever bonded before.
I now have seven airplane (not bad for a newie) in my opinion, and my two cents, the first plane you should get is a
TigerMoth. The FBXL only has rudder, and not capable of elevation due to it's fix dihedral, on the other handthe TM is capable of slow flying, as far a modification go, you can increase the speed, depends on the GB that you get and the Batt. and it can teach your son or you, the basic (the real basics) of R/C airplane check this out, one of the Tiggie Squadron post this http://216.40.226.212/~admin2/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24547
Hope this help,
genovia - 2NG
CDNshy_guy
03-13-2002, 01:02 PM
If this is the only plane you or your son is going to buy them I say go for it. But if you want to get into the hobby then go for the tiger moth.
all_fly_all_day
04-01-2002, 02:47 AM
how old is your son? I'm 14 and the firebird was my first plane that i had success with, and it is s EZ! my first flight ended upin the trees but that i found out later was a faulty bettery connecter* not me;) then i fixed that and all i had to do was toss it in the air! iwill admit my thumbs were shaking lke crazy but anfter 2 minutes i had that plane flying like a dream...i suggest that you get it if you guys are looking for some qiuck fun, but if you are willing to take some time(and money) to get a better model then do that. If you do get it let me know. i know about everything there is to know about that plane and i can help ya with any "bugs" you come across.
Brandon
eat-sleep-fly
emoone
04-04-2002, 08:43 AM
Love my Firebird XL. Its easy to fly ( taught myself). Its tough and nearly unbreakable ( tape the wings first ). Replacement parts are semi-inexpensive and readily available from my LHS or from the internet ( I'm still flying all original on mine ).
Its a great first plane at a price that really can't be matched by anything else out there. If you get it and like it and want to pursue the hobby more .... then you can start moving into the TigerMoths and Sky Scooters. I paid as much for my first real TX ( Hitec Laser 4 FM + 2 HS-55 servos ) as I did for my entire Firebird XL package.
Run don't walk to your LHS and buy it today!
CDNshy_guy
04-04-2002, 08:48 AM
Great price because after your done with it the parts are no good to you. The other planes cost more because you can re-use the hardware.
Norm
emoone
04-04-2002, 12:26 PM
Yeah .... you can debate the low cost/resuability of the Firebird all day long ..... but at the end of the day it comes down to this .... if I drop $300-$400 on a RTF model + rc gear and my son hates it I'm not happy. If I drop $99 on a Firebird II or $119 on the XL and he hates it I'm a lot better off. Even if he outgrows it eventually the money was well spent on a hard to damage but easy to fly "semi-trainer" to learn a little bit about flying.
I'd recommend this plane to any first time flyer! I got it and I'm hooked on flying and now I'm slowly building up my fleet of other planes, but I still fly my XL when I'm looking for some easy flying enjoyment.
Just my $.02 worth ......
Eddie
CDNshy_guy
04-04-2002, 12:40 PM
You are right but when you switch to a full control plane you have to learn all over again.
The fibird has no updown control. It is harder to think about doing 3 things at a time then 2. There for it's less than a semi-trainer.
I have never met anyone that didn't fall in love with the hobby after earning their wings.
Norm C
I have never met anyone that didn't fall in love with the hobby after earning their wings. A true hobbyist response.
No matter what you fly, no matter how good you are in flying. The only opinion that one has in the hobby is the love for it's airplane, and flying time that they put into it.
FBXL II ---- Was my first, the experience with this bird, taught me the basics. My left from my right. Yeah .... you can debate the low cost/resuability of the Firebird all day long FBXL should not be debated over, and your right. FBXL's should be praised for it's tolerance to new comer's.
If I drop $99 on a Firebird II or $119 on the XL and he hates it I'm a lot better off. Even if he outgrows it eventually the money was well spent on a hard to damage but easy to fly "semi-trainer" to learn a little bit about flying.
Sensitive issue. This is the pit fall of frustration to new (VIRGIN) comer's in Ezone. People at times (all the time) buy a plane for reasons of look's and HARD LOOK's, muscle plane. Flying is done with experience. Like emoone said, what if, either you or someone that you buying this plane too, outgrows the trainer (FBXL's , then you move on to something else. Som$thing C$$L:cool: But the dollars are worthed for now you have the confidence of that like an Eagle and ready to soar.
You are right but when you switch to a full control plane you have to learn all over again. Do you teach a Two year old to ride a bike? No, first he/she must master walking, then when ready, then out comes the bike (wait when she/he wants a car). It's okay to learn and, relearn (even the seasoned flyer's ask questions) just as long, as it's in the same page and subject.
The firebird has no updown control an elevator
There for it's less than a semi-trainer. in one opinion it might be, depending on who is flying.
CDNshy_guy
04-04-2002, 02:26 PM
His son is not 2, he is 9
that is plenty old enough.
His son is not 2, he is 9
Did not mean for you to take offense. I know his not 2, but the logic and common reason behind the example that I made. (HEY now I'm defensive:D )
Anyways, CDNshy_guy. I replied for the sake and love for the hobby. I know you gave your cents to a dollar opinion, that's all we can do, that is why I gave mine.
Look me up around the forum. I've seen you stopped by in one or two occasions in my threads. So, I know you meant well.
Stop by again in my threads, and I hope, we (us) can make a positive contribution to the hobby. ( Keep your mind and Idea's sharp, and post a thread:cool: )
2NG:)
astrojim
04-05-2002, 10:33 AM
Thanks to all for your help. The concept of flight is no stranger to me (I have owned a concept heli for many years), the boy is interested so the minimal cost and ease are welcome, also being 12 his interest may change like his socks! We will purchase one of the firebirds, and who knows he may take off with it, then move up and be able to teach others with the FB.