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This is the official RCPowers review of the ExceedRC 3CH Slope Diver sold through NitroPlanes. It is the brother of the best selling Wild Hawk and uses the same electronics. It's simple, strong, has good control surfaces, well powered with a very good glide slope when the motor is off. Overall, it's a good beginner plane that I recommend.
Specs
Wingspan: 42"/110cm
Length: 32"/ 82cm
Weight: 15.9oz/500g
Motor: 380 Size, Brushed
Prop: Folding Prop (2 included)
Battery: 8.4V 600mAh NiMh (7 cell)
Charger: 4 hour wall charger
Radio: 3Ch, Pitch, Rudder, Throttle
Radio Range: 72mhz, 1600'/500m
The Wild Hawk is still the best beginner plane overall in my opinion, by far. This Slope Diver is a great 2nd plane or even a good first plane for someone who is really good on the RC Flight Simulator. It flys and glides a little faster and farther than the Wild Hawk. The plastic body makes it much stronger overall. This strength is also it's weak point as the wings, tail, and nose mounted motor are what takes the brunt of the crash. That's the biggest thing to watch for on this plane.
Why I Got This Plane
I specifically asked for this plane from NitroPlanes because I saw it as a potentially good beginner plane package as well as a plane that had a good base to modify from. I'm always looking for a good beginner package because people are always asking us for them. The reviews and videos I researched of it showed me that the guys that have one seem to like them very much. As soon as it was back in stock I grabbed one while I could.
How it Works Stock
The plane works just perfect stock! Does everything its suppose to do: CG is right, flys for about 10-15 minutes, very durable, does a few tricks, glides VERY NICE, and it has enough control authority (when I tell it to go up or turn it responds well!). The radio and electronics also work with all major brands (Hitec, Futuba, etc). It can take minor crashes well and is easy to repair with tape and hot glue. The build was simple and fast and there is nothing tricky about it for first time pilots. Overall, great little plane that's well under the $100 mark for everything.
For an Overall Grade I Give it an: A
What Impressed Me:
- RTF under $80!
- Well powered!
- Good controls!
- Good flight time (12+min)!
- Easy to fly!
- Very strong!
- Folding prop!
- Will take a bungee launch!
What Would be Nice:
- Replacement tail for repairs.
- Wings rubber banded on, not screwed.
- Kind of alot to ask, but something to protect the motor in a head-on crash.
Dave's Modifications
Best of all, when you outgrow it, you can modify it! Just as we did with the Wild Hawk, supe this thing up when you are bored with it! I plan to do my modifications to this plane soon and will post them on this page. Here is what I'm planing, very similar to the Wild Hawk mods:
New Tail: The stock tail can only be repaired so many times. I'm going to take mine off, and trace out a new tail out of 6mm depron with larger moving surfaces for more control!
Ailerons: Of course we need to put ailerons on it. I'm going to do a servo in each wing so I can set up spoilerons and flaperons. I don't know yet if I want to build ailerons onto the existing wing, or into the existing wing, know what I mean?
Wing: I could flatten or strengthen the wing like we did with the Wild Hawk but I think I won't on this one. The wing comes decently sturdy stock so I may just leave it.
Motor: If I put a new motor on this one I would probably have to put it on the outside rather than the inside because I don't really have any inrunners. The motor I would give it would be the Micro ParkJet with a 6x4 prop. Also a new 3 cell, 1500mah!
Bottom Line
The Slope Diver is a fun little RTF for under $90 that does what it says. It's easy to fly, very durable, upgradeable, and modifiable! I would absolutely recommended it to anyone starting out in RC, and even experienced flyers who are looking for a fun, inexpensive little plane to modify the heck out of!
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