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28 of 29 found the following review helpful:
Great little plane if no windFeb 20, 2010
By Z8
I learned on the Mini Super Cub. It is a great little plane which is easy for a first-timer to handle. Hand-launches are easier than takeoff rolls. But the plane is so light, and the wing is a somewhat flexible, so wind needs a few mph or less, preferable calm to fly it. Otherwise, it really gets bounced around and is easily crashed or lost.
The included radio teaches you to throttle-back by being spring-loaded to the throttle off position (which is oddly halfway up). This is a great lesson since many beginners leave the throttle too high on their first flight causing too much speed, altitude or a crash. But it is a non-standard feature on a trainer, and it gets tiresome to have to push the plane along at all times.
As a 3-channel plane there are no ailerons, only rudder, elevator, and throttle. The rudder is controlled by the right stick, which is also non-standard and arguably, a bad way to learn.
The battery is weak, but glides are easy. If you get a second battery, and you'll want one, get the full sized Cub battery. It fits nicely in the Mini's battery compartment if you pop off the door. The battery door sometimes opens in flight, anyway, so it is ok to remove it. Either battery is held firmly by the Velcro strap. Weight is no issue and you can use the Mini's included charger for either battery:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=node%3D1000%2C1&field-keywords=7.4V+800+Lipo+parkzone&x=0&y=0
The anti-crash feature is of marginal value. It cuts the power if you get into a vertical climb or dive. I think it adds some leveling controls, but it's hard to say since after the power goes away, the you tend to want to level it and the plane is somewhat self-leveling.
Overall, if I had to do it again, I would buy the larger Super Cub or the Parkzone T-28. I have heard the larger Cub is a little better flyer and can handle 5-10 mph wind. I got a T-28 after the wind picked up during a flight and carried my Mini Cub into another State. The T-28 only goes slightly faster, if you use a 9x6 or 9x5 prop, it would go the same speed as the Cubs. The T-28 is almost as easy to fly, plus it teaches you with ailerons, which I think are easier. And it uses a standard throttle and rudder configuration. You can use the T-28 RTF's standard radio in your next model, or, if you are like me and have a radio from helicopters, you can bind the T-28 BNF or PNP version to a transmitter you already own. If you can fly a $30 computer simulator, I wouldn't hesitate to start with the T-28.
Still, if you wait for calm winds, the Mini Cub easily does the job of teaching a person with no experience and no instructor. You can't beat that for less than a C note.
15 of 15 found the following review helpful:
Good beginner RC with minor problemsOct 01, 2010
By Reader
A good overall 3 channel beginners plane. If you move to 4 channel (w/ alerons) you will need to relearn controls, but by then you will be better able to handle basic control issues. I still fly mine, and have many, many hours on it (on my second motor).
The good: durable foam construction is difficult to damage and easy to repair. Wing attaches with a rubber band system (make sure it is on straight - otherwise it is helpful during those initial beginner crashes). Battery charger is included and works both AC and auto lighter jack hookup. Battery doesn't last too long, but is cheap and you can buy extras. The battery hook up is in a convenient location and doesn't fall out if the door is closed correctly. Despite its size it can handle a moderate wind. Hand launches well. While not a micro, it is still small enough to fly in a medium sized park. The engine and/or propellor shaft are easily and inexpensively replaced (the engine will wear out; the propellor shaft can bend in a bad crash). Real trim adjustment wheels on the elevator and rudder instead of bendable wire loops like other trainers.
The (not so) bad: The wing is coated with plastic, which makes for better reinforcement/durability than unreinforced foam. However, the seam is on the leading edge of the wing, and over time the wind causes it to delaminate and you get separation. This results in small "parachutes" forming between the plastic and the wing. If you suddenly experience odd flight characteristics, check to see if the plastic material has come away. A fold of celophane tape running the length of the leading edge of the wing solves the problem better than glue. The wheels are too small for landings/takeoffs on material rougher than concrete (such as dirt runways). You can do a "bush pilot" modification and buy some larger wheels at the local hobby store (1.5 or 2" works well). Finally, the ACT is a useless gimmick. It is ineffective close to the ground, where most newbie crashes occur. At altitude, it is a nuisance - shutting off control every time you bank. Fortunately, it is easily switched off by pressing down on the right joystick until the light blinks. The point is, buy it because it is a well built basic trainer, not because of the ACT.
Overall, a very nice beginner's second plane, or plane for a beginner with a large open space to learn in. However, for a pure beginner or a beginner leaning is a smaller park, in my opinion the Champ is a better trainer.
10 of 10 found the following review helpful:
A great first R/C planeJun 28, 2010
By Mark Clarkson
Although I've played some flight sim games on the PC, I had never flown a real or R/C plane before I got my Mini Super Cub.
Assembly was a snap and by the time the battery was charged (less than 1 hour) I was ready to go. My very first flight went great. It was awesome to see the plane up there in the sky flying around.
I have since crashed it a few times (flying in wind this little plane couldn't handle) and it spent a night in a tree, but a few drops of Gorilla Glue has always set everything right again.
This plane is not fast, and it does not like wind above 6MPH or so, but it's a great little plane and a really good first plane.
6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
 Hobbyzone Mini Super CubApr 22, 2010
By Puckwipa Holt
"RCFlyyer"
This plane is great if there is no wind or a little. The ACT on this thing rocks! You have to be 150 feet in the air for it to work correctly. Flies great though. If you are trying to decide between the Super cub lp or this, I would get this if this is your first plane because this is a Zone 1. Get the Lp if you want to fly in wind or want better flying experience without getting pushed around by the wind. The MINI super cub has a 180 motor for climbs and that is all this thing needs. The Lp has a 480 motor because the plane is bigger. Other than that, it is made out of the same foam construction(Z-foam). Recommend this plane if this is your first. DO NOT GET THE FIREBIRD COMMANDER 2 IF YOU ARE THINKING OF IT. IT HAS NO ELEVATOR SO IT IS VERY ROUGH. IF YOU WANT SOMETHING LIKE THE MINI SUPER CUB BUT CHEAPER THAN GET THE FIREBIRD PHANTOM IT HAS THREE CHANNELS SO FLYING EXPERIENCE IS BETTER AND IT HAS ACT AND IT IS RTF AND THE WHOLE THING COSTS $55.00.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
robust little planeJan 27, 2011
By bogdwell
As I first time RC flier, I don't know how valuable my input is, but I will give it a try. This little plane was easy to set up(about 5 minutes). The instructions were easy and concise. As it was my first RC plane I crashed it numerous times, including into a tree with very little damage. Just some dents to the wing's leading edge that I covered and reinforced with clear packing tape. Easy to hand launch alone, and am able to ground launch off of a well-packed gravel road. All in all, a great first plane!
As has been stated in other reviews, flying in winds over 5 mph is not recommended. The manufacturer warns do not fly in winds over 7 mph. I will say that if you can fly this little guy in 7 mph winds... YOU ARE DAMN GOOD!!!
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based on 27 reviews
