<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">Here is opinion #56.4</font>
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<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">This is for the newer guys as I know for sure that some that have been around are firmly entrenched in their pattern behaviour....</font>
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<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">Kudos to anyone who is sponsored. Who is gonna argue with free stuff. Rest assured that obtaining that engine or that radio is not going to make you better- If you have a "decent" radio and engine already. I really wonder why the MFGs sponsor at all. Let me hear from the people who went out and bought a piece of equipment simply because they saw a sponsored pilot used it. I really know why the MFGs sponsor, because even though no one will probably admit to it, sponsorship works to a point.</font>
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<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">The list of decent engines and radios is pretty good, there are several good choices and most of them do not require anywhere near $1000. The new guys should ask around and get opinions and remember that most of what you will hear is total opinion and alot of time non scientific based. Just about any computer radio will get you through many seasons as you get better and better (because you are flying). And this thing about the biggest D...... I mean the biggest engine, the most RPMs, is very difficult to sort through. What rarely you hear is apple to apples comparison. Every engine 1.4 and up on the market will do the job from at least into Masters....and when you get to Masters....I would be much more worried about my actual flying skills than and extra 300-500 RPM (especially when that really comes from 30% nitro at $25/gal). </font>
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<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">The question stands.......Ask any pattern flyer if he thinks his current plane is "a good plane" and then count the negative answers. I have yet to hear "This plane sucks but I am gonna fly it this year anyway". Same goes with radios and engines. Why? Because the planes radios and engines available are good.....even if a sponsored pilot is not using it..........</font>
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<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">Signed</font>
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<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif"> "A two stroke guy too stupid to buy a Futaba, or a DZ"<br>
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Gray Fowler<br>
Principal Chemical Engineer<br>
Composites Engineering</font>