freddieboyfly Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 Ive been saving my pennies for a while and have decided to splash out on a new or good used machine. Ive seen most in action and flown a few also. Decision is what one though? Was at the nats and hadnt considered one before but was well impressed with the miniplane . A simple no nonsense design but effective and hugely popular. Always lusted after a pap but im torn now. Im a shortarse at 5.6 (12 stone)and although i have flown a 1400 diameter machine, feel better with a 1250 or there abouts. Was going for a pap ros 125 or 100 vitto which should still give me plenty of grunt with the smaller prop. Reckon about 4k ish should do the deal new but should i wait for a good second hander? Your thoughts on this please and any other recomendations. Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke_Banks Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 Hi Nick, I have flown most motors out there. I agree with you on either the Miniplane or PAP. I fly a PAP ROS 125 and it is the most comfortable of all I have flown. I weigh 85kg and it has easily enough power. Another option is the TOP 80 with a 1400 prop - again has easily enough to get you up. I flew a miniplane over in portugal last week with Paul Mahoney - top 80 engine 1400 prop, simple, reliable and easily enough power for me. Another option is H & E R120 - VERY similar to ROS 125 or if you have more to spend a Bailey. 4k will get you a SWEET motor - just be careful who you buy from! In my opinion steer clear of the rest! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farmer_Dave Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 I think I'm just going to have to post a picture of you Luke. That smile said it all. Mind you, I guess it could've been more to do with your wing than my motor. I liked your wing too Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke_Banks Posted July 29, 2009 Share Posted July 29, 2009 I think I'm just going to have to post a picture of you Luke. That smile said it all. Mind you, I guess it could've been more to do with your wing than my motor. I liked your wing tooDave Fair comment Dave. Flat top is obviously very well made and surprisingly light given its size. It has a lot of torque steer that I guess you get used to managing. It is VERY powerful ! Been flying much - gonna be down weekend after next. Will bring my kit if it looks flyable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farmer_Dave Posted July 29, 2009 Share Posted July 29, 2009 Hi Luke A fair response Luke. I was only jesting and no offense taken I assure you. Will try to meet you next weekend and you can fly it some more. Want some more airtime on your wing too, in exchange, if you're keen ? regards Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paramotormike Posted July 29, 2009 Share Posted July 29, 2009 Hey Freddie. If your short (like me - 5ft 7) then look at the Custom Air motor. Fantastic for us shorter guys. http://www.custom-air.co.uk/ UK company too! The one with the Black Magic engine is very light! Cheers Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan_p Posted July 29, 2009 Share Posted July 29, 2009 I also have the Custom Air, I'm 5'7" and 12.5 stone so very similar to you and I have no problems with handling it in the air or on the ground, seems to fit me very well and is nice and comfortable. Plenty of power but has been set up to give minimal torque steer. Mark Dann from Beyond Extreme did a lot of the development and testing, so it is set up to weight shift nicely and thermal well if required. Only problem is that it would be hard to get a second hand one as I can't see anyone that has one wanting to sell it!! Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macey2kk Posted July 29, 2009 Share Posted July 29, 2009 the more i read this forum tonight the more it reads like an advert for custom air! ive never read so many "big ups" it must be a conspiricy!! roll on the rotron!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan_p Posted July 30, 2009 Share Posted July 30, 2009 the more i read this forum tonight the more it reads like an advert for custom air!ive never read so many "big ups" it must be a conspiricy!! You aint seen me.......right. Were not even on the payroll, just happy customairs Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddieboyfly Posted July 30, 2009 Author Share Posted July 30, 2009 Lovely machine the custom air. Met Vince who sells them a while ago. Absolutely spot on with that gorgeous titanium frame. Over 5k though. ouch! Hes got some wicked videos on youtube. Quality filming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farmer_Dave Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 5 grand might seem strong for a brand new machine but most are over 4 grand. The time to look at the cost is not when it's new though. The time to cost it is at 200 hours run time. A good motor will only need a set of prop hub bearings and a drive belt (60- 70 quid) Some can be bought for less but cost alot more. 4 gearboxes @ £250 , 6 props @ £150, 2 engine rebuilds @ £350, welding cracked frames £100 here and there, new exhausts @ £100 to £450. So you can see how a £4250 purchase can soon become £7000 or so after a couple of years use. Interestingly, we worked out the wearing cost of a gearbox to match the cost of fuel used in some cases. Make sure you use the right grease and keep the seals good. Look after your money ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asquaddie Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 Sounds like someone should be running a ‘Motor Maintenance’ course for us non-grease monkeys. Tony (non-grease monkey) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete_b Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 Sounds like someone should be running a ‘Motor Maintenance’ course for us non-grease monkeys.Tony (non-grease monkey) Can be arranged. Pete b Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddieboyfly Posted July 31, 2009 Author Share Posted July 31, 2009 So then, with all the potential cost ahead after a good few hours (apart from new props and frame repairs /renewal) there must be some engines that are more robust than others. What are the best, in your opinion? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farmer_Dave Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 freddieflyboy I have sent my opinion by private message Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete_b Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 So then, with all the potential cost ahead after a good few hours (apart from new props and frame repairs /renewal) there must be some engines that are more robust than others. What are the best, in your opinion? PAP Top 80 Pete b Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 fly 200 cors air engine or simonini. i personally would avoid small cc engines due to the amount of work they have to do, the higher they rev the quicker they ware out, or so that is my thinkin lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farmer_Dave Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 So then, with all the potential cost ahead after a good few hours (apart from new props and frame repairs /renewal) there must be some engines that are more robust than others. What are the best, in your opinion? Question to freddieboyfly. Why do you set the prop / frame repairs in brackets ? Have you already decided to buy a unit that isn't likely to trash it's prop or cage or have you accepted that you might break a few and allowed for such in your budget ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddieboyfly Posted August 1, 2009 Author Share Posted August 1, 2009 Hello farmer Dave . The reason i put frame/prop in brackets is because yes, in my early experience i have trashed both and isnt something that i would expect to 'wear' any differently on two different machines but saying that i have tig welded a coulple of ally cages where the welds have given way probably through vibration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddieboyfly Posted August 1, 2009 Author Share Posted August 1, 2009 Still havent decided yet what to buy. Had some good impartial advice , but still going to rush as i have a motor at the moment (F3). A lot of people favouring the pap. Also got some info about the new paramotor with the G6 engine. I was told the miniplane was very good but not for power launches as the frame can flex back against the prop. Is this true? Enqired about the 100cc vito engine in the pap . Does anyone know someone whos got one , and if they have, what do they think of it.? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil_P Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 You obviously haven't watched Dell's 'promotional' videos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farmer_Dave Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 Few people can believe there's a machine that doesn't break cages and props caused by minor falls and sitting down too early but I've found a couple that certainly do "wear" differently to the rest. When someone breaks a prop on one, through anything other than a total write off, I'll let you know. Re. welds cracking. I'm no expert but apparently the way they get over that is by baking the frame in an oven to temper it after construction. Hope this might be of some help. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farmer_Dave Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 Impartial advice is not always better advice. Difficult to get it with my brand cos there's only 2 in the country. The other one went to a guy who was just about to throw in the towel because he smashed 5 props in 8 flights. He's 65 years and gets off the ground easier these days. He's had a good go at bending it too. Success or not, he smiles every time. And no he hasn't. I guess you wont want his phone number but if you want to hear it from him, do let me know. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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