Update: The Z8RC design mods bring the mCPX to A+. Without them, the mCP X grade stands at F.
Winds have pushed me inside. This flight review will be different than most as I am only an advanced novice when in comes to flying RC helo's, but I think there is value in this kind of review too.
So far, this helicopter experience has been painful. The copter is reasonably crash resistant, with one exception: the feathering shaft which bends in mild tussles that wouldn't phase an mCX.
My suspicions of this build-quality defect were confirmed when I visited the official Horizon mCPX page and the usual sales video has been replaced with a feathering shaft repair video. Additionally I found a product bulletin (my local hobby store was unaware) grounding these helicopters until a dangerous rotor head defect is fixed. I don't know if the new head is stronger and better protects the spindle, but obviously they both provide and replace the feathering shaft in the repair video so that is clearly part of the recall.
I am comfortable replacing and connecting these delicate parts, but the vast majority of buyers need will want a professional to do the work. The provided Horizon Hobby "solution" (mailing out new heads and feathering spindles) is obviously unacceptable and results in an unusable purchase and thus a 100% loss for most consumers.
Overall Grade: F
Systemic quality defect with no acceptable solution.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Z8RC Open Discussion
Feedback | Suggestions | Questions
Please note, reader comments do not appear immediately after hitting submit.
Please note, reader comments do not appear immediately after hitting submit.
I like to fly:
Top 10 This Week
-
Update: Also see: Fixing the Flyzone Fokker Dr.1 Micro Update: After all that was discussed below, the little Fokker's motor shaft r...
-
It strikes me that more than other hobbies, RC enthusiasts tend to make a lot of crap up. From amateur hour motor testers, creating huge da...
-
Walking out of an arts and crafts store, I couldn't resist this simple 50" Air Hog foam glider, sold in a bag for $6. http://www....
-
I would like to extend a warm welcome to Z8RC's 100,000th visitor! It's good to know so many people crave honesty and upfront RC pr...
-
BlitzRCWorks G4 Quad Charger / Thunder T6 Multi Charger Update: My Common Sense RC 250W PSU has two sets of outputs (see photo below). ...
-
I like to collect classic airplanes, so the gorgeous little Great Planes Electrifly Fokker Dr.1 Tridecker was a natural choice. Great Plane...
-
INTRODUCTION It is sooo past time for a Jug. SPECS - Wingspan: 1400mm (55.1 inch) - Length: 1250mm (49.2 inch) - Flying Weight: 2100g (...
-
INTRO A new line of Ultra Micro aircraft has hit the str...
-
Known child pornographer clown Update 3: Moderators at underage-child web front Wattflyer.com are again bad mouthing this site for whist...
Top 10 This Month
-
Update: Also see: Fixing the Flyzone Fokker Dr.1 Micro Update: After all that was discussed below, the little Fokker's motor shaft r...
-
Addendum: As a result of my review, Horizon lowered the price of the UMX Beast to $99, earning it a B+ Z8RC overall rating. Horizon deserv...
-
Get ready for some hard WWI 3D action. Some ask, “Why?” I ask, “Why not?” PZ Albatros with Rimfire 15, 11x3.8 SF prop, HK Flight Stab...
-
DISCOUNT CODES The purpose of this blog post and reader comments is to gather and share known RC retailer online discount codes. It will r...
-
It’s time to review a couple of helis… first up is the venerable Align TREX-500: I’ve reviewed an awful lot of Blade helicopters, from toys...
-
UPDATE: Video added of top speed, low speed and stalls UPDATE: Video added. I don't usually buy airplanes that are not scale classi...
-
Three cheers for Hobbyzone's little Aeronca Champion! This1944 vintage, true American classic sold over 10,000 copies, not counting late...
-
It strikes me that more than other hobbies, RC enthusiasts tend to make a lot of crap up. From amateur hour motor testers, creating huge da...
-
The Round 1 bell approaches, with the simply outstanding Art-Tech ready to take on the Great Planes Electrify EP E-Performance Series Yak-5...
-
ABOVE: A typical Lead/Wingman combat config. This pair has already dropped 4 x 2000 pound Laser Guided Bombs, as evidenced by the se...
Z8RC Resources
A Practical RC Simulator Comparison
AMA Under the Microscope (& Part 2)
Balancing a ducted fan or prop perfectly
Balsa or Foam?
Blade mCP X 100% Vibration Fix
Choosing the Right Motor
FAA Guarantees Your Right to Fly RC in the USA
Fixing those broken UM wheel pants
How to Land from The Overhead Pattern
Online RC Discount Codes
Soft Throttle
Understanding CG
Z8RC Thrust-to-Weight Ratio Database
Z8RC Manufacturer Rankings