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
-
This area is for feedback, suggestions, or questions about any topic...
-
Update: Videos added. They don't make 'em like they used to. WCL of 2.4 for $55? Heck yeah it is coming soon... - Wing Span:...
-
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....
-
Standing tall (for an ankle biter). Update 9: See 100 mph Z8RC Piggy Bee Update 8: Sadly the 5 x 2.75 prop has been causing...
-
I like to collect classic airplanes, so the gorgeous little Great Planes Electrifly Fokker Dr.1 Tridecker was a natural choice. Great Plane...
-
Updated with grades. Update: After a long bout with high winds, flight results are typing up. My full in-flight review of the Carbon Z Y...
Top 10 This Month
-
This area is for feedback, suggestions, or questions about any topic...
-
Update: Out of curiosity I swapped out the Super Tigre for a Power 10. Results: little T:W difference and very nose heavy. Recommend an S...
-
Update: Coming Soon - AS3X Head-to-Head comparison. Yes, I admit it, I knew from the start that my easy-hovering gyro-enhanced Cessna 150...
-
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....
-
Standing tall (for an ankle biter). Update 9: See 100 mph Z8RC Piggy Bee Update 8: Sadly the 5 x 2.75 prop has been causing...
-
Updated with grades. Update: After a long bout with high winds, flight results are typing up. My full in-flight review of the Carbon Z Y...
-
QUICK TAKE The DX18 is the latest evolution of Spektrum's DSM2/X product line. After researching the level of change delivered by ...
-
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...
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