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
-
I like to collect classic airplanes, so the gorgeous little Great Planes Electrifly Fokker Dr.1 Tridecker was a natural choice. Great Plane...
-
The E-flight UMX Extra 300 is a very lightweight half foam/half mylar offering in the indoor 3D arena (or to a much lesser extent and no win...
-
Update 5/15/12: Today the double-throttle configuration saved the model when the #2 engine blew while initiating an outside loop. After...
-
QUICK TAKE The DX18 is the latest evolution of Spektrum's DSM2/X product line. After researching the level of change delivered by ...
-
Update: Shortening the front 2 of 4 landing gear struts by slicing off the existing anchors, making them shorter by an 1/8th inch when rein...
-
Horizon Hobby-owned and aggressively policed RCGroups, a Spektrum-pushing paid advertising web site, ran a poll to see how bad the DX8 reall...
-
As I just got back, I'll give this one more week then award on May 15 2011. Since I switched to Hitec Aurora, I have a lot of Spektrum ...
-
I've moved Super Tigre ESCs to my AVOID list based on their poorly implemented arming safety sequence. Most ESCs require moving the t...
-
Update 9/2/2012: Here is the AEO 8-blader in the Mini F-22 on 3S: 3S has plenty of power and is nice and light! Winds have been out of ...
-
UPDATE: Video added of top speed, low speed and stalls UPDATE: Video added. I don't usually buy airplanes that are not scale classi...
Top 10 This Month
-
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....
-
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 fl...
-
Update: Shortening the front 2 of 4 landing gear struts by slicing off the existing anchors, making them shorter by an 1/8th inch when rein...
-
Update: My Fw-190 review now contains 4S trials and prop data, pulling it on top of the Spitfire for the comparison below. The stock Fw-19...
-
Update: Video added. After solid success with the intermediate-level BlitzRCworks Nano Corsair, I thought it would be interesting to test ...
-
INTRODUCTION It is sooo past time for a Jug. SPECS - Wingspan: 1400mm (55.1 inch) - Length: 1250mm (49.2 inch) - Flying Weight: 2100g (...
-
After being asked about why the Parkzone UM P-51 made it onto my "Avoid" list, I decided to post this "catch-up" mini-re...
-
The new Ares company has stormed onto the Ultra-Micro scene. Offering apparent competition to Horizon Hobby micros, I've found the new ...
-
Update: Two more trim buttons broken and a dual rate switch jammed immovably. This radio has a useful life of about one year before a switc...
-
I've written about this subject before, but this diagram should help clarify how easy it is to add your own LED lighting for just a few ...
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


