E-flite Leader 480

Capt Kremen wrote on 28/09/2011:

Strengths: Appealing, retro style flying machine with a very smooth sports aerobatic performance. Well presented kit.

Weaknesses: The outer beauty skin hides an 'eggshell' interior of finely laser cut balsa & ply parts. A less than perfect arrival could stop the flying fun. Personally, didn't like the servo connectors which I replaced with Graupner versions. Very small wheels and 'soft' wire undercarriage included, these will struggle on average 'farmers bovine strewn' field strips. No pilot figure included - e-flite can (at extortionate cost), supply one. Local model shop has painted Pilots at 1/2 the price. The top hatch is great for access to radio & flight pack but can 'fly off' in high G manouvres. Suggest devise more secure latch/catch at front to prevent airflow getting under and detaching mid flight.

Overall: Smooth, sports aerobatic platform for the general flier. Some reviewers have found the recommended e-flite 480 motor lacking and needing to be driven at full throttle. Others have replaced with more powerful motors from the start. Each to their own but their are a set of efficient wings on this plane and aircraft are supposed to use them rather than just hang on the power of a prop! So far so good, I just hope general rough 'n tumble on the local strip will not take its toll of what is a generally enjoyable model.

Basa wrote on 29/07/2011:

Strengths: Quality

Weaknesses: Can not think of any

Overall: Impressive performance with recommended set up