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First impressions on the Bixler: Best Easystar clone ever!

Posted by Chris Anderson on June 23, 2011 at 10:00pm

3689354440?profile=originalI just got the new Hobbyking Bixler, their newest EasyStar clone, and I'm very impressed. I haven't flown it yet, but based on the design I think it's the best Easystar clone out there yet. (And I've tested them ALL!)

It's available as a kit, a RTF with a 4 channel radio, and an ARF without radio. I recommend the ARF version, which is just $52 (or,if you live in the US, it's available for $58 in the US warehouse with much cheaper and faster shipping). Add a 20a ESC, battery and 7ch radio and APM and you've got a UAV for under $500.

 

Some of the advantages of the Bixler, compared to the EasyStar and the other clones:

  • Ailerons
  • Big cockpit area, with tail servos on the outside
  • Decent brushless motor
  • Available in ARF form with servos installed but not a useless radio that you have to throw away
  • Inexpensive

Here are some shots of the Bixler fuselage compared to a standard EasyStar:

 

3689414252?profile=originalBixler on left, beat-up EasyStar on right. It's a clone all right!

 

3689385181?profile=originalCloseups of the cockpits--Bixler on left, EasyStar on right. The Bixler is a bit wider!

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Comments

  • Developer
    Mark Colwell June 24, 2011 at 8:23am

    @ Max you were compelled to BUY... Good Value @ HK..

    I now have a $15 FlyCat with EDF too bad it is EPS :-(

    I can't resist a cheap Airframe, 

    EDF is not too bad..

  • T.D. Gonzales June 24, 2011 at 7:51am
    @Krzysztof I assume the problem with stiff and soft is that the rods just ram through the soft material?
  • Developer
    Max Levine June 24, 2011 at 7:47am
    Thanks Chris, it was a classic case of "impulse buy" :)
    I hope it will not take forever to get it here :)
  • 3D Robotics
    Chris Anderson June 24, 2011 at 6:44am
    It's available in the US warehouse for $58:
    http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=...
  • T3
    Krzysztof Bosak June 24, 2011 at 6:18am

    @Happy "It would have been nice if they added some CF rods to beef up those walls."

    Stiff and soft doesnt mix.

    They widened usign the least method I would accept. If they have also lowered EPP density by 10%... I think you just figured out their key design requirement.

  • Developer
    Mark Colwell June 24, 2011 at 6:15am

    HK is really getting there act together...I want one, but too many unfinished airframes...

  • Paul Mather June 24, 2011 at 5:42am
    The only negative I can see about a wider bay in the fuse is that's going to be the break point when the plane crashes. It would have been nice if they added some CF rods to beef up those walls.
  • brett binnekade June 24, 2011 at 3:13am
    Thats awsome! I have one on the way to me=)
  • Russkel June 24, 2011 at 2:08am
    Really cheap! It's probably cheaper than getting replacement parts for the EasyStar!
  • Azam Shahani June 24, 2011 at 1:19am
    Awesome! What's the shipping cost to the US?
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