HobbyZone Sport Cub S - Unbox and Review

HobbyZone Sport Cub S - Unbox and Review
May 26, 2024 update: I have fixed this problem with the poor flight of the Sport Cub S - I binded it with my Spektrum DX6 transmitter, airplane flies perfectly!!
• Sport Cub S DX6 = Succ...
In this video I will do an unbox and flight review of the HobbyZone Sport Cub S four channel RC model airplane.
The Sport Cub S comes with literally everything needed in the box, to include a fully assembled plane, four channel 2.4 GHz transmitter, two lipo batteries and a charger. All you need to do is charge the lipo batteries (about 45 minutes with the included USB charger) and go fly. It cannot get much easier.
The instruction manual is quite complete. The included transmitter is already binded to the receiver. However, in the event the transmitter is not correctly binded, there are instructions for how to do this.
The Sport Cub S includes SAFE technology as well as AS3X (automatic stabilization 3 axis). SAFE is essentially an autopilot whereby the airplane can recover from an unusual attitude. The idea is you can teach yourself how to fly with SAFE. You can select fill SAFE control, a middle version and turn it completely off. I am a bit old school and feel the best way to fly RC airplanes is to get an instructor and just learn how to fly. Thus, I flew with SAFE off.
AS3X is quite different, in that it is built into the receiver system and provides "behind the scenes" stabilization for smaller models flying in wind gusts. AS3X really works quite well, stays in the background, and allows for a smooth flying experience for smaller models. I am not aware of any way to "turn off" AS3X.
The Sport Cub has plenty of power. But for whatever reason, I found the model very challenging to fly. It seemed as though I was fighting it the entire flight, essentially reacting to what it was doing. I settled down a bit towards the end, using just rudder for turns. I do not have a clear explanation why this occurred. I have flown a LOT of RC models over the years. Sometimes, with these smaller ready to fly models, they just do not come out right for whatever reason.
Chapters
00:00 - Intro
00:49 - Unbox the Sport Cub S
06:33 - Transmitter discussion
07:33 - Instruction manual overview
13:17 - Airplane control surface adjustment
15:30 - Test flights at the field

[@daniele.markle6428]

I learned with one of these and love the plane, but the included transmitter is horrible and may have been part of the problem. Fortunately it's easy to bind with any DSM compatible radio, I tell beginners to buy the BNF model and a decent radio instead. Also I keep a spare motor on hand, the brushed pager motors this plane uses burn out pretty quickly, probably the weakest part of the model.

[@TimMcKay56]

Daniele: You know, you make a very good point. I'll see if I can bind my Spektrum DX6 and give the Cub a second try with that transmitter combo. As you can see in the video, I simply lose contact from time to time flying the model. Thanks! Tim

[@karlschwab6437]

Thanks for a honest review.

[@TimMcKay56]

My pleasure! Tim

[@dradden1556]

Safe tech is great. For me , I put spektrum receivers on all my planes with safe. It can be crazy windy with my warbirds and jets ,even Delta wings. I can still fly , land etc. I love it

[@TimMcKay56]

Good info, thanks! Tim

[@dradden1556]

Nice plane

[@TimMcKay56]

Thanks, I agree! Tim

[@dradden1556]

I don't need safe but it's an awesome option for bad weather days in FL

[@TimMcKay56]

Great! Tim

[@Tammy-un3ql]

👍👍👍👍

[@TimMcKay56]

Thanks! Tim

[@TedB1800]

Tim, I don't know what the problem was, but, the plane should not be jumping all over the sky with AS3X activated. I have a UMX Carbon Cub with AS3X that's about the same size and it flies very smoothly. I noticed the sticks on the little transmitter are very short compared to a normal DX transmitter...could it be this is causing you to overcontrol? Also, maybe it's tail heavy in spite of what the manual says.

[@TimMcKay56]

I binded the Cub to my DX6, will see if that helps tomorrow at the field. 🤔 Tim

[@aloeisthestuff9622]

You should look at the Hobby Zone XCub 450..

[@TimMcKay56]

I fixed the problem!! Video out later today, I solved it by binding the model with my DX6 transmitter. Cub flies perfectly now. Will put a link in shortly. Tim

[@weseehowcommiegoogleis3770]

@@TimMcKay56 Good enough..

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Something wrong with the microphone. Sounds like you’re talking in a tunnel.

[@TimMcKay56]

Working on the audio. Tim