Arrows Viper 50mm EDF - Best first EDF Jet Plane ?

Making the move from props to EDF's can be a bit scary. In this video, we check out a very serious contender for 'Best First EDF'. There are many great planes completing in this segment, among them the 4 channel stinger 64 and 3 channel Crusader F8. There are multiple videos of the Stinger on this channel and soon to be released a review of the beautiful F-8
The Arrows stands out because it is smaller and lighter making it a better park flyer. It has a great 50mm edf which gives extended flight times of more than 5 minutes on a skimpy little 1300mah 3s battery. It can take up to 1800mah, but beyond this I found it was sacrificing some stability.
We scored this plane a solid 9 out of 10 as it proved to be the easiest EDF to fly and have fun with, dropping one point due to lack of rudder control, which the bigger Stinger has , but all things considered, it is a terrific package and will surely be a great plane to chuck in the back of the car and pull out anytime the opportunity arises for some flying fun.
Our next project will be to install a working rudder and see if the mod is worth the effort - stay tuned.
You've come to the right place to get independent, honest and real life reviews. We love flying planes and want to share our experiences with fellow pilots

[@dougmcpheters1546]

Now that's what I call a decent review. Smash it a few times to get a "Real World" scenario. After that slam I would have expected many more pieces! I just picked up the Arrows T-33 that's still in its box. Hoping to change that this weekend. It was a toss up between that and the Viper...May just have to add the Viper for the hell of it...Thanks man. Enjoyed...BTW, new and delighted Sub here. Glad to have discovered this channel.

[@rcpilots1291]

Hey Doug, thanks for that. I like your attitude, best of luck with your T-33, it is a scary looking ‘mother….’ The 11 blade edf must sound great 👍

[@johnh-eng683]

This plane is a joy to fly. I have a problem hand launching and since I have a Specktrum radio, I put in a receiver with AS3X and SAFE. I launch in SAFE and then switch to AS3X after the plane levels out and rises. Makes hand launching nose dives a thing of the past. The worst launch was a pancake with no damage.
Cause of its size, easy to throw in the truck and go for a quick fly. I use a 1300 3s battery and get 2:30 to 3 minutes of flying.
You get alot of bang for you buck for this little plane. Its awesome.

[@rcpilots1291]

Thanks for that sound advice 👍

[@texasuavpilot]

Definitely the best 50mm EDF jet for the price. Crashed many times.. my fault, replaced the 30A ESC with a 40A and it flies better ever with either a 4S or a 3S lipo.

[@rcpilots1291]

I’ve been tempted to try a small 4 s, good advice, thanks

[@jeffhenderson934]

I went Jehovah Witness on this EDF. Especially when it first came out at $119.00. I had never even flown, much less bought an EDF. At $119.00 I was thinking “I have 6s batteries that cost more! What the hell, if I destroy it on the maiden, I’ll buy another.
Still have the 1st ArrowsRC Viper I bought a year and a half ago. The nose never broke, but it’s been compressed where I felt it’s just a matter time till the foam gives. It now has a place of honor in the hangar, and will always remind me how much fun it was to fly.
Matched my viper up with an Admiral 600sp and just kept dialing the pot switches down over time and comfort level with the jet.
Since I travel for a living I the viper in my truck for a year. If I found a park, high school, open field, I was late afternoon flying.
As long as Dan at Hobby Zone continues to make these, I’ll have one in the hangar, and one in an unopened box.

[@rcpilots1291]

Thanks for the back story, I agree with you it should have a special place in everyone’s hanger… It’s cheap and compact, perfect for smaller fields.. I’m on my second one 👍

[@gavinzellers4071]

Would this be a first good edf jet for a person that has flown a cub and the e flight Cherokee?

[@rcpilots1291]

Yes, I think it is the best first edf - good luck

[@gsulliv1]

can the motor take a 4s battery? Just need to change the esc for 4s?

[@rcpilots1291]

I have successfully flown a 1000 mah 4s , but I avoided long bursts of 100% acceleration

[@burlingtonfilms]

With the battery does this weigh over 250g for park flying?

[@rcpilots1291]

I don’t know, but given that it’s built to be a park flyer , it should come in under the limit

[@M4rkmcc21]

I thought the limit was 450g?

[@rcpilots1291]

markmcc21 I live in Europe, is best to check locally

[@MegaDan0o]

Hey guys :) I’m interested in flying this plane upside down.. is that an option? Or will it descend immediately?

[@rcpilots1291]

Hi Dan, this plane is so well behaved I have been able to fly in wide circles inverted without a problem, just keep a bit of ‘down’ elevator to keep the nose pointing upright a few degrees… happy flying 👍

[@MegaDan0o]

@@rcpilots1291Thanks for responding so quickly ;) keep on uploading great content as you guys always do :)

[@M4rkmcc21]

I'm surprised your CG was ok with the battery all the way forward. Mines pushed all the way back

[@rcpilots1291]

Ya, I find different batteries require different positioning, I suppose each plane is a little different

[@etops.flight]

Swap the EDF for a 12 bladed XRP unit which will be much better balanced and sound infinitely better.

[@rcpilots1291]

Thanks for that advice, sounds good 👍

[@natal777]

The motor is glued in the fuss and can not come out without destroying it

[@rcpilots1291]

John N I managed to carefully open up a marked out area under the edf to get at the motor, it should be ok

[@natal777]

@@rcpilots1291 I tried one time on a viper that crashed many times and it seemed like I would have to destroy the whole fuselage to get the motor out but I am glad it worked for you. Besides that it is a great plane.

[@rcpilots1291]

John N sorry to hear about your frustrating experience… is inexplicable how some planes are pilot friendly and others most certainly are not …🤯