“This aircraft is absolutely beautiful. This color scheme really pops. The high-vis colors are great for grey overcast days. I use 2600 packs and get 5 minute flights. Place the ESC and the receiver below the wooden compartment floor and you will have enough room for a larger battery. Success or failure all comes down to the launch of this little airplane. After having one bad launch and crack-up I 12ided to use a bungee. They cost under$10. Locate the hook just forward of the CG. Mine is about even with the elevator servo. There the belly is meaty enough to embed a 1 X1 piece of 1/8ply with a tow hook. Now launches are guaranteed to be successful regardless of conditions.”
“OK, I've been holding off on a review of this jet, but after lots of input from RC discussion boards and my steep learning curve I'm ready to fire!This is one squirrely jet. I managed to avoid the tail-heavy situation so many have complained about, so no rocket launches here. The Panther is not tolerant of too much nose heavy either. Adding the landing gear is ok as long as you remember rule #1#1 - Battery whatever size - Maintain correct CG at 38mm#2 - Get your airspeed way up before attempting to bank after takeoff...or else#3 - go low rate and program expos to limit elevator throw until you get a feel for this jet.The Panther is not a speed demon, but it does have a sweet Whoosh jet sound. It's anemic in vertical loops, but the roll rate is fantastic. It's also a fast lander with the gear4 stars for some quality control issues”
“My brother gave me this for Christmas and it's the best EDF in my fleet. Once you get the hang of hand launching it, a Frisbee style throw using my left hand works for me, you'll see how great this thing flies. I've had several guys at the field say they want one of these because they sound so good and these guys usually fly the 6 to 12 cell EDF's! I had some trouble seeing it at first (Getting old) so I added a white stripe down the belly and that helped a lot. I did stuff it in at full power once and it was easily repairable. The foam in the nose is deformed, but that just adds character. Overall I think everyone should have this jet in their EDF fleet because it's just FUN.BTW I use a 3S2200 and I've had no problems with balance, just tuck it into the nose so the rear is about even with the rear of the stars & Bars 12al on the right side of the fuse. This makes it ~ 1/4 from the 2nd panel line on the right side.”
“This is one of the best designed, well thought out models I've ever owned. Easy access to everything. One of the nicest looking with simple assembly. Anxiously waiting for global warming to kick in so I can fly it.”
“I have purhased two of these planes and have not gotten either one of them to fly correctly. I put the suggested 1600 battery and it just stands on its tail. I tried an 1800 and it's to nose heavy. I even tried the recommended Gyro (Eagle Pro ), and all it would do is Spin right after lauch. I even tried multiple gain settings and still no l luck. I found it almost impossible to find the CG...I'm sure from the other reviews there is a certain way to set this plane up.. I just don't know what it is. I wish I had all that $$$ back.”
“So now that I have more time on flying the 1600mah batteries I tried the 2200mah batteries again and was successful getting a hand launch. The key for me was no elevator until it picks up a little speed - just keep it level. Saves me from having to buy more batteries and can focus on fixing my FW-190 I keep busting up :)”
“I fly off of grass so put a set of landing gear on the plane a 40 amp stinger ESC cut out the center stringer and dremeled out half the two other inside stringer's to set a 3s2200 pro admiral batt side ways in the plane. I don't know how it got off the ground flew so slow it scared me, landed it plugged in a 1600 4s admiral take off to vert wow no CG problems fun fun fun.”
“First I want to give a special thanks to Scott Anderson who's reviews proved to be the best in making my jet fly the best. His reviews below, that spelled out exactly what to do, worked perfectly. I had a Hobby People 2200mAh 3S 30C and it fits real tight and right. Trimming out the 2 cheater ribs in the lower intake to better grip the Panther is the best. I also added a 5/8 strip of adhesive black sandy stair-step material placed the length of the underbelly... works great on our all carpet runway which 250'x 36'...stops really great(lvsoaringclub.org). Another material for asphalt would be black rubber car body side molding strips. I use that on my gliders. Through some pressure placed on the top of the fin where it meets the top of the fuse, while gluing, I was able to get it to match up and fit flush. Thanks again Scott for the most helpful review ever and MRC for providing a really fun jet.”
