Bixler 2: The Review

by dhdsracer | August 19, 2012 | (48) Posted in Reviews

Here is a review I made if the new Bixler 2. I hope everyone likes it. The plane is really nice and the best in this style out there. I have owned most out there including the easystar, wildhawk and AXN floaterjet and have flown the FPV raptor and skysurfer and this beats them all! Enjoy

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COMMENTS

808aerosquadron on August 22, 2012
A very well done review.
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jelofson on September 17, 2012
Mind if I ask how you set up your flaps? Servo reverser or something else on the radio?
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dhdsracer on September 17, 2012
I'm using a dx8 so I was able to set one servo up then create a mix to match it with a -100 value rather than the 100. It's a trick you can only do with 7 channels and a decent radio but keeps things simple. If you use a Y-harness on the ailerons, you can pull it off with a 6ch RX too.
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jelofson on September 17, 2012
Thanks for that! I managed a similar setup with my dx6i. Using the y harness for ailerons and a flap gear mix for flaps. Seems like it will work nicely. Really like this airframe.
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jelofson on August 20, 2012
Mine seems quite underpowered compared to your video. The collet for the prop is so out of balance that it vibrates like crazy. I tried to get another collet locally, so I grabbed a 2.3mm, but the size of the shaft on the motor seems non standard. It's bigger than 2.3 and less than 3mm. The recommended 20 amp ESC gets very hot after about 10 minutes, no doubt due to the inefficiency created by the vibrating prop. I would never be able to take off from the ground. The first time I flew, I felt like I had to use 3/4 throttle, and no, the prop is not on backward :). So, I am disappointed with the power plant so far. I feel they could have used a much better motor and collet for very little increased cost - a cost I would be happy to pay. That being said, the construction of the plane is excellent. I am very impressed with the fit of all the parts, the servos seem pretty darned good so far. Love the flap option. The wing spare does leave the wings flexing a fair bit, but I don't really feel I will snap it (maybe do to that lack of power I seem to get). Wonderful glide and very stable. The control horns are solid. Large area for batteries, though I don't really like holding them down with a strip of velcro. A strap would be better, but one could probably add that. That's my 2 cents. I might try to get a video of the wobbly collet. It's really bad.
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jelofson on August 20, 2012
Just went out with a friend who flew the original Bixler. Performed way better than my Bixler2. I am hoping I can try his prop collet to see if that makes a diff.
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dhdsracer on August 20, 2012
How did it out perform the b2? I'm seeing some people getting bad motors. That's a possibility.
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jelofson on August 20, 2012
Just had way more thrust and speed. It was able to dart around at 1/2 throttle with more ease that my b2. I realize the B2 has a lower kv motor and larger prop, but it just seems really under powered. I will try to get some video tonight. Axial roles on mine are terribly slow I think because of the slow speed. Not like your video.
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lobstermash on August 20, 2012
Could be the build quality on the prop... I'll bet there's some variation in the pitch or in how much it straightens when you spool up.
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jelofson on August 20, 2012
ya, I am not sure about that. It seems ok and it was surprisingly balanced. If I can get some video of the pretty impressive wobble from the collet, I will be sure to post it.
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jelofson on August 20, 2012
Here is some footage of the wobbly collet. Also notice the noise. The last spin up is at full throttle. I recognize it's tough to see the wobble. The motor also doesn't seem right.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JurEYLqXZ94
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Dave Vet on May 9, 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Er20qHak3Pg check this out
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cwozny on August 21, 2012
Is the wing dihedral or polyhedral? I thought dihedral was when the cant in the wing started at the center and polyhedral was when the cant is near or at the wingtips.
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dhdsracer on August 21, 2012
I had this debate with someone else too. I'm stil not completely sure but my understanding was dihedral was when the wings came out level then kicked at the wings and polyhedral was kicked up at the fuse and at the tips, thus the 'poly or multi' rather then two. That's my sense at least.
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TLMARK on August 20, 2012
That is an impressive plane! great review too.
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UndCon on August 20, 2012
Very good review - add some close pictures to things like hinges and such.

//UndCon
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g.walker on September 29, 2012
Great video have just ordered one can't wait to I get it , my flying field is about 25 kms from home and it will be great to be able to fly it just about anywhere without having to travel
Cheers
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Jake Wells on August 23, 2012
Great Review!
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jd7792 on August 20, 2012
Great review, very well presented and discussed. Good to see both the positives and negatives makes the review much more un-biased and believable. I could even see one in my hanger in the not too distant future!
Thanks for the effort and time.
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Joe Prescott on August 25, 2012
I liked very much the review and I agree with Don. The plane is very good almost in every aspect, except for the motor and the prop adapter. My motor broke right in the work bench when making the first motor test. The prop adapter was so unbalanced I couldn't even think on using it. Also I had a hard time passing the ESC wires(3x) though the fuselage. It is tight with not much room to work with due the "wing screws tunnels" especially if your ESC wire extensions are #14. Also if you have an small car and you like to remove the wings for transportation, the wing holding system is a little hard to work with, so I decided to let the wings on all the time.
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KKArioKA on August 20, 2012
i like it !! very good review !
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Skydive4ever on September 8, 2012
Flight with the new Bixler2, Josh B., your namesake is a great plane, now ready for FPV setup and some LED light for night flying. A great multipurpose plane :-) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAEKwifNezw
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RELLIK DEMANON on August 20, 2012
I need comedy!!! josh? josh?....cricket cricket.......oh well... great review though. I feel I've grown past beginner planes but this one is looking good. excellent for those wanting bigger batteries. I fly with a 5000mah 4s and a 1500mah for video. not sure this puppy could handle that but its a nice soarer. short range. still has the inherited weak wing of The bixler so you have to re-enforce them for hi g's and fpv flying but the bixler was sweet to fly. I am sure that this one is as well.
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Nonamerc on August 20, 2012
In the video you say that its a beginner plane but in the description you say that its an advanced plane..
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dhdsracer on August 20, 2012
Fixed, thanks for letting me know!
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lobstermash on August 20, 2012
Alright. I'm convinced. I mildly wanted one before... I really like my current Bixler but this is definitely better in enough ways to justify the 'upgrade'...
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PunkStar Studios on August 20, 2012
Great review. I was really disappointed with the build quality of the Bixler 1; but your review was so overwhelmingly positive I may try this one out after I finish obsessing on hex-copters and autopilots ;-)

http://forum.flitetest.com/showthread.php?2586-Dissenting-option-on-the-Bixler-v1
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foamwingnut on August 24, 2012
Wow, great review. Thanks for posting. Definitely considering a purchase now.
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flitetest_argentina on August 20, 2012
great, 5 stars...and I'm gonna buy it. Do you thing if I fly my bixler 1 realy well, could I fly this well too?
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Bixler 2: The Review