Slow Stick by GWS

• GWS - ICS-300li ESC Speed Controller (Brushed Motor/Li-poly Battery)
• EP 10x6 Propeller w/prop saver
  
• Li-poly 1800mah 18C 26 amp 11.1v 3-cell battery
• (2) SG50 5 gram Ultra Micro Servos
• Hitec 6 Channel Radio & Receiver

I recently was asked about a good starter plane for some family members. It was quite easy to respond with a quick answer....the Slow Stick by GWS.

I have owned a Slow Stick for several years and have watched my father, brother and uncle each learn to fly with a Slow Stick after attempting to learn on several other types. They have now each mastered the basics of flying and at one point flew 5 days a week! They simply fell in love with RC and the Slow Stick. It was while watching them have so much fun with this plane that I decided to go back to something low and slow. I have loved every minute of it.

With two cousins interested in starting their adventure in flying, and not being in close proximity, I wanted to give some stats and helpful tips about this great little plane. There are many who have "modded" their slow sticks, but I simply chose to fly a stock model.

My stock plane came with a "brushed" Speed 400 type motor and gear reduction drive. I opted to purchase a speed controller made for brushed motors and Li-poly batteries. This allowed me to use the Li-poly batteries that I already owned and test the stock motor provided by GWS.

I have found the setup to be quite acceptable. I am able to take off in just under 5 feet and climb out at a reasonable rate. I normally experience flight times of 30 minutes or more.

With that being said, there are many different configurations for the Slow Stick that will work very well. As I previously stated, both my father, brother and uncle all fly Slow Sticks, and each is setup a little different. They each replaced the stock motor with a brushless outrunner motor and brushless ESC controller. They get phenomenal performance out of their planes. It is almost a hover craft with the right propeller combination. They also each fly with 3-cell li-poly batteries, but all are of different capacity.

I would consider the brushless setup to be the ideal for this plane. This is especially true if you can find the "slope glider" version of the kit that does not come with a power package, and then add your own motor and speed controller. I have seen this kit priced between $19.00 and $21.00. This is about a $10 to $15.00 savings over the standard kit price.

I have found the website www.headsuprc.com to be very beneficial. I have purchased many of their products, and have received quick service and all components have arrived timely and as described. They also have helpful information in regards to understanding the Li-poly batteries and the different C ratings, along with stats on the different brushless motor combinations so that you can make an educated decision based on the application.

Recommended Setup:

Slow Stick - Slope Version (no motor provided)
2410-9Y Outrunner Brushless motor and 20 Amp ESC
2- SG50 Sub Micro Servo
11.1v 1300mah 20C Lipoly Battery
6 Channel Radio - Hitec/RCD or JR (radio links are for reference only)


If you have questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment.