1 Year Later - Freewing F-14 Tomcat Definitive Review

After 1 year of ownership, we've got a pretty good idea of where the Freewing F-14 fails and succeeds. It has a laundry list of issues that still haven't been addressed by Freewing nearly 10 years after it hit the market. Is it worth getting? That depends on if you're willing to put up with its obvious deficiencies - but if you do, it'll be one of your favorite jets ever.
TBRC Setup Guide: • Freewing F-14 Twin 80m...
Consider supporting a North Carolina local business if you want to spend the $100 for a landing gear upgrade kit: www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...
Equipment Used:
🔥 5280 RC TrueFire afterburners: fiftytwoeightyrc.com
🔋 SMC 5300 & 4400 HV batteries: www.smc-racing.com/index.php?...
📻 Spektrum AR10360T Receiver: bit.ly/3SuAlPv
Stabilator servo upgrade - Hitec HS-85MGs:
Freewing motor/ESC upgrade: www.rc-castle.com/index.php?r...
Freewing F-14: bit.ly/F-1480mm
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📦 Products We Recommend
Receivers:
Spektrum AR10360T Receiver: bit.ly/3SuAlPv
Spektrum AR8360T Receiver: bit.ly/3QBdgtc
Spektrum AR637T Receiver: bit.ly/3dCjiuO
Transmitters:
IX20SE: bit.ly/3BI3eBD
IX20: bit.ly/3BQvB0u
IX14: bit.ly/3D1Gg8w
NX10: bit.ly/3Qm6BSR
NX8: bit.ly/3bA4dcA
NX6:
Servos:
AGFRC B13DLM: tinyurl.com/B13DLM
AGFRC B11DLS: tinyurl.com/B11DLS
Hitec HS-85MGs:
Batteries:
4s 30c 2200 Smart packs: bit.ly/3SsoUrB
4s 50c 2200 Smart packs: bit.ly/3dcdBU3
6s 50c 5000 Smart packs: bit.ly/3A0jVY2
6s 50c 4000 Smart packs: bit.ly/3JANxOL
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rc plane, aeroplane, rc planes, airplanes, airplane, aircraft, model airplane, flying model, tutorial, learn to fly, crash, rc plane crash, plane crash, tail heavy productions, brian phillips, rc saylors, the rc geek, flite test, flitetest, petrincic bros rc, joe nall, top gun, top, gun, maverick, f-14, freewing, tomcat, navy, landing, takeoff, spoiler, flaps, aileron, elevon, stabilator, elevator, rudder, twin rudder, edf jet, rc jet, jet, fighter jet, united states
0:00 Intro & Pre-review
0:45 On the Deck High Alpha
2:00 Crash Landing & Aftermath
3:16 Stock Power vs Upgrade Power
4:25 Bothersome Issues
6:40 Review
7:14 TwoBros Score

[@Airguardian]

The poor missile detaching right after the unintended belly landing tore me up, hahahaha! 😂😂😂 Awesome high alpha flybys Jon!

[@jeffsuriano629]

It was like wiley coyote's parachute going off after he hits the ground

[@rcstunts1841]

This review was really refreshing. I like how you gave examples to the issues and kept it real. Well done! Hopefully Freewing takes some of these notes because they're good.

[@TwoBrosRC]

It could be one of the best jets out there with just a few changes on the manufacturer's end. Thanks for the input!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Everybody: You can't high alpha a F-14. Jon: Hold my beer Well done man!

[@codys8754]

Great video and explanation of the issues this EDF has out of the box!

[@ridingdeep8530]

This was such a fun video! I kept the sound off and just enjoyed your flying while I was helping my daughters get ready for school this morning, great work. I look forward to actually listening to your review later today. Thank you for your efforts.

[@tonydarst8211]

Love the blatant, brutal honesty! Rock on!!

[@jeffsuriano629]

Jon, ty for the honest assessment- mine is stock, Freewing leaves very little room for criticism 90% of the time, but in this case, you are spot on, as always.

[@nirlachman007]

Amazing video and high alpha! Really impressive! I’ve got my F-14 recently for the first time and after the first flight I knew that the stock motors are not going to stay. I upgraded to the new Freewing 2150kv 80mm and it’s now a beast! Highly recommended! Thanks!

[@motionsic]

Great stick! You are the only one I know that flies the Tomcat wings swept in high alpha! Amazing how stable it is, even more so than the Mig-29. Love it!

[@DropDieter]

Nice flying Dorito!

[@jamesbrown7758]

Awesome video guys! Hopefully freewing heard y’all!

[@williamlane6374]

So glad to see the tomcat fly again. I had to upgrade my transmitter from a NX10 to the IX14 for all the additional programming involved

[@BrianPhillipsRC]

Dude - that F-14 is awesome!!!! Loved the comment @ 8:00 - perfection ;)

[@TwoBrosRC]

We're hoping to see you with one sometime soon! ❤️

[@skytalon74]

2:10- tailhook catch the #3 wire! Great demo.

[@newbraskia.3992]

Glad your playing Drum&Bass music the best! Awesome jet as well!

[@TwoBrosRC]

Thanks a lot!

[@Hyperchaosbringer]

I'm just learning how to fly RC I want one eventually.

[@RAW00815]

Thank you for these kind of long time reviews! I was thinking about getting an F-14, after crashing my FW A-10 80mm, but I will just get another one (as soon as they offer the upgraded Motor Version in Europe as well). The long time review of FW Gruppen vs FMS Rafale was very helpful as well.

[@PhillyPyroKev]

Such a beautiful F-14. I just love how you can see the light kits from the front intakes. Just looks amazing. And that red sky evening wing swept high alpha was gorgeous!! Definitely want to get a nice edf when I get better. Just got an Arrows Viper to try my hand in the EDF world. Thanks for all that you guys do for the hobby. 🙏🏻

[@matts719]

Nice to see a RC F14 with moving wings. In the videos I’ve watched none of the jet powered examples have that.

[@will3kgt]

Thankyou for the post.....Glad I got mine for $500 back in '21.

[@LarryHamiltonGuitars]

By the way, you got some great stuff, your low alphas with the F14 are awesome 👍

[@warmiceUT]

I have mine bought years ago, and still sitting in the box, will consider your recommended upgrades, before I consider bring it out for maiden 😅

[@stephenthomas2311]

I own an ARF+ version, bought the MiG 29 power setup, but not certain how to upgrade the Main Gear Mounts. I can't say there is anything to disagree with in your summary and post upgrade review. The Tomcat will be a fun project, and you are correct, to do this right, it is project and not an "out of the box" build. Thanks for video, Gentlemen.

[@TwoBrosRC]

Check the description for the gear mount upgrade info!

[@trondaustad8617]

Love that. Is just foam fly it untill wings broke 😊

[@LarryHamiltonGuitars]

Im sorry, the low alpha no gear down lol and the sidewinder falling off, got a chuckle out of that. 😂 I want one when they come back in stock.

[@rcLawnDartPilot]

Used the 3658 2150kv motor and fan used in Freewings new Cougar paired with the 100 amp replacement esc's for the 80mm A-10. 2650 watts per motor on my telemetry on my Tomcat this morning! It felt like I was flying a 20 pound pizza box before that upgrade.

[@Nubernc]

Really love the honest review. Hope freewing is watching.

[@Boosted-N-Bottlefed]

Thank you once again thank you

[@TwoBrosRC]

👀

[@frigidpt4]

My F14 had ESC burnt out yesterday. Sadly the burnt ESC was the one that had UBEC on it. According to people who saw my crash, they said smokes were coming out of the rear nozzle. That was the same time I stopped having any control on the Tomcat then crashed at high speed wing swept into the bush near the airfield. Turns out my dealer is investigating the incident with Freewing manufacturer about this issue and will contact me back. I love the F14 from Freewing. It is gorgeous but they could have done better with the power house (stock motor is super underpowered) everything else is as you said in the video. Anyhow, Love your content Jon. Please make more of these Mods video.

[@TwoBrosRC]

So sorry to hear that! Hopefully Freewing can make it right for you.

[@airhammer6203]

The crazy cool, speedy, low alpha was a surprise to see Jon, especially the speed part. It zipped right on by. Maybe "they'll" take notice and make it happen. AirHammer out!!

[@TwoBrosRC]

Haha, no, very unlikely that they'd actually bother.

[@Power5]

So the stock Tomcat is the F-14A with Pratt & Whitney TF30s. After your mods it is at least an F-14B with the F110-GE-400.

[@wtfmimshag]

The one jet in their back cataloge that needs rolling upgrades but doesnt get them. Surely there's a more suitable main gear strut in their inventory by now. We have the technology.

[@notbadgerbutrich]

Man a v2 FW F-14 would conquer the world, I hope x-fly make one

[@mach9908]

V2 might be twin 64mm

[@alexgonzales1855]

Thx this one is next on my list…

[@samsman007]

I hope Freewing is watching this, especially the last minute part😁👍👍

[@williamlane6374]

I have spent so much money on this plane and after 2 falls of trying to get it to take off, it finally flew on the 3rd attempt of flying it with the upgraded power system

[@larsulrich3356]

I am not sure if I told you but I got head tracking working on the ix20 and crossfire for long range fpv.

[@brianturner4215]

You had me at the missile flop lol. I lol’d too hard at that

[@brianturner4215]

Thanks again for great honest reviews. One of the guys at the field did your set-up and I thought I was watching you fly! That pilot couldn’t express enough praise on how much a different it was from stock to your full set-up.

[@TwoBrosRC]

Happy to hear it!

[@notoo7]

Nice flying 😎👍 Might consider one, now that I hear they have started selling them with inrunner and reverse.

[@TwoBrosRC]

Unfortunately, you've heard incorrectly. The US-based retailer for Freewing continues to mention "2x 12 Blade factory balanced 80mm EDFs with metal housing and 3530-1680Kv brushless outrunner motors" on their product page.

[@notoo7]

@@TwoBrosRC thanks for letting me know. Won't be getting one until that changes.

[@peoplearecrazy1798]

A Super Tomcat never left the drawing board, you strange little man.

[@TwoBrosRC]

🆗

[@robsrc2018]

Afternoon Jon, I have to admit, you made many valid points!!! With the acception of one. I don't believe you can upgrade the tomcat for under $1100.00 I installed 2 new fms 2100kv motors, Brand new all aluminum retracts, two new avian smart ESC's, the upgrade kit from Dustin, the missle pods from rc geek as well as the rc geek afterburners, not including paint ect, on the other hand I have an absolutely gorgeous tomcat!!! It flies incredibly. Hopefully freewing does another version of the tomcat with the upgraded landing gear and upgraded power system. I know me and my friends would all buy one!!!! I'm quite sure you wouldn't mind them doing that and sending it to you to review!!! Wouldn't you agree? Thanks Robert

[@TwoBrosRC]

We'd love it if they sent us something, but the US-based distributor does not send models to anyone but a select chosen few. In the rep's word: "we'd be pissing money away" because "the planes sell themselves", which is really a total lack of understanding of how marketing works. There's a reason why we don't really mention them by name anymore.

[@robsrc2018]

They don't seem to realize most pilots that have been flying for a while watch the guys such as yourself to get honest opinions, and capabilities of these planes, if I see a plane that either you or one of the other guys are reviewing, and you give it a great review, we'll obviously I'm most likely going to purchase it!, and if you give it a bad review, I'll most likely stay away from it!!! You definitely say it the best, (I break my planes so you don't have to break yours) nevertheless you also take them to their ultimate limits!!! Excellent channel!!!! Thanks 😊 Robert

[@xcelerationrc5730]

1) its a complete mystery why Freewing wont update this jet. 2)the f14 is such a popular airframe i dont understand why this is basically the only f14 out ther besides the tiny twin 40 from eflite

[@notbadgerbutrich]

It’s a mystery to why they won’t upgrade it on a decency level but not on a financial one, Freewing know it’s the only serious F-14 available and there for if you want an F-14 you buy theirs

[@jeffsuriano629]

Jon could high alpha a washing machine if it had wings

[@themadscientistg7804]

Oh snap! Going hard on freewing?😂 daddy chill😂😂😂😂😂 but truth is truth. Manufacturers need to step up their game with what they charge us.

[@Ioquacks]

Lmao bro got a little too excited

[@williamlane6374]

I easily have about $1500 in mine with all the upgrades to get it to fly correctly, and about to pull the 1920kv motors out and install the new 2150kv motors into it for even more power

[@jared6072]

Whoa! Thats the coolest looking high alpha ive ever seen! Im half way into my build of this with the recommended upgrades, but using the newer edfs out of the cougar. Ive seen a few do the platter upgrade for the main geae mounts and am curious if you did that upgrade too? Is it really worth all the effort of cutting, glueing and fitting the platters or would just putting in a couple of carbon spars length wise under the stock platters to end of the wing glove work just fine. Im not flying off grass and my landings with big jets like my b2 and a10 are usually smooth😅.

[@TwoBrosRC]

Nope, never did the gear upgrade. Never saw a point to it since we don't fly off grass.

[@sanubionskiwalker957]

Lol I love your honesty. Do I need 10 channel radio or just 10 ch receiver with 8ch radio??

[@TwoBrosRC]

You'd need a 10ch+ radio and a 10ch receiver to set up your Tomcat like ours.

[@klausschreyer7062]

First time watching your Video Like way you Fly that Tomcat better than anyone I've seen so Far. I'm just Observer like watching RC Planes F-14 always been my Favorite. I've seen F-14 Squadrons up Very Close at Miramar. One of these days like to Get RC F-14 like yours just like anything else Cars, Boats. Motorcycles, Guns, Guitars, Women etc Stock out of the Box Satisfies most people take it to another Level can't avoid spending for Upgrades Accessories for Better Results and getting your Jollies off. Do you Sell that Pin up Poster of Stalin? Lol . 👍🍻

[@robertnet4150]

Hi Jon how did you program the Hitec servos. did you use the Hitec programmer? thx

[@TwoBrosRC]

Nope, just plugged them into the receiver and reversed them if needed.

[@paulrichardson8810]

Are there more powerful ones out now? I don't want an under powered jet, but I love the Tomcat.

[@TwoBrosRC]

Unfortunately not, it's still sold in the stock configuration.

[@aerospacematt9147]

That closing remark though. Hinting at something, Jon? I’ve been eyeballing this one for a while. Do you think the stock elevator servos are at a higher than normal risk of failure or do you just like the Hitec ones for better cobra maneuvers? Been looking at getting the ARF version and installing X-fly 80mm 2200kv EDFs in it for high performance Super Tomcat flying! Hopefully they aren’t too much more heavy.

[@TwoBrosRC]

It's hinting at the fact that the particular retailer in question has one of the worst warranties we've ever seen in consumer electronics. Their primary competitor has a significantly better warranty that doesn't require potentially threatening legal action to actually get results from. The stock servos are just not good for the kind of flying we do. Anything intense requires higher quality servos that won't die out on us. It's $80 of insurance to ensure that $1,300 doesn't crash. Seems legit.

[@aerospacematt9147]

@@TwoBrosRC Ahh, I see. Yeah it sounded like you might’ve had a bad experience with them. I appreciate your servo recommendation. Now by no means do I have the level of aerobatic proficiency that you have, but I agree with the insurance that higher quality servos give you! Keep making awesome content, I look forward to your videos.

[@ryansnyder7444]

Even with the bad motor choice and less than stellar landing gear, it’s still a better choice than the e flite non umx f14 that uses umx hardware. It’s also worth noting that motion sells the f14 without the power system for about $100 off.

[@marshallfamily01]

This video is top notch. You nailed the issues with this beast with no condescension. Question, you stated you upgraded the motors to the 1920KV in-runners. With two 6s 4000 lipos inside, how much runway would it take to quickly get this bird off the deck?

[@TwoBrosRC]

Thanks! That depends, are you using full span flaps or the stock flaps? FS flaps generates a significant difference in lift.

[@marshallfamily01]

Stock flaps.@@TwoBrosRC

[@TwoBrosRC]

On 1920kv inrunners with stock flaps, you're probably looking at a takeoff rotation within 150 feet.

[@cautai4838]

wonder why they still using the 1680 kv outrunner for nearly 10 years, while most of Freewing 80mm jets have been upgraded to 1920kv.

[@haroldanderson6021]

This video has rekindled my interest this plane. One question... Have you tried landing high alpha with this jet with the wings swept back? My Rafale slows to a crawl for a really nice aircraft carrier style landing with correct throttle management and it looks possible judging from your high alpha passes. I'm one of those waiting for the updated version but if I knew this is possible with this jet I would pull the trigger and do the power system upgrades. Don't take that as a challenge though, just saying.... ;-)

[@TwoBrosRC]

It should absolutely be possible, we just didn't try it out!

[@user-jx1pv6mm1r]

Hello! How much elevaor do you need to compensate for landing with flaps turned on?

[@TwoBrosRC]

Check our setup guide.

[@stickandrudderaviation4629]

I just bought the PNP tomcat and it comes with various upgrades such as bigger motors and reverse thrust! You must have a older model. Anyway good flying!

[@TwoBrosRC]

Since when? It's still being offered with the underpowered system and gear issues.

[@manicfour]

I'm asking the same on "since when"..

[@stickandrudderaviation4629]

I bought mine in July of 23

[@stickandrudderaviation4629]

I don’t believe it was advertised but I was asking motion and I noticed a yellow lined cable indicating reverse thrust. I was speaking with someone on the phone who had one and his was not equipped with it. I am happy to send pictures of my plane

[@stickandrudderaviation4629]

It is bone stock and mine comes with extras pre installed, anyways no disrespect love your guys flying and channel?

[@ladyhawk7408]

this, the sukoi 30 the fulcrum. I feel once you get over the $500 mark a certian level of quality should be demanded. I got the Yak=130 for 290 bucks and have dropped that thing from 30 feet onto grass quite hot.... and it barely blinked. I bounce the viper 90 a lil to hard and the gear don't wana work.....

[@TwoBrosRC]

When it comes to gear, you have to remember that aircraft aren't monster trucks. No aircraft should be rated by how hard it can slam into the ground and stay intact, in our view, because the work required to make something crash-proof usually means it'll fly poorly due to the wing loading required. Reinforced gear come at a significant weight cost. The issue with the F-14 is that it can't handle rough landings or flying off grass - not that it can't handle being slammed into the ground. Most airplanes can't take that kind of abuse, full or model scale.

[@SpeedDemonExpress]

Are you going to demo the new 64mm F14?

[@TwoBrosRC]

Already filmed it and getting it ready to post on Saturday.

[@lars9966]

thank you for not playing any topgun songs, im so sick of it. my family used to organize the biggest rc airshow worldwide (JetPower in germany till 2017) and on almost every flight they played either danger zone or mighty wings or any other top gun song. i was so sick of it 😭😭😭

[@TwoBrosRC]

Yeah, the Top Gun anthems get pretty old after a while.

[@EverflameArt]

If someone was selling it around 500, do you think it’s worth? It’ll be my first RC. In the description it says (Retractable landing gear with Spectrum 8 channel receiver with SAFE.)

[@TwoBrosRC]

Your first RC would be the transmitter. RC is Radio Control, not an airplane. 😉 As your first model aircraft, we'd highly recommend that you get flight experience on something else first. There's a very low probability that you'd successfully fly this jet. That's a lot of money to risk. We can help you find some good airplanes to fly starting off without rushing into something this complex. Consider joining us on Discord via bit.ly/TBRCDiscord

[@EverflameArt]

@@TwoBrosRC thank you so much! I’ll check it out. I hope you’re having a good day.

[@air-headedaviator1805]

You telling me they sold a 14 pound jet running 80mils on 35-30s 👁👄👁 thats a smaller motor than what you find in 64mm edfs now a days! How could something like that get past the drawing board

[@TwoBrosRC]

It was probably state of the art back in 2015. In 2023, it's woefully underpowered. That it continues being sold in this configuration is nothing less than shameful.

[@will3kgt]

😂😂😂😂 So true!

[@ShandiNicole1982]

Dad was an Eagle Driver in the Air Force… hint.

[@velcro62]

ARF is the way to go with freewing jets

[@yamabushisama]

I can hear tom cruise say what did he say!!! Lol. Umm does the AR104T receiver can be used in a beach raft D18 without a gyro?

[@TwoBrosRC]

The AR10360T comes with a gyro.

[@yamabushisama]

@@TwoBrosRC so I need to buy AR10360T. So that means the AR104T is a paperweight

[@doggot.v414]

How can i buy this out of America ??

[@TwoBrosRC]

Look in the description.

[@TMB5BER]

Yep, have had mine on the bench since I bought it ,,(1400$ca with lipos) ,,and will not fly it until it is upgraded

[@TwoBrosRC]

Solid move there.

[@TMB5BER]

@@TwoBrosRCit’s been at least 4 years now lol

[@TMB5BER]

@@TwoBrosRCalso great flying btw

[@3v1Bunny]

was that the "oh fuck" from the tesla 'self' driving ? XD

[@TwoBrosRC]

👀

[@user-tc7sh1ut2g]

Bro For italy

[@user-tc7sh1ut2g]

?

[@rabbie68]

Better to do the low passes on the grass...🙄😉

[@TwoBrosRC]

Nah.

[@redwineisfine]

Its a Sexy bird... but you are right... its power to weight is worse than the Draco.. It's very disappointing not just because of the cost and age... its disappointing because motion has been releasing upgrades left and right and its just on the back burner being advertised with these issues.. Good call, sir.. Another great video

[@TwoBrosRC]

MotionRC has enough issues that we'll likely be covering in the near future!

[@redwineisfine]

@@TwoBrosRC must admit im a fms eflite fanboy as well😉

[@redwineisfine]

@TwoBrosRC okay saw your motion coverage. I cant say i have experienced what you have, but I absolutely agree with you in that Owner loyalty is worth more than $30 parts

[@Thinkpancakes]

I think bro can high alpha anything

[@TwoBrosRC]

Bro can definitely bro bro.

[@jefferyturner517]

Skip v-2 & straight to v-3 & everyone will buy one.

[@nabilbabrakthe2th519]

Now the jet costs 514 dollar

[@TwoBrosRC]

🆗

[@fredmdbud]

How much it costs depends on how much you want to "trick it out", and a lot of mods I find unnecessary for how and where I fly. If you think it costs too much, don't buy it, problem solved.

[@TwoBrosRC]

Putting properly specced motors into something this heavy is not tricking it out, it's making it fly like the Super Tomcat it ostensibly was meant to be.

[@luis10503]

Por sorte a bomba não explodiu 😂

[@TwoBrosRC]

💣

[@rafaeltorres2886]

This hobby is available for the budget minded pocket book up to the rich with fat bank accnts where price isn't important and of course sponsored folks. I buy what I can afford and have lots of fun , different strokes for different folks 😂

[@TwoBrosRC]

Right - but the hobby shouldn't be about selling antiquated power systems in really heavy airplanes. More than one of these jets have crashed because of insufficient manufacturer setup.

[@keitha.9788]

Isn't it from China???

[@TwoBrosRC]

What isn't from China?

[@dundeeecroc]

can't people shut up!!?? I want to hear the sounds from those engines! thank you!

[@TwoBrosRC]

You're welcome to watch another channel.

[@dundeeecroc]

@@TwoBrosRC No, because I found that you have an awesome RC JET! and you're a good operator!

[@TecraTube]

f14 is old and lame. sorry, bro

[@TwoBrosRC]

Oh no.