HobbyKing Mini DLG Review/Build/Maiden

The second of the two maidens (the other being the Falcon), this is quite a departure for me, as it's not FPV and it has no motors !
It was also a lovely Xmas present from my wife, although I had to order it, pay for it using my PayPal account, and then hand it over so she could wrap it up and hand it back to me. It's the thought that counts though :)
If you were interested in getting a Mini-DLG in the air, then this is what I used, with links to the (mostly) HobbyKing UK and International warehouses. Full disclosure: These are affiliate links, but you are of course not forced to use them :)
UK Links -
Mini DLG www.hobbyking.c...
FrSky D4R-II rx - Hobbyking don't sell any FrSky gear from the UK warehouse, no idea why, but GiantShark does here - www.giantshark....
Turnigy 3A UBEC - www.hobbyking.c...
Nanotech 260mah 2S - www.hobbyking.c...
Internations warehouse links -
Mini DLG - www.hobbyking.c...
FrSky D4R-II rx - www.hobbyking.c...
Turnigy 3A UBEC - www.hobbyking.c...
Nanotech 260mah 2S - www.hobbyking.c...

[@spocktra50]

Great fun mate,you're going to enjoy that in the summer.

[@CurryKitten]

Yes - the idea is that it's very quick to get ready, and won't be too much of a cause for concern in the local park

[@jamesb72]

Great video, I've had this mini-DLG on my wishlist for about a year, even have the lipo and booster ready for it, looks great !

[@CurryKitten]

It's a great little glider - even for people like me who are noobs at LOS flying - it just wants to keep on flying :)

[@AeroCraftAviation]

To mitigate the launch roll, do a full 360degree launch and try to keep your movements straight and do not pull in your arm as you release, but instead allow the plane to pull out of your hand by its own inertia. It's really all in the technique, cause depending upon how you throw it, it will either nose up and roll over, or climb straight and fast. For example, I'm only 14 and 98 pounds, but because of my launch technique, I can launch significantly higher than many of the adult pilots at my RC club who tried DLGs.

[@markusritter3636]

Hi, nice review. I have 2 DLGs myself (Elf and Versus, and a modified Alula from Dreamflight from a SLG -side arm launch to DLG). I love the hobby which I joined 30 years ago with a break of the last 15 years, with gliders, but fell in love with DLGs. I would have loved to see a final word in the review, just a thought. Happy flying and soft landings!

[@CurryKitten]

I'm quite the opposite - I never got a flying thing when I was younger, so I'm enjoying all this for the first time. Thanks for your comments on the review - I'm very much winging it so appreciate any feedback. So by final word you mean a shot of me summing up, as opposed to the voice over ?

[@markusritter3636]

CurryKitten Yes, a summary what you think about the plane - likes and not so much

[@nielsd8097]

Great video, thanks for the explanation and honest view of every aspect you discussed

[@MicroRCFiend]

That does indeed look like some good fun for the windy days although I was hoping it would be sub £50. If it had a protective case of some sort for travel that could be very compact and durable.

[@CurryKitten]

Yes - it's just a touch more. But "cheap" when compared to the normal range of DLG's which are scarily expensive. I've kept the box if I need to transport it anywhere where I can't easily do so carefully. As the tail came assembled, the box is at least big enough to enclose it properly (albeit with a bit of bubble wrap to keep it safe. It's not perfect though - I'm still waiting for a plane I can fold up and just shove in a bag until next time I need it

[@ETERNALFLIGHT63]

Awesome catch! Silent flight with the DLG will keep in tune to the thermals on the field. You'll be hooked once you catch a boomer and spec it out. Then return and catch another thermal. Keep pushing for more time in the air, always hunting for a thermal. Is the airframe holding up so far from the throws?

[@CurryKitten]

Thanks Ken - it would be fair to say I've no idea how I might spot any lift, but it was very exciting when it went upwards by itself ! The airframe, despite how delicate it feels, holding up well - no issues or wear that I can see at all

[@tamz2]

Great review...i am really looking at a dlg but not sure if my 50 year old muscles will be up for the launches...I bet you could keep that little thing in the air for hours at Highcliff

[@CurryKitten]

I'm not sure my 42 year old muscles were up for it either, I wasn't aware of these little grunts as I was chucking it until I watched this back :)

[@MFMProductions]

Looks like fun

[@litlredd4195]

fyi, i think that when you launch, the glider should go nearly straight up.

[@CurryKitten]

Thanks - I'll bear that in mind. As confidence grows I'll start aiming for higher - instead of "throw it out, glide it back"

[@skymax9325]

Good!

[@ArtoMikkola]

Nice video, im getting dlg fever :)

[@CurryKitten]

Thanks - yes, they are lots of fun, and ready to go with very little prep. Easy to grab 5 or 10 minutes here and there

[@cartertomasko8686]

nice video, could I use a normal sized rx (with the case) and a 2s lipo?

[@Silvesterkanal]

nice man :D

[@jakejgg7390]

do these parts require any soldering or do they just plug into the reciever?i am only twelve and dont have a soldering iron.

[@CurryKitten]

Hi jake and your sweary fingers :) In this case I soldered a jst plug onto the BEC (as it came with bare wire - as they mostly do as the connection changes depending on the type of battery you use) you could potentially crimp the connection on (with pliers or more ideally a crimping tool) or find some sort of rx battery that will plug straight in and supply 5v. If you are going to start building models, then a soldering iron becomes very useful - in most things there will be battery connectors to solder on, and endless bits of wire to modify and rejoin. If you know someone who can solder and help, then use them - or try asking in forums to see if there is anyone that can help

[@jakejgg7390]

thank you very much.by the way your falcon fpv is awsome!!!

[@alienw99]

I bought mine, and regret, should have bought Elf instead...main wing (60g) is not so bad, but fuselage is very weak and heavy(40g). I had to rebuild mine by replacing glassed boom with fishing rod.

[@Vass881234]

Tail heavy. Porpoising too.

[@CurryKitten]

Was just badly in need of trim, and me to go easy on the sticks

[@Vass881234]

:-)

[@Crispy_Bee]

+Vass Maybe that's because of the smaller battery size? With the right size it should have the correct weight distribution...

[@roastysprouts1004]

Cool plane.. What is it?? ;)