E-flite Commander mPd 1.4m BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE Select - Model AV8R Review

[@charlesrussell7472]

I’m new to this hobby. I love your reviews for the in depth knowledge you impart. You teach more about proper setup and tuning. Instead of just showing basic assembly.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much Charles. Glad you enjoy our content. Welcome to the hobby my friend!

[@TwoBrosRC]

I hear that wood thrush at the beginning of your roll around 8:40. Didn't realize they went into Georgia. That one wheel at 17:30 is awesome.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks buddy...awesome you can identify the birds by sound! You try to 3D everything, and I try to one wheel everything! Lol.

[@TwoBrosRC]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Wood thrushes are my favorite bird. It took me years to figure out what they were called. Their bird call is like a flute made in heaven.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

@@TwoBrosRC and now I can identify the sound too! Thanks man

[@nickviner9489]

I fly off grass strips and had to remove the pants and put bigger wheels on to prevent nose tripping. This plane is now the one that always go to the field I love it so much.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Great airplane!

[@DeucesWildRC]

A spitfire and an RV-8 walk in a bar 🤣😂, KZbin Gold!!

[@payitfwdrcl6171]

Yessssss. 👍😉

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Lol...thanks Mike my friend! Bubba has a way with words, might not be the right way...but its a way! Lol.

[@MyRCJourney]

Love this plane! I picked up one for myself a few weeks ago and I bring it to the field every day now! Great combo of warbird presence and speed, excellent aerobatic capability, and great slow flying handling. You did a great demo of it's capabilities. I really appreciate all you do for the hobby! 👍🏻

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Awesome Matt! Glad you got one man they are great! Thanks for the kind words and we appreciate you supporting our channel!

[@xjrj]

I have the original red Commander. Love this plane. I also had to cut the wing tube ( 5 years ago!) The weak link in the original was the reliability of the plastic gear servos. It was a known issue and I replaced all servos with higher quality metal gear units before the first flight. I own six planes and this is still my favorite.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is a great plane indeed. I was really excited to fly one.

[@gisall8205]

I fly mine on a 4s 3300. C/G slightly back. Tossed the wheel pants and installed slightly larger, softer wheels. Timer set at 10 minutes. Flys and lands like a dream.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Funny man...this one is Scott's as well! He's lets us review all his new planes! It is an awesome sport plane...and a beauty as well. I'm with you...I can live without the hybrid wheel pants.

[@davidsnyder238]

This plane is so reminiscent of the Reno racer planes. Sport style with warbird characteristics. I love the paint scheme, it really shoes up nicely. Excellent walk through and flying my friend. A real joy to wstch this one.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Didn't think about that David...it does though. Thanks very much my friend. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MB-ik8oj]

I had the original and the wheel pants didn't last. I got the new one and 3D printed new wheel pants and it looks great. Handles the little extra weight like it's not there. This plane has always been my favorite go to plane.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks for watching! Great idea...they really should have put plastic ones on in the first place.

[@ohioace58]

Any way you might be coerced into firing up that ole printer one more time MB and punching out another set of those pants? Even if it is a raw product I'm sure I could whittle it round to fit fine. Have Dremmel and drillbits here ;).

[@MB-ik8oj]

@@ohioace58 Do you belong to RC Groups? If so I can communicate and send you pictures so you can see the printed version.

[@MB-ik8oj]

@@ohioace58 Do you belong to RC Groups? If so I can communicate and send you pictures so you can see the printed version.

[@michaelkrailo5725]

Just bought one of these to get back into the hobby and establish a hanger. I like that inverted up line at 45 degree test. Never heard of that before.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Great choice! Really a good airplane. Welcome back to the hobby!

[@gisall8205]

I definitely agree on the Nerdy looking pilot. I took the Canopy off, hallowed out the dash and pilot with an Exacto Knife. Masked off the outside of the Canopy to prevent overspray. Then painted the inside of the clear plastic dome with fast drying Black Krylon paint. Much better looking. The Pilot was also out of per-portion. Did the same thing to my RV-7. Looks like Limo Tint.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Great idea!

[@FlankerTanker]

Dang Bubba, I placed an order for mine a few weeks back.....Hi Adam, I think it looks retro, yet modern, have to wait for mine, but your video helps a lot....thanks...its the wing spar it needs cutting down, I have seen this on another video....great flying very helpful and fun to watch..Stay well Martyn

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Hey Martyn! Thanks buddy! You will love it man its a looker, and yes cutting the wing tube is the solution, but the problem (at least with this one) is that one wing tube channel is shorter than the other by a half an inch. By the way I think you missed something buddy...go to 19:20 and listen to the narration...lol. Just for you! Stay well yourself my friend and I look forward to your next episode!

[@FlankerTanker]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Adam please forgive me - HOW did I miss that !!!, I am really sorry I do watch the videos not just skip through them - It might have been late night and I fell asleep (not because of the video, ) - thanks for the Grass Ops - I was thinking that I might have to remove those wheel pants - but watching your video I can rest assured that i will not need to CUT FOAM !!LOL... I could have missed it because you called me Martyn and NOT FT or Flanker Tanker LOL-- I feel quite Bad now.... Sooooorrrryyyyy....I will stop digging myself a big hole now and just say "THANK YOU".. Stay well Martyn

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Aw Martyn don't feel bad brother! I just wanted you to see it so you knew I thought about you buddy! Have a great one! Saw in the comments of Gina's vid you're not feeling well? Feel better my friend!

[@grantfoster9099]

i just had my local hobbytown order me one! i was fixing to head to my hobby shop after i got done flying yesterday but good thing i called n asked cause they were outta stock so i kindly asked them if they would order one os this sunday i will ply with her n see what she can do i might swap them wheel pants out for some plastic ones if i can have one of my guys at the club 3d print em or something. thanks for heads up about that my field is grass so i hope they stay on for least one whole flying session on sunday!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Congrats man! You'll enjoy it! I wouldn't worry too much about the wheel pants, just fly it and see how they do over time. I don't think you'll wear them out on the first day! Lol

[@JeffinLowerAlabama]

Had a lot of flights on my OG Red and White Commander, the foam wheel pants will get scuffed up, used a Red Sharpie to keep the pants looking good. Great video and flying Adam, Jeff in LA USA

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Jeff! It is a fun plane for sure!

[@hechtspeed]

What a pretty model! Definately looks better in blue. Excellent work! You almost have me sold lol

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks brother Brent! LOL...I don't think it takes much to sell you. You're like me...got wings...yep...I like it!

[@hechtspeed]

@@ModelAV8RChannel hahahaha pretty much!

[@rcaviationcrawling7351]

Bubba's back in town! Before you mentioned it, I felt like I could really sense that you and that bird were having a wonderful time together, great flight from Pilot and Airplane. Sweet upgrades from the red version. Amazing slow flight ability, and how stall resistant she is with the flaps! Awesome, Mr. Adam. PS: Side note, a few years ago I gave my brother an RTF micro RC Trainer Plane with gyro, hoping now that I'm living at his place, maybe I'll'll get him flying!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Mark! That would be great if you could fly with your bro!

[@jcb6713]

very nice 👍...I put several coats of 'matt finish' Mod Podge to harden and protect the foam pants 😎 also works great to help reduce those wing tip scrapes...

[@jonoedwards4195]

Put out an APB! Howdy Matey.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Great idea. Thanks for watching!

[@jcb6713]

@@ModelAV8RChannel after my Mod Podge prep; I assembled my 'mPd' and checked the spar etc...I had no problem, perfect, equal on both wings(FYI)...RV8 & Spit baby...perfect 🤣 The spinner was loose; flap,rudder,elevator adjustments; tailwheel alignment to rudder... (minor stuff) but you just need to go over everything and check anyway...This is really a nice plane !!! have a great week...tnx for info...

[@airhammer6203]

Nice review and "flight of the Commander" :)🤓, Adam. You know, I had the same problem getting the right wing on as well. It did finally, after a closer inspection. It is a great looking aircraft. Moving soon, so it went back in the box!! Big thanks to your friend for letting you give us a review on it. AirHammer out!!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Hey Thanks Hammer! It is a great plane! Good luck with your move.

[@Stinkles_]

Great review! I see a lot of comparison between this and the RV7, but I gotta say my RV went together perfectly, and the awesome lights give it a bit of an edge in my book. I agree with you about that pilot too, if I saw him walking down the street I’d cross the street!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Hey Tommy thanks man! The lights on the RV-7 are awesome for sure, and you're right...you could almost throw the parts in the air and they'd land together! LOL. The Commander would look incredible with lights. Yes...that pilot is a creeper...

[@Stinkles_]

@@ModelAV8RChannel LOL about throwing the parts in the air, that’s a great line!

[@SteffenRC]

Great video Adam. Thanks for sharing. This is a plane I plan on getting when I get a screw up and make a little room in my hanger... Looks like a solid fun aerobatic flyer.. - Will

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much Will! It is a great one. Sounds like you have the same problem I have...out of room!

[@dutchloveRC]

I was afraid you where going to let Bubba fly it !! lol great looking/flying plane!!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Lol...that might not end well...

[@Warbirdpilot]

The perfect second plane 👍👍 Good review. I just bought myself the new 1200mm t28 from eflite and these small foam planes are such a great addition to the hangar for some quick and easy fun at the field.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Hey Håvard! Thanks my friend. It is a great plane. Man I have flown several of those 1.2 T-28s (the first run) and they fly awesome. Great foam warbirds! Looking forward to your next vid!

[@HciContractor]

My first time seeing your channel and I thought who in the heck is this backwoods guy??!! I'm subscribed brother I think you did a great job with the review! Thanks you

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

LOL! Thanks man! Welcome.

[@hechtspeed]

I cant help but think how cool this would be with a 4 stroke....

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

SO. TRUE. Saitos make everything better...

[@hechtspeed]

@@ModelAV8RChannel facts!!!

[@itsmeeee2154]

Have a red one. Like the plane, but needs some design improvements. - not a grass strip friendly plane, need to take off wheel pants and put on larger diameter wheels. I use the dubro 2.75” super slims. - needs a better shock absorbing landing gear. - further to above, needs a better, or at least designed to be easily repaired or strengthened landing gear mounting area in the fuselage. - needs motor mounted on a firewall, and removable/replaceable complete engine cowling. - if RUD, the wing mount tabs break off, HH currently does not supply replacement wing mounts; HH needs to make these parts available.

[@BRIANFORWARD1]

Hi Adam Always good to see you.... Bubba is absolutely right it is a spitfire love child...... One of the nicer looking kites to come out of there stable for a long time.... Your shake down flights...,. Superb.... You name the shape you done it. 👍👍👍👍👍👍 STAY LUCKY Looking forward to your next vid Brian

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Brian my friend thanks very much! It is a looker, but then again with some Spitfire in it it has to be...

[@BRIANFORWARD1]

@@ModelAV8RChannel hahahahahahaha true!!!! Great bit of design A SPORTS SPITFIRE 👍👍👍 Brian

[@IansRCExploits]

Ha ha Bubba summed it up Lol does look like a Spitfire!! Fantastic review Adam very thorough and fantastic flying!! Unfortunately I gave up trying to fly any plane with wheel pants at my field, they just don't work!! But it does look like a fab flying sports plane. Great filming by Heidi as always!! A very nice video!! Well done both 😀🖕

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks so much Ian, and yes wheel pants can be an issue in taller grass. Fun plane though!

[@capnhardway]

You had me going on the intro lol😂thinking of this plane as a new addition..

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Lol. It's a great flyer. Pretty too.

[@JustwingitRC]

Okay Bubba, I just watched this video and I must say...I think you're right!!! BUT...seriously Adam, as always, I really enjoyed seeing your take on this model! While I'm still not a fan of it, that's NOT because of your review, it's just the way the thing looks. Just not my cup of tea and there's not one darn thing wrong with that. That said, MAN, you really put that model through it's paces and it seems to be a VERY capable sport model for sure! And the slow flight was very surprising on top of that! Thanks for the great and enjoyable content, and it's always great to see Bubba make a guest appearance! Cheers to Team Gault from your friend in the Mojave Desert!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I think its the creepy pilot John...he scares you. Lol. We like a lot of the same planes bro, there has to be one or two we don't 100% agree on, and you're right that is A Ok! Surprised me how well it flew. I figured it would be good, but it was really good. The ones that stall very different with flaps than they do without (wing drop wise) are rare...only flown a few that did that. Thanks for the kind words as always brother! Hope all is well with you and yours!

[@JustEnoughRC]

Great video as usual guys. 3rd flight was beautiful. This plane would look awesome in a warbird scheme

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Jude! Yeah a British camo would look good...

[@davidgerlach1132]

I observed on your "maiden flight" takeoff you had no flaps engaged. He must fly very steady. I like this plane for my next flyer.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Its very stable and predictable. You'll really like it.

[@DadsRCHangar]

Nice Adam, some great skills going on with knife edge and inverted flights. I do agree about the wheel pans, no idea why they would do this, unless it’s was about cost. Great plane 👍🏻

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Chris! I think it might cost more to do it the way they did...looks like you'd need two separate molds, and then have to bond those together.

[@davehrcfpv]

Interesting to know the origin of the stylish paint job. The profiles of the flying surfaces are not my personal liking, but the paint job does offset that, along with the flying characteristics you illustrate.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks for watching! Great flying plane for sure.

[@clarencegreen3071]

IMO, the assembly could not have been easier, with the exception of having to cut about 5/8" off the wing tube. I removed the wheel pants and installed slightly larger wheels because the grass runway where I fly is not the best. I flew it on 3S 2200 and it flew well but did not have the zip that a lot of people like. It will slow way down and has no tendency to tip stall. I think it's a good plane!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Totally agree!

[@patmurphy3410]

Great video sir! I must have this airplane.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks for watching! Its a great plane!

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Superb flying, Adam! Yet another great E-flite offering! And I think we can all concur with the deep wisdom of Bubba at the opening. In fact... what about a range of 'Bubba RC' branded products 🤔 ...starting with a Bubba pilot figure to replace the cadaverous, knob-headed one in the Commander? 🤑🤑😁

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thank you Gina! So funny you would say that...I have a plan to do a "profile pilot" made out of two pictures of Bubba and put it in something. Like the way Cliff Harvey does with pics of himself. Should be a hoot!

[@brianstitessr.8783]

Yeah, it's got my attention. Great job with the review👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thank you Brian! Good sport plane for sure!

[@brianstitessr.8783]

@@ModelAV8RChannel , Hey Adam, got my commander and assembled with no issues..... except, the ESC was kinda just floating around in battery box. Is this normal or should it be attached somewhere and if so where? Can't seem to find an image anywhere. Thanks in advance, Brian

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

@@brianstitessr.8783 Hey Brian. Congrats on getting a Commander! I would attach it with maybe servo tape or Velcro as far forward as you can without interfering with battery placement. It probably wouldn't hurt anything if its loose and cannot move forward or aft, but I'm picky personally...lol.

[@DaveItYourselfChannel]

NIIIIIIIIIIIICE Adam! 😁👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man!

[@tughillrc6327]

Very good review and great flying Adam. I was on the fence about buying this airframe but it looks enjoyable and capable on the 4s 2200 30c. I hit that button and expect it in by friday.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man! It is a great, stable plane. It can be a lazy easy going flyer...or turn her up and she'll do some stuff!

[@tughillrc6327]

@@ModelAV8RChannel I think it will be a great addition to my collection hopefully it will not be a Bubba sacrifice to the Foam God's.🚜

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

@@tughillrc6327 I hope not!

[@rlbutterfield]

Nice review.👍🏻

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Randy!

[@epoweredrc]

Very nice Adam, I am glad to see you doing some stuff with it, looks like it tumbles and snaps pretty darn well, i really wondered about that. Its not a top pick for me. keep hoping HH releases something that really catches my eyes. Keep them flying.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Chris! Fun plane for sure!

[@gisall8205]

Try the RV-7. Like flying a high powered, precision Porsche. Can’t go wrong with it. Unlimited vertical. Very obedient. Set landing flaps as low as possible, or it’ll come in a little fast on landings. It is the unknown sleeper that everybody overlooks. No fancy paint schemes, but will match, or outperform all other sport airplanes.

[@epoweredrc]

@@gisall8205 I have that one, it's a fun plane I also have the Flex innovations RV8.

[@flystol]

That's a awesome plane 👌

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is. Very nice and such a looker!

[@ohioace58]

Great Sky, Great Plane, awesome piloting!! I was debating purchasing this plane before you did this video. Now I KNOW the Commander is in my near future! For the size, and the price point I believe this is a fair deal. Sooo glad you did this video Adam, I trust your judgement #1. I may cut off the pilots' head though, and plug someone else in there.. ;) And maybe someone will come out with an all plastic 3-D printed wheel pant too.. Thx for sharing my friend..

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Hey man thanks so much for the kind words! Glad it helped. Check the comments...I think someone said something about 3D printing wheel pants for it. ( I looked...MB's comment) Maybe you can reach out and get some from them. It is a wonderful flyer, and oh so beautiful. You are right...a lot of plane for $300. YES...get that pilot out of there! Lol. Flex Innovations has some foam pilots you can paint and they weigh nothing. You'll enjoy it!

[@dennishaggard5151]

What is the best way to reinforce the landing gear (gear attachment to the fus) on the Commander 1.4. Stock the gear is attached to the fus with two machine screws, which fail. Thanks

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Dennis that plane was not mine, so I don't have one in front of me. I'm not really sure. Maybe check out Rc Groups and see if anyone has posted a similar issue. I have another buddy with one and for what its worth he hasn't had any trouble. To be fair though he's a good pilot and lands very smooth.

[@johnmacdonald5610]

I really like your reviews, looking for 2nd plane, and I think Commander 1.4 / Valiant 1.3 / Kingfisher. Thoughts?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much! Glad you like our channel. Hmm, those are all good choices. So if you want a bush plane the Kingfisher is it from that group. If you're looking for just a great sport plane both the Commander and valiant are incredible flyers as well. I'd say if you're set on 3s packs...get the Valiant or KF. If you have 4s packs go with the Commander. For me personally I'd have the Commander. I just think its beautiful and I have a ton of bush planes already.

[@johnmacdonald5610]

@@ModelAV8RChannel , thank you! In these 3, don’t think there is a loser. I have a 3rd hand Tundra, which I love. I am still a chicken-shit flying (instructor say just do it!), which has me leaning more towards Valiant, but love looks of Commander. May come down to a coin toss. Again thanks,and continue great work.

[@casper8857]

this is the first time I saw you. I was so confused in the beginning.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Lol

[@SEYOTwo]

Have you tried assigning the gains to a knob with as3x? It's worthy. I learned to fly sort of before gyros but living in windy wyoming, I welcome the gyro especially when I can turn the gains up and down on the fly.

[@MB-ik8oj]

where in Wyoming? I'm from Cheyenne

[@SEYOTwo]

@@MB-ik8oj Hey neighbor! I'm outside of Alpine. Just a days drive from you!🤣

[@MB-ik8oj]

@@SEYOTwo You are right about windy Wyoming....haven't flown much because of it.

[@SEYOTwo]

@@MB-ik8oj It was snowing here this morning. It's not sticking but nonetheless. I've only flowm a few times this 'spring.' It'll be hot before we know it. So hopefully soon!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I haven't...I only have one plane with AS3X. I usually buy the PnP and use a regular rx. All these planes with it I'm flying belong to other folks. I wasn't aware you could. I had heard with the AS3X rx's you buy and put in a plane you could, but with some of the BNF planes that isn't a possibility as those are a bit simpler? I guess that isn't correct. That would be a great option though.

[@trevorfurlotte]

The wheel pants on my E-Flight Ultimate 2 are constructed the same way. Not a fan. I'd like to find a set of fiberglass ones and call it a day.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Yep...couldn't agree more!

[@dennishaggard5151]

I like the plane, however, its construction leaves a couple of things to be desired. The pinch hinges on the control surfaces are a cheap was to hing the surfaces, but there several ways to corrected the hinges, with tape for one. The landing gear is another issue. The main is connected to the fus with two machine screws, which fail, with a couple of less than perfect landings,

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Interesting Dennis, I only got the one day with it. Enjoyed it though!

[@aaronjames2156]

Dumb question , but how do you get different travels on your ailerons? Up vs down. Example: 30mm up and 25mm down. I don’t think it can be done on a bnf.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is done for you with this one. It's the way the push rods are set up. There is mechanical differential built in, so the aileron that is going up goes up farther than the aileron that is going down. This helps to coordinate turns for people that don't know how to use the rudder, and usually makes the rolls more axial.

[@aaronjames2156]

Wow, I wasn’t aware of that. Thanks for the info. Love the channel btw. I check it everytime I buy a plane. Used your setup on the flight line Corsair 1600 and it’s a dream in the air. Keep it up!!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Aaron! We appreciate it!

[@railfanWV]

Did you ever replace the pilot in your Commander? Mine is starting to "gator" noticeably, so I am looking for a plastic replacement.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

This one belongs to a buddy of mine.

[@railfanWV]

@@ModelAV8RChannel No image or link attached.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

@railfanWV No, the plane belongs to a buddy of mine. I'm not sure what his pilot situation is. If it were mine, I'd have changed it! Lol

[@railfanWV]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Ah, gotcha, thanks.

[@jonoedwards4195]

Finals that clean You"ll never find out what foam the Wheel Panties are! Most Pilots supplied give You the Creepy skin, Durafly Slow Poke Pilot was pretty freaky, I put a beard on It and with the beard it's Pilot Ryan? Serious, Hahhaah an He's looking ready to Rock. The intro, ahahahahahh!! Great Show Adam,, Unreal review Show Thanks.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Jono thank you brother...glad you enjoyed it! I don't like freaky pilots...lol

[@mixbouz4125]

keep connected bro i made it 59 likes

[@o.b.mcmaster792]

Had the same problem I just got mine I was Just slightly peeved

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Easy fix. Great flyer.

[@trevorfurlotte]

Bwhahahahaha!!!!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Ahh...I see you met Bubba...