Durafly Auto-G2 V2 Gyrocopter w/Auto-Start 821mm (PNF) - Model AV8R Announcement and Review

[@SteffenRC]

What the heck.... Where's your typical inverted low pass..???? C'mon man....... 🙂. Looks like a fun plane to play with....

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I'm chicken...lol

[@RC-Flight]

Nice video and a cool gyro! I’d love to have one. Too bad it’s from Hobby King, because I hate Hobby King with a passion and will never buy from them again!!!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man. I get it. Shame though. They have new funding, new management, have opened up new warehouses, and are not the struggling company they were. Personally, I'd like to see them and everyone else succeed. Gives us more options. I will say HK will tackle risky subjects no one else will touch with a 10 ft pole. Lol.

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No... it's... w-e-i-r-d, Adam! You could have a profile cutout pilot figure of Bruce Spence as The Gyro Captain from Mad Max 2?!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is weird Gina! It's also a really fun challenge. I could do the MM guy...or Bubba...

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Git that boy Bubba on that there hair-plane right now, y'hear? 🤪@@ModelAV8RChannel

[@olivia-x6y]

Can I use my Spektrum Gen 2 radio and Spektrum receiver?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Yes. It is a plug and fly, you can use whatever TX/RX you prefer.

[@nighthawk0077]

Ahh just the thing for the pilot that's flown everything else. Really like these!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Me too!

[@JustwingitRC]

What an amazing and interesting little model!! Adam, you and Heidi did a great job bringing this very unique aircraft to us! I agree with Heidi, it's a weird looking thing for sure, but yes, it is cool! Thanks to Stu for helping you guys out in getting this one to show, all the best to you!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks brother! It is very interesting and different!

[@Trad-Archer]

The new helmet looks a lot like the one I designed in 2018 on Thingiverse.

[@janrc]

Stabilization works well for gyro copter. I use a AR637T in my gyro copter and it works well.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Good to know!

[@gregorydunn9292]

I’ve been looking for this answer! Thanks for sharing!

[@Bellairvideo]

What a beauty Adam. Love these type of innovative models. Sadly Hobby King closed their store in Sydney. The shipping you mentioned is prohibitive out of Hong Kong . But at least we can view the new releases on your excellent channel. Well presented & explained.✔️✔️✔️

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It's interesting Noel. Maybe they will eventually re-open there too.

[@Bellairvideo]

I doubt it Adam as we do not have the population of Europe/Uk/America.

[@olabergvall3154]

That "NFL theme" you're hearing I guess would be "The final countdown" by Swedish rock band Europe? 😂❤

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Not sure what music you're talking about, but both the initial "quick scenes" and our channel intro are non commercial music found on our editing software so we don't have to deal with copyright issues. That said...i was a teenager in the eighties...so yeah, Europe Rocks! I acually saw them in concert.

[@Retset]

Seems like a really fun challenge. I find myself seriously tempted. Once I saw even you could not master it straight away, that sparked my interest meter! I am so pleased HK are back to the UK. Not everything they do is perfect and the V2 of any of their machines is usually the best but there is some good value stuff and I have missed them. Your link is not affiliate I think? This needs addressing!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is man, you'd dig it. Not sure HK doe's affiliate links, but that is alright. That is a nice perk when it is an option and is appreciated, but not why we do this. We're happy to help Stuart and HK. I'm just glad they are back at it with some determination. The more companies that are rocking and doing well the more variety we have. Never thought I'd be flying a Gyrocopter, but here we are!

[@Retset]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Really great answer but it would be great to help one of the best RC reviewers in the business by clicking that HK link now and again. Stewart ... hello? ;)

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man! We appreciate that.

[@coiledspringofapathy]

Hi Adam. I just bought one of these. Any advice on radio setup (expo etc) or was strictly by the instructions? Great video!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

09:57 We haven't really changed from this, it was just a natter of getting more stick time. For sure watch Stuarts vid I mention here.

[@brendanomara339]

Just got my model and finished setting it up this week. Haven't figured out how to assign the top blade motor to a switch yet. Thought I assigned it to the landing gear switch, but nothing happens when I turn it off and on? Any suggestions?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Other than making sure you have the TX programmed correctly, maybe check the polarity of your plugs/y harnesses.

[@lasersbee]

5:37... Didn't see that new idea for the pilot...

[@payitfwdrcl6171]

Adam. I have to think off camera what youve done with this one. 😁 You make it look easy. Definately a different animal. That’s what I like about Hobbyking. They take risks more than some the others that have to offer. Look forward to seeing more updates from you on this one. 👍😉

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Brad! Yep, I need new blades, lol. Learning a lot though, and it is fun. I like the maverick style HK has at times. They will take some real risks.

[@robertjohnson5776]

The video was kind of dark. I would attach some easy lights with velcro and it would look cooler. I'm definitely getting one.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It was early and overcast. Had to beat the rain/wind.

[@fpvpilot7713]

Do they make better turns in one direction like helicopters? I think with helicopters its because of the tail rotor causing a lean to one side so it may not affect a gyrocopter. Really cool, flies like a plane but looks to land in a very small area.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It may, I've got to get a bit more stick time on it. It seems nimble, but you're right, its not going to turn as tight with rudder vs a tail rotor.

[@walharbay9383]

Great looking model.......

[@JohnVHLife]

Holy cow, where did you share this to get all the views!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Lol. I didn't. The analytics say 70% of the views are from external apps/sources. 97% of that is Google search. No clue how that happens. If I knew I'd make it happen with every video!

[@JohnVHLife]

@@ModelAV8RChannel RIght! Awesome!

[@ComputerfirstComputerfir-fb8vl]

how do you transport this model? remove and attache the blades every time you fly it ?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It's not that big really, but the whole rotor assembly is easily removable.

[@bigeclipse718]

Can you try some grass ops?

[@MrCubflyer]

I have the older model and it is a little tricky to fly and at first I couldnt even spin it up then I balanced the blades and now its butter smooth

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Yes sir, balancing the main rotors is a must. Different to fly for sure, but fun!

[@brookekathryn1980]

When ya think, how can we f up a tundra and make it equally as awesome but still strange as hell...

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Lol!

[@earlpoe7570]

Will is trying to talk me into one. Speaking of rudder, I laugh every time I fly my Eflite F15 because I automatically input rudder in the turns.....it doesn't have rudder. 😅

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Hey Earl! Man you gotta watch that Will, Lol. I know what you mean bud, I'm using rudder like crazy on all the bank n yank edf's I have, lol.

[@mikesierra8593]

Aren't you supposed to switch off the main rotor spool up motor in flight?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Yep, we covered that. Although I may have forgot once. My first time flying a Gyrocopter.

[@brendanomara339]

Have you had good success with the AR620 Sport wireless receiver? Not sure why, but wireless always makes me a bit nervous.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I get it man. I was skeptical as well, but so far so good. I've been using them for several years now. Still though...in my more expensive planes, I use an RX with antennas I can see...makes me feel better! Lol.

[@brendanomara339]

Thanks much! I’ll give it a try.

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Bit of a learning curve with autogyros Adam, but as you found out great fun, and even more fun in the wind giving you the chance to hover down (and up!), cheers, great review Funny as well, when you 'crash' unfortunately, the blades don't seem be that vulnerable 🙂 Easier for Heidi to film as well!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is Cliff. I thought about you several times my friend. I'm not ready for a loop yet! Lol.

[@nickvledder]

Wowzers! That is good new from our Hobby King! The King is back! Thanks for sharing!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks for watching!

[@roberthoag6482]

Where is my remote ID unit supposed to go? 😊

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

There's room, but just barely.

[@DaveItYourselfChannel]

NIIIIIIIIIIIICE! 😁👍

[@AL-RCjunkie]

I don't know, Adam. That thing looks like a very spinny ego murderer to me. And I'm married. So, I know about murdering my ego enough already. Appreciate you having the curiosity and juevos to fly it for us 👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Lol! That's funny Al!

[@AL-RCjunkie]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Talk about killing my ego... I landed my FMS SuperCub 1.3m in a treetop today... 40ft up. Total ego kill. It's still up there. 4s 2200mAh G2 bat in it.... tomorrow is gonna SUCK!!!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

@@AL-RCjunkie Al there are pilots that have put planes in trees, and pilots that will. I have back in the day. lol

[@chrisberardi2304]

You mentioned radio but not what type. Is it Futaba, Tactic, Spectrum, Graupner or Jedi compatible? Can you use a serial digital rx with whatever receiver it uses?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Chris it is a PNF (Plug And Fly) so what protocol is up to you. Put whatever RX in it you want as long as it is 5ch.

[@chrisberardi2304]

Ah! I did not know what that meant obviously. Thank you. @@ModelAV8RChannel

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Yeah man most say PNP (Plug N Play), HK has to be different! Lol

[@PONTOCRITICO]

I love gyrocopters. They're adorable in their slow-flying, short-landing way. My dream is to fly in one.

[@SunriseRCAviator]

Great review Adam! Really enjoying seeing something different.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man!

[@JeffinLowerAlabama]

Adam great flying the Autogyro. Our Hobby needs a healthy Hobby King. Bring back the soft tires for the Tundra. Jeff in LA USA

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Jeff! I agree buddy!

[@bobi2582]

Good honest review. Gyrocopters are not easy and I find that orientation in the air at distance can be their undoing. I have had the G2 and found it unstable on the ground an quirky in the air so this improved version is interesting. Thanks again.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much Bob! This is my first, and I managed to keep it pretty close. I could see losing orientation if I got it far away. The gear is really tough...I tested that, not intentionally. Lol

[@bobi2582]

@@ModelAV8RChannel I have to say I'm tempted after watching. I gave up with my old one and converted it to a twin rotor which flies well and I bought the Bangood Luobo auto which flies a lot better than the old HK G2. As I'm from the UK I might be tempted when it's actually in stock. Still waiting for my Gladiator! Cheers again.

[@Elephantine999]

That was my experience--I had to keep the airspeed of my V2 higher than I liked to keep it stable (but that might be more of a reflection on my flying skills than the model). And yes, orientation is both important and it's challenging at a distance. Still, autogyros are fun and interesting and different. 👍

[@IansRCExploits]

Great to see you flying something with Rotors Adam!! And you did a great job too!! Well done both, great review!! P.S. Heli next 🤣👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Ian! Ha! I don't know if she'd go for that!

[@NeedSpeedRC]

Seems interesting. Is this your most viewed vid?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Hmm...probably. You never know for sure what will hit or miss.

[@NeedSpeedRC]

@@ModelAV8RChannel true. But this one in particular seems to be resonating. It’s different for a lot of the newer ppl in the hobby like me. Thanks for the great vids!

[@deanedeane4318]

Awsum job Adam....weird is good !!! I think r2d2 could be another cannadate for the pilot ......and I'm very looking forward to seeing some more 3d manoeuvres following your brave hammer head !!! 😉😎🤖

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Lol, Thanks! I'm not sure that Hammerhead was brave, but we'll push it more soon!

[@DadsRCHangar]

That looks fun to fly Adam, Might have to order one. Think I might get some spare blades thou 😎

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

YES! I have some coming myself!

[@JohnVHRC]

It flies very good, I like mine!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Awesome John. I have no experience to compare it to, but the success I had on the first day says a lot about it.

[@snoriverrc3842]

I'm wondering if the Radian spm setup would make SAFE functional with this, or if SAFE is a problem to set up on one. I'd also order at least a full set of replacement blades, prop, and the head, because parts are notoriously difficult to get after they sell out the first time.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Good idea, I have some blades coming. Lol.

[@RC-Experimentalist]

Great review, I watched it twice. I fly both RC planes and helis but this seems harder to fly than both. This looks more like a helicopter but flies more like an airplane, right? I think I will order it with lots of spare parts, thanks for your great review.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much! Harder to fly than a plane by some measure, but easier than a collective heli.

[@Matsci101]

Nice! I have hand built many RC Autogyro's and even some rubber band powered models. I like this new version and may get one since I was not to impressed with the previous ones. Nice Review!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much! Cool piece of kit for sure.

[@Danpstew1]

Another great video. I like.. "Something with Wings" And - Or rotor !! Lol

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Dan! Lol...I like anything that flies...except actual flies.

[@A.M.-RC]

There is a full size 8ne flying in my area, always found it fascinating. It's different and really interesting, might need to get one in the future.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Very cool!

[@raztaz826]

On the original g2 wrapping your blades in packing tape helps a lot, but it looks like the fragile same center piece. My g2 now has hand carved blades and a custom rotor head which allows blades to pivot on their mount like on a helicopter. I broke that too though and haven't fixed it yet.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

The rotor head is new, and much more rugged than the G2.

[@SlowFlyer85]

That is a cool design you flew it really good nice video Adam keep them coming ☺🛩🛩👍👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Frank! It's different, but fun!

[@jollyroger2226]

Enjoyed your review. Looked like you were getting smooth with your flights.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks! Getting there...still a lot to learn.

[@alexj3709]

These things really are the tail wagging the dog, and look like a real lot of fun. Will look into getting one for sure.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Lol...good way to put it. Fun for sure!

[@jcb6713]

that should be fun ! nice vid...have a great week...😎👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks! You too!

[@wallywally8282]

I’ve got a new one of the G2, in box….one day!👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Go for it!

[@menotu8440]

Definitely different.

[@JeffsCustomRC]

Great work as always Adam!! 👊🏼👊🏼

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Jeff! Cool subject!

[@davidsnyder238]

Its a fascinating subject to tackle. It definitely requires those certain skill sets that need a semi seasoned pilot. You did an excellent job presenting this! Looking forward to what you can learn to make it do and where you go with it next!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks David! I'm also looking forward to seeing what I can do with it before I nuke it...lol.

[@Elephantine999]

Just FYI, you don't need the complexity and weight of that second, spin-up motor (as I learned after I broke mine in a crash 😖). At full throttle, just run into the wind with the model's nose tilted up a little (the better to spin the pinwheel) until you feel the rotor start to roar. (You will definitely know when the model is ready to launch when you feel it--it feels like the model comes alive when the rotor gets up to speed--very cool). Then *bring the nose back down to level* and toss. Hand-launching is actually *easier* than a ground takeoff, *especially* for those of us not blessed with a nice runway. You flew that thing beautifully. I found it to be kind of a handful--especially that I seemed to need to fly it fast to keep it stable. Autogyros are cool! 😁

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I kind of prefer the challenge of the ground takeoff, but you are right. The first version of this one, the Auto G, didn't have auto spool up. You just sun it with your hand, and then started your takeoff roll. It would naturally spool up enough to takeoff.

[@Elephantine999]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Running like a crazy man with the motor at full throttle and the rotor pinwheeling and then chucking it into the air is good fun and seems amuse onlookers no end. ;)